o PRO. 179.

4 (N)
. 7S0 .~

WEST GODAVARI

CENSUS OF INDIA 1961

VOLUME II

ANDHRA PRADESH

PART VII - B (4)

FAIRS AND FESTIV

(4. West Godavari District)

A: CHANDRA SEKHAR
OF THE INDIAN ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICB

Superintendent o.J,...J;_"UJIF. Q_wations, Andhra Pradesh

Pnce: Rs . 6.50 P. or 15 Sh. 2 d. or $ 2.34 c.

 ~9t{ CENSUS PUBLICATIONS, ANDHRA PRADESH
.,
,! (All the Census Publications of this State bear Vol. No. II)

PART I-A General Report

PART J-B Report on Vital Statistics
PART I-C Subsidiary Tables

PART II-A General Population Tables

PART II-B (i) Economic Tables [B-1 to B-IV]
PART IJ-B (ii) Economic Tables fB-V to B-IXJ
PART n-c Cultural and Migration Tables

PART III .J Household Economic Tables

PART IV-A Report on Housing and Establishments (with Subsidiary Tables)

PART IV-B Housing and Establishment Tables

PART V-A Special Tables for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes
PART V-B Ethnographic Notes on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes

PART VI Village Survey MonogTaphs (46)

PART VII-A (1) ~
Handicrafts Survey Reports (Selected Crafts)
PART VII-A (2)
PART VII-B (1 to 20), .. Fairs and Festivals (Separate Book for each District)

PART VIII-A Administration Report-Enumeration I

~ (Not for sale)
PART VIII-B Administration Report-Tabulation .J
PART IX State Atlas

PART X Special Report on Hyderabad City

District Census Handbooks (Separate Volume for each District)

 !
I,
f

Plate I: Sri Venkateswaraswamv-Dwaraka Thirumala. Eluru Taluk

- Courtesy : Commissioner. H.R .&C .E . (Admn .) Dept ., A . P . Hyderabad.

 FOREWORD

~-\Ithough since the beginning of history, foreign travellers and historians have record~d the
principal marts and entrepots of commerce in India and have even mentioned important festivals
and fairs and articles of special excellence availa ble in them, no systematic regional inventory was
attempted until the time of Dr. Francis Buchanan-Hamilton in the beginning of the nineteenth cen-
turv. One of the tasks set before him by a resolution of the Governor-General-in-Council in 1807
wa~ "to examine with as much accuracy as local circumstances will admit": "an account of the
various kinds and amount of goods manufactured in each district .... the ability of the country to
produce the raw materials used in them .... how the necessary capital is procured, the situation of
the artists and manufacturers, the mode Df provi::ling their goods .... commerce: the quantity of
goods exported and imported in each district; the manner of conducting sales, especially at fairs
and markets."
That he discharged his duty very thoroughly will appear from his statistical accounts of My-
sore and the northern districts of Bengal and Bihar.
The great Revenue Surveys of the middle of the nineteenth century made no attempt in this
direction, and accounts of fairs and festivals in districts were neglected until W. W. Hunter took
up the compilation of statistical accounts again in the last quarter of last century. For the purpose
of notifying holidays in the East India Company's offices the Board in Calcutta had since 1799 been
in the habit of "procuring an accurate Bengalee almanac properly authenticated by brahmanical
astronomy" from the Nabadwip Court (letter from Secretary of Board to Collector of Nadiya, 5 July
1799, No. 8217, W. W. Hunter's Unpublished Bengalee MSS Records). Satis Chandra Vidyabhusan
in his History 0/ .Indian Logic wrote that "alman:1cs were prepared by the Pundit Samaj of Nabact-
wip which were supplied to the Nawab's Court of Murshidabad as well as to the East India Com-
pany, the Supreme Court, etc ..... the Nabadwip Panjika under the imprimatur of Nabadwipadhi-
pateranugya was accepted by all the landlords of Bengal". This Nabadwip Panjika which remained
the standard almanac for Bengal continued in use throughout the first half of the nineteenth cen-
tury and each issue contained a list of important fairs and festivals in every district. A valuable
almanac was that published by the Vernacular Literature Committee's Almanac published in
1855-6 (1262 B.S.). It gave an account of 309 famous fairs of Bengal in its second part. The Gupta
Press Panjika or almanac which virtually replaced Nabadwip Panjika made its first appearance in
1869 and continued to publish a useful list of important fairs and festivals in the country. But
this list was by no means exhaustive nor were W. W. Hunter's which he published with each Sta-
tistical Account.
Meanwhile native crafts, industries and objects of artistry decayed rapidly and thoroughly as
a result of the East India Company's policy of extinguishing them, and official interest in fairs and
festivals declined, although these occasions, divested of much of their glory, still continued to at-
tract livestock, grain, merchandise and handicrafts from far and near. The Imperial Gazetteers pub-
lished between 1880 and 1910 gave a minor place to these important seasonal markets or temporary
inland ports. Even the District Gazetteers, which still are the fullest and most compact accounts of
districts, make but casual mention of fairs and festivals in the country and attach little economic
importance to them.
For, indeed, the importance of fairs and festivals-as the meeting ground of livestock and agri-
cultural commodities of many religions and many cultur~s, crafts and motifs from far and near, of
ideas and design, workmanship, excellence and finish, of tools and appliances, of trends of the future
and vanishing practices of the past, of adaptability and local variation, of skill and imagination -
 11

declined with the punith-e export policy of the East India Company and the unrestr.icted import
of machine-made goods, so much so that at the close of the last century fairs and festivals were
reduced to a matter of concern only for the Public Health Department. They were no longer regard-
ed as important centres of trade and commerce, but were now from the Government point of view
merely a collection of human beings among whom epidemics were to be prevented from breaking
out. Fairs and festivals continued to be a matter of law and order and the Police Department and
the District Board continued to maintain full lists of them in their local offices, a source which has
so far remained unquarried.
Following the census operations of ,Vest Bengal in 1931, a slim volume, containing a list or
fairs and festivals arranged according to districts and their Police Stations, was brought out as part
of the West Bengal scheme of Census Publications. This list was maiIily made up of information sup-
plied by District Boards and Superintendents of Police of districts. The two lists were collated to
make up a comprehensive list containing several columns: the name of the village arranged under
its district and Police Station, with its Jurisdiction List number, the name of the festival or fair by
which it is commonly known in the locality, the English month of the year in which it is held, the
duration of the festival or fair, and finally the number of persons attending it. Although merely a
list, and not quite complete at that, this volume attracted attention and received the appreciation
both of scholars and the general public. Its general value lay in its being a compendium and its
particular value lay in presenting a distribution throughout the country of particular festive occa-
sions. The Superintendent of Census Operations for \Vest Bengal, who continued in an honorar5T
capacity, was plied from time to time with requests to undertake an extensive survey of the sub-
ject which seemed to accord well with the Superintendent's own personal desire. For one thing,
quite a few of the old and traditional fairs and festivals of ,Vest Bengal are on their way to ex-
tinction on account of various forces working against them and a reco_rd of these rapidly vanishing
fairs and festivals could be made only now as never again in the future. In the next place, the
Census Office considered it its duty to sustain by a more searching survey the interest that the
publication had aroused.
A different approach suggested itself as the new task was viewed in terms of collection of ex-
tensive first-hand material on each fair and festival. It was necessary therefore, in the first place,
to approach as many individuals as possible in each locality, and not restrict the enquiry only to
Government or semi-Government sources, Departments or organisations. In the second place, a
satisfactory questionnaire was considered most essential. A number of aims were kept in view in
framing the questionnaire. These were:

(a) The questionnaire should be very simple and precise in language, designed primarily for
the understanding of a person of primary educa tion standard. At the same time, the question
should be suggestive enough to invite ancillary information. Were this objective achieved, it should
be possible to obtain exhaustive information wit bout irrelevant detail.

(b) It should succeed in obtaining a clear environmental, social and economic background of
the village or place in which a particular fair is held or a festival is observed.
(c) It should emphasise those aspects of a festival or worship which would bring out the de-
tails of rituals and religious practices peculiar to the locality.
(d) It should obtain information not only on the more important and better-known festivals
or fairs, but also on the less known but otherwise significant fairs and festivals. It was decided to
extend the scope of enquiry beyond those fairs and festivals that are approved and licensed by
the District authorities, for the latter would be a small number compared to the total.
(e) It should attempt sufficient information on economic activities and patterns in respect of
each fair, however big or small. The information so obtained should suggest the scope for studying
 iii

the movement of local handiwork and local forms and raw materials. The questionnaire should also
give a list of local amusements favoured by the pUblic.
The questionnaire which was several times pre-tested was finally mailed in 1957 to about
10,000 addresses in West Bengal on the Business Reply scheme. One of the devices which seems to
have evinced much responsible reporting was the assurance that each piece of information would
be fully acknowledged to the correspondent whose address also would be published for the benefit
of future investigators.
The information thus collected was sorted district by district and further sub-sorted by Police
Stations. The work of compilation, once the preliminary verification and checking of the answers
was over, was to be in three sections as follows:-
(a) The first section was to contain systematic information on the village, the villagers, their
occupations, communications and other special features, mainly based on Section A of the question-
naire.
(b) The second section was to contain all available information on the festival itself, the
worship of deities, particularly rituals and forms of worship. This would be based mainly on Sec-
tion B of the questionnaire.
(c) The third section, to be based on Secti<?n C of the questionnaire, would contain informa-
tion about the fair and economic activity and amusement connected with the fair.
It will doubtless be a matter of great satisfaction to scholars that the scheme was very en-
thusiastically received by all my colleagues when its outline together with the West Bengal question-
naire was circulated in February 196-0. My colleagues felt that the Census provided a unique oppor-
tunity for conducting such a comprehensive survey with the help of the network of staff placed
by the State Governments at their disposal. State Superintendents were quick to recognise that
such a survey would be of great help to those who might care to investigate the religious centres and
festivals, inland trade and commerce, art motifs and designs, circuits of trade, ancient trade routes
and special manufactures. It would give the student of toponymy much valuable clue and the stu-
dent of history much valuable insight into the organisation of markets.

The proposal to conduct this survey was accepted in the Second Conference of Census Super-
intendents held :in August 1960. Various aspects of the survey, then in progress, were discussed
again in the regional meetings of Census Superintendents held in Trivandrum, Darjeeling and Sri-
nagar in May and June 1961. My colleagues were able to . report further progress at the Census
Social Studies Camp held in December 1961, when several elaborations 'Of the original question-
naire and in investigational methodology were also discussed. It was further proposed to undertake
more intensive surveys of a small number of very important fairs and festivals in each State. At
the third Conference of Census Superintendents in February 1962 my colleagues took the further
decision to prepare maps of fairs and festivals on the basis of districts and even of tehsil or taluks,
some States having already made much progress in this direction.
The scholar will find in these lists much to e1Ccite his curiosity. First, they show what an
extensive network of seasonal and perennial markets, village fairs still provide to native crafts-
manship and industry. Secondly, they help to connect economic streams with social and religious
movements. Thirdly, they suggest how a succession of small fairs in a time series culminate in a
v_ery big fair, almost always in the heart of a particular area, and how this big event gradually sub-
slde~ through another time series of small fairs, so that an endless cycle of trade, social and religi-
ous I_ntercourse is kept in motion. Fourthly, they insinuate a great deal about what Buchanan-
HamIlton was charged to investigate a century and a half ago: "the situation of the artists and
manufacturers, the mode of providing their good~, the usual rate of their labour, and any particular
 IV

advantages they may enjoy: their comparative affluence with respect to the cultivators of the
land, their domestic usages, the nature of their sales, and the regulations respecting their markets."
Fifthly, they can very greatly help in reconstructing ancient and not so ancient trade routes in the
country, and, again, what Buchanan-Hamilton was asked to investigate; "the nature of the convey-
ance of goods by land and water, and the means by which this may be facilitated, especially by
making or repairing roads."

NEW DELHI, ASOK MITRA,

September 5, 1964. REGISTRAR GENERAL, INDIA.
 PREFACE
I must acknowledge that the inspiration for at- Gods and Goddesses all over Andhra
tempting a survey of Fairs and Festivals of Andhra Pradesh, it is imperative that we should
Pradesh came from a note that the Registrar General obtain as detailed information as possible
about all fairs and festivals that are ob-
of India, Shri Asok Mitra, circulated on the efforts he served throughout the year in every vil-
made to bring out a compendium of Fairs and Festi- lage of Andhra Pradesh. I shall be much
vals of West Bengal, following on the 1951 Census. obliged if you will be good enough to help
me in the collection of information on fes-
2. The Survey was somewhat ambitious in scope. tivals and worship of Gods and Goddesses
It was proposed to make a complete and comprehen- observed throughout the year in your vil_
sive collection of information on every fair and festi- lage/town in the qUestionnaire enclosed.
val celebrated in all the villages and towns of the I trust you will agree that if we should
State. The fairs and festivals celebrated by the com- succeed in obtaining full information for
munity in different areas truly reflect our culture, his- each and every village of Andhra Pradesh,
I shall have prepared a volume remarkable
tory and tradition. In the present tempo of change of for its high degree of thoroughness and
the ways and values of life, several of the ancient comprehensiveness. Such a volume will be
institutions and practices were fast disappearing or of very great importance to many types of
falling into disuse. Before man's memory would com- scholars. But this aim cannot be achieved
pletely lose traces of these important links in the cul- without your help and co-operation. I am
aware that you are already under heavy
tural history of the people, it was felt that it would pressure of your own work and responsi-
greatly help if a record was made, to the extent pos- bilities. Nevertheless, I believe that you
sible, of all the fairs and festivals conducted even in will not hesitate to undertake this burden
the remotest villages, forests or hills of the State and in order to help me to obtain a full and
give whatever account that could be obtained on their truthful picture of our own country. I
shall gratefully acknowledge your hono-
significance, the description of the deities, the details rary labour by keeping the information
of the ritual etc., connected with every festival. There permanently recorded under your name as
could not be a more opportune occasion than the Cen- the correspondent and shall be obliged if
sus to launch on a scheme such as this when it would you will be good enough to send me your
reply directly by post or through the Cen-
be possible to reach the nooks and corners of the State sus enumerator who visits your house or
through the Census Organisation. A questionnaire was the Tahsildar of your taluk."
finalised in advance on the advice of the Registrar
3. The enumerators were mostly village scho::ll
General. The questionnaire forms (given as an An-
teachers or in a few cases village officers. They had
nexure to this preface) together with an appeal which
local knowledge of the area they were covering. The
is reproduced below were distributed amongst the
Census Charge Superintendents were requested to is-
Census enumerators to be answered and returned.
sue the fairs and festivals questionnaire to the enume-
"I am sure you will agree with me that rators at one of the training classes and collect them
there are big' gaps in our knowledge of our back at a subsequent training class or at the end of
own country. It is a vast land with dif- the enumeration period after the enumerators had
ferent regions, each having peculiar cus- answered the questionnaires on the basis of their per-
toms and cultures which if studied would
reveal a more comprehensive picture of sonal knowledge and by local inquiries. The appeal
our ancient land. Coming to our own State, was also addressed to various other authorities such
Andhra Pradesh, we· must admit that half as the Commissioner of Hindu Religious Endowments
the State is not fully conversant with the Board, Municipal Commissioners, Executive Officers of
details of habits, customs and languages of Panchayat Boards etc. Lists of recognised and schedul-
the other half. Each bit has its own beauty
and variety to reveal in the form of hither- ed fairs and festivals for which special arrangements
to unexplored knowledge to the other half. are made annually were also obtained from the Dis-
It is my endeavour during the Census trict Collectors, District Superintendents of Police and
Operations of 1961 to study different as- District Health Officers etc. A press release was also
pects of the culture and civilisation of the issued announcing the scheme and appealing to all in-
people of the entire State and publish in terested to send whatever information they COUld.
one common volume an integrated account ,
of what now forms the population of 4. The response was most encouraging. About
Andhra Pradesh. As part of the studies of
1961 Census I am presently engaged in a 15,000 questionnaires were returned filled. The quality
survey of fairs and festivals of Andhra of the replies of course varied from 'excellent' to 'in-
Pradesh for which detailed and exhaustive different' depending on the interest that the corres-
ir,lformation is being collected. The mate- pondent himself had in an enquiry of this nature. By
nal. so collected will be compiled and edit-
ed ill a volume to be published by the and large there was evidence of the considerable
Census Office. In order to obtain a com- trouble that the Census enumerator took to ascertain
plete picture of festivals and worship of first hand, the details of the fairs and festivals in each
 vi

villagc. All this meant extra ('!fort outside the normal No. 17 Karimnagar Diitrict
Census duties of the enumerators. I cannot certainly No. 18 Warangal District
claim that the survey was complete and comprehen- No. 19 Khammam District
sive in every detail. There may have been several fair!! -No. 20 Nalgonda District
and festivals that escaped the notice of the enumera- 6. In each volume, the matter is arranged by dis-
tor or about which the information he was able to trict and taluk. At the beginning of the compendium
gather and present scanty. But it can certainly be cf each tal uk, a pictorial map indicating the loc~tion
claimed that whatever information that has been of the village where a fair or festival is held, the name
gathered at the survey was authentic and served as a of the deity and the period of the fair or festival is
mine of knowledge about little known things in the shown. The serial number of each village covered in
life of the community. There are innumerable religi- the compendium is indicated in the map for easy re-
ous festivals connected with certain Gods and God- ference. It may, however, be cautioned that the pic-
desses of particular significance in particular areas; tures given on the map may not exactly represent the
there ::::re festivities in commemoration of historical and ... ctual deity existing in the village. The pictures are
legendary heroes; there are interesting and inspiring only symbolic.
anecdotes connvcted with various saints that walked
our land whose samadhis have continued to be places 7. The note covering each village will first give
of worship and \'eneration to this day and had greatly the location of the village, the composition of popula-
influenced the life of the people in certain areas; the tion, and legend, if any, connected with the village, a
holy rivers had their own legends and beliefs attach_ list of temples or other places of worship in the vil-
ed; a variety of curious and interesting rituals ot wor- lage and a description of the deities and it then relates
ship are practised. The present survey has helped to the details of the fair and festival, if any, celebrated
present all these in the form of a compendium. in the village. It is not as though each temple and
deity will necessarily have a festival connected with
5. The filled up questionnaires were sorted out it. Only those important festivals and fairs that are
district-wise and then taluk-wise. Rejecting those in celebrated by the community are therefore described.
which the information was either extremely scanty or
8. The dates of the festival in the compilation are
insignificant, whatever information that could be col-
lected from other answers was compiled into a short mostly given in terms of Telugu calendar in vogue in
the area, as recorded by the corresp<mdents. The
note or monograph for each village or town. An ac-
knowledgement is made to the correspondent or source Telugu calendar, as in Bengal, follows the lunar month
that provided the information at the end of the com- consisting of 30 lunar days, beginning on the day ot
pilation for each village. These compendia will be pre- the new moon. The following statement gives the
sented in twenty volumes, one for each district. These Telugu months and the corresponding period as per
the English calendar.
will form a part of the 1961 Census series of publica-
tions. All the Census publication series of Andhra Pra- LIST OF TELUGU MONTHS WITH THEIR
desh State will bear a common Volume No. II (the All CORRESPONDING ENGLISH MONTHS
India Series being allotted Volume No. I) and the
Fairs and Festivals reports of this State will form TELUGU MONTHS ENGLISH MONTHS
Part VICB of Volume II i.e., the Andhra Pradesh Chaitram March-April
series of Census publications. Part VII-B will bear Vaisakham April-May
serial numbers within brackets which will correspond Jaistham May..June
to the location code number of the district covered by Ashadharn June-July
the volume. The location code numbers adopted for Sravanam July-August
the districts are: Bhadrapadam or August-September
No. 1 Srikakulam District Bhadra
No. 2 Visakhapatnam District Asviyujam or Asvin September-October
No. 3 East Godavari District Kartika£ October-November
No. 4 West Godavari District Margasiram November-December
No. 5 Krishna District Pushy am or Pausa December-January
No. 6 Guntur District Magham January-February
No. 7 N eUore District Phalgunam February-March
No. B Chittoor District 9. At the end of the compilatil)n of each district
No. 9 Cuddapah District the following are appended:
No. 10 Anantapur District
No. 11 Kurnool District (1) A calendar of common festivals celebrated in
No. 12 Mahbubnagar District the district together witb their description,
No. 13 Hyderabad District (2) A taluk-wise statement ot aU the fairs and
No. 14 Medak District festivals,
No. 15 Nizamabad District (3) A taluk-wise list of markets and shan dies,
No. 16 Adilabad District and
 vii

(4) A month-wise list of fairs connected with the unstinted trouble taken by them in collecting the in-
festivals. This was culled from the taluk- formation on the prescribed questionnaire purely as a
wise statement of the fairs and festivals. labour of love. I wish to also thank the various other
The last two lists throw light on the significant role officials and non-officials such as the Executive Offi-
played by the fairs and festivals in the economic life cers of the temples etc., who assisted me in compiling
of the people, the traditional trade routes, the nature the information. I place on record my appreciation of
of articles sold, and the trend of trade, etc. hard and sustained services of my Deputy Superinten-
10. 'The extraction of information from the filled dents, Sri K. Purushotham Naidu, M.A., Sri K. V. N.
in questionnaires was entrusted to Sri 1M. K. Nagappa, Gowd, B.Com. (Hons.) and Sri S. Ashok Kumar, B.Sc.,
a retired District Registrar, who had a special aptitude LL.B., for helping me in finalising the questionnaire
for the work, whom I selected in consultation with the
and monographs. The Tabulation Officer, Sri P. Pat-
Commissioner of Hindu Religious Endowments Board
and appointed as a Research Assistant in my office. tayya, ,the Section Head, Sri Y. Ranganna and the Re-
Idormation was also gathered from other puhlish0d search Assistants, Sri M. K. Nagappa and Sri T. V. S.
literature, district gazetteers, articles published in R.amachandramurti have also been of assistance in
newspapers and journals such as 'Aradhana' and bringing out this volume. My office Artist Sri M. Krish-
'Andhra Prabha Weekly' etc. The Research Assistant naswamy assisted by Sri Mohiuddin Hassan has pro-
also conducted local enquiries in a few cases. duced the Fairs & Festivals maps and other illustra-
11. I wish to record my thanks to the host of Cen- tions. The printing was ably supervised by the Proof
sus enumerators for their fullest co-operation and the Reader, Sri S. Narayana Rao.

