In 2012, a group of 20 transgender women on the banks of Pedda Cheruvu in Vizianagaram set out to create a sacred space when they were excluded from every temple. Their faith and hard work have since birthed a temple that welcomes all and supports hundreds daily with food, education, and rituals led by transgender priests.
- Temple founded and led by 20 transgender women
- Feeds up to 300 orphaned and destitute people daily
- Offers free education and livelihoods beyond the temple
What happened
On June 4, 2012, twenty transgender women assembled by the Pedda Cheruvu river in Vizianagaram, driven by their exclusion from existing temples and a shared vision for a welcoming spiritual space. They began by planting neem and peepal trees, gradually raising funds by dedicating most of their daily income to build a temple and establish social programs without charging any fees for entry.
Today, the temple attracts hundreds of visitors, with crowds swelling to thousands during significant festivals like Chandi Homam and Dussehra Navratri. Beyond serving as a religious center, it has become a community hub where transgender women trained in Vedic rituals perform ceremonies, providing spiritual leadership that many now honor and respect.
Why it feels good
The temple represents more than a physical space: it symbolizes resilience, inclusion, and transformation. Led by three formally trained transgender priests, the community has shown that leadership and devotion can come from the most marginalized groups, inspiring others and challenging social stigma along the way.
Their commitment extends well beyond spiritual duties. The group provides daily meals to hundreds of orphans and destitute individuals through their Helping Hands Hijra Association, supporting them with dignity and care. Their approach reflects an ethic of giving, rooted in wisdom passed down through their elders, emphasizing social responsibility and personal integrity.
What to enjoy or watch next
Visitors and supporters can witness the lively celebrations of the temple’s major events such as the offerings to Pydimamba (Pydithallamma), Vizianagaram’s presiding deity. These festivals are marked by thousands of pilgrims coming together in joyous devotion, showcasing the temple’s growing role as a spiritual and cultural beacon.
Beyond the temple, the community’s impact continues through educational support for over 70 transgender individuals in nearby districts and livelihood programs for disabled citizens, such as jute bag-making. These quiet but powerful interventions further demonstrate how a single vision has grown into widespread social change, inviting more stories of acceptance and empowerment.