Sri Chellandiamman Temple Devotees Trust (Agalanganallur)

History of Konaseema Dravidalu

Chalukya ruler Rajendra Cholan had given his daughter, Rani Ammanga Devi in marriage to Raja Raja Narendra, ruler of Vengi (1022–1063 CE) (the capital of which is the present Rajahmundry). His son Virachodadeva / Kulottunga (1061–1118 CE), the Viceroy of Vengi, invited 546 Brahmin families and established them at Virachoda Chaturvedimangalam.

The name Konaseema refers to the delta area of Tanjavur and Thiruvaiyaru. Several records of the Chalukya-Cholas register the gift of villages in the plains of Godavari river to Brahmins who migrated from Dravidadesa. These Brahmins who had settled in Andhra region are known as the Konaseema Dravida Panthuluvaru. The first piece of land gifted to them was Ryali near Ravulapalem in East Godavari District. Many of them still stay in Bhupai Aghraharam.

They fall under the Pancha Dravida Brahmin classification of the Brahmin community in India. Dravida Brahmins are divided into several sub-sects, which are named after the places in which they have settled such as Aaraama Dravidulu, Puduru Dravidulu, Konaseema Dravidulu, Peruru Dravidulu, Tummagunta Dravidulu and Dimili Dravidulu.

The names of all these Brahmins and their gotras are mentioned in the copper-plate inscription together with the subjects in which they were proficient and duties they had to perform. The landed property allotted to each is referred to, so also the names of the donors and of the recipients. The Brahmins from Tamil Nadu had to teach the Vedas and Shastras. That is why gifts of lands were made to them.

They have not only migrated but merged with Andhra Pradesh. They speak pure Telugu, follow the cuisine of Andhra Pradesh and have matrimonial alliances with other Telugu Brahmins. Dravida is the word used for Tamil Nadu in Andhra Pradesh (Adi Shankara has also used it in Saundarya Lahari). Usually, Telugu Brahmin family names are based on their vocation, villages, awards, or recognition.

History of Adi Raju Family

The Adiraju surname is historically documented among the Konaseema Dravidalu families. According to genealogical records and community listings, Adiraju belongs to the Bharadwaja Paksham (branch) with the Bharadwaja gotram (clan) and is included in the Dravidulu families that migrated and settled in Konaseema. Historical records indicate that families like Adiraju continued their traditions and contributed to the spread of Vedic learning, temple rituals, and community leadership in villages throughout the Godavari delta.

The Dravidulu, including the Adiraju family, played vital roles in translating Sanskrit texts, supporting local rulers, and establishing temples and agraharams. Their settlements, such as Peruru and Ryali, became centers of learning and culture. Oral traditions and written genealogies suggest that Adiraju descendants remain respected for their adherence to Vedic practices and their involvement in the preservation of Brahminical heritage in Konaseema.

The Adiraju family, along with others, established key agraharams (Brahmin settlements), contributed to temple construction, and served as custodians of Vedic learning and ritual in the Godavari delta. The villages of Ryali, Peruru, and Amalapuram bear witness to their cultural legacy.

History of Ganti Family

The Ganti family, as part of this larger Dravidulu community, established itself in Ryali and Peruru settlements. The surname "Ganti" likely originates from a village or locality within the region, which historically served as the family’s ancestral home. These families contributed significantly to Vedic scholarship, temple rituals, and administration. They were custodians of religious rites and played important roles in supporting local kings by providing spiritual and scholarly services.

It is always observed that the Gramam (Village) Devi becomes the Ishta Deivam. Here we have to recall that hundreds of years before our Konaseema group had settled in Agalanganallur. Some moved into Puvalur and some it is believed moved to Ariyalur. However we need to examine the connection with the “Ganti” of Mayavaram.

Following are some of analysis on how Chellathamma became a key deity:
• Some of the daughters were named Chellamma, hence a possibility of relating to Chellathamma.
• Vishwanathan Iyer moved to Trichy and the Ganti Family became related to Families living in the surrounding areas (Puvalur, Ariyalur etc) and affiliated to Chellathamma temple.
• However a more logical explanation seems to be that there were relations between the Ganti family and Puvalur people through marriage. One such marriage was of Subbarayyar to Subbammal (sister of Aatmanathan Iyer, who belonged to Puvalur). It is said that Subbammal, stayed in Puvalur for some time with her little children when Subbarayyar was on an assignment elsewhere. She was a devotee of Chellathamma. Later when she moved to Bombay, the entire family followed her direction. Added to this, the other members of the Ganti family who lived in Bombay also followed her direction.
• Interestingly the siblings of the sons of Viswanathan Iyer were linked to Bombay and established our devotions to Chellathamma which is prevalent today.

Ganti Family Members have been visiting this temple for more than a century, which makes Chellathamma as the "second" Kula Deivam also in addition to Dakshinamurty which is the primary/main Kula Deivam for the Ganti Family; traditionally visiting her first before proceeding to bigger or more famous temples, seeking her blessings and "permission". In this sense Chellathamma is symbolically treated like a child that she is cared for within the family tradition, and the families pay respects and give her "first honor" before other deities. This practice ensures harmony and safety in the pilgrimage by acknowledging the deity’s authority.

There is a document that has more details regarding the Ganti family roots/customs and can be found here at this link. Roots