A. CHANDRA SEKHAR,
SUPERINTENDENT OF CENSUS OPERATIONS,
ANDHRA PRADESH
 ANNEXURE
F AIRS AND FESTIVALS OF ANDHRA PRADESH
Questionnaire

Name of Village : - 9. Is the festival observed in commemoration of

the birth or death anniversary of any saint or 'Pir''!
Name of Firka .- Give a detailed report on the life and religious pre-
Name of Taluk achings of the saint or the 'Pir', and also narrate the
bistory or any traditional story associated with his
Name of District:- life.

A. The Village: 10. From what date does the worship of the deity
end the festival begin? For how many days does it
1. Indicate the location of the village and the continue? When do the preparations for the festival
chief means of communication with the village? Men~ begin? Mention if there is any special feature about
tion the name of the nearest Railway Station and its the preparatory work of the festival. Give a detailed
distance and also the motor or boat route and its dis~ chronological description date by date, of the method
tance. Give distance by road from Taluk and Sub~divi­ and procedure of the worship and ceremonies. What
sional Headquarters. is the chief characteristic of the entire ceremony? Are
2. Give an account of the history or legend, should communal feasts, free kitchens (annasatra) and com-
there be any, connected with the origin of the village. mon distribution of 'prasad' organised during the fes-
tival?
3. What are the castes and classes that live in the
village? What are the chief means of livelihood of 11. Are vows of offering made by people to the
the various sections of the population? deity in fulfilment of prayer answered? If so, what
are the things or objects that are usually offered and
4. Give details of places of common religious dedicated as votive offerings? How and when are bird
worship? or animal sacrifices made? What part of the rituals
5. What is the religion which majority of the do these sacrifices constitute?
villagers profess? 12. To what class or caste do the principal pat~
rons and followers of the deity and the festival be-
B. The Worship of deities and festivals in the village and long? Give the name of the sect ("Varna"), clan
fairs in connection with them. ("Gotra") and the hereditary title ("Padavi") of the
(i) The Worship of Deities & Festival: priest ("Pujari").
6. Name of the festival, its occasion and the time. 13. Do non-Hindus participate in the festival as~
(Give the English as well as Telugu dates). sociated with Hindu deities? Do the Hindus partici-
7. How ancient is the festival? If there is any pate in non-Hindu festivals? What is the extent of
history or legend connected with this particular fes~ such participation? Are there any festivals celebrated
tival, please narrate it. Is this festival a particular in common by all castes and communities in the vil-
festival of the particular vilIage/area/caste/class, lage?
and limited within its fold? Or, is this festival com~ 14. Is there any congregation of "Sadhus" and
monly and universally held and observed throughout saints of any particular religious sect on the occasion
the entire district and region?- of the festival? If so, why do they congregate?
8. Is the festival connected with the worship of 15. What is the general ritual of observation of
nny deity? Mention the name of the deity with a brief religious festivals at home? Is fasting or feasting or
description of the image. Is this a common village keeping awake in the night, sea or river bath etc., ob-
deity or. a personal or family deity? Is there any tem~ served on any particular festival days?
pIe or "Sthan" (Sacred abode) for the deity in the vil-
luge? If so, give a description of the same. If the deity The Fair:
(li)
has no anthropomorphic 1 or zoomorphic I image, 16. Where is the fair held? On how much land?
then in what form is it worshipped? What other tem~ To whom does the land belong - to an individual
p]es or places of worship are there in the village? Do owner, or is it dedicated land? Are taxes, rents, gifts,
all communities have access to the temple? etc., collectw from the fair and festival? At what

t. Hlrolaq fol'lU.
2. Animal ftmlJ.
 ix

time of the day or night is the fair usually held? Is (g) Agricultural and artisanry implements-
there any particular reason why the fair is held on What are the articles and implements? Are
this particular site? sales of cattle, goats, birds and other animals
transacted?
17. How ancient is the fair? For how many days
is it held? How many people attend? What are the (h) Arts and crafts - Handloom products, cane
main castes or classes from which the largest number and bamboo products, clay and wooden dolls,
of people are drawn? Name the neighbouring villages earthenware, basketry, etc. Which are the
or unions from which people assemble? How many' places from where these articles of arts and
usually attend? What is the average ratio of males crafts usually come for sale? Do the sellers
and females who attend the fair? What are the main come regularly every year?
conveyances by which the people and pilgrims travel (1) Other miscellaneous articles.
to the fair?
21. What facilities are available for the boarding
18. From which places do the shop-keepers and and lodging of pilgrims or visitors,? Are there any
stallholders come? Do the same sellers come regularly choultries? Are any special pandals erected? Is any
every year? What are the articles or commodities that public feeding organised? Do outside visitors and pil-
are brought and sold most? grims stay for more than a day for the festival or
19. How many shops, stalls, booths, etc., a.re
fair?
opened in the fair? How many sellers sit in the open 22. What are the principal arrangements for ca-
spaces? What is the figure of hawkers and pedlars? tering recreation and amusement to the people com-
, ' ing to the fair? Give details of sports, sea-saw, circus,
20. Of all the shops, stalls, booths and pedlars, magic, gambling, lottery, jatras, theatres, musical
how many sell: soirees, etc., that are organised in the fair. What are
(a) Foodstuffs - sweetmeats, fried chips and the most common themes of the jatra and theatres etc.?
other varieties of food. Which parties come and from where do they come? Is
there any dramatic or entertainment party in the vil-
(b2_ Utensils - copper, brass, iron, glass, earthen- lage itself,? Give name and address of the leader of
ware, etc. the party. Is it possible to collect songs and themes
of the jatra and theatres? Do the same parties come
(c) Stationery - lanterns, - torchlights, looking every year? How many people do see or hear and par-
glasses, combs, and various other assorted ticipate in all the amusements?
goods.
23. Is it a necessary religious ritual to drink ,11-
(d) Medicine - Ayurvedic herbs, kaviraji, ha- cohol or any other intoxicant during the ceremonies of
kimi, etc; Vlorship and festival?
(e) Books and Pictures - What are the most 24. Other- remarks: Describe any other features.
common types of books and pi~tures that seil Name of correspondent:
best?
Address:
(f) Clothing materials - mill made, handloom
Occupation:
products, piece-cloth!, ready made garments,
'lungis', sataranjas, mats, etc. Date of sending the reply :
 ~ 'Pd_. .;:5 "

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WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT
N
17' ANDHRA PRADESH
10

WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT

11 HILES

11 20

D
DISTRICT

POLAVARAM TAL U K

EAST

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N

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DISTRICT
N
16" _ . _ _ _ TAWK IIOVNOAlty

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_ ...._ _ RAilWAY MrrR~ OAUO ..

- _ _ _ NATPONIU. H«;JHWAYS

==== STATE HIOH'WA.,..

100,000

10,000
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 CONTENTS

Section Pages

J ELURU TALUK 1-26

II CHINTALAPUDI TALUK 27- 34

III POLAVARAM TALUK 35- 42

IV KOVVUR TALUK 43- 66

V TADEPALLIGUDEM TALUK 67- 75

VI TANUKU TALUK 77-109

VII NARSAPUR TALUK 111-128

VIII BHEEMAVARAM TALUK 129-137

APPENDICES

I Calendar of festivals commonly observed in West Godavari District [ 3]-[22]

II Statement of Fairs and Festivals [23]-[67]
III List of Markets and Shan dies [68]
IV List of Fairs [691-[73]

MAPS

West Godavari District Facing Contents

Facing Page

Elum Taluk 1
Chintalapudi Taluk 27
Polavaram Taluk 35
Kovvur Taluk 43
Tadepalligudem Taluk 67
Tanuku Taluk 77
Narsapur Taluk III
Bheemavaram Taluk 129
 ILLUSTRA TIONS

Plate I Sri Venkateswaraswamy-Dwaraka Thirumala, Eluru Taluk Frontispiece

Facing Page

Plate II A view of Veerabhadreswaraswamy and Bbavanarayanaswamy temples Pattisam 38

Plate III Veerabbadreswaraswamy temple, Pasttisam 39

Plate IV Venugopalaswamy and Seetaramaswamy temples, Duvva -84

Plate V A view of Rameswaraswamy temple, N. Rameswaram 100

Plate VI Gopuram (tower) of Ksbeera Ramalingeswaraswamy temple, Palacole 113

Plate VII Sri Madanagopalaswamy, Achanta 117

Plate VIII Sri Adikesavaswamy temple, Narsapur 124

Plate IX Sri Amareswaraswamy temple on the bank of river Godavari, Narsapur 125

GLOSSARY [75]-[80]

INDEX [81]-[831
ELURU TALUK
1-
!
fAIRS AND FESTIVALS

ELURU TALUK
WEST GODA V .ARI DISTRICT, A. P.

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 Section I
ELURU TALUK
~apirajugudem - Situated at a distance of etc., are offered, and goats and fowls are sacrificed
~ 13 miles from Eluru and about 2 miles from to the deity in fulfilment of vows.
the Eluru-Chin talapudi bus route. In ancient
times there were four brothers by name Bapiraju, The Jatara is being celebrated from ancient
Ayyaparaju, Karriraju and Dharmaraju of Bhat- times and is of local significance. Kammas
raju community, who were the local chief- patronize the festival. The local Hindus congre-
tains. This village which fell to the share of gate. Pujaris are Pambalas. :,
Bapiraju came to be known as Bapirajugudem.
Bapiraju died issueless and his successors Pali Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for a day oil
and Settipalli families did not make any name Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Kalyanam
as rulers of the locality. of the Lord is performed during this period .
. Prasadam is distributed to all.
The population of the village is 1,593 and it
is made up of the following communities: Caste SOURCE: 1. Sri Boppana Venkaiah, Panchayat
Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu, Golla, Kalali, President, Bapirajugudem.
Kamma, Uppara, Chakali, Mangali, Togata, Viswa- 2· Sri Vempati Atclluthananda Rao, Kar-
brahmin, MangaIi, Sale; Scheduled Castes (34); nam, Bapirajugudem.
Scheduled Tribes (38); and Christians. The chief 3. Sri Kotturu Muneiah, Teacher, Bapi,:,
means of livelihood of the people are agriculture, rajugudem.
agricultural labour, cattle rearing and other tradi-
tional occupations.
2. Nadupalle - Situated on the Eluru-Chinta-
It is said that there were the images of the
Nootaokka devatalu (hundred and one deities); but
t
lapudi road at a distance of 11 miles from Eluru ..
they all appear to have been washed away in The population of the village is 792 and it is'
floods. At present there are only three images 3 made up of the following communities: Caste
feet high, one and a half feet wide and one foot HindUS-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Golla, Chak-
thick. They are estimated to be two hundred ali, Mangali, Uppara, Telaga, Kapu, Yadava, etc.;
years old. Scheduled C"tstes (122); and Christians. The
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri-
Lord Ramalingeswaraswamy temple with the culture and agricultural labour.
stone Sivalingam and an image of Parvati, 4 tem-
ples of Sri Rama and the temple of the village
Nagendra temple with the image in the form
deity are the places of worship in the village.
of a serpent near an ant-hill and two churches
are the places of worship in this village.
Sri Ramalingeswaraswamy Kalyanothsavam
is celebrated for a day on Phalguna Suddha Panch-
ami (February-March). The villagers patronize An ant-hill was formed at the centre of the
the festival which is being celebrated from ancient village about 4 years ago and Nagendra in the
times and is of local significance. The local form of a serpent appeared before the villagers.
Hindus congregate without any distinction of From that time onwards the villagers built . a
caste or creed. Pujari is Sri Nagamalli Raghava- temple and started performing pujas on every
charyulu, a Viswabrahmin. Prasadam is distributed Friday.
to all.
Nagendruni Uthsavam is celebrated on every
The village deity Kinneralamma Jatara is Friday. Puja is performed and fruits are offered.
celebrated for a day once in 2 or 3 years, when- The festival is being celebrated for the past
ever epidemics break ou t in the village. Fruits, 4 years.
 2

The Hindu devotees, local and from the made in the form of cash or kind in fulfilment of
neighbouring villages, congregate. Pujari is one vows. Devotees take oil bath and observe
Udayabhanu Lakshmi Kanthamma of Telaga fastini·
community. Prasadam is distributed to all.
The festival is being celebrated from ancient
SOURCE: 1. Sri jlfera Ranga Rao, Panchayat times and is of local significance only. The chief
Board President, Nadupalle. patron is the Zamindar of Nuzvid. The Hindu
2. Sri N. Varadanam, Teacher, Nadu- devotees, local and from the neighbouring villages
pal/e. take part in the festival without any distinction
3. Sri Ramapragada Thirtha Sankar Roo, of caste or creed. Pujari is a Brahmin. There
Karnam, Nadupalle. is a free feeding on a small scale.

Sri Ramalingeswaraswamy Kalyanothsavam

:4. Vijayarai-Situated on the Eluru-Chintala- is celebrated for a day on Kanikd Suddha Ekadasi
pudi road at the 10th mile from Eluru. (October-November) .

It is said that Sri Krishnadevaraya after Ganganamma Jatara ~s celebrated whenever

conquering the fort of Pedavegi gifted this village epidemics break out in the village. Goats and
situated nearest to the fort to the Brahmins in his fowls are sacrificed to the deity in fulfilment of
father's name Vijayarayalu. The village is beli- vows. The devotees take oil bath, don new
eved to have been known as Vijayasilanagaram. clothes and observe fasting.

The legend is that once Lakshmana shot an Sri Venugopalaswamy Kalyanothsavam is

arrow into the earth with the aim of bringing celebrated for a day on Vaisakha Suddha Ekadasi
Pathalaganga to the surface, when Sita Devi asked (April-May) in Venugopalaswamy temple.
for water. From that time onwards there is abun-
dan t water in the Thammileru river in all seasons. SOURCE: 1. An enumerator.
The river therefore came to be known as Thammu- 2. Sri T. Annavadhanulu, Headmaster,
layeru which corrupted into Thammileru (in Panchayat Basic School, Vijayarai.
Telugu tammudu means younger brother and 3. Sri M. SUa Mohan Roo S. E. 0.;
yeru-a river). Panchayal Samithi Block, Dendulur.

The population of the village is 1,227 and it

4. KODdalaraopalem-Situated at a distance of 4
is made up of the following communities: Caste miles from Eluru-Chintalapudi road and 13
Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Telaga, Gowd, miles from Eluru.
Golla, Uppara, etc.; and Scbeduled Castes (74)-
Madiga, Mala, etc. The chief means of livelihood The popUlation of the village is 243 and it is
of the people are agriculture and agricultural made up of the following communities: Caste
labour. Hindus-Kapu, Kamma, Velama, etc.; and Sche-
duled Castes (86)-Madiga. The chief means of
Lord Ramalingeswaraswamy temple with the livelihood of the people are agriculture and agri-
images of Sivalingam and Ramaswamy and the cultural labour.
Venugopalaswamy temple are the places of
worship in the village. There is also the village The village deity Ganganamma is worshipped
. deity Ganganamma. It is believed that on His in the village.
way back to Ayodhya Sri Rama installed the
Sivalingam as a contrition for the sin of having Ganganamma Jatara is celebrated whenever
slain Ravana. epidemics break out in the Village. Toddy is
poured before the deity. Devotees decorate
Maha Sivaratri is celebrated for 3 days from vessels with turmeric, kumkum and neem leaves,
Magha Bahula Triodasi to Amavasya (January-Feb- fill them with buttermilk and toddy and carry
ruary) in Ramalingeswaraswamy temple. Festival them over their heads to the temple. Cocoanuts
arrangements are made 3 days in advance. Pujas are offered, and goats and fowls are sacrificed.
are performed during this period. Offerings are Devotees. take oil ba.th and observe fasting. The
local people participate in the festival without 6. NyayampalJe - Situated at a distance of
any distinction of caste or creed. 6 miles from the Eluru-Chintalapudi road and 10
miles from Eluru.
SOURCE: Sri G. David, Teacher, Kondalaraopalem.
The population of the village is 897 a nd it
is made up of the following communities: Caste
5. Rayannapalem - Situated at a distance of Hindus - Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu, Kamma,
about 2 miles from the Eluru-Chintalapudi road Velama, Kummari, Chakali, Yadava; Scheduled
and 11 miles from Eluru. Castes (2S9)-Madiga, Mala; Muslims and Chris-
tians. The chief means of livelihood of the peo-
The total population of the village is 1,865 ple are agriculture, agricultural labour and other
and it is made up of the following communities: traditional occupations.
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Gowda
including Kalali, Vadrangi, Sale, Chakali; Sche- Sri Rama temple and the village deity Gan-
duled Castes (325); and Scheduled Tribes (6). ganamma are the places of worship in the village.
The chief means of livelihood of the people are
agriculture and agricultural labour. Sri Rama Navami 'is celebrated for 5 days
from Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Sri
Three Rama temples and the image of the Rama Kalyanam is performed. The local Hindu
village deity Ratalamma on an elevation in the people congregate.
midst of a tank are the places of worship in the
village. There are also the images of Subrahman- Ganganamma festival is celebrated for 10 or
yaswamy, Anjaneya, Brahma, Vishnu, Dattatreya, 15 days whenever epidemics break out in the
and Navagrahas and a Sivalingam on the mound. village. The deity is taken out in a procession
It is said that the image of Ratalamma has been to the accompaniment of music. Cocoanuts and
on that mound from the time of the Vengi Kings. fruits are offered and fowls are sacrificed to the
deity. The local people congregate.
Ratalamma Aradhana is celebrated when-
ever epidemics prevail in the village. Toddy SOURCE: 1. Sri K. V. Sobhanadri Rao, Karnam,
is poured before the deity. Pujas are per- Nyayampalle.
formed~with turmeric and kumkum. Cocoanuts 2. Sri G. Sundara Rao, Teacher, Nya-
are offered and goats and fowls are sacrificed yampalle.
to the deity in fulfilment of vows. Intoxicating
drinks are consumed during the celebration. 7. Pedavegi - Situated at a distance of 7
miles from Eluru by cart track. Pedavegi was the
The festival is of ancient origin but of local metropolis of Vengi Kings and was a flourishing
significance. Local people and from the neigh- city during the times of Satavahanas. The Chi-
bouring villages congregate. Prasadam is distri- nese Pilgrim Yuan Chwang mentions about this
buted to all. place during his travel of Dakshinapatha.

