Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari is a highly revered Hindu Goddess, considered the Kuladevata (clan deity) primarily of the Arya Vysya community and other Vysya sub-sects, as well as Hindu followers. The Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari temple in Khammam is drawing thousands of devotees every day. In an interview with Prime Post, Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Trust Chairman Mellacheruvu Venkateswara Rao explains Sri Vasavi Matha’s creation and the sacredness of the Goddess, apart from the spiritual and devotional activities being undertaken in the temple. Today Goddess Vasavi had devotees in all communities across the world and she is considering as Viswamatha.
Prime Post: What are the sacred details of Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Maatha? Did she live as a common human being for a while?
Mellacheruvu: She was born as Vasavamba (or Vasavi), as a twin to a boy named Virupaksha, to the Vysya King Kusuma Sresti and Queen Kusumamba of Penugundala (the erstwhile name), which was called Nagareswarapuram in West Godavari district. Asthana priest Bhaskaracharylu performed the Putrakameshti Yagna to be blessed with children. The town name Penugundala was changed as Penugonda later.
PP: And what is the history of Vasavi Matha living as a human being? Is there any specific Puranic history on this?
Mellacheruvu: In Krita Yuga, Renuka Devi is the Goddess; in Treta Yuga, Sita is the Goddess; in Dwapara Yuga, Goddess Draupadi; and in Kaliyuga, Goddess Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari. She is the primary Goddess (Kuladevata) of the Arya Vysya community of 102 Gotras. The story is mainly chronicled in the Vasavi Puranam. She was born into the Vysya community, but today Goddess Vasavi is revered not only as their deity devotees across the world worship her as Viswa Matha.”
PP: Is she married or not? Can you give details on what happened after the ultimatum of King Vishnu Vardhana?
Mellacheruvu: The Chalukya King Vishnu Vardhana (or Vimaladitya), who ruled the Vengi region, visited Penugonda. Upon seeing the exceptionally beautiful Vasavi, he was instantly smitten and demanded that Kusuma Sresti give her hand in marriage, despite the King already being married and belonging to a different varna. Her father was ready to fight against the King. However, the families of 736 Gotras opposed the war, and 102 Gotras extended their support to her father.
PP: Can you give details what happened after the ultimatum of then King Vishnu Vardana?
Mellacheruvu: King Vishnu Vardhana became furious at the refusal and declared war on Penugonda. Vasavi, in her wisdom, preached the philosophy of non-violence (Ahimsa). To protect the dignity of women, prevent a large-scale war, and uphold Dharma, she decided on a non-violent path. She gathered the people of the 102 Gotras (clans), who supported her, and they voluntarily entered the 102 Agni Kundalu (fire pits) and attained salvation (Agni Pravesam).
PP: There are doubts regarding the marriage of Sri Kanyaka Parameswari. Did she marry Lord Shiva?
Mellacheruvu: As per the Vasavi Puranam, all the couples of 102 Gotra families were ready to sacrifice, and a qualm was raised regarding her because she was the only unmarried girl. Then, she cleared their doubt by saying that she offered prayers to Lord Shiva before Agni Pravesham, considering Him as her husband in her mind. After her sacrifice, the King also died surprisingly.
PP: How did she incarnate as Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari (as Goddess Parvati)? What are the core values of Sri Vasavi Kanyaka?
Mellacheruvu: The Vasavi Puranam says she is an incarnation of Adi Parashakti (the Supreme Goddess), or, in different traditions, an incarnation of Parvati or Lakshmi. Her life and sacrifice embody the values of Dharma (righteousness), Ahimsa (non-violence), Seelam (integrity/virtue), and women’s dignity. The 102 families who joined her in the sacrifice are the origin of the 102 prominent Gotras (lineages) found within the Arya Vysya community today.
PP: Is the Sri Kanyaka Parameswari Devalayam Trust registered? What are its activities?
