We are ardent followers of goddess mother Vasavi Sri Kanyaka Parameswari, who is also our kulamatha kuladevatha. Mother Vasavi Sri Kanyaka Parameswari was born to the King of Vysya clan in Penugonda of West Godhavari District of (now) Anfra Pradesh, Sri Kusuma Sreshti Pedda Setti. Penugonda was then a territory of Vassal State of Vengi Desha and was rules by Vimaladhitya Maharaju. The King Sri Kusuma Sreshti and hi wife, Kusumumba, were childless for quite some after their marriage. The King Kusuma Sreshti was well advised to perform the Puthrakaameshti following the footsteps of king Dasaratha of Ayodhya, to be blessed with great sons and daughtes. The King and is wife were blessrd by the gods for their ded and prasadam was given to them through Yagneswara, the Fire God. After consumption of the said prasadam by the King and his wife, they were blessed with twin children. Kusumumba gave birth to a boy and girl on the tenth of Vaisaka (the Telegu month) at twilight hours during convergence of Uttara Nakshatra and Kanya (Virgo). The boy was named irupaksha and the girl Vasavamba. Vasavamba since childhood was deeply interested in arts architecture, music and philosophy. She held great promise for the kingdom.

Vasavi, was once spotted by the King Vishnu Vardhana, who was on an expedition to expand his empire. He is said to have fallen in love with Vasavi at the first sight of her.He desired to marry her. However, King Vishnu Vardhana’s desire was a cause of desolation for Vasavi and great Concern for her parents, the King Sri Kusuma Sreshti and his wife Kusumumba.

Vasavi, in such circumstances, pledged to remain a virgin all her life and denounced all worldly pleasures.On the hand, the King Vishnu Vardhana gathered a huge army and decided to conquer Vasavi hand in marriage by force, if necessary. The kingdom of Penugonda braced itself for the upcoming war with the support of 102 Gotras.

However, Vasavi expressed her disinclicnation towards bloodshed of scores of persons for the only reason of saving herself from the unfortunate matrimony. She pleaded her kingdom to give up the idea of war instead rebel against the King Vishnu Vardhana in a peaceful way Through non violence and self sacrifice. Although this way of rebellion of hers could be adopted by only the most strong of all, her people readily agreed to the same. As per Vasavi directions the holy place of Brahmakumda on the banks of Godhavari, 103 agnikumdas were arranged. The day was being celebrated as a special festival by the whole city. Vasavi appealed the 102 gotra couples if they would plunge in the whole fire with her. The couples willingly agreed to take the plunge in the holy fire and requested her to reveal her swarup to them. Vasavi on the request of the 102 Gotra couples revealed her true self which had the glittering radiance surpassing the brightness of the sun. She was the incarnation of Adiparashakthi, the savior of a woman’s dignity and protector of Dharma.

Goddess Mother Vasavi Sri Kanyaka Paramesswari preached three tenets to her followers viz., to abstain from eating meat, to refrain from consuming alcohol and to follow certain priniciples of marriages like that of Saranukundala Puja, Gothra Puja and Nemichettu Puja. The Goddess Vasavi declared that the people from the above mentioned 102 Gothras (out of the 714 Gothras Of Vysyas), would be known as Arya Vysyas thereinafter.

It is worth mentioning here that Vasavi and her teachings are relevant even in the present times for her faith in non violence, religious values and protection of dignity of women. She is immortal and continues to live through her followers, the members of the Arya Vysya Community. Vasavi was deified and worshipped as Kanyakaparameshwari. The first temple for Vasavi was built in Penugonda. Temples were later on build and devoted to her at several places in the region.