Daily puja is performed and offerings and "The principal 'royal seat' of the Satavahanas
sacrifices are made. at this period was Paithan on the banks of the
Godavari. Two other great cities of the Satava-
?ana empire were Vaijayanti-Vanavasi (Banavasi)
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated on Chaitra III North Kanara and Dhanyakataka-Amaravati
in the Guntur District of Madras. Other cities
Suddha Navami (March-April). Lord's Kalyanam that probably existed in this age, but w're
is performed during this period. specially associated with families that rose to
power on the ruins of the empire of the Sa a-
karnis, were Kudura and Vengipura."l
SOURCE: 1. Sri Rachiraju Venkata Gurraju, "The route which Yuan Chwang took in his
Headmaster, Samithi Junior Basic travels in Dakshinapatha seems to be at first sight
confused and incomprehensible. But a careful
School, Rayannapalem. examination will easily show that it is not really
2. Sri Adivi Somqsundara Rao, Kar- so. The Pilgrim's route is such that the modern
geographer is not acquainted with. One should
nam, Rayannapalem. go back to the seventh century to understand the .
G. Yazdani, The Early History of the Deccan, p. 56
 route 01 the Chinese Pilgrim and imagine the
topography of the eastern kingdoms of Dakshina- the fact that Samudragupta subdued the Sa lanka-
patha. The Pilgrim travelled from Konyodha, yana King Hastivarman of Vengi. A part of the
the region lying on the banks of the Cilka lake
and extending from the Mahanadi on the north inscription is reproduced below.
and Rsikulya and Mahendragiri on the south,
to KaJinga. It is said that he did not proceed
directly southwards but travelled in a south-
westerly direction about 1,500 Ii (or 300 miles)
and reached Kalinga. The kingdom of Kalinga
at tbat period extended apparently from tbe Kowsalika Mahendra Mahakanthareeka Vyaghra Raja
river Rsikulya on the north-east to the Sarada on
the south or south-west and ,vas surrounded
on all sides except on the east by extensive
forests. From K3!inga the Pilgrim proceeded in
a Dorth-westerly direction; and after travelling
about 1,800 Ii (or 360 miles), he reached the capi- Kowraalakamandaraja Paishtapuraka Mahendragiri
tal of South Kosala. From there through im-
penetrable wilderness Yuan Chwang travelled
south (according to Travels) and south-east
(according to Life) through a forest, about 900 Ii
and reached Antolo or the Andhra country.
This country was about 300 Ii in circuit,
and its capital, Ping-ki-lo was over 20 Ii Kowtoorakaswamidatta Parandapallakadamana
in circuit. Ping-ki-lo has been identified with
Vengi or Vengipura, and located near EUore in
the West Godavari District. The site of the
ancient Vengipura is an extensive area studded
with ruins and covered by nUmerous villages
Dotable among them being Peda Vegi, Cina Vegi
and Denduluru. But according to the Eastern Kancheyaka V ishnugopa Avimukthakaneelaraja
Calukyan inscriptions the capital of Andhra or
Vengi country at the time of the Pilgrim's visit
would appear to be Pistapura and not Vengi-
pura."l

Vaingeyaka Ha thivarma Palikkaka Ugrasena."

After the fall of the Satavahanas the Iksh-
vakus succeeded as the rulers of Andhra Desa.
Later their downfall saw the rising of several These Salankayanas were worshippers of Sun-
petty principalities throughou t Andhra. lod. It is believed that there existed a temple
for Sun-god at this place.
"Next to the Brhatphalayanas and the Anan-
das, the Salankayanas were the earliest dynasty
that epigraphy has disclosed to us as having "The tutelary deity of the Salankayanas
reigned in Andhradesa. the god Citrarathasvamin. The epithet Citra-
The sources of our knowledge of the history rathasvami-padanudhyatah, 'One who is absorbed
of this ancient dynasty are only five copper-plate by devotion to the holy feet of the Lord Citra-
charters of the family that have been brought to rathasvamin,' which occurs in all their charters
light by the epigraphists. Fortunately for the clearly bears out this conjecture. Sanskrit
historian, all of them are published with lexicons like Vacaspatvam mention Citraratha as
notes and translations in English. The ear- a synonym for ·Sun-god'. The Salankayanas
liest of them in point of antiquity is the therefore, appear to be worshippers of the
Ellore Prakrit grant of Vijaya Devavarman. Sun-god; and this view rests also on the
The next record is the Kolleru charter of representation of the emblem of the Sun-god
Vijaya Nandivarman. The third is the Pedavegi in the form of a disk with illuminating rays
copper-plate grant of Nandivarman. The fourth countersunk on the surface on some of the Salanka-
and the fifth records of the family are similarly yana seals. The reference to the worship of
two copper-plate grants found at Kanteru in the Sun-god (Citrarathasvamin) in the Salanka·
Guntur district and belong to the reigns of Vijaya yana records is the earliest instance of Sun worship
SkandavarmaJ1 and Nandivarman respectively. in ancient Andhradesa. The temple of Citra-
rathasvamin seems to have stood in the metropolis
Like the Brhatphalayanas and the Anandas. Vengipura itself. Vengipura has been correctly
the Salankayanas also called their family after identified with Peda Vegi, a ruined village situated
their gotra name Salankayana."2 about eight miles to the north-west of Ellore in
the West Godavari District. The correctness of
this identification is confirmed by the existence
It was during the rule of one of these Sa lanka- of a small mound at Peda Vegi which is
pointed out as the site of the ancient temple of
yanas that Samudragupta invaded Andhra Desa Citrarathasvamin at Vengipura and the dis-
in the middle of the 4th century. Samudra- covery of some fagment::lry Prakrit inscriptions.
Near that spot at the present day there
gupta's Allahabad inscriptions bear testimony to stands a temple dedicated to God Vishnu.

I Bhavaraju Venkata Krishnarao. A History of the Early DYIIQsties of AndhradesQ, p.91

2 Ibid., pp. 348-349
 s
Sir Walter Eliot who carried explorations in are agriculture, agricultural labour and other
that locality in 1840 has left a beautiful account
of the remains of the ancient Vengipura. traditional occupations.
'A bout eight or ten miles north of Ellore is situa-
ted the village of Peda Vegi, half an hour's walk Sri Parameswaraswamy (Siva) temple and
to the north of which is Cina Vegi, and five
miles to the south of these is another village Sri Rama temple are the plac:::s of worship in the
named Dendulur with several hamlets attached village. There are the village deities Gangan-
to it, named Ganganagudem, Sanigudem, etc.
According to the local tradition all these formerly amma and Pothuraju.
constituted one large city in which stood
numerous temples which were dedicated to Siva.
The ruins of about fifty fanes sacred to this deity Parameswaraswamy (Siva) Uregimpu Uths-
still exist in Dendulur and likewise four statues avam is celebrated for 44 days from Kartika
or idol of Vighnesvara, one of which is very large, Suddha Padyami (October-November) to Margastra
Is on the southern side of the village near a tank
surrounded by date trees. A high mound called Suddha Chathurdasi (November-December). Special
Bhimalingam dibba is found on the east side of pujas are performed during these days. The
the village and a tank named Macalamma-
ceruvu to the north has a mound in the centre festival is being celebrated for the past 60 yean
of which are two stone bulls. There is another and is of local significance. The local devotees
tank to the west of the village called Narikala-
vari-ceruvu on the tanks of which are two Sila- take part in the festival1"without any distinction
sasanams standing upright and two more which of caste or creed. Prasadam is distributed to all.
have fallen down and which were erect about
four years ago. Between Peda Vegi and Cina
Vegi is another remarkable mound."1 Ganganamma and Pothuraju Jataras are also
celebrated every year. Cocoanuts and fruits are
This mound is now known as dhanapu dibba (mound offered, and fowls are sacrificed to the deities in
of wealth) and is in charge of the Archaeologi .. fulfilment of vows.
cal Department.
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated on Chaitra
After the Salankayanas, the Vishnukundins Suddha Navami (March-April).
occupied the throne of Vengi. In the 7th century
there came a new dynasty, the Eastern Chalukyas, SOURCE: 1. Sri K. Koteswara Rao, Teacher, Pe-
to rule over the destinies of Andhras. These davegi.
Chalukyas were an offshoot of the great Chalukya 2. Sri Vadlapatla Satyanarayana, Pan-
family of Badami. Pulakesin II, one of the ablest chayat President, Pedavegi.
rulers of the main line invaded the east coast in
one of the campaigns of conquest arid subdued
Vengi Kingdom in 624 A.D. But it took the 8. Muthanaveedu- Situated on the Eluru-Chin-
Chalukyas another six years to subdue all the talapudi road at the 9th mile from Eluru.
recalcitrant elements and by 630 A.D., Vengi lost
its importance and became a seat for a viceroy, The population of the village is 221 and it is
Vishnuvardhana, the brother of Pulakesin II, who made up of the following communities: Caste
ruled this part of Vengi territory as viceroy. Hindus-Kamma, Golla, Telaga, Kapu, Chakali,
Uppara, Mangali; and Scheduled Castes (3)--Adi
Once glorious Vengi is now a petty village Andhra. The chief means of livelihood of the
with a few visible landmarks which remind us of people are agriculture, agricultural labour and
its ancient past. There is a big well in the other traditional occupations.
compound of the fortress and it is believed that
chivalrous ladies sacrificed their lives by jumping There is the image of village deity Gangan-
into it, whenever enemy kings captured the fort. amma carved on a stone under a tree, and an
image of Anjaneyaswamy with no temple. These
The total popUlation of the village is 4,570 are the two places of worship in the village.
and it is made up of the followi ng communities:
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Kam- Ganganamma Jatara is celebrated for a day
sali, Kapu, Gowd, Vadrangi, . Golla, Uppara, whenever epidemics break out in the village.
Mangali, Chakali, etc.; Scheduled Castes (1,180)- Puja is performed with kumkum and turmeric.
Madiga, Mala; and Scheduled Tribes (7)-Yeru .. Cocoanuts are offered and goats, sheep and fowls
kula. The chief means of livelihood of the people are sacrificed to the deity. Intoxicating drinks

1 Bhavaraju Venkata Krishnarao, op. cit., pp. 351-352

 (';

are used. Devotees take oil bath and observe means of livelihood of the people are agriculture
fast during the festival. and agricultural labour.

The festival is of local significance. Telagas Rama temple and the stone image of village
patronize the festival. The local Hindus congre~ deity Ganganamma under a tree are the places of
gate. Prasadam is distributed to all. worship in the village.

SOURCE: 1. Sri T. H. Ar/appa, Headmaster, Sami- Ganganamma Puja is celebrated for a day
lhi Adli Andhra Junior Bacie School, once in 4 years, whenever epidemics prevail in the
Muthanaveedu. village. Puja is performed. A procession of the
2. Sri V. V. Narasimha Rao, Karnam, deity is taken out to the accompaniment of music
Muthanaveedu. and goats and fowls are sacrificed. Intoxicating
drinks are used. Community feasts are arranged.
The festival is of local significance. Kalalis
9. Jagannadhapuram - Situated at a distance
patronise the festival. The local Hindus partici-
of It miles from Janampet, which is on the Eluru-
pate in the festival.
Chintalapudi road and 8 miles from Eluru.
formerly the area was covered with forest affor-
SOURCE: Sri T. H. Jayavelayudam, Teacher, Singa-
ding a good hiding place for robbers and dacoits.
varam.
It is said that Jagannadham was leader of the
local gang and so the village came to be known as
11. Vempadu - Situated at a distance of 5
Jagannadhapuram. miles from Eluru--Chintalapudi road and 9 miles
The total popUlation of the village is 2,263 from Bhimadole Railway Station by foot-path.
and it is made Up of the following communities: The population of the village is 1,268 and it
Caste Hindus-Kamma, Uppari, etc.; Scheduled
is made up of the following communities: Caste
Castes (879)-Mala, Madiga, etc.; and Scheduled
Hindus-Yadava, Kamma, etc.; and Scheduled
Tribes (20). The chief means of livelihood of
Castes (76) -Adi Andhra, Madiga, Mala, etc. The
the people are agriculture and agricultural
chief means of livelihood of the people are
labour. agriculture and agricultural labour.
Rama temple and village deity Ganganamma
Sri Rama temple, with His stone image and
temple are the places of worship in the village.
the village deity Ganganamma under a tree are
Ganganamma Jatara is celebrated for a day the places of worship in the village. Anjaneya-
whenever epidemics prevail in the village. Goats swamy is also worshipped in the village.
and fowls are sacrificed. This Jatara is of local
Ganganamma U regimpu is celebrated for a
significance. The local people congregate.
day. It is the belief of the villagers that this
Sri Rama Kalyanam is celebrated in Rama festival is a harbinger of rain. Toddy is
.temple on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). poured before the deity. Goats and fowls are
sacrificed. The festival is being celebrated for
SOURCE: 1. Sri Duggirala venkata Prasada Rao, the past 60 years and is confined to the village.
Teacher, Samithi Junior Basic School, The local Hindus congregate.
Jagannadhapuram.
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for a day on
Chaitra -Suddha Navarni (March-April). There is a
10. Singavaram, hamlet of Jagannadhapuram- free feeding on a small scale. Prasadam is distribut-
Situated on the Eluru-Chintalapudi road to the ed to all.
west of Thammileru at a distance of 8 miles from
Eluru. SOURCE: Sri Vathuri Samson, Assistant Teacher,
Samithi Special Elementary School,
The population of the village is 528 and it is Vempadu.
made up of the following communities: Caste
H;indus-Kalali, Vadrangi, etc.; Scheduled Castes 12. Punukollu-Situated at a distance of one
(3)-Madiga; and Scheduled Tribes (9). The chief mile to the east of Madras-Calcutta road,
 1
4 miles from Nuzvid Railway Station and 10 miles The temples of Lord Venugopalaswamy with
from Eluru. His stone image, Someswaraswamy, with the stone
Sivalingam, Sri Rama and Anjaneyaswamy are the
The population of the village is 659 and it is places of worship in the village.
made up of the following communities: Caste
Hindus-Brahmin, Gowd, Vaisya, Kamma, The festivals of Sri Venugopalaswamy and
Kummari; Scheduled Castes (49)-Adi Andhra; Sri Someswaraswamy are celebrated together for
Muslims and Christians. The chief means of a day on Vaisakha Suddha Triodasi (April-May)
livelihood of the people are agriculture and and Chathurdasi respectively. During the nights
agricultural labour. the images of the deities are taken out in a proces-
sion through the streets and later the kalyanam is
The temples of Sitaramaswamy and Viru- performed. Cocoanuts and fruits are offered to
pakshaswamy and a church are the places of wor- the deities. These festivals are being celebrated
ship in the village. from ancient times and are confined to this village.
The Hindu devotees of the village congregate.
Sri Sitaramaswamy festival is celebrated
for 5 days from Chaitra Suddha Sapthami to Ekadasi SOURCE: 1. Sri Bhogaraju Kameswara Rao, Kar-
(March-April). Dhwajarohanam on Sapthami, nam, Pedapadu.
kalyanam on Navami, rathothsavam on Dasami,
l'asanthothsavam on Ekadasi are the rituals observed 2· Sri Mohammed Vaziruddin, Village
during this festival. Cocoanuts and fruits are Level Worker, Pedapadu.
offered to the deity. Community feasts are
arranged. The festival is of ancient origin and
14. Amrnthalingampeta - Situated on the banks
confined to this village only. The local people of Vijayawada-Eluru canal, at a distance of
congregate. Pujaris are Brahmins. Prasadam is about 5 miles from Nuzvid Railway Station and
distributed to all. 10 miles by road from Eluru.
Sri Virupakshaswamy festival is celebrated
for 5 days from Chailra Suddha Ekadasi to Purnima The population of the village is 922 and it is
(March-April). Dhwajarohanam on Ekadasi, kaly- made up of the following communities: Caste
anam on Triodasi, ratholilsavam on Chaturdasi and HindUS-Brahmin, Golla, Koppuvelama, Padma-
vasanthothsavam on Purnima are the rituals. Coco-
sale, Chegidi, Kummari, Chakali, Mangali; Sche-
anuts and fruits are offered to the deity. Commu- duled Castes (7) --Madiga; and Scheduled Tribes
nity feasts are arranged during this festival. (23)-Konda Dora, Yerukula. The chief means
The festival is being celebrated from ancient of livelihood of the people are agriculture and
times and is of local significance. The local agricul tural labour.
people congregate. Brahmins are the Pujaris.
Prasadam is distributed to all. Sri Rama temple and village deity Ganga-
namma temple are the places of worship in the
SOURCE: Sri Kalaparthi Seetharamachandra Rao, Village.
Karnam, Punuk611u.
Ganganamma Jatara is celebrated for a day
on the first Sunday after Vinayaka Chaturthi i.e.,
13. Pedapadu -Situated at a distance of 2 miles Bhadrapada Suddha Chaviti (August-September).
from the boat route on Krishna-Eluru canal and The deity is taken out in procession and cocoanuts
about 7 miles from Eluru. are offered. It is being celebrated for the past 30
years and is confined to the village. Sri B.lpiraju
The total population of the viUage is 8,464 Venkateswara Rao is the chief patron. The local
and it is made up of the following communities: Hindu devotees congregate. Prasadam is distri-
Caste HindUS-Brahmin, Telaga, Golla, Kamma, buted to all.
Velama, etc.; Scheduled Castes (142)-Adi Andhra,
etc.; Scheduled Tribes (158); and Christians. The Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for a day on
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri- Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Arrange-
culture, agricultural la bo ur, trade and other ments are made 2 days in advance. Lord's
tradi tional occupations. kalyallam IS also performed during the festivaL
 8'

It is being celebrated for the past 15 years and is Mahalakshmamma and Maddiravamrna Ko-
confined to this village only. Local Hindus take luvus are celebrated on one Friday and Thursday
part in the festival. Pujari is a Koppuvelama. respectively, whenever epidemics prevail in the
village.
Prasadam'is distributed to all.
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated on Chaitra
SOURCE: 1· Sri Bhavaraju Lakshminarayana, Kar-
nam, Amruthalingampela· Suddha Navami (March-April). Aradhana and
Kalyanam are performed.
2. Sri S. Venkateswarlu, Teacher, VaSan-
tavada.
Abltishekams are performed in Kartikam
(October-November) in the Siva temples.
15. Vasantavada II-Situated at a distance of
4 miles from Nuzvid Railway Station and 10 Vaikunta Ekadasi is celebrated in Venkate-
miles from Eluru by road. There is also boat swaraswamy temple and the Lord is taken out in
route on Eluru-Krishna canal. It is believed that a procession. Flowers and fruits are offered.
a king by name Vasantharayalu ruled over this
area with Vasalltavada as his capital. About
SOURCE: 1. Sri M. Satyanarayana Murty, Village
20 years ago some copper plates with inscriptions
were excavated at this place wich are now in the Level Worker, Vasantavada.
custody of Government of India. 2. Sri Palepu ·Venkata Rao, Teacher,
Vasantavada.
The total population of the village is 2,566
and it is made up of the following communities:
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Kapu, 16. Gogunta-Situated at a distance of 6 miles
Golla, Kalali including Settibalija, Kamma, from the Nuzvid Railway Station and 12 miles
Velama, Yadava, Kuruva, Kummari, Sale, from Eluru.
Chakali, Mangali, Uppari; Scheduled Castes(391)-
Madiga, Mala; Scheduled Tribes (32)--Yerukula; The population of the village is 685 and it
Muslims and Christians. The chief means of is made up of the following communities: Caste
livelihood of the people are agriculture, agricul- Hindus--Brahmin, Vaisya, Golla, Kummri, Goun-
tural labour and other traditional occupations. dla, Chakali, Mangali; Scheduled Castes (2);
Scheduled Tribes (38); Muslims and Christians.
The temples of Ramalingeswaraswamy, Ven- The chief mean3 of livelihood of the people are
kateswaraswamy,· Anjaneyaswamy, Sri Rama and agriculture, agricultural labour and other tradi-
Sugrivalingeswaraswamy are the places of worship tional occupations.
in the vjJ]age. The vjJlage deities Gangana:nma,
Maddiravamma and Mahalakshmamma, a mosque Siva temple, with the image of the deity in
and two churches are the other places of worship .. the form of a stone Sivalingam, is the only place
of worship in the village.
Ganganamma Aradhana is celebrated on the
first Sunday after Bhadrapada Suddha Chariti Siva Kalyanam is celebrated for a day in
(August-Septem b:,:r). It is generally celebrated Phalgunam (February-March). Cocoanuts are
whenever epidemics break out in the village. offered to the Lord. The festival is confined to
The deity is given a bath and taken out in a pro- this village only. Vaisyas are the chief patrons.
cession to the accompaniment of music. Prabhas The local Hindus congregate without any distinc-
are taken out in the streets. Kumbham is poured, tion of caste or creed. Pujari is a Saiva Brahmin
and naivedyam, cocoanuts and fruits are offered. with hereditary rights. Prasadam is distributed to
Goats, fowls and sheep ~re sacrificed to the deity. all. Abhishekam and deeparadhana are performed
Intoxicating drinks are also used. The festival in the temple daily in Kartikam (October-Novem-
is being celebrated from ancient times and con- ber).
fined to this village only. The local devotees
congregate without any distinction of caste or SOURCE: Sri Bhmaraju Venkata Krishnarao, Karnam,
creed. Pujari is a Kalali with hereditary rights. Gogunta.
 9

17. Sakalakothapalle-Situated at a distance of 19. Mupparru-Situated at a distance of 4

6 miles from Nuzvid Railway Station. It can miles from the Eluru Railway Station by road.
be reached by road from Naidugudem which is
connected by bus to Eluru. The popUlation of the village is 2,454 and it
is made up of the following communities: Caste
The population of the village is 669 and it is Hindus - Brahmin, Telaga, Golla, Kummari,
made up of the following communities: Caste Turpukapu, Chakali, Settibalija, etc.; Scheduled
Hindus-Turpukapu, Koppuvelama, etc.; Sche- Castes (472)--AdiAndhra; Scheduled Tribes (54);
duled Castes (155)-Adi Andhra, Madiga; and and Christians. 'The chief means of livelihood
Scheduled Tribes (64). The chief means of of the people are agriculture and agricultural
livelihood of the people are agriculture and agri- labour.
cultural labour.
The temples of Sri Rama,' Siva, AnjaJ;leya,
Village deity Ganganamma image situated to Subramanyeswaraswamy and village deity Ganga-
the wes t of the village is the only plac~ of wor- namma and a church are the places of worship in
ship. the Village.

Ganganamma Jatara is celebrated for a day Ganganamma Jatara is celebrated for 9 days
on the first Sunday after Vinayaka Chaviti i.e., whenever epidemics break out in the Village. Co-
Bhadrapada 'Suddha Chaviti (August-September). coanuts are offered and goats, fowls and sheep
Cocoanuts and Chalimidi are offered to the deity. are sacrificed to the deity. Intoxicating drinks
The festival is being celebrated for the past SO are used. The local devotees of the village par-
years and is confined to this village and mainly ticipate in the Jatara without any distinction of
to Turpukapu and Adi Andhra communities. -- caste or creed.

SOURCE: Sri Bhavaraju Venkateswara Rao, Karnam, SOURCE: Sri Bhavaraju Kesava Rao, Karnam,
Sakalakothapalle. Mupparru.

18. Satyavo}u-Situated at a distance of 10 mi les 20. Kavagunta - Situated at a distance of 7

,from Eluru Railway Station. miles from Powerpet Railway Station and 8 miles
from Eluru.
The population of the village is 2,420 and it
is made up of the following communities: Caste The population of the village is 736 and it
Hindus-Brahmin, Kapu, Kamma, Koppuvelama, is made up of the following communities: Caste
Turpukapu, Vadde, Chakali, Mangali, etc.; Sche- Hindus-Brahmin, Kapu, Kamma, etc.; Schedu-
dUled Castes (214)-·Mala; Scheduled Tribes (18) led Castes (178)-Adi Andhra; Scheduled Tribes
and Christians. The chief means of livelihood of (3); and Christians. The chief means of liveli-
the people are agriculture and agricultural labour. hood of the people are agriculture and agricultu-
ral labour.
Sri Rama temple and the abode of village
deities Ganganamma, Pothuraju and a church are Sri Rama temple and village deity Ganga-
the places of worship in the village. The image namma temple and a church are the places of
of Ganganamma is made of stone while that of worship in the village.
Pothuraju is of wood.
Ganganamma Jatara is celebrated for 2 days
Ganganamma and Pothuraju Jatara is celeb- in the first week of June when the seasonal rains
rated for a day every year, whenever epidemics fail. Cocoanuts, panakam and vadapappu are
prevail in the village. Cocoanuts are offered and offered to the deity.
fowls, sheep and goats are sacrificed to the deities
in fulfilment of vows .. Intoxicating drinks are The Jatara is confined to this village only.
used during the Jatara. Sri Chettip~lli Buchchiramayya is the chief
patron. The local people congregate without any
SOURCE: Sri Bhavaraju Venkata Subbarao, Karnam, distinction of caste or creed. Prasadam is dis-
Satyavolu, ributed to all.
 10

Bhajans are performed in Kartikam (October- pet and Eluru, situated on the Madras-Calcutta
November) in Sri Rama temple. Devotees take section of the Southern Railway at about 38 miles
bath in Thammileru on Mondays during Kartikam to the north of Vijayawada Junction. This ancient
and observe fast. city was formerly the capital of Chalukya King-
dom. It was called .Helapuram, which gradually
SOURCE: Sri Pujari Veerappa, Kavagunta. became Eluru. The ancient ruined fort and
Kotadibba are standing as constant reminders of
21. Sanivarapupeta -Situated at a distance of its old glory.
2 miles from Eluru. It is a suburban area of Eluru was in existence at the time of the
Eluru city. There are a large number of woollen conquest of Pulakesin II. The conquest of Goda-
pile <.!'arpet looms in this suburb. vari by Pulakesin II is detailed in a stone in~crip­
tion at Aihole (in the BOl~nbay Presidency) in which
The total population of the village is 3,265 a mention is made about the reduction of Pitha-
and it is made up of several sub-communities of puram and Ellore which took pl-ace about 615
Caste Hindus; Scheduled Castes (329); Schedu- A.D. Eluru formed part of Vengi Kingdom. From
led Tribes (59); Muslims and Christians. The one of the Prakrit inscriptions at Eluru, it may be
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri- seen that this was under the sway of the Salankayana
culture, agricultural labour and trade. 'king Devavarma. The inscription reads as follows:-
The temples of Chennakesawaswamy, Rama- "~e g)elo:D ~ol\~O" ~::5~ tJiS ~4S iPSg)J
lingeswaraswamy, Anjaneyaswamy, Sri Rama, i:r-O"~ ~~;6£ t>.:l;0.,j t'.:l~6S i:r-~8j~;6~ iPeJos-;S;S£
Vishnu, Siva and village deity Ganganamma,
~;6.J~~ ~eg:;p ~os-- 0"e3 ~8 ~elo:D 'G::5 ;5::D~
mosques and churches are the places of worship.
in the village. The vimanam of Sri Chennakesawa- ;0S;5o:D~;S .JOJ"O ;5.:x,if~;0;5.:x,i) 7l"S l';l'~U'S.)."1
swamy temple is a magnificent piece of sculpture.
During the 12th century, some local chief-
Dhanurmasa festival is celebrated for 30 tains ruled this place.
days in Pushyam (December-January) usually "Other local rulers were the chiefs of Naden-
from December 15th to January 14th, in Chenna- dla in the Krishna District, who seem to have
kesava temple. Cocoanuts, fruits and flowers recognised the authority of the Velanadu line and
have left inscriptioLis ranging from 1130 to J 232;
are offered. The local Hindu devotees of all the chieftains of Ellore, whose records date from
communities participate in the festival. Pujaris 1139-40 to 1211-12, a family whose inscriptions are
found in several places in the delta, who claim
are Vaishnavas with hereditary rights. Prasadam descent from the Eastern Chalukyas King Amma I
is distributed to alJ. (918-25) and the best known of whom is Mallappa
III who seems to have ruled from 1173 to at least
1223; and Annala Reddi of Korukonda who is
The village deity Ganganamma festival is stated in one of the Meckenzie MSS to have ruled
celebrated for 32 days once in 10 years. Cocoa- over the greater part of the low lands of the dist-
rict "for a long time" till he was ousted by king
nuts, fruits, chalimidi, panakam and vadapappu Prataparudra of the Kakatiya line of Warangal."2
are offered to the diety. The Jatara is being cele-
brated from ancient times and is confined to the The Mughal emperor of Delhi had long been
village. The local devotees congregate. jealous of the growing power of the Kakatiyas.
Mohammad Tughlak seems to have penetrated as
Maha Sivaratri is celebrated in Siva temple. far as Rajahmundry for, an inscription dated 1324
Devotees observe fasting and jagaram on on a mosque at Rajahmundry describes its erec-
,Mukkoti Ekadasi and Sivaratri. tion by him in that year. The tide of Muhamma-
dan invasion receded almost at once but from
SOURCE: J. Sri V. Ramaiah, Teacher, Sallivarapu- this point the intluence of the kings of Warangal
peta. in the Telugu country disappeared and Vengi was
2. Sri Pusapati Appalacharyufu, Teacher, ruled by the Reddi Chiefs of Koru Konda, Konda-
Sanivarapupeta. vid and Rajahmundry.

22. Eluru-The district headqlurt::r, of West In 1470 the city saw another ll1VaSIOJ1 by the
Godavari. There are 2 Railway Stations, PO\\er- Muslims.
1 Pracheenandhra Charitrka Bhugolam by Kunduri Es'.vara Dutt, p. 301
2 Madras District G:tzctteers - Godava;'i, Vol. I, pp. 23-24
 11

After over-running the Telugu country III were known as 'the Northern Circars,' a name of
which still survives."1
1470, the Muhammadans drew upon the ruins of
the old Vengi city for materials for construction
The history of the place is uneventful after
of their fort at Ellore. The town was afterwards
it became a part of Northern Circars.
taken from the Gajapati kings of Orissa by Krish-
na Deva of Vijayanagar in 1515, but was recovered The popUlation of the city is 109,148 and it
by the Kutub Shahi Sultan of Golconda. is made up of several sub-communities of Caste
Hindus; Sched uled Castes (7,231); Scheduled
"The King of Orissa sued for peace, and con-
sented to surrender to Golconda the whole of the Tribes (750); Muslims and Christians. The chief
territory between the Kistna and Godavari rivers. means of livelihood of the people are agriculture
Meanwhile domestic revolutions had weake- agricultural labour, trade, services, labour and
ned the Kingdom of Orissa. Two sons ofPratapa other traditional occupations.
Rudra succeeded him one after the other, and
ruled for a year or two till th",y were both murde-
red in 1541-42 by a minister named Govinda Dev:;t, The city is famous for woollen pile carpet
who tOJk the kingdom for himself. He and his ind ustry, which is being carried on a large scale
Sons ruled till 1559-60, when a Telugu named
Harichandana raised a revolt, killed two of the since the middle of the 15til century. There are
sons of the usurper, and himself ruled till 1571 jute and cotton mills too.
when the kingdom fell finally into the hands of
the Muhammadan kings of Golconda.
The temples of Lord Venugop'llaswamy,
This co nquest had not bcen effected without Janardanaswamy, Kanyakaparameswari, Saibaba,
severe fighting. The Hindu Raja of Kondavid
attached the Musalman garrison of Konapalle and Markandeswara, Venkateswara, Mallcswara, Hanu-
th chief of Rajahmundry, one Vidiadri, who was
p
man, lalapahareswuraswamy, Siva, Sri Rama and
ar;arently a prince of the house of Orissa, laid
siege to Ellore, which was also held by the Muh- Sankar Mutt, beside a few churches and mosques
ammadans. The latter was signally defeated and ar~ tile places of. :vorship in the city. Village
fled to Rajahmu ndry. The Golconda troops laid
waste the country round that town and were then deIty Mahalakshml IS also worshipped. There are
called away (1564) to assist the other Musa~man the marble images of Gayatri and Dattatreya-
king., of the D~CC::10 in the joint att;]ck on Vijaya- swamy in Sankar Mutt.
nagar which resulted in the ove_rthrow of that
empire in tbe great battle of Talikot~,. north of
the Kistna river, in 1565. That decIsive cam- Venugopalaswamy Rathothsavam is celeb-
pa ign won, Golconda's conquest of Godavari soon
recommenced. The forts of Peddapuram and rated for a day on Magha Suddh'1 Purnima (Janu-
Rajanagaram (from which reinforcements and ary-February). Kalyanam of the Lord is perfor-
provisiOn3 weI e being ~ent to Rajahmundry) were
fi.rst taken, the latter with difficulty because of med during this festival. Fruits and Cocoanuts
the nan owness of the paths and the thickness of are offered to the deity. This festival is of anci-
the jungles which had to be traversed. Rajah-
mundry was then attacked The Hin~us were defea- ent origin and confined to the city. The local
ted in a desprrate battle outside the walls Hindus congregate, without any distinction of
(though they broke the left wing of the invader's
army) and the fort was then inyested for fOl:lr caste or creed. Prasadam is distributed to all.
months, when it surrendered. ThiS took place 111
1571-72. The Muhammadans then marched north, Sankara layanthothsavam in the name of
reducing the fortified places on the way, and
finally co nquered all the country of Oris.sa as far Jagadguru Sankaracharya, the famous religious
as Chic acole in Ganjam The Muslim rulers Head is celebrated for 5 days from Vaisakha Sud-
could not control their new possessions as a resu It
of which there were continuous disorders and out- dha Padyami to Panchami (ApriL-May). Rudrabhi-
br(:<lks. The Reddis of the hills plundered Ellore shekam and sahasranamarchana are the rituals ob-
and Nidadavolu and for some time kept up a
desultory resistance agaimt the forces sent to served during this period. Processions are taken
Suppress them. out and lectures on the life-history of Swamy are
In 1686, Aurangzeb, emperor of Delhi, mar- conducted, Vedaparayana and Geelaparayana are per-
ched to reduce the south of India to his authority. formed. Cocoanuts, panakam and vadapappu are
In the next ye:u he ove~threw (among others) the
kingdom of Golconda. and the country pa<;sed offered to the Swamy and distributed as prasadam
under the direct rule of Delhi. He appointed to to all the devotees. Many scholars attend the
rt;Je his new territories a v:ceroy who was known festival.
as the Subadar of the Deccan ('lnd later as the
Nizam of Hyder~bad) a~d resided first at Auranga-
bad and 3fterwar:is at Hyderabad. The subadari The festi.val is being celebrated for the past
consi~t"d of 22 ,)l'Ovinces. of which Rajahmundry
,~nd Chie3cole were two. With the provinces of 30 years and IS of local significance. The chief
KondapaJJc. Ellore and GUlltur they formed what patron and trustee is Sri Edara Venkataramayya.
Medras District G:~Tctteers -Godavari. Vol. r, pp. 28-29
 12

The Hindu devotees of the city and the nearby 3. Sri N. V. Raghunadha Rao, Assi-
villages congregate. Pujari is a Velnati Brahmin stant Teacher, Municipal Higher Second-
of Kowsikasa gotram with hereditary rights. ary School, Eluru.
4. Sri Thethali China Perraju, Municipal
Ramakoti Mahothsavam is celebrated for 5 Higher Secondary School, Eluru.
days from Magha Suddha Ekadasi (January-Febru- 5. Sri V. Venkateswara Rao, B.A., B.Ed.,
ary). Arrangements for the festival are made one Teacher, Eluru.
week in advance. Ankurarpanam, dhwajaro/zaYJam, and 6. Sri Pullabhotla Sreerama Murthy, B.A.,
kalyanam are performed. Fruits and c~coanuts B. Ed., Assistant Teacher, I'![unicipal
are offered. The festival is being celebrated for Higher Secondary School, Eluru.
the past 30 years and is of local significance. 7. Sri D. Visweswara Rao, Assistant
Vaisyas are the chief patrons. About 10,000 Hin- Teacher, Municipal Higher Secondary
du devotees, local and from the neighbouring vill- School, Ell/ru.
ages participate in the festival. Pujaris are Vai- 8. Sri C. L. Narasirn!wc/zari, Asst. Tea-
khanasa Brahmins. Prasadam is distributed to all. cher, Municipal Higher Secondary School,
Eluru.
A fair with about 100 shop3 is held for 4 to 9. Sri Ch. V. Salyanarayanamurthy. Tea-
7 days in connection with the festival. Sweets, cher, Smt. Edara Slibbammadevi Muni-
utensils, foodstuffs, lanterns, torches, combs, cipa! High School, Elul':l.
mirrors, bODks, pictures, photos, cloth, toys, plas- 10. Sri S. Seshacharyulu, B.Sc., B.Ed.,
tic goods, ribbons, etc., are sold in the fair. Asst. Teacher, Munic~r)al High School,
Cinemas, dramas, lotteries, gambling, exhibitions, Eluru.
Harikathas, bhajans, musical performances, etc., 11. Sri G. Radhakrishnamur'thy, Asst. Teac-
afford entertainment to the visitors. There ar{~ her. Smr. Edara Subbammadevi Municipal
three choultries. High School, Elurll.

lanardanaswamy Rathothsavam is celebrated

for a day on Phalguna Suddha Pllrnima (February- 23. Kothuru- Situated at a distailce of 2 mile,;
March). Cocoanuts and fruits are offered. This from Eluru.
festival is being celebrated for the past 48
years. The local Hindus particip:lte in the feqi- The total population of the village is l,241
val. and it is made up of the following communities:
Caste Hindus-Kamma, Golla, Goundla, Chakali,
Md. Syed Baji Urs is celebrated for 2 days Settibalija, Yadava, Kuruva, etc.; Sch-::duled
in memory of the great saint, whoSG tomb is Castes (79)-Adi Andhra; Scheduled Tribes (26);
worshipped. There is a procession with masic. and Christians. The chief means livelihood of
The local people of all communities congr~g:lte, the people arc agriculture and agricultural labour.
without any distinction of cast~ or creed.
The temples of Sri Raffia and Anjaneyaswamy
Ravana Brahma Utsavam is celebrated in are the places of ",orship in the village. There
October every year. Sri Ramrr Nav8.mi is celehr- are the villag~ deities Ganganamma and Gonthe-
ated for 5 days from Chaitra Sllddlu Nal'ami lamma. According to the local belief Kunthidevi,
(March-April) . the mother of Panda vas as a result of the curse of
Dharmaraja, the eldest of the Pandavas is worship-
Venkateswara S~tmnr03hana is c~lebrated in p,::d as Gonthelamma by Harijans.
Ramachandraraopet in the month of .la'lu: ry
every year. Devotees observe fasting and jagcr- Gonthelamma f~stival is celehrated for 9 d?,ys
anam during Mahasivaratri and Mukkoti Ek~HL si. in Bhadrapadam (August-September). The imag:;
of the deity is kept in ::l. pandJ.l specially erected
SOURCE; 1. Sri .Mocherla Sllryanarayallomurlhy, for the occasion. The deity is t:tken out iil a
Assistant Teacher, Eluru. procession. The festival is heing cdebrated for
2. Sri Chillarige Gopalakris!l!w, B.A., the past 100 years (md is conlinc:U mainly to the
B.Sc .. B.Ed., Teacher, SOli. Edara Subb- local ScheduL:c1 Castes. Prasa,l"m i~ distribut.d
amm;del'i M lI/licipal H ip,.';-Schor;!. [~iliru. tQ all.
 13

Ganganamma Kolupu is celebrated during distribllted to all.

Sankranti. i.e., January 14th. Sheep and fowls
are sacrificed to the deity in fulfilment of vows. It is said that Kunthi Devi ran away when
Lo cal people congregate. Dharmaraju was angry with her for bemoaning the
death of Kama on the battle field. She took shelter
Beerappa Utshavam is celebrated in Sravanam
in the house of a Mala. So in memory of her,
(July-Augu5t).
GOllthcmma festival is celebrated by Malas. Gon-
SOURCE: 1. Sri Veer/a Subbaiah, Kothuru. themma Jatara is celebrated for 10 days in ASl'iyu-
jam (September-October). The image of Gon-
2. Sri Gubbala Rarnalingaswamy, Kothuru.
themma is taken out in a procession in the village
3. Sri Thadepalli Simlzachalam, Teacher, with music and fancy dresses. The festival is
Kothuru. being celebrated from ancient times and is confi-
ned to the local Harijans. The Village Heads
24. Ponangi--Situated at a distance of about patronise the festival. The local Harijans congre-
3 miles from Powerpet Railway Station by road gate.
<lnd onc and a half miles to the south of Kolleru
lake. This vilh;e was once ruled by the kings of SOURCE: 1. Sri T. Parasuram Prasad, Headmas-
Chola dynasty. ter, Elemenrary School, Ponangi.
2. An Enumerator, Ponangi.
The total population of the village is 2,362 3. Sri A. Krishna Rao, Village Level
,;ld it L nnLie up of tile fo!lowing communities: Worker, Ponangi.
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Koppu Velama, 4. Sri K.S.R. Anjaneyu/u, Panchayat Pre-
Golla, Vadrangi, Ch:lkJ.1i, Sagara, T_elaga, K'lPLl, sident, Ponangi.
ldiga including Scttibllija, Yadava, Uppari, etc., 5. Sri Thumma!a Sambaiah; Village Mun-
Scheduled Castes (398)-Adi Andhra, MaJ:g'l, sijf, Ponangi.
Mala, etc., Scheduled Tribes (9); Muslims and
Christians. The chief means of livelihood of the
people are agriculture, agricultural labour and 25. MadepaUe -_ Situated at a distance of 2
other traditional occupations. mile; from Eluru on Eluru-Sriparru road. Upto
the year 1928 it was called Mahadevapalle, after
The temples of Vynatheyaswamy (Siva) with the local temple; gradually, it became MadepaUe.
the self-manifested Sivalingam, Anjaneyaswamy
and Sri Rama are the places of worship in the The total popu la tion of the village is 2,444
village. There are two village deitie" Ganganamma and it is made up of the following communities:
and Gonthemma, and a church in the viIL:~e. Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Kamma, Telaga, Kapu,
Formerly, an old woman was performing puja t) Golla, Gowda including Settibalija, Jangam,
the Lingam and once the Lord appeared before Yadava, Uppari, ere.; Scheduled Castes (S40)-Mala,
late Chunduru Srecramulu, a prominent Vaisya etc; and Christians. The chief means of livelihood
merchant of Eluru in a dream and ordered him to of the people are agriculture and agricultural
construct a temple. Accordingly a temple was Jabour.
constructed.
The temples of Mallikarjunaswamy with the
Sri Vynatheyaswamy festival IS celebrated Sivalingam and the image of His consort Bhrama-
for a day during Sivaratri i.e., on Magha Bahula ramha, Sri Ram'l, Submhmanyeswaraswamy and
Chatitrdasi (January-February) and during Dasarn Anj::tneyaswamy are the places of worship in the
on Asviyuja Suddha Dasami (September-October). village. There are the village deities Ganga-
Kalyanam is performed dUYing Sivaratri. Devotees namma and Malnlakshmamma and a church in the
take oil bath and observe fasting and jagarana. village besides Alekswamy Mutt. The temple of
Flowers and fruits are offered to the deity. The MallikarjunaswZlmy has al,o the images of Gana-
festival is of ancient origin and confined to tl'e pathi and Nandeeswara.
village. The local Hindu devotees congreg':te
without any distinction of caste or creed. PlIjari :)ri Mallikarjunaswamy festival i~ celebrated
is Sri Krishm4.murty, a Brahclin. Prasadam is ;C'f :1 eLy each on Vykunt:, Ekadasi, and Sankranti
 14

(14th January). During the festival days Malli- Sri Baneswaraswamy festival is celebrated
karjunaswamy and Bhramaramba are taken out for a day on Pushya Suddha Dwadasi (December-
in a procession on seshavahanam and nandi- January). A procession is taken out during this
vahanam respectively. Abhishekam is performed festival. Cocoanuts, fruits and flowers are offered
for the deities. Fruits, cocoanuts and flowers to the deity. The festival is being celebrated
are offered. The festival is being celebrated for from ancient times and is confined to this village.
the past 60 years and is confined to the village. The local Hindu devotees congregate without any
The temple has 4.50 acres of lnam land. The distinction of caste and creed. Pujari is a Velan-
local Hindus participate in the festival without adu Brahmin with hereditary rights.
any distinction of cas te or creed. There are puja-
ris With hereditary rights. Prasadam is distri- Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for a day on
buted to all. Every Friday Sahasranama kumkum Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). During
puja is performed to Bhramaramb:t. this festival Sita Rama kalyanam is perfJrmcd.

Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for a day on Durga pujas are performed f-:)f 10 days from
Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Sita Rama Asviyuja Suddha Vidiya to Dasami (September-
kalyanam is performed on that day and the images October) .
of Sita and Rama are taken out in a procession.
Prasadam and panakam are distributed to all. SOURCE: J. Sri Gade Sri Ramo Bhogendra Rao,
Karnam, Jalipudi.
Ganganamma Koluvu is celebrated whenever
2. Sri D. Lakshmanaswamy, Assistant
epidemics prevail in the village. Goats, sheep and
Teacher, Junior Basic School, Jalipudi.
fowls are sacrificed to the deity.
3. Sri Ch. Sundarasiva Rao, Head-
Once in three years yagnam and aradhana are master, Junior Basic School, Ja/ipudi.
performed in Alekswamy Mutt. Sadhus and pan- 4. Sri Puli Satyanarayana, PanchaYal
dits from distant places attend this festival. Board PreSident, Jalipudi.

SOURCE: 1. Srj Gade Maruthkumara Venkatrao,

Karnam, Madepalle 27. Gudivakalanka-·Situated at a distance of 12
2. Sri Darapu Ramachandra Rao, Pallcha- miles from Eluru. There is also a boat approach
yat President, Madepalle. to this village.
3. Sri P. Ramakrishnayya, Headmaster,
Samithi Junior Basic School, M ade- The total population of the village is 2,066
pal/e. and it is made up of the following communities:
4. Sri Chintapalli Balaramaswamy, Tea- Caste Hindus-Kapu, Vadde, Vadrangi, Chakali,
cher, Elementary School, Madepdlle. Settibalija, Yadava, Kuruva, Mangali, etc.; Sche-
duled Castes (164)-Panchama; Muslims and
Christians. The chief means of livelihood of the
26. Jalipudi-Situated at a distance of one mile people are agriculture and agricultural labour.
from Eluru-Sriparru road and 3 miles fromEluru.
The temple of Sri Rama and a church are the
The total population of the village is 2,341 only places of worship in the village.
and it is made up of the following communities:
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Idiga Kunthidevi Panduga is celebrated for 5 days
including Settibalija, M:1l1gali, Chakali, Uppari, from October 15th. It is of ancient origin and
Kapu, etc.; Scheduled Castes (40); Scheduled confined to this village only. The local Scheduled
Trjbes (lS) and Christians. The chief means of Castes people congregate.
livelihood of the people are agriculture, agricultural
labour and other traditional occupations. Sri Rama Kalyanam is celebrated for 9 days
in the Rama temple from Chaitra Suddha Padyami
The temples of Baneswaraswamy with the to Navami (March-April).
Sivalingam and an image of Parvati, Sri Rama,
Anjaneyaswamy and a church are the: places of SOURCE: I. Kumari Thokala Marthamma, Teacher,
worship in the vilIag~. Gudivakala::ka.
 15

2. Kumari N. Sanjeevamma, Teacher, are many ruined mosques here the hamlet of
Gudivakalanka. Vegavaram is called Masidupadu (Masidu-mosque).

The temples of Sri Rama and village deity

28. Chataparru-·Situated at a distance of about Ganganamma, and a church are the places of wor-
4 miles from Eluru. ship in the village.

The total population of the village is 4,107 Ganganamma Jatara is celebrated once in 2
and it is made up of the following communities: or 3 years for a period of 10 days generally in the
Caste Hindus-·Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu, Koppu month of May, whenever epidemics prevail in the
VeiamR, Kamma, Velama, Golla, Settibalija, village. Usually during the Jatara, a devotee gets
Yadava, Viswabrahmin, etc.; Scheduled Castes possessed of the deity and the deity reveals her
(766) -Adi Andhra, etc; Scheduled Tribes (27)- feelings and prophecies through him. Whenever
Yerukula, Lambadi; Muslims and Christians. The certain contagious diseases prevail in the village,
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri- the devotees believe that it is due to the deity
culture, agricultural labour, trade, and other tradi- Ganganamma. They have great faith in this Jatara
tional occupations. and believe that the celebration protects them
from diseases and ailments. He-buffaloes, goats,
The temples of Janardanaswamy, Malleswara- sheep and fowls are sacrificed to the deity on the
swamy, Anjaneya and village deity Ganganamma, last d,.:.y 'of the Jatara in fulfilment of vows. The
:,nJ a church are the places of worship in the Jatara is confined to this village only. The local
\illagc. Hindus congregate. Pujaris are Chakalis.

Ganganamma Jatara is celebrated once in 10 Sri Rama Navami is celebrated in the Rama
or 15 years when animals and rowls are sacrificed. tern pie on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April).
Sweets and fruits are offered to the deity. The
festival is c:'nfined to the village. The local SOURCE: Kummari V. Siromanamma, Assistant
people congregate. Prasadam is distributed to all. Teacher, S.W.B. School, Masidupadu.

Dhanurmasothsavam is celebrated for 30 days

in Janardanaswamy temple in Pushyam (December- 30. Galayagudem -_ Situated on the Eluru-
January). Devotees observe fasting on Mukkoti Jangareddygudcm road at a distance of 5! miles
Ekadasi. from Eluru.

SOURCE: 1. Sri Gutta Pedakutumba Rao, Viliage The total popUlation of the village is 911 and
Mu rzs iff, Chataparru. 1t IS made up of the following communities: Caste
2. Sri Sajja Seshagiri Rao, Headmaster, Hindus-Telaga, etc.; Scheduled Castes (40) and
Sami/hi Elementary School, Chata- Christians .. The chief meam of livelihood of the
parru. people are agriculture and agricultural labour.
3. Sri T. Seetharamaswamy, Teacher,
Chataparru. Sri ·Rama temple and village deity Achamma
4. Sri D. Lakshminarayana Rao, ViJ!age temple and a church are the places of worship in
Level Worker, Chataparru. the villag::.

Achamma Perant~dll ]a tara is celebrated for 3

29. Vegavaram-Situated at <1 distance of 5 miles days from January 29th. Agnigundam thokkuta
from E!uru by road. (walking on fire pit) is performed on the last day.
Fruits and tlowers are offered to the deity and
The total population of the village is 783 and fowls are sacrificed in fulfilment of vows. Devo-
it is made up of the followin~ communities: Caste tees take oil bath and observe fasting and jagarana
Hindus--Brahmin, Kapu, Chakali, Kalali; Sche- during this festival. The festival is being celebra-
duled Castes (31] )-Dombara; Muslims and Chris- ted for the past 5 years and is confined to the
tians. The chief means of livelihood of the people village. The local devotees congregate. Pujari
are agriculture and agricultural labour. As there is ~\ Tc:laga. Harikathas, dramas and bhajans afford
 16

entertainment to the de-votee-s. There is free feeding 32. Gangannagudem, hamlet of Gudigunta-Situa-
on a small scale. ted at a distance of 1 mile from the Eluru-Janga-
reddygudem road at the 6th mile and 2 miles from
SOURCE: Sri K. Suryanarayana, Village Level Dendulur Railway Station.
Worker, Galayagudem·
The population of the village is 2,085 and it
is made up of the following communities: Caste
31. Naguladevunipadu, hamlet of Sanigudem-
Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Sale, etc.; Sche-
Situated on Eluru-Jangareddygudem road at a
duled Castes (281); Scheduled Tribes (43); and
distance of 6 miles from Eluru and 4 miles from
Dendulur Railway Station. Muslims. The chief mea11, of livelihood of the
people are agriculture and agricultural labour.
The population of the village is 771 and it is
made up of the following communities: Caste The temples of Lord Sita Ramaswamy built in
Hindus - Kamma, Kalali including Goundla, 1955 and of village deity Ganganamma are the only
Kummari, Vadde, Jangam, Chakali, Mangali, Upp- places of worship in the village.
ari, etc.; Scheduled Castes (138)-Adi Andhra,
Arundhatiya, Madiga, Mala; and Christians. The Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 5 days from
Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Festival
chief means of livelihood of the people are agricul-
arrangements are made two days in advance. Sita
ture, agricultural labour and other traditional
occupations. Rama kalyanam is celebrated during this period.
The deity is taken out in a procession, when
fruits and flowers are offered.
Sri Rama temple and the temples of village
deities Ganganamma and Pothuraju are the places The festival is being celebrated from the
of worship in the village. Two stone Images of time of construction of the temple and is confined
L0rd Lakshmi Narayanaswamy and Garuda vaha- to this village. The local Hindus congregate.
nam were excavated, in the field of Sri Yeedupu- Pujaris are Vykhanasa Brahmins of Gouthamasa go-
ganti Mallaiah, adjacent to Eluru--Jangareddy-
tram with hereditary rights. Prasadam is distri-
gudem road. The local people and from the buted to all.
neighbouring villages perform pujas at this spot.
Tlle images are placed in a specially erected Ganganamma puja is performed occasionally,
pandal. This area called Gudigunta is at a when animals are sacrificed to the deity.
distance of 7 miles and 3 furlongs from Eluru.
SOURCE: Sri Kondepudi Ramakrishna Rao, Teacher,
Ganganamma and Pothuraju pujas are perfor- Gangannagudem.
med on the last Sunday of every month. The
images are taken out in a procession through the
streets of the village. Cocoanuts are offered to 33. Medinaraopalem - Situated at a distance of
the deities and fowls are sacrificed. Intoxicating 2 miles from Munduru on the Eluru-Jangared-
drinks are used. This festival is confined mostly dygudem road; 5 miles from Dendulur Railway
to the local Goundla community only. Station and 12 miles from Eluru. It is believed
that this village, which was built in 1803, belonged
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for a da.y on to the estate of Zamnidar of Sanivarapupet.
. Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April) in Rama Gunti Narasimha Raju, who worked under the
temple. Sita Rama kalyanam is performed during Zamindar of Sanivarapupet, was given this village
this period. The festival is being celebrated for in appreciation of his bravery. Narasimharaju
the past 4 years and is confined to the village. named this village after the then Zamindar
Some subscriptions are collected from the villa- Medina Rao.
gers to meet the festival expenditure. Prasadam
is distributed to all. The popUlation of the village is 1,434 and· it
i, made up of the following communities: Caste
SOURCE: 1. Sri Ye/la Subbanna, Teacher, Nagula-
Hindus - Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Kapu,
devunipadu.
Kamrna, Golla, Kummari, GOWda, Vadrangi, Sale,
2. Sri Thippabhatla Krishnamurthy, Kar-
Chakali, Mangali; and Scheduled Castes (220)-
nam, Naguladevunipadu.
Adi Andhra, Madiga, Mala. The chief means of
 17

livelihood of the people are agriculture and SOURCE: Sri Prattipati Baleswamy, Panchayat
agricultural labour. President, Muppavaram.

There are two Sri Rama mandirams and the

village deities Ganganamma, Maddiramma and 35. Pangidigudem-Situated at a distance of 4
Mahalakshmamma in the village. miles from Bhimadole Railway Station on Vijaya-
wada-Waltair section of Southern Railway and 17
Village deities Jatara is celebrated for a day miles from Eluru.
every year according to the convenience of the
villagers. A procession of the deities is taken The total population of the village is 2,223
out during this Jatara. Animals and fowls are and it is mad~ up of the following commu-
sacrificed to the deities in fulfilment of vows. nities: Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu,
Devotees observe fasting and Jagarana during the Kamma, G0wda, Muthracha, Viswabrahmin,
festival. The local people congregate. Thepuja- Chakali, Kshatria, Uppari; Scheduled Castes(761)-
ris are Chakalis and Kummaris. Adi Andhra, Arundhatiya; and Scheduled Tribes
(45)-Yenadi. The chief means of livelihood of
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for a day on the people ar.:: agriculture, agricultural labour and
Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Proces- other traditional occupations.
sions and bhajans are arranged during this festival.
Some subscriptions are collected from the villag- There is a temple of Sri Rama in the village.
er~ to meet the expenditure of the festival. Pana-
kam is distributed to all. Kunthi Devi Panduga is celebrated for 10 days
during Dasara i.e., Asviyuja Suddha Padyami to Dasa-
SOURCE: 1. Sri Kuricheti Narasimha Raju, Pre- mi (September-October). It is confint!d to the local
Sident, Medinaraopalem. Adi Andhra community who take part in the
2. Sri Thamaraju Lakshmipathi Rao, Kar- celebrations. Bhajans, koiatams, lectures and
nam, Medinaraopalem. dramas are arranged during this festival.
3. Sri Parankusam Ramanuja Suri, Tea-
cher, Medinaraopalem. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated on Chaitra
Suddha Navami (March-April) in the Rama temple.
Cocoanuts, fruits, panakam and vadapappu are
offered to the deity and later distributed to all
34. Narasimbapuram-Situated at a distance
devotees as prasrJdam.
()f 1-! miles from the 319th milestone on the
National Highway; 2 miles from the Sitampet
Railway Station on Vijayawada-Waltair section of SOURCE: An Enumerator.
the Southern Railway and 12 miles from Eluru.
36. Tbirumabmpalem - Situated at a distance
The population of the village is 462 and it of 2 miles from the 7th milestone on Bhimadole-
is made up of the following communities: Caste Kamavarapukota road; 9 miles from Bhimadole
Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Golla, Chak- Railway Station and 23 miles from Eluru. Since
ali, Mangali; and Scheduled Castes (274)-Adi this village is situated at a distance of 5 miles
Andhra, Arundhatiya. The chief means of liveli- from Dwaraka Tirumala Kshetram, it is called
hood of the people are agriculture and agricul- Thirumalampalem.
tural labour.
The total population of the village is 2,889 and
Village deity Ganganamma temple is the only it is made up of the following communities:
place of worship in the village. Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Kalali,
Viswabrahmin, Mangali, Kummari, Golla, Chakali,
Ganganamma Jatara is celebrated during Uppari, etc.; Scheduled Castes (812)-Adi Andhra,
November or December according to the conveni- Madiga, Mala; and Scheduled Tribes (24)-Yeru-
ence of the villagers. It is being celebrated k. u 1a, et c. T11e chief means of livelihood of the
from ancient times. The local devotees attend people are agriculture, agricultural labour and
the Jatara. other traditional occupations.
 18

The temples of Sri Adimalleswaraswamy Vijayawada-Waltair section and 24 miles from

with the Sivalingam and Subrahmanyaswamy with Eluru· Formerly this village was full of forest.
the stone image of the deity in the form of a Once Dwaraka Maharshi, a great saint performed
serpent are the places of worship in the village. penance facing north for the dar shan of Lord
Venkateswara· Lord Venkateswara who was at
It is said that about 9 years ago Sri Subrahm- that time strolling along with Malleswaraswamy
anyaswamy appeared before Patnapu Satyanara- in that area, appeared before Dwaraka. As per
yana, a local vadrangi in a dream and comma- the wish of the rishi Lord Venkateswara placed
nded him to instal an image of the deity. Accor- his feet over Dwaraka· Thus the place acquired
dingly an image of Subrahmanyaswamy was instal- the name Dwaraka Thirumala, as distinguished
led and worshipped. from the original Tirumala of Lord Venkateswara.
Lord MaUeswara who waited for a while for Ven-
Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for 7 kateswara, finally settled on the hills, and is
days from Margasira Suddha Shashti (November- now called Konda Malleswara·
December). Cocoanuts, bananas, fruits, flowers
and silver hoods are offered to the deity in fulfil- The total population of the village is 1,734
ment of vows. This festival is being celebrated and it is made up of the following communities:
for the past 10 years and is of local significance. Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Golla, Idiga,
Viswabrahmins patronize the festival. About Chakafi, Mangali, Kapu, Yadava, Satani etc;
2,000 Hindus, local and from the neighbouring Scheduled Castes (221); and Scheduled Tribes (50).
villages, congregate. Pujari is a Viswabrahmin. The chief means of livelihood of the people are
Teertham and prasadam are distributed to all. agriculture, agricultural labour and other tradi-
tional occupations. Several local people are eng-
A fair is held in connection with the festival aged in selling sundry articles to pilgrims.
for 7 days. Eatables, foodstuffs, lanterns,
mirrors. combs. pictures, photos, etc., are sold. Lord Venkateswaraswamy temple situated at
Dramas,Harikathas and burrakathas afford entertain- a height of 120 feet is the main temple of the
ment to the visitors. place. A portion of the temple is carved out of
the hill. There is a flight of steps leading to the
temple from below· The main entrance has a fine
Abhlshekam on every Monday in Kartikam gopuram of five storeys. Situated wi thin the
(October-November) and lwalathoranatn on Purn- precincts of the temple are four mantapams, small
ima are performed in Adimalleswaraswamy tem- temples for the twelve Alwars, Yagasala, Kulyalla
ple. Abhishekam is performed daily during Dhanur- Mantapam, Vilasa Mantapam, Dh'lnurmasa Manta-
masam and the deity is taken out in a procession pam, Vijayadasami Mantapam and New Year's
on Sankranti day. Kalyanam is celebrated on Day Mantapam· The original idol with invisible
Sivaratri i.e., Magha Bahula Chaturdasi (January- feet is installed in the front while the newly esta-
February). Pujari is a Saiva Brahmin and the blished image is behind in a standing posture
chief patron is Sri Krittiventi Pera Raju. with four hands, namely, sankhu, chakra, abhaya
and varada haslas·
SOURCE: 1. Sri Bhogaraju Gangadhara Rao, Kar-
nam, Thirumalampalern. The popular legend is that there was a very
2. Sri D. Chalapati Rao, Headmaster, pious and virtuous Brahmin couple in Dwaraka
Panchayat Samithi School, Thirumal- Thirumala. They went on pilgrimage to sacred
ampalem. places such as Kasi (Banaras), Gaya, Madura, Brin-
3. Sri P. Sila Rama Raju, Headmas- davan, Dwaraka, Ujjain, Onkaram, Nasik, Jagann-
ter, Panchayat Samilhi Elementary ath, Kotipa11i, AnthaTvedi, Ahobilam, Srisailam,
School, Thirumalampalem. Sreerangam, Vaidyanatham, Pakshitheertham,
II· Sri G· H· Subrahmanyeswarudu, Vill- Kanchi and Kalahasti and bathed in the sacred riv-
age Level Worker, Thirumalampalem. ers Phalguni, Ganga, Yamuna, Saraswathi, Goda-
vari, Krishnaveni, Pinakini, Tungabhadra, Veg'l-
vathi, Kaveri, Kshipra and Narmada· When they
37. Dwaraka Thirumala- Situated at a distance returned to their native village a rishi visited their
-of 12 miles from Bhlmadole Railway Station on house and pre:lched about the greatness of Sesha-
 19

