Pachikapalam

Geography

Pachikapalam is located at 13.4167°N 79.4500°E / 13.4167; 79.4500. It has an average elevation of 266 meters (875 feet).

History

Pachikapalam was a former Zamindar that was most prominent during the Vijayanagar rule.One ancestor obtained the favor of the Eastern Chalukya King, Vimala Aditya and Saluva Narasa was appoint the chief of the country around Tirupati, where they found this place by clearing the forest. The founder of the family Narasa was granted permission by his patron, the Chalukyas, to use the royal seal and boar-signet of the Chalukyas, a proud distinction still kept up.

At one point Saluva Venkatapati was deposed by the Cholas. Saluva Bhima recovered their territory. Saluva Narsimha assisted a Kerala King named Kirti Varman and assumed independence, ruling for 36 years. Saluva Bhujanga was defeated and became a feudal of Western Chalukya king Someswara and taken prisoner to Kalyan where he died. Subsequent descendents recovered the estate and in 1230 AD, a part of the estate was taken over by Raja Raja Chola the second, of the Chola dynasty, but during the next four generations, as the power of the Cholas decayed, the fortunes of the Pachikapalam Reddy family rose, and in 1314 A.D The chief stabilized his power by marrying off his daughter to Prolaya Reddy, the first of the Kondavidu Reddy dynasty. The family became feudatories of Vijayanagar, and had marriage alliances with the Saluva and loyalties to the Aravidu Dynasty over the next two hundred years. Around the 16th century the family changed their name to the current Bommaraju, retaining Saluva as a title.

Festivals

The main event is mahabaratham which will takes place at Draupadi matha Temple . This event takes place for around 10–15 days each year. In this event during nighttime the story of Mahabaratham is played by artists, in daytime harikatha will be there.

The local festival called Agni Thirunallu is celebrated at Draupadi and Dharmaraju Temple in the month of June every year. The whole town of Pachikapalam will wear a festive look during the festival. The most important part of Agni Thirunallu is walking on fire. People to fulfill their wishes walk on fire with bare foot.Finally they will be benefited and get their desires fulfilled.Also, a small exhibition and shandy takes place on those days, entertaining the people. In the shandy, people can be seen buying small toys, decoration items, cosmetics, and home appliances. There are also fun-rides available and the whole place looks like a carnival.

The local festival called "Paletalamma Jatara" for Goddess Paletalamma celebrated in January for Sankranthi Festival in the village called Marrimakula Kandriga. The people in the village and from other villagers joined together and they pray the goddess.People prepare "Pongal" (a very healthy and tasty food) submitted in front of the goddess Paletalamma. This Godddess is very famous and will give whatever we ask with portion. In the same village people celebrate Vinayaka Chavithi which is very famous. Whomever settled in other places must come to their native for this festival and everyone will enjoy. The organizers for this festival are Aragonda Pradeep, Jayakrishna & MM Kandriga Youth.

The other local function is Aadi Krithaga. All take "kavadis", praise the god Muruga, and submit it to the God Muruga at Karvetinagaram alone or at Tirutani.

Connectivity

Nearest railway station is Tirupati (20 km) in Andhra Pradesh. Frequent buses ply from Tirupati to Chittoor via Pachikapalam. Alternatively, it can be accessed from Pallipattu (18 km) in Tamil Nadu.

Famous Weekly Market (Farmer-friendly market)

The weekly market is named after Pachikapalam Santa. This weekly market is called "SANTHA" in Telugu which is held on every "Sunday". Many farmers from villages around Pachikapalam come on every Sunday to sell their crops like tomato, onion, drum sticks, sapota, mangoes, brinjal, etc. This market serves as a source of income to many poor and middle-class people who sell fruits, vegetables, salted fishes and pottery items.

NTR Sujala Mineral Water Plant

This mineral water plant provides 20 litres of mineral water for just 3 rupees which is an affordable price for common people. No other village consists of such a mineral water plant in Chittoor district, but this scheme has been not yet started.

Educational institutions

1. Sri Venkateshwara junior and degree college
2. Ramakrishna Vidhyalaya
3. Vivekananda School
4. Govt High School

Bank and ATM

Indian Bank and ATM located at Bazar street

Places to visit

Few beautiful places to visit here are

1. Draupadi and Dharmaraju Temple
2. ramalayam
3. Sri Mogileswara Swamy Alayam
4. Subramanya Swami Temple - Karveti Nagar
5. Raja Rajeswari Temple- Karveti Nagar
6. sri vari padalu (located at the distance of 17 km from Pachikapalam near puttur)
7. shiridi sai baba temple(sss)
8. Bangaramma Temple - Kasavanur
9. Paletalamma Temple - Marrimakula Kandriga