Ankamma is worshipped mainly in Andhra Pradesh and
Telangana. She is an important Mother Goddess in many villages. As villages
grew into towns she became central figure in towns too. Her story was never
written down but was conveyed orally from generation to generation.
Goddess Ankamma is worshipped in various forms. In some
regions she is worshipped in idol form. In idol form, she has four hands and is
in sitting posture.
In some regions especially in Andhra Pradesh she is
worshiped in the form of painting made on wall with cowdung.
In some other regions, a square is made using turmeric paste
and red dots of kumkum are put on the dried paste. The red dots represents the
1000 eyes o Goddess Ankamma. The belief is that the goddess looks at her
devotees through the 1000 eyes and protects them from all evil forces.
She was worshipped mainly by Telugu speaking warrior
community.
She is a fierce guardian deity and often equated with
Goddess Kali. She was earlier appeased with blood. An important puja dedicated
to her is observed at midnight and is known as Ankamma Kolupu.
Her temples are usually located outside the village in a
groove. In ancient times there were no proper temples.
As per some belief, Ankamma is Goddess Parvati. One who sits
on the lap of Shiva.
According to scholars Goddess Ankamma, is worshipped under numerous
names in South India like Goddess Ankalamma, or Angalamma, Ammanga Devi, Angamma,
Ankali, Angali, Mahankalamma, Ankala Parameswari and Angala Parameswari.