chalavasa Sri Venkatesa and Alivelumangathayara- the original image. He did accordingly, and
mma. The couple, therefore started on a pilgrimage at present the installed image is behind the orgi-
to Seshachala Tirupati and while passing through a nal self-manifested image.
thick forest during midday the Brahmin felt very
thirsty. His wife fearing that he might die of thirst Besides the image of Alivelu Mangathaya-
began to cry· Lord Venkatesa appeared before ramma the stone image of Bibi Nancharamma is
them in human form and offered them water· The housed in a small temple in the Mukha Manta-
couple, who were so much advanced &piritually, pam. The legend is that Aurangazeb, the Moghul
immediately recognised their benefactor as Lord Emperor demolished a number of Hindu temples
Sri Venkateswara and the Brahmin began recitjng and took some images to Delhi. His daughter
slokas spontaneously in praise of the Lord, who was very much fascinated by the idol of the Lord
revealed Himself to the devotees and asked them at Yedugiri (Mysore State) and kept it with her
to return home and worship him· He also revea- in her palace. The Lord used to appear before
led to them that his image would be found buried her during nights and gradually she fell in love
under the foot of a tree on which his vahanam with Him. When Sri Ramanujacharya wanted to
Vainatheya (Garuda, the sacred kite) would perch. restore the temple at Yedugiri to its original
~tate the Lord appeared before him in a dream
and told him that the utsava vigraham was with
On returning home the couple revealed to the princess at Delhi. Ramanujacharya could not
the villagers the grace of the Lord and accompa- trace the vigraham at Delhi, and so he began
nied by them they searched the nearby hill for to pray to the Lord. A twelve-years old boy
Vainatheya, but could not succeed· The villagers came and sat on his lap and at once turned into a
who got tired disbelieved the Brahmin, and char- stone image, which was later taken to Yedugiri.
ged him as an impostor. The Brahmin prayed to Aurangazeb's daughter could not bear the absence
the Lord to save him when suddenly Vainatheya of the Lord. The Lord, therefore, directed Ram-
appeared on a tree· After performing the usual auujacharya to get her there and celebrate their
puja, the Brahmin dug at the foot of the tree on marriage. After she was brought she also turned
which Vainatheya was perched and found the into a stone image. Th: images were got married
stone image of the Lord· The digging continued and from that time onwards she is being wors-
but there was no sight of the feet of the image. hipp~d as Bibj Nancharamma in several Venkate-
The Lord appeared bdore him and advised him swara templ.::s and at Dwaraka Thirumala also·
to give up the vain attempt to search for His
feet, as His feet were granted for worship to The temple of Kanda Mallikarjunaswamy
Vairochana· The image thus found was installed and Bhramaramba is located on the top of the
there according to the Vedic rituals. As a result hill. The Lord is in the form of a Sivalingam
of the prayer of this great devotee Sri Mallikar- with the stone Nandi in front. The other temples
juna, the Lord of Srisailam also settled there with of the place are those of Anjaneyaswamy, Subrah-
Parvati. Thus temples were raised for Hari and manyaswamy, Sri Rama, Ganganamma, Veerabha-
Hara· This place is called the second Tirupati draswamy and Haranath Baba.
or Diguva Tirupati and is considered as sacred as
Eguva
. Tirupati. While in fourteen years' exile , Two kalyanams, one on the day of His origi-
1ll Threthayuga, it is said that Sri Ramachandra nal establishment on the hill and the second on
of Ayodhya worshipped the Lord at Dwaraka the day of installation of the full-shaped image
Thirumala. In the next Dwaparayuga, the Panda- are celebr[;"ted annua1Jy for Lord Venkateswara.
vas also worshipped the Lord during their exile. It The first kalyanam is celebrated for 8 days from
was recorded that Sri Krishnadevaraya of VijJ.ya- Vaisakha Suddha Dasami (April-May). On the
nagaram and Andhra Kings Vikramaditya and first day the marriage ceremony is performed
Rajarajanarendra had also visited this sacred after decorating the idols as bridegroom and
shrine. The Lord appeared before Dharma bride. Ankurarpanam and dhwajarohanam take
Apparayanam Maharaj in his dream and revealed place on the second day. The deity is taken out
to him that his devotees are deprived of Hi~ feet in :l procession during the night. Gajavahanam
for worship and ordered him to g=t his full sized and silv~r seshavahanam processions take place on
~tone image form Tirup:lti along with the ston~ the 3rd and 4th days. Kalyanamahothsavam is
Image of MangathaYHamma and jnst::!l them ne:u cO!lebr:tted on the fifth day with silver Garuda
 20

procession. Car festival on the sixth day, chakra- each upanayanam. About 2 lakhs of rupees is
varl on the seventh day and dhwajavarohanam spent for celebrating functions, performing daily
on the last day are the other rituals. The second pujas; salaries of the establishment; conduct of
kalyanothsavam is celebrated from Asviyuja Suddha annual festivals, electricity and maintenance of
Dasami (September--October) for 9 days with the an Oriental Secondary School. The temple has
same details. gold jewels worth Rs.31,OOO and silver jewel
worth Rs. 30,000. About four or five thousand local
The following is the dhyana sloka adopted Hindus and from the neighbouring districts cong-
at the temple: regate during the kalyanothsavams. There is a
regular stream of visitors every day. Pujaris
have hereditary rights of worship and 50% share
in the dibbi and karpura harathi collections· They
Akhila chidachideesaha, Sreenivaasodayaaluhu
are Vaishnavas of Gowthamasa, Athreyasa, Kasya-
pasa and Bhargavasa gotrams. The midday
Nigamasikharagamyaa nithyamavyaaja bandhuhu offering of pulihora is distributed as prasIJdam
to all.
;:;5S;5lS~:s,e)~/'I. l~;5~~SlfO'N'O
Swapadakamalayugma praapakaswaasrithanaam A fair is held in connection with the kalayno-
thsavams for a week in an area of about half-an-
acre. Some taxes are collected by the Panchayat
Vilasathu mamachiththe Venkateso Mukundaha
Board. Sweets, various kinds of toys, pictures
of Lord Venkateswara and Alivelu Mangathaya-
Offerings are made in cash and kind in the
ramma are sold. Dramas, Harikathas afford enter-
form of gold and silver jewellery. Cocoanuts and
tainment to the visitors.
fruits are also offered by the devotees. Hair is
generally offered to the Lord by the devotees as
A tank by name Narasimhasaguam is the
at Tirumalai.
source of supply of water for the temple and the
pilgrims; and the temple maintains a double bul-
This is a 300 year old festival of wide impor-
lock cart to supply water for the congregation.
tance. To many devotees this place is as sacred
There are two choultries and O.40P. is collected
as Tirumalai and it is believed that the Lord of
for each room per day towards the current char-
Tirumalai established here not only on account of
ges and minor maintenance charges.
Dwaraka, but also at the request of Lord Brahma
and the Devatas, so that he might be near enough
Adhyayanothsavam is celebrated for 11 days
to all those devotees that desire to worship him.
from Margasira Suddha Ekadasi to Bahula Shashti
(November-December), and Dhanurmasa Uths-
The management of the temple later vested
avam from Margasira Suddha Ashtami to Pushya
in the Zaminoars of Mylavaram Estate, who con-
Suddha Dasami (November-January). The Lord
tinue to be the hereditary trustees. The Hindu
is taken out in a procession daily. After the
Religious and Charitable Endowments Board has
procession in palanquin, the Lord is worshipped
administrative control over it and at present an
in Ekadasi Mantapam, Amavasya and Purnima
Executive officer is in charge of it since 1956.
Mantapams, Sanivarapu Mantapam on the respec-
tive days and Ammavaru in the Sukravarapu
The main sources of income are dibbi collec-
Mantapam on Fridays. Kumkum puja is perfor-
tions, kesakhandana (tonsuring), karpura harathi,
med to Ammavaru on that day.
marriages, upanayanams, bhogams, pujas, etc. The
temple has only 2 acres of endowed land. The
present annual income is over 2 lakhs of rupees. Kalyanothsavam is celebrated ill Malleswara-
Archakas (7 main shareholders) get t share fronl swamy temple for 5 days from MaglIa Bahula Trio-
the dibbi collections, karpura harathi collection, dasi (January-February). Special pujas are perfor-
and puja collections. The hereditary Karnam med on ::tvlondays in Kartikam (October-November).
gets 1!16th from the dibbi share of the temple.
The barbers get 50% of the kesa khandana collec- SOURCE: 1. Sri Tagi Narsimha Rao, Executive
tions, Rs. 2 for each marriage and 37 paise for Officer, Dwaraka Thirumala.
 21

2. Sri Bhogaraju Venkata Apparao, Kar~ palaharam are distributed to all.

nam, Dwaraka Thirumala.
3. Sri Serzapathi Venkata Krishnamurthy, SOURCE: 1. Sri S. Abdul Rasool, Teacher, Dora-
Panchayat President, Dwaraka Thiru- sanipadu.
mala. 2. Sri K. Ayyanur, Teacher, Dorasanipadu.
4. Sri N emalipuri Rajarao, Village Leve
Worker, Dwaraka Thirumala.
5. Andhra Prabha Weekly dated 20-3-63· 39. Cbinapothepalle-Situated at a distance of
6. Article by Sr; Palakodeti Ramalinges- about 12 miles from the Chebrole Railway Station
wararao in Andhra Prabha daily dated on Vijayawada-Waltair section and 29 miles from
24-4-60 on Dwaraka Thirumalakshet- Eluru.
ram supplemented by the Research Ass-
istant for Fairs and Festivals. The total population of the village is 578 and
it is made up of the following communities: Caste
Hindus--Kapu, Velama, Golia, Chakali, Mangali,
Settibalija, Yadava, Kuruva, etc.; Scheduled Cas-
38. Dorasanipadu -·Situated at a distance of l mile
tes (289) and Scheduled Tribes (4) -Yerukula.
from Eluru-Kamavarapukota road, 10 miles from
The chief means of livelihood of the people are
the Bhimadole Railway Station, and 25 miles from
agriculture, agricultural labour and other tradi-
Eluru. It is said that about 150 years ago one
tional occupations.
Tahsildar purchased Dorasanipadu and some
other neighbouring villages from the local Zamin-
dar and gave them as dowry to his daughter in Sri Rama temple and village deity Ganga-
her marriage. She ruled over this village under lamma housed in a hut are the places of worship
111 the village.
the name Dorasanipad u.

The population of the village is 1,482 and it Gangalamma Jatara is celebrated for a day
is made up of the following communities: Caste during August. Fruits and flowers are offered to
Hindus-Vaisya, Kamma, Golla, Viswabrahmin, the deity. This Jatara is being celebrated since
K~laJi, Sale, Chakali, Mangali, Uppari, etc.; Sche-
the village came into existence. The local devo-
duled Castes (316)-Madiga, Mala; Muslims and tees congregate. The chief patrons are Velamas.
Christians. The chief means of livelihood of the
people are agriculture and agricultural labour. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for a day on
Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April) in Sri Rama
Sri Rama temple and Venkateswaraswamy temple. Cocoanuts, fruits etc.. are offered to
temple are the places of worship in the village. the deity.
There are also the village deity Ganganamma, and
a church in the village. SOURCE: Sri K. Venkateswarlu, Village Level
Worker, Rallagunta.
Ganganamma Jatara is celebrated for 15 days
whenever epidemics break out in the village.
Cocoanuts and bananas are offered, and goats and 40. Kodigudem-Situated at a distance of 29 miles
fowls are sacrificed to the deity in fulfilment of from Eluru.
vows. The Jatara is being celebrated for the past
150 years and is of local significance. The Hin- The populatbn of the village is 1,181 and it
dus, ~ocal and from the neighbouring villages, take is made up of the following communities: Caste
part ln the Jatara. Hindus-Vaisya, Kapu, Golla, etc.; and Scheduled
Castes (618). The chief means of livelihood of
Venkateswaraswamy Uthsavam is celebrated the people are agriculture, agricultural labour,
fOT a day in Pushyam (December-January). Arran- sheep rearing and other traditional occupations.
gements for the Uthsavam are made 2 days in ad ... -
an~e. The Hindu devotees, local and from the Village deity Gangalamma housed in a that-
nelghb' .
Ourmg Villages, congregate. Prasadam and ched hut is the only place of worship in the village.
 22

Gangalamma Jatara is celebrated for a day Ganganamma Jatara is celebrated for a day
during August. Animals are sacrificed to the either in Chaitram (March-April) or in Vaisakham
deity. The local Hindus congregate. (April-May), according to the convenience of the
villagers. Arrangements for the Jatara are made
SOURCE: Sri K. Venkateswarlu, Village Level Wor- 2 or 3 days in advance. Fowls, goats, pigs and
ker, Rallakunta. sheep are sacrificed to the deity· The Jatara is
being celebrated for the past 50 years and is of
local significance. Padmanayaka Velamas patro-
41. Kothapalle-Situated at a distance of 15 miles nise the Jatara. The Hindus, local and from the
from the Chebrole Railway Station on Vijayawada- nearby villages, congregate. Prasadam is distri-
Waltair section of the Southern Railway. buted to all.

The population of the village is 1,310 and It Kommara village was bifurcated into two-
is made up of the following communities: Caste namely Kommara North and Kommara South.
Hindus -Kapu, Kamma, etc.; and Scheduled Kommara South is bigger than Kommara North.
Castes (637). The chief means of livelihood of the The people of both the villages take part in the
people are agriculture and agricultural labour. festivals. It is said that Kommara when it was a
big village was ruled by the Zamindars. Every
The image of the village deity Gangalamma day there was a bheri or drum beating. There
is worshipped in the village. There is no temple are still ruins of buildings in this village. In the
as such for the deity. name of the bheri there was a tamarind tree called
Bherichintha.
Gangalamma Jatara is celebrated for a day
during August, according to the convenience of the SOURCE: I. Sri M okkapati Sree Rama Sastri, Kar-
villagers. Animals are sacrificed to the deity. nam, Kommara North.
The Hindu devotees, local and from the nearby 2. Sri Tandra Lakshmana Rao, Panchayal
villages, participate in the Jatara. President, Rallakunta.

A fair is held in connection with the festival.

43. Kommara South_ Situated at a distance of
Some taXes are collected from the shop owners.
12 miles from the Chebrole Railway Station on
A few shops with eatables, clothes, earthen toys,
Vijayawada-Waltair line and 25 miles from Elum.
foodstuffs, agricultural implements, etc., are sold
at the fair. The population of the village is 362 and it is
made up of the following communities: Caste
SOURCE: An Enumerator. Hindus--Kapu, Velama, Kummari, etc.; and
Scheduled Castes (237). The chief means of
livelihood of the people are ttgriculture, agricul-
42. Kommara North-Situated at a distance of tural labour and other traditional occupations.
about 2 miles from Dwaraka Thirumala, 13 miles
from Bhirnadole Railway Station and 27 miles The Lnage of village deity Gangalamma
from Elum. (also called Ganganamma) housed in a hut is wor-
shipped in the village.
The population of the village is 254 and it
is made up of the following communities: Caste Gangalamma Jatara is celebrated for a day
Hindus-Kapu, Velama, Padmanayaka,' Chakali; during August according to the convenience of
and Scheduled Castes (160)-Adi Andhra, Arun- the villagers. During this Jatara animals are
dhatiya. The chief means of livelihood of the sacrificed to the deity. Local Hindus congregate.
people are agriculture and agricultural labour·
SOURCE: Sri K. Venkateswarlu, Village Level Wor-
Sri Rama temple, Subrahmanyeswaraswamy ker, Rallakunta.
mantapam and village deity Ganganamma housed
in a small hut are the places of worship in the
village. 44. Rallakunta- S'tu,cied at a distance of 12
 23

miles from Bhimadole Railway Station on Vijaya- times. Local Hindus congregate. Prasadam is
wada-Waltair section and 25 miles from Eluru. distributed to all. There is poor feeding on a
small scale.
The population of the village is 377 and it is
made up of the following communities: Caste G:lnganamma Jatara is celebrated for 2 days,
Hindus-Kapu, Ve1ama, Kamma, Golla, Muthr- whenever epidemics prevail in the Village. This is
acha, Chakali and Mangali. The chief means of being celebrated for the past 150 years and is
livelihood of the people are agriculture, agricul- confined to the Village. Gollas and Velamas
tural labour and other traditional occup:ttions. patronize the festival. The Hindus of the village
congrcg:lte. Pujari is a Chakali with hereditary
The image of village deity Gangalamma ins- rights. Goats, fowls, sheep and he-buffaloes are
talled in a hut is the on)y place of worship in the sacrificed to the dei ty.
village.
Devotees observe fasting during Vaikunta
Gangalamma Jatara is celebrated for a day
Ekadasi and Sankranti days.
during August, according to
the convenience of
the villagers. Animals are sacrificed to the deity SOURCE: 1. Sri. Sathuluri Venkata Subhadrachar-
during the Jatara. The Hindus of the village yulu, Karnam, Jajulakunta.
congregate. Chief patrons are Ve1amas.
2. Sri Joseph, Teacher, Jajulakunta.
SOURCE: Sr; K. Venkateswarlu, Vii/age Level Wor-
ker 1 Rallakunta. 46. Kaikaram - A Railway Station on the
Vijayawada-Waltair section of the Southern Rail-
way and 19 miles from Dwal'aka Thirumala.
45. Jajulakunta - Situated at a distance of About a century ago Dharmarayana Apparao, the
about 2 miles from Ghantavarigudem on the then Zami.ndar of Nuzvid had installed 1,001
Grand Trunk Road, and about 8 miles from the Sivalingams and the Sivalingam of Ramalinge-
Bhimadole and Chebrole Railway St3.tions on swaraswamy in this village is said to be one of
Vijayawada-Waltair section and 22! miles from them. From that time onwards the village was
Eluru. According to the ancient records, this called Kaikaram, as it was dedicated to that deity
village was gifted to Padmanayaka Velamas in A.D. (i.n Telugu kainkaryam means dedication). Dwar-
1711 in appreciation of their military service. ~ka Thirumala with its famous temple of Sri Ven-
kateswaraswamy is at a distance of 19 miles from
The popUlation of the village is 547 and it is this village. The famous Kolleru lake is at a
made up of the following communities: Caste distance of 6 miles from here. During the
Hindus-Vaisya, Golla, Velama, Viswabrahmin, rainy season the villagers go on for duck and goose
Chakali, Padmanayaka, Yadava; Scheduled Castes hunting. Kaikaram is very famous for its hand
(174)-Madiga, Mala; and Christians. The chief sticks which is an important cottage industry in
means of livelihood of the people are agriculture the village.
and agricultural labour.
The total popUlation of the village is 6,244
~ri Rama temple and the village deity G:mga- and it is made up of several sub~communities
namma hut are the places of worship in the of Caste Hindus; Scheduled Castes (528); Schedu-
Village. Jed Tribes (50) and Christians. The chief means
of livelihood of the people are agriculture, agri-
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for J days cultural labour and other traditional occupations.
fro~ Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-:-April).
DUrIng this period Sri Rama Kalyanam is perfor- The temples of Sri Valli Subrahmanyaswamy,
med. Bhajans and Harikathas are arranged. Fruits, Sri Rama, Sri Ramalingeswara, Venugopalaswamy
flowers and panakam are offered to the deity. and village deity Kambalamma and some churches
Community
• •
feasts are arranued
Q
from out of sub- are the places of worship in the village.
sCnptlOns collected from the villagers.
Sri Valli Subrahmanyaswamy Mahothsavam
The festival is being celebrated from ancient is celebrated for 5 days from Margasira Suddha
 24

Shashti (November-December). The devotees swamy Kalyanam are also celebrated in the village.
offer fruits and flowers to the deity in fulfilment
of their vows. After taking bath, they observe SOURCE: Sri T. Mallikarjuna Rao, Executive Officer,
fasting. The festival is being celebrated for the Pulla.
past 24 years and is of local significance. The
Hindu devotees, local and from the neighbouring
villages, congregate without any distinction of 48. Polasanipalle-Situated at a distance of It
caste or creed. miles from Bhimadole Railway Station and 13
miles from Eluru.
A fair is held in connection with the festival
for 5 days. Eatables, utensils, photos, pictures, The popUlation of the village is 1,258 and it
toys etc., are sold at the fair. is made up of the following communities: Caste
Hindus-Brahmin, Kshatria, etc.; Scheduled Cas-
Sri Venugopalaswamy Theertham is celebr- tes (306)-Madiga, Mala; and Scheduled Tribes
ated for a day in Magham (January-February). It is (2). The chief means of livelihood of the people
being celebrated for the past 40 years and is of are agriculture and agricultural labour.
local significance. The Hindu devotees, local and
The temples of Lord Ramalingeswaraswamy,
from the neighbouring vIllages take part in the
Sri Rama and village deity Ganganamma are the
festival. Pujar; is a Srivaishnava.
places of worship in the village.
Kambalamma Jatara is celebrated whenever Sri Ramalingeswaraswamy festival -is celeb-
. epidemics break out in the village. Cocoanuts rated for a day each on Sankranti (January 14th),
and fruits are offered to the deity. The devotees Vijaya Dasami (September-October) and on Kar-
sacrifice goats, fowls and sheep in fulfilment of tika Purnima (October-November) days. The
their vows. Kapus patronize the festival. The deity is taken out in a procession on these occa-
local people congregate. Pujari is a Chakali. sions. The devotees observe fasting and jagarana
on the days of the festivals.
SOURCB : 1. Sri Ch.Raghavendra Rao, Village Level
Worker, Kaikaram. The festival is confined· to this village.
2. Sri A. Appalaswamy, Teacher, Samithi Local Hindus congregate. Pujari and patron is
Elementary School, Kaikaram. a Brahmin of Kasyapasa gotram.
3. Srj Shaik Abdul Kareem, Executive offi-
cer ,Kaikaram. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for a day on
Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Bhajans are
arranged during this period. Panakam is distri-
47. Pulla-A Railway Station on the Vijayawada_ buted.
Waltair section of the Southern Railway.
Goats, fowls, he-buffaloes and sheep are
The total population of the village is 8,708 sacrificed to the deity, Gangana mma occasionally.
and it is made up of several sub-communities of
caste Hindus; Scheduled Castes (823); and Sche- SOURCE: 1. Sri Penumaka Ramulu, Headmaster,
duled Tribes (31). The chief means of livelihood Special Elementary School, Polasani-
of the people are agriculture, agricultural labour palle.
and other traditional occupations. 2. Sri Kaveti Krishna Murthy, Teacher,
Special Elementary School, Polasani-
The temples of Anjaneyaswamy, Rama, Siva pal/e.
and Vigneswaraswamy are the places of worship
in the village.
49. Kothagudem~ A Railway Station on Vijaya-
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for a day on wada-Waltair section of Southern Railway and
Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Sita Rama situated at a distance of 10 miles from Eluru.
Kalyanam is celebrated during this period. The
local Hindus congregate. The population of the village is 1,952 and it
is made up of the following communities: Caste
Siva Kalyanam on Sivaratri and Sri Gopala- Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Turpu Kapu, Karnma,
 25

Vadde, Kamsali, Kalali, Padmasale, langam, SOURCE: 1. Sri M. Sita Mohan Rao, S.E.O., Pan-
Chegidi, Kuruma, Chakali, Mangali, Uppari; Sche- chayat Sarnithi Block, Dendulur.
duled Castes (203)-Madiga, Mala; Scheduled 2. Sri G. Subba Rao, Executive Officer,
Tribes (26)-Yerukula; Muslims and Christians. Panchayat Sarnithi, .Dendulur.
The chief means of livelihood of the people are
agriculture, agricultural labour and other tradi-
tional occupations. 51. Gundugolanu -- Situated on the G. N. T.
road at a distance of 8 miles from Eluru and it
The village deity Mahalakshmamma is worshi-
miles from Sitampet Railway Station on Vijaya-
pped in the village.
wada-Waltair section of the Southern Railway.
Mahalakshmamma Jatara is celebrated for 7
The total population of the village is 6,242
days in Magham (January-February), once in 10
and it is made up of the following communities:
years. Some devotees observe fasting during the
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Telaga,
festival period The festival is confined to this
Velama, Koppu Velama, Sale, Kapu, etc; Scheduled
village only. The local Hindus congregate. Prasadam
Castes (308)-Adi Andhra; Scheduled Tribes (96);
is distributed to all.
Muslims and Christians. The chief means of
SOURCE: Sri Ch. Lakshmaiah, Teacher, Samirhi livelihood of the people are agriculture, agri-
Junior Basic School, Kothagudem. cultural labour and factory labour.

The temples of Sri Rama, Siva, Venkateswara-

50. Dendulur-Situated at a distance of -lmile swamy, Anjaneyaswamy, Vinayaka and of village
from the G. N. T. road, and 2 miles from deities Ganganamma and Pothuraju and churches
Dendulur Railway Station on Vijayawada-Waltair are the places of worship in the village.
section of the Southern Railway. Formerly, it
was called Dwandalur; and was ruled by the Varala Panduga or Ammavari Sambaram is
Reddy Kings. Some stone inscriptions and images celebrated for 2 days from the first Sunday after
belonging to the Vengi period were excavated in Bhadrapada Suddha Chavithi (August-September).
this village. The picture of the deity Mahishasuramardhini is
taken out in a procession and aradhana is p~rfor­
The total population of the village is 6,933 med. On Monday, the devotees offer naivedyam
and it is made up of the following communities: to the deity at their houses. Cocoanuts, fruits,
Caste Hindus--Brahmin, Kapu, Yadava, Kamma, and kurnkum are offered to the deity. The devo-
Chegidi, Golla, Koppu Velama, Chakali, Mangaii, tees sacrifice fowls and sheep in fulfilment of their
Uppari, etc.; Scheduled Castes (716); Scheduled vows. They take oil bath and don new attire. It
Tribes (56); and Christians. The chief means of is being celebrated for the past 20 years and is
livelihood of the people are agriculture, agricul- confined to the village. The chief patrons are
tural labour and other traditional occupations. Kapus, Velamas, and Koppu Velamaj. The local
Hindus congregate.
There are 4 temples of Sri Rama and 2 chur-
ches in the village. A mantapam was constructed at the place
were Satchithananda Saraswathi Yatheendra died
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 5 to 6 and a Sivalingam was installed in it. On Swamy's
days from Chaitra Suddha Tadiya (March-April). birthday abhishekam and aradhana are performed
~rrangements for this festival are made two days and also during Sivaratri to the Lingam. The
1ll advance. Some devotees celebrate Sita Rama Swamiji who was head of Sankara Pitam preached
Kalyanam. This festival is being celebrated from about Advaitham. The disciples of Sankarac-
ancient times and is confined to this Village. The harya deliver lectures on Advaitham and on the
te~nple has some Inam lands. Pujaris are Brah- life of Sachithananda Saraswathi.
:n ms . The local Hindus congregate. Prasadam
Nithya deepa, dhupa and naivedyams are perfor-
IS distributed to all. Dramas, Harikathas bhajans
and musical concerts afford entertainment to the med in Siva, Venkateswara, Anjaneya and Sri
visitors. There is free feeding on a small scale. Rama temples.
 26

Sri Rama Navami is performed on Chaitra SOURCE: Sri Ghamasala Balaramaiah, Panch-
Suddha Navami (March-April) in Rama temple. ayat President, Agadallanka.

SOURCE: Sri K. Suri Sastri, Executive Officer,

Gundugolanu. 53. Paidichintapadu-Situated at a distance of
about 6 miles from Pallevada Railway Station on
Gudivada-Bhimavaram Section, and 14 miles
52. Agadallaoka - Situated at a distance of 10 from Eluru.
miles from Bhimadole Railway Station of which
The popUlation of the village is 893 and it is
4 miles is by road and 6 miles by foot.
made up of the following communities: Caste
The total population of the village is 3,108 Hindus-Kshatria, Kapu, Vadde; Scheduled Cas-
and it is made up of the following communities: tes (138)-Adi Andhra, Panchama; Scheduled
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Tribes (9); and Christians. The chief means of
Kamma, Vadde, etc; Scheduled Castes (312); and livelihood of the people are agriculture, agricul-
Christians. The chief means of livelihood of the tural labour and fishing.
people are agriculture, agricultural labour, fishing
Sri Rama temple, village deities Gangana-
and other traditional occupations.
mma and Kunthidevi temples and a church are
The temples of Sri Rama and Poleramma are the places of worship in the village.
the places of worship in the village. Village
Kunthidevi Panduga is celebrated for 5 days
deities Mahalakshmamma and Maddiravamma are
from Asviyuja Suddha Dasami (September-October) .
also worshipped.
It is being celebrated from ancient times and is
Mahalakshmamma and Maddiravamma Sam- confined mostly to the Adi Andhra community.
baram is celebrated for 5 days once in a year. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 9 days
Fruits, flowers and cocoanuts are offered and from Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). It is
fowls are sacrificed to the deities in fulfilment of of ancient origin and confined to the village. The
vows. The festival is being celebrated for the local Hindus congregate. There is a free feeding
past 15 years and is confined to the village. The on a small scale.
Hindu devotees of the village congregate. It is
mainly confined to the Vadde community. Pujari Ganganamma Jatara is celebrated for a day
is a Vadde of Kasi gotram with hereditary rights. during November. Cocoanuts, panakam and chaU-
midi are offered to the deity.
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 5 days
from Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Pra- SOURCE: 1. Sri Bantumilli Veeraswamy, Teacher,
sadam is distributed to all and there is free fee- Paidichintapadu.
ding on a small scale. Nitya naivedyam is offered to 2. Sri Pericherla Satyanarayana, Village
Sri Rama. MunsiJ!, Paidichintapadu.
CHINTALAPUDI TALUK
 F AIRS AND FESTIV ALS

CHI NT ALAPUDI TALUK

WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT, A. P.
" MILES

KOTHAGUDEM TALUK
KHAMMAM DISTRICT '.

MADHIRA POLAVARAM
TALUK TALUK

0,0(-
~\)~1,.>0
... ,t-'t--"'v
".~
,0 KOVVUR
TALUK

TIRUVUR
TALUK
KRISHNA DISTRICT

NUZVID
KRiSHNA DISTRICT TALUK
INDEX
SJ(,,)JEUNCMJtAGUOfM DHMMALING£SW.NU.S w AhtT
(J,r·HO'I
CODE PotUMf,f.R NAMf. OF DErry AND
AND NAME. Of vra..-c£ fER/DO OF FAJI(, oa fES11lfAt (9) SS ~IUUI'OT"UloJ.lf GANGANIMA
M.AA·UA

.,,,M1hIA AVe· Sf.,

lO(aJSlYA'UftAM ANK ....MMA,
Of.,.~ 0 60 ,ItAGAO.AvAlt,AM
TAWI( IMJvl'WO~y
21 CMIM"AL ....fUOI (J\i.IKAD£VI
sU·ocr G 64 UItUCUOL/fl I'OJ.!'MIMA
J~fJAAr
= 3'AT~ HICHWAYS

t;ANO;AN~A
liJ1..1·A!J(; ® 76 IINfiAlI\WtI lAAMIMi\
1f,A..fI\M. OTHER ROADS

~AN.AKAOWtGAMJM. @ 8. IttUOI(Hf.Rt.~ SIU ","".\ Ii TAWI( H~T£It.

MIJ(·~A MM·»"
~fT}. AND itAIM A££"RArM
CD VI&..LAG£ WITH am'AL NO.

/ftAI.." .. AlA·~f -...c-

~ RtvU
)UKHMAMA
AJ'ltlt 0 87 IAOARAt..( sltr AAMA
,.AA-NA.
:~'~;~:':;~~f' HIu..S

"'N/~f'rA.S""'AMr
~~ MAT
(0 'S J(AMAYA.RA'U~OTA rfERA8HADJtASWAMr
1/1h·llb

98 rAC;IKi&t.APUOI GANGE5WAAASwAMr
J)H·/U

fII.rftI IIC lhe Offic.e o( dle S... ~I'IH.ndttJf .( C~'IIVI a".,olionf.

1'<~4h'll P'CI(/fll'l, ,.."d~rolXld

 Section II
CHI NT A LAP U D I TAL U K

~ivapuram, hamlet of Endapalle - Situated at a Asramam is celebrated for 10 days during Dasara
cfC'distance of about 38 miles from Eluru Rail- from Asviyuja Suddha Padyami to Dasami (Septem-
way Station. ber-O ctober). The festival is being celebrated
for the past 10 years and is confined to the village.
The total population of the village is 3,018 Festival arrangements are made 10 days in adva-
and it is made up of several sub-communities of nce. People of all communities worship the
Caste; Hindus; and Scheduled Castes (613). The deity. Prasadam is distributed to the people of
chief means of livelihood of the people are agricul- all castes and there is free feeding also. Offerings
ture, agricultural labour and other traditional are made in the form of cash and kind e.g.,
occupations. cocoanuts, etc.

Ankamma festival is celebrated for 4 days in Anjaneyaswamy festival is being celebrated

Pushyam (December-January). About 1,000 Hin- 'every year for the past 50 years and is confined
du devotees, local and from the neighbouring to the village only. The patrons are Brahmins.
villages, congregate without any distinction of Fruits and flJwers are offered to the deity.
cas te 0 r creed.
For the village deities Gangamma, Maddira-
SOURCE: Statement of Fairs and Festivals furnished vamma and Venkamma animals are sacrificed at
by the Collector, West Godavari. the fairs conducted in their names.

The devotees observe jagarana and fast

2. Chintalapudi-A taluk headquarters of the during Sivaratri.
same name in West Godavari District. It is situ-
ated at a distance of 30 miles from Eluru, the
district headquarters, as also a Railway Station SOURCE: 1. Sri Mohammad Japhar Baig, Village
and is connected by bus. Level Worker, Chintaiapudi.
2. Sri Bhupathiraju Ramachandra-
The total population of the village is 9,545 raju, B. A., Panchayat Executive
and it is made up of the following communities: Officer, Chintalapudi.
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu etc.; Sche-
duled Castes (1,944); Scheduled Tribes (317)-
Lambadi, Chenchu, Yenadi, Yerukula dC., Mus- 3. Recherla - Situated on the Eluru-Allapalle
lims ::1J1d Christians. The chief means of liveli- road at a distance of 3 miles from Chintalapudi,
hood of the people are agriculture. agricultural thc taluk headquarters and 33 miles from Eluru
labour, tanning, trade and other traditional Railway Station.
occupations.
The total population of the· village is 1,701
Vishwanatha Asramam and Vegilingeswarala- and it is made up of the following communities:
yam are the ph;ces of worship for the Hindus Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Sathani, Vaish-
while there are a mosque and a church for Mus- nava, Kapu, Kamma, Velama, Yadava; Scheduled
lims and Christians respectively. There is a stone Castes (36)-~Madiga, Mala, etc·, Scheduled Tribes
idol of Anjaneyaswamy. The village deities are (211)-Lambadi and Yerukula. The chief means
Ganganamma, Maddiravamma and Venkamma of livelihood of the people arc agriculture, agricul-
and they are represented by small stones. In tural labollf and other caste occupations.
Vi~.hw<lnatha Asramam there is a stone image of
Sri Kalikadevi. The temples of the village are Ganganamma-
gluli and Ramalayam. There is a stone idol of
The festi\~:l connected with the Viswanatha G<lng:ll1amma in Ganganamma temple.
 28

Ganganamma Tirunala is celebrated for 6 stle can be seen. The festival is celebrated for 5
days from Sravana Suddha Panchami to Dasami days from Chaitra Suddha Navami (March - April).
( July - August). It is being celebrated for the It is being celebrated for the past 30 ye!ljs and is
past 150 years and is confined to the village only. confined to the village. Arrangements are made
All communities take part in the festival. The 10 days in advance. Pandals are erected. On the
priest belongs to Sathani Vaishnava caste and the first day the deity is taken in a procession to the
post is not hereditary. accompaniment of music and in the night bhajans
and Harikathas are conducted. Cocoanuts and ba-
In the temple of Sri Rama, Kalyanothsavam nanas are offered to the deities. Mangala sutram
is celebrated for 10 days from Chaitra Suddha Pad- (sacred marriage badge) and other minor jewels
yami to Dasami (March-April). Prasadam is dist- are offered in fulfilment of vows. All communities
ributed to all. There is free feeding on that day. take part in the festival. The pujari is a Brahmin
with hereditary rights.
SOURCE: Srt G. Ramchandran, Villge Level Worker,
Recherla. Though there is no prohibition for the Sche-
duled Caste people to enter the Anjaneyaswamy
temple, Mala and Madiga caste people do not ge-
4. Makkinavarigudem - Situated at a distance of nerally go to the temple.
10 miles from Chintalapudi and 45 miles from
Eluru Railway Station. The village is named after SOURCE: J. Sri Narayana Murthy, Teacher, Ma-
the people belonging to Makkina surname who are kkinavar igudem.
supposed to be the first settlers of this village. 2. Sri Vinukonda Putraparaju, Teacher,
M akkinavari gudem.
The total population of the village is 1,793
and it is made up of the following communities:
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Viswabrahmin,
S. Krishnapuram-Situated at a distance of 8 miles
Teiaga, Kapu, Kamma, Yadava, Kalali, Uppara;
from Chintalapudi and 32 miles from Bhimadole.
Chakali, Kummari; Scheduled Castes (202)-Madi-
ga, Mala, etc.; Scheduled Tribes (107); and Mu- The total population of the village is 242 and
slims. The chief means of livelihood of the people it is made up of Upparas and Lambadis, the stre-
are agriculture, agricultural labour and other her- ngth of this Scheduled Tribe (Lambadis) being 231.
editary profess ions. The chief means of livelihood of the people are
agricultural labour and earth work.
There are three temples dedicated to Sri Ra-
rna, Anjaneya and Kanakadurgamma and all the
The only temple in the village is that of Mu-
deities are stone idols.
thyalamma. Her image is of stone.
Sri Kanakadurgamma Tirunala is celebrated
for 5 days in Chaitram (March-April). Cocoanuts, The only festival of the place is that of Su-
bananas are offered to the deity. Goats and fowls kharama celebrated during the first or second we-
are also sacrificed by a few devotees. It is ek of April. There is neither a temple of Sukha-
being celebrated for the past 8 years and is con- rama nor an image. The Lambadis prepare ear-
fined to the village. All communities take part then images for the occasion and take it round the
in the festival. The priest belongs to Viswabrah- village and the neighbouring villages in a proces-
min caste. sion to the accompaniment of the beating of dru-
ms. The main function is the Lambadi dance and
Another festival of the village is Sri Sita Ra- the main purpose is to collect some alms by the
ma Kalyanothsavam. It is said that Sri Rama and participants, namely the Lambadis who are gene-
Sita lived here during their exile. Yadavas in that rally poor and who avail themselves of this annu-
place every day used to churn buttermilk much al function for adding to their petty income. Fow-
betimes. Unable to bear the noise caused thereby, ls and cocoanuts are offered to the deity.
Sri Rama and Sita left for an')ther place. Even
now at a distance of 3 miles from the village a SOURCE: Sri K. Samba Murthy, Village Lel'el
kitchen and a mortar located in a small stone ca- Worker, Krishnapuram.
 29

6. Epigunta -Situated at a distance of 10 miles animal form by a four feet high stone image inst-
from Chintalapudi and 33 miles from Bhimadole. alled in a temple under a tree in the heart of the
village. There is a big temple of Sri Rama with a
The total population of the village is 911 and ratham (car). There is another temple dedicated
it is made up of the following communities: Caste to BataGanganammaat adistanceof2miles from
Hindus-Kshatria, Kapu, Kamma, Chakalij Sche- this village by the side of bala (track).
duled Castes (124)-Madiga, Mala, etc; Scheduled
Tribes (228) .-Koya, etc; and Muslims. The chief The story about Bata Ganganamma goes to
means of livelihood of the people are agriculture, say that the place where the temple of Bata Gan-
agricultural labour and other traditional occupa- ganamma is situated was in the past a shrub jun-
tions. gle. The travellers used to take rest under a tree.
One day Ammavaru appeared in the dream of an
There are the temples of Sri Anjaneyaswamy aged farmer who was sleeping under that tree and
and Sri Rama. The image of Anjaneyaswamy is of asked him to deify a stone in Her name under that
stone in human form· tree, as she would reside there. The aged farmer
suddenly woke up, brought a stone and kept it
Sri Anjaneyaswamy fe'stival is celebrated for under the tree and performed puja with flowers.
2 days on Vaisakha Suddha Ekadasi and Dwadasi He went to the village and told this miracle to
(April-May). It is being celebrated for the past the villagers. So everyone who had to pass that
20 years and is confined to the neighbouring villa- way (bata) used to keep a stone and perform puja
ges as well. Some 2,000 devotees, local and from with flowers. But of late the villagers have stopp-
the neighbouring villages congregate. All commu- ed placing stones. A small heap of stones is form-
nities take part in the festival. There is no pujari ed there and it is decorated with vermilion, turm-
and the patrons are Kshatrias. Cocoanuts and eric powder and flowers. Five years ago the Kar-
bananas are offered to the deity. nam of Ravipadu who is the holder of lands round
about the place built a temple and a 4!' high bra-
A fair is held in connection with the festival ss image was installed in the temple in fulfilment
for 2 days. It is held for the past 20 years. About of his vow. The Karnam is prepared to offer a gold
2,000 persons local and from the neighbouring Mongala sutram (marriage badge) to the deity but
villages congregate. Lanterns, torchlights, mirrors he was afraid that it might be stolen.
and combs are brought and sold. Pandals are put
up. Bhajans and Harikathas afford entertainment Bata Ganganamma festival is celebrated once
to the visitors. in a year for 4 or 5 days according to the con-
venience of the villagers soon after the harvest is
SOURCE: Sri K. Samba Murthy, Village Level Wor- over. Fowls, goats, sheep and pigs are sacrificed
ker, Epigunta. to the deity. Cocoanuts are offered. It is being
celebrated from ancient times and is confined to
some of the neighbouring villages. The Hindu
7. Borrampalem - Situated at a distance of 16 devotees local and from the neighbouring villages
miles from Chintalapudi. numbering about 5,000 congregate. The pujari
appointed by the Karnam of Ravipadu is conduc-
The total population of the village is 3,395 ting the worship. Prasadam is distributed to all.
and it is made up of the following communities:
Castes Hindus - Brahmin, Vaisya, Velama, Kapu, A fair is held in connection with the festival
Chakali, Mangali, Kummari, Kamsali, Gowda, for 5 days near the temple. It is being held from
Nagarala, Kalinga, etc. etc.; Scheduled Castes time immemorial. About 5,000 perons local and
(1,368)-Adi Andhra, Arundhatiya etc.; Dudekula; from the neighbouring villages congregate. Sweet-
Muslims and Christians. The chief means of live- meats, utensils, lanterns, pictures, photos, books,
lihood of the people are agriculture, agricultural millcloth, and toys are brought and sold.
labour and other traditional caste occupations.
Pandals are put up. Dramas, Harikathas, magic,
The village deities Ganganamma, Poierammu, whirling wheels and lotteries afford entertainment
Gonthenamma are represented in an awe-inspiring to the visitors.
 30

SOURCE: Sri Arigala Atchyuta Rao, Headmaster, The local people have strong faith that the
Borrampalem. Dharmaraja Stu pam is a Sivalingam and call it as
Dharmalingeswaraswamy, A festival known as
Jeelakarragattu Tirunala is held on all the four or
8. Jeeiakarragudem, hamlet of Guntupalle-Piclure- five Mondays in Karthikam (October-November).
squely situated amidst hills of scenic grandeur at Abhisekhams are conducted. Fruits and flowers are
a distance of 4 miles from Kamavarapukota, which offered. Vows are fulfilled. The festival is of
can be reached by buses plying on the routes, viz., ancient origin and thousands of HIndus from far
Jangareddigudem - Khammam - Polavaram and and near visit the place in great veneration. Lin-
Tadepalligudem-Chintalapudi. gamaraju, a Kshatria is the present patron. A Brah-
min priest worships the idol and prasadam is dis-
tribu ted to all.
The history of Jeelakarragudem dates back to
300 B.C. when Buddhist aramams were construct-
ed and the place went by the name Jainuvarigudem. Free feeding is arranged by one Sri Subbaraju
It subsequently came to be known as J eelakarra- of the place. Bhajans and dramas afford enter-
tainment to the visitors.
gudem.
A few shops selling sweetmeats, toys, bangles,
The total population of the village is 2,280
lanterns, torchlights, mirrors, combs and other
and it is made up of the following communities:
fancy goods are opened during the period of the
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Yada-
festival.
va, Kamma, Chakali, Gowda, Kummari, Kamma-
ra, Padmasale, etc., Scheduled Castes (325)-
SOURCE: I. Sri Cherukuri Venkata Narasimha Raju.
Arundhatiya, Mala, etc.; and Muslims. The chief
Village Level Worker, Jeelakarragudem.
means of livelihood of the people are agriculture,
2. Statement of Fairs and Festivals furni-
agricultural labour and other hereditary profess-
shed by the Collector, West Godavari.
IOns.
3. Article in Andra Prabha Weekly, dated
lJ-9-63.
It is a well known fact to people of histor-
ical interest that some time back two Buddhist
Stupas of 10' height and· 30' circumfernce were
9. RajupotbepalIe.-Situated at a distance of one
excavated on a hill near the village. It is believed
that Pandavas lived here during their exile and mile from the 9th milestone on Velagalapalle-Ka-
worshipped Dharmalingeswaraswamy, deified in mavarapukota road and one mile from Chintala-
one of the above Stupas. It is assertcd that Dhar- pudi.
maraju is a generic name of Buddha and hence
this Stupa is known as Dharmaraja Stu pam after The total popUlation of the vi1lage is 835
him. Afterwards during the revival of Vaidika re- and it is made up of the following communities:
ligion also, this Stupam was called Dharmaliges- Caste Hindu~--Kamma, Yadava and Rajaka, and
waraswamy. Some years back when the excava- Scheduled Castes (397)-Arundhatiya, etc. The
tions were done the Archaeological Department ex- chief means of livelihood of the people are agri-
amined and found that they were Buddhist Stupas culture, agricultural labour and other traditional
and made arrangements for their safety. Again dur- uccupations.
ing recent excavations they found 12 Stupas of 4'
height and 30' circumference, and a marble Stupa There is a temple of Sd Ran1 <l in the village.
of 10' height and 30' circumference, besides a f<!w The image of Gangamma is of stone in female
other articles. It is said by the Archaeological form.
Department that a marble Stupa of this type is
found in Srikakulam District only. Along with Gangamma Jatara is celebrated in Chaitram
the marble Stupa about 2' high, 6 marble idols of I'March-April). Fowls, gOcts and sheep are sacri-
Buddha were also found. The foot prints of a ficed to the deity. It is being celebrated from
child are found on a brick and it is said that they times immemorial and is contlned to the villaGe.
are the sapthapadimudras of Buddba. Thousands All communities in the village take pelft in the res-·
of people visit those Stupas. tival.
 31

SOURCE: Sri Cherukuri Venkata Narasimha Raju, Vil- 11. Urlagudem-Situated at a distance of one mi-
lage Level Worker, Jeelakarragudem. le from Chintalapudi and 31 miles from Eluru
Railway Station.

10. Pragadavaram-Situated at a distance of 26 The total population of the village is 377 and
miles from Eluru Railway Station. The bus route it is made up of the following communities: Caste
from Tadepalligudem to Chintalapudi passes thro- Hindus-Yadava etc.; Scheduled Castes (72)-Mala
ugh this village. This village is supposed to have etc.; Scheduled Tribes (7); and Christians. The
been there even at the time of Buddha. At a chief means of livelihood of the people are agri-
distance of 3 miles from this village there are culture labour and sheep and goat rearing.
Buddhist theerthas and caves.
The village deity Poleramma is represented
The total population of the village is 6,159 by a stone. There is a church for Christians.
and it is made up of the following communities:
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Reddi, Kamma, Poleramma Jatara is celebrated for 2 days on
Velama, Yadava, Chakali, Mangli, Ediga, etc., etc.; 14th and 15th January during Sankranti. It is be-
Scheduled Castes (976)-Madiga, Mala, etc.; ing celebrated for the past 40 years and is confined
Scheduled Tribes (65); Muslims and Christians. to the Hindus of the village.
The chief means of livelihood of the people are
agriculture, agricultural labour and other tradi- SOURCE: Sri Mohammad Jaffer Baig. Village Level
tional occupations. Worker, Chintalapudi.

There are the temples of Ankamma and See-

tha Ramanjaneya. The image of Ankamma is of 12. Lingapalem-Situated at the 20th milestone
stone in female form and the deity is supposed to on the Eluru-Chintalapudi bus route. The nearest
be the incarnation of Parvati. There is a tank Railway Station is Eluru.
around the temple.
The total population of the village is 1,312
Ankamma festival is celebrated for a week
and it is made up of following communities:
from Bhadrapada Suddha Chavithi to Dasami (Aug-
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Reddy, Kamsali, Telaga,
ust-September). Offerings of flowers, fruits etc., are
Kamma, Velama, Yadava, Chakali, Mangali, Jang-
made to the deity, but there is no animal sacrifice.
am, etc.; Scheduled Castes (2); Scheduled Tribes
Prabhalabandlu go round the temple to the accom-
(50)-Yerukula, etc.; and Christians. The chief
paniment of music. It is being celebrated from
means of livelihood of the people are agriculture,
ancient times and is confined to the neighbouring
agricultural labour and other traditional occupa-
villages. The local Hindus and from the neighbour-
tions.
ing villages congregate. All Hindus take part in
the festival. Pujari is a potter by caste. Turmeric
powder and vermilion are distributed to all. The temple of Saramma with a stone idol
There is free feeding during the festival. and a church are the places of worship in the vi-
llage.
A fair is held in connection with this festival
for 5 days near the temple. The villagers local A legend connected with Saramma is popu-
and from the neighbouring villages congregate. lar. It goes thus: One day Saramma's husband cli-
Utensils, lanterns, torchlights, mirrors and combs, mbed a palmyra tree to get toddy and unfortu-
Ayurvedic medicines, pictures, photos and earthen nately fell down and died. Saramma performed
toys are brought and sold. There is a choul try. sathi (burnt herself) with her husband on Phalguna
Suddha Chaviti. So in memory of Saramma the vi-
Dramas, gambling and cinemas afford entert- llagers celebrate a festival. It is believed that all
ainment to the visitors. the desires will be fulfilled if they propitiate her.

SOURCE: Sri A.V.S·S· Ramachandra Rao, B.Sc.,B.Ed., Saramma Teertham is celebrated for 6 days
Headmaster, Z. P. Middle School, Praga- from Phalguna Suddha Triodasi to Bahula Tadiya
davaram. (February-March) in commemoration of Saramma.
 32

Cocoanuts and bananas are offered to the deity. their Jataras are conducted during the difficult
Goats, fowls, and sheep are sacrificed in fulfilment times of the villagers, say, when epidemics break
of vows. It is being celebrated for quite a long out, etc. Then priests belonging to Chakali, Ku-
time and is confined to the neighbouring villages. mmari and Madiga castes officiate over the cere-
Festival arrangements are made 10 days in advan- monies.
ce. All communities take part in the festival. Th-
ere is no specific pujari. There are one drama troupe and a bhajana
troupe in this village.
A fair is held for 5 days. A few shops selling
sweets, utensils, lanterns, torchlights and wooden SOURCE: Sri G. Ramalingacharyulu, Village Level
and earthen toys are opened. Worker, Mudicherla.

Dramas and Harikathas afford entertainment

to the visitors.
14. Badarala-Situated at a distance of 15 miles
SOURCE: Sri S. B. Sundaram, Headmaster, Pancha- from Eluru Railway Station and 24 miles from
yot Samithi Elementary School, Lingapa- Chintalapudi.
lem.
The total population of the village is 340 and
it is made up of the following communities: Caste
13. Mudicherla-Situated at a distance of 4 miles Hindus-Viswabrahmin, Gowda, Kamma, Chakali
from Bhogolu, 21 miles from Chintalapudi and 25 and Mangali. The chief means of livelihood of the
miles from Powerpet Railway Station. people are agriculture, agricultural labour and
other hereditary professions.
The total population of the village is 1,076:
and it is made up of the following communities: There is a temple of Sri Rama with His im-
Caste Hundus-Vaisya, Kamma, Reddy, Kuruma, age in human form.
(Kuruva), Gowda, Telukala, Uppari, Yadava, De-
vanga, Chakali, Kummari, Mangali, etc.; Scheduled Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 5 days
Castes (357)-Madiga, Mala, Mala Dasu, etc.; from Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). It
Scheduled Tribes (12); and Christians. The chief is being celebrated from ancient times and is
means of livelihood of the people are agriculture, confined to the village. The devotees of the vi 1-
agricultural labour, weaving and other traditional lage congregate. Only Hindus take part in the
occupations. festival. There is no pujari and the patrons are
Kammas. Free feeding is arranged.
There are four temples of Sri Rama and a
temple of Beerayya. The image of Beerayya is of Animals are sacrificed to the deities Ganga-
stone in humam form. There is also a church. namma, Ankamma, Pothuraju, Maddiravamma
and Maremma.
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for one day
on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). It is
being celebrated from ancient times and is con- There is a bhajana troupe in this village.
fined to the village. People of different Hindu
castes take part in the festival. Prasadam is dis- SOURCE: Sri G. Ramalingacharyulu, Village Level
tributed to all. Worker, Rangapuram.

Beerayya Aradhana is celebrated in Vaisakham

(April-:May) on a day convenient to the Ku(uvas, 15. Kamavarapukota--Situated at a distance of
who are the chief partons and participants in the 17 miles from Bhimadole Railway Station, 20 miles
festival. from Chintalapudi on Chintalapudi-Tadepalligud-
em road and 20 miles from Eluru. This village
He~buffaloes, goats, sheep and fowls are sacri~ was ruled by Reddy Kings and there are remnants
ficed to the deities Ganganamma, Pothuraju, Ma~ of a fort even now, enclosing an area of one
halakshmamma,Maddiravamma andMaremmawhen hundred acres.
 33

The total population of the village is 7,256 2. Sri G. V. Bhadrayya, H~admaster,

and it is made up of the following communities: Zilla Parishad Middle School, Kama-
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu, Kamma, varapukota.
Meri, Muthracha, Chakali, Mangali; etc; Sche-
duled Castes (1,551)--Madiga, Mala, etc; Sche-
duled Tribes (51); Muslims and Christians. The 16. Tadikalapudi-Situated at a distance of about
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri- 9 miles from Kamavarapukota, 13 miles from
culture, agricultural labour, trade and other here- Eluru Railway Station and 30 miles from Chinta-
ditary occupations. lapudi.

There are the temples of Sri Veerabhadra- The total population of the village is 6,064
swamy and Sita Ramaswamy, besides a church. and it is made up of the following communities:
There is a stone image of Veerabhadraswamy Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Viswabrahmin, Vaisya,
flanked by his spouse, Bhadrakali. Kamma, Kapu, Gajulasetti, Kalali, Sale, Yadava,
Kammara" Kummari, Chakali, Mangali; Sche-
Sri Veerabhadraswamy festival is celebrated duled Castes (1,455)-Adi Andhra, Madiga, Mala,
for 2 days on Magha Suddha Purnima and Bahula etc; Scheduled Tribes (16); Muslims and Chris-
Padyami (January-February). On the first day tians. The chief means of livelihood of the peo-
there is kalyanothsavam and on the second day ple are agriculture, agricultural labour, weaving,
rathothsavam. Abhisekhams are performed. Cocoa- trade and other hereditary professions.
nuts are offered to the deity. It is being ceieb-
rated from ancient times and is confined to the There are the temples of Sri Gangeswara-
village. About 2,000 devotees of the village and ~wamy ,md Ganganamma besides 2 t,::mples of Sri

from the neighbouring vil1ilge congregate. All R:lma and a church. In Gangeswaraswamy tem-
Hindu castes take p:lft in the festival. The tem- ple there is a Sivalingam and in the Sri Rama
ple is under the administration of the Endow- temple the images of Sri Rama, Sita and Laksh-
ment; Board and the present trl'stee is Sri Kon- mana are installed.
duri Anjaneyu\u. ?ujari is a Brahmin of Kasya-
pas:! gotram 'Nith hereditary r:ghts. Prasadam is The legend about Gangeswaraswamy has it
distrib~;t:j to all. that it is a swayambu one. Once the Lord ap-
peared to some pe:'~on in a dream and told him
A fair is held in connection with the festival to build a temple for Him and if he would not
for 3 days near the temple in an area of 10 acres fulfil His desire, He would grow in height. Then
of land. It is being held from ancient times. the villagers fixed a na il on the head to stop the
About 2,000 persons, local and from the neigh- growth of the Lingam and built a temple around
bouring villages, congregate. Sweets, torchlights, the Lingam. From that time the Sivalingam did
lanterns, pictures and photos are brought and not grow.
sold.
Sri Gangeswaraswamy festival is celebrated
Dramas, Harikathas, whirling-wheels, magic, for 4 days from Magha Suddha Ekadasi to Chatur-
lottery, gambling and bhajans afford entertain- dasi (January-February). Cocoanuts, bananas,
ment to the visitors. flowers and neivedyam are offered to the deity. It
is being celebrated for the past 100 years and is
On the borders of this village there is a hill confined to the village. The Hindu devotees of
:al1ed Valisugreevagattu. There are big stone the village congregate. The pujari is a Brahmin
Images of Vali and Sugreeva and a stone image with hereditary rights. Prasadam is distributed
o~ Hanuman. There is a cave on the top of the to all. Poor feeding is arranged. Prarthanas,
hIll and there are inscriptions on a stone. bhajans and Harikathas are performed during the
fes t1va1.
There is a bhajan troupe in this village.
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated every year
SOURCE: 1. Sri Na1lagopu Radhakrishrza Murthy, for one day On Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-
Grama Sevak, Kamava'·apukora. April) .
 34

Oanganamma Jatara is celebrated every year There is a drama troupe in this village.
for a week according to the convenience of the
villagers. Goats, sheep and fowls are sacrificed SOURCE: 1. Sri Dola Adivi Nayudu, Teacher, Tadi-
kalapudi.
to Ganganamma and the pujaris are Chakalis with 2. Srj A. Krishnaswamy, Village Level
hereditary rights. Worker, Tadikalapudi.
POLAVARAM TALUK
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j
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 Section III
POLAVARAM TALUK

STIT' a d u v 0 i-Situated
on the Dummagudem- Devi Kanakadurga temple with her image is
C'J Jangareddigudem State Highway road at a the place of worship in the village. It is said to
distance of 5 miles from Jangareddigudem have been built in the 13th century during the
and about 37 miles from Polavaram. regime of Reddy Kings. Subsequently it went
into ruins and in 1945 it was reconstructed by the
The total population of the village is 2,974 villagers. From 1945, Sri Budaraju Ramakrishna
and it is made up of several sub-communities of Raju with the co-operation of the viIl~gers has
Caste Hindus and Muslims. The chief means of been celebrating the festival of Goddess Kanaka-
livelihood of the people are agriculture, agricul- durga.
tural labour and other traditional occupations. Devi Kanakadurga festival is celebrated for 6
The temple of Lord Siva with a s~one Siva- days from Phalguna Suddha Purnima (February-
lingam is the place of worship in the village. March). It is of local significance. About 8,000
Hindus of all castes including Koyas, local and
"The Pattisam and Taduvayi temples are well
known in the surrounding country"l from nearby villages, congregate.
A fair is held in this conn~ction. Brassware,
Siva Kalyanam is celebrated for 3 days from toys, etc., are brought and sold. Pandals are
Magha Bahula Triodasi (January-February). It has erected for the visitors.
got a wide religious significance. About Rs.775
are invested for the festival. About 10,000 SOURCE: Statement of Fairs and Festil'als furni-
Hindu devotees, local and from distant places f· shed by the Superintendent of Police,
congregate. West Godavari.

A fair is held in connection with this festi-

val and brassware, toys, etc., are sold. Panda Is 3. Konadrukota--Situated at a distance of 9 miles
are erected besides making protected water supply from Po1avaram by road and 3J m;[cs from Kov-
and arranging medical aid. There is a traveller's vur Railway Station. Formerly, this village was
bungalow. ruled by Kodiba kings and they built forts.
Named as Kodiba after them it gradually came
SOURCE: 1. Statement of Fairs and Festivals furni- to be known as Kondrukota.
shed by the District Health Officer,
West Godavari. The total population of the village is 1,677
2. Statement of Fairs and Festivals furni- and it is made up of the following communities:
shed by the Superintendent of Police, Caste Hindus-Kapu, etc.; Scheduled ,Castes (50)
West Godavari. and Scheduled Tribes (1,222)-Koya, etc. The
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri-
culture and agricultural labour.
2. Ganapavaram-Situated at a distance of about
The gold coloured metal images of Sri Rama,
5 miles from Jangareddigudem.
Lakshmana and Sita and the icons of the village
deities Pothuraju and Durgalamma are worship-
The total population of the village is 1,588
ped in the village. None of the deities is housed
and it is made up of several sub-communities of
in a temple.
Caste Hindus; Scheduled Castes (129); Scheduled
Tribes (951) and Muslims. The chief means of
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for a day on
livelihood of the people are agriculture and agri-
Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Kalyanam
cultural labour.
is performed. Offerings are made in fulfilment of
1 'Madras -District G~~etteers-Godavari, Veil. I (Madra; 1907). p.27S
 36

vows. It is being celebrated for the past 20 years However, it is mainly observed on the last day
and is of local significance. Village Officers i.e., Vais(Jkha Suddha Purnima. Fruits, cocoanuts,
patronise the festival. Local people congregate raw rice, etc., are offered to the deity. Fowls
irrespective of caste or creed. Pujari is a Brah- are sacrificed before the deity usually on the last
min. day. The festival is being celebrated for over a
century. Hindus, local and from the neighbour-
Every year pujas are performed to the village ing villages, congregate. The pujari is a woman
deities, Pothuraju and Durgalamma. