The History of the 104 Temples Built by the Vijayanagara Kingdom and the Legend of Goddess Paidimamba

When we look at the history of the 104 temples built by the Vijayanagara Empire, we can understand their significance by their location and the historical context of those times. However, there is no specific recorded history regarding the Sri Paidithallamma Temple built by this empire. According to local legends, Paidithallamma is the village deity of Vijayanagaram. Some believe she was the sister of the Vijayanagara kings, and there are various pieces of evidence to support this. Today, let’s delve into the story of Paidimamba.

Once upon a time, the Bobbili Maharajas were mighty rulers, and there were certain disputes between them and the Vijayanagaram kings. Due to these conflicts and other reasons, the famous Bobbili War began on January 23, 1757. In this battle, the Bobbili Fort was destroyed, and many soldiers from the Bobbili army lost their lives. Upon hearing this news, Vijaya Ram Raja’s wife and sister, Sri Paidimamba, tried to stop the war, but she was unsuccessful.

At that time, Sri Paidimamba was suffering from smallpox. While she was in prayer, she learned that her brother was in trouble. She wanted to inform him about it and tried to send a message through the Vijayanagaram soldiers, but they were all engaged in the battle. Along with Pativada Appalanayudu, she delivered the message via a horse-drawn cart. However, before she could reach her brother, she received the heartbreaking news of his death at the hands of Tandrappapa Rayudu. Overcome with grief, she fell unconscious. After being revived with water splashed on her face, she declared that she would join the village deity and died soon after.

A few days later, her statue was found by fishermen on the western shore of a large pond (located to the west of the Vijayanagaram Fort). In her honor, a temple called Vana Gudi was built at the site, and her statue was enshrined. The location was once a dense forest, and due to difficulties in access, another temple was constructed at a junction with three lanterns, which came to be known as Chaduru Gudi. Over time, with the development of the city, Paidimamba’s Vana Gudi is now located near the railway station.