Mellacheruvu: The Trust was registered under the number 149/2015 as Sri Vasavi Kanyaka Parameswari Devalayam, Khammam. We used to organize both spiritual and charity activities. We made the temple as best temple in Telangana with the support of devotees. We organize different Pooja programs during Vasavi Jayanthi, Atmarpana Dinostavam, Vysakha Suddha Dasami, Magha Suddha Vidiya, Sara Navaratrulu, Sravanamasam and Dhanurmasam, including Kumkumarchana and the chanting of Soundarya Lahari and Lalita Sahasranamam, apart from Sundarakanda Patanam.
This year, we performed the 49th Sara Navaratrulu, and next year we will organize the Golden Jubilee the 50th Sarannavaratrotsavams. My wife Sasikala will look after the programs.
Editor, Prime Post
Ravindra Seshu Amaravadi, is a senior journalist with 38 years of experience in Telugu, English news papers and electronic media. He worked in Udayam as a sub-editor and reporter. Later, he was associated with Andhra Pradesh Times, Gemini news, Deccan Chronicle, HMTV and The Hans India. Earlier, he was involved in the research work of All India Kisan Sabha on suicides of cotton farmers. In Deccan Chronicle, he exposed the problems of subabul and chilli farmers and malpractices that took place in various government departments.
Thank you for sharing the article on Sri Vasavi Matha. Though brief, it beautifully refreshes the story in our minds once again — a story of courage against injustice and a profound sacrifice made to protect many lives.
I have been visiting this temple for the past 21 years, and I’ve witnessed remarkable growth year after year. The temple staff and management have always been cordial, maintaining the premises in a neat, clean, and well-organised manner. The temple also conducts various charity activities on a regular basis, contributing to the welfare of the community.
Numerous events are organised throughout the year, especially during Hindu festivals, helping convey the significance of these festivals and passing the message on to the younger generation. It’s heartening to see large groups working tirelessly during festive times to ensure grand and meaningful celebrations for the devotees.
At a time when many Hindu temples require government support for development, this temple continues to flourish purely through private donations — a testament to the devotion of the Hindu community and the blessings of Vasavi Matha. It truly deserves appreciation for sustaining its growth through the collective support of devotees.
వాసవి కన్యాకా పరమేశ్వరి దేవాలయం, ఖమ్మంలో ఈ సంవత్సరం తన 50 ఏళ్ల మహోత్సవాన్ని జరుపుకుంటోంది. దేవాలయం అర్ధ శతాబ్దిని పూర్తి చేసినప్పటికీ, శ్రీ రాయపూడి నారాయణరావు గారి పదవీకాలం తర్వాత దేవాలయ నిర్వహణలో, అభివృద్ధిలో ఒక ఖాళీ వాతావరణం నెలకొన్నది. ఆ ఖాళీని శ్రీ మెల్లచేరువు వెంకటేశ్వరరావు గారు బాధ్యతలు స్వీకరించిన తర్వాత సమర్థంగా నింపి, దేవాలయానికి పూర్వ వైభవాన్ని తిరిగి తీసుకువచ్చారు.
ప్రస్తుత అధ్యక్షుడి నాయకత్వంలో దేవాలయ అభివృద్ధి అద్భుతంగా సాగింది. ప్రతి పండుగకు అనుగుణంగా వివిధ ఆధ్యాత్మిక కార్యక్రమాలను నిర్వహిస్తూ, భక్తులకు ఆధ్యాత్మిక వాతావరణాన్ని సమృద్ధిగా అందిస్తోంది. నేటి రోజుల్లో దేవాలయ సముదాయం ఎంతో అందంగా, ఆకర్షణీయంగా మారడం ఆయన నేతృత్వంలో జరుగుతున్న అభివృద్ధికి నిదర్శనం.
50 ఏళ్ల ఉత్సవాలు ఎంతో ఘనంగా, స్మరణీయంగా జరుగుతాయని నాకు సంపూర్ణ నమ్మకం ఉంది. రాబోయే రోజుల్లో కూడా దేవాలయ కమిటీ ఇదే ఉత్సాహంతో, నిబద్ధతతో మరింత మంచి పనులు కొనసాగించాలని హృదయపూర్వకంగా కోరుకుంటున్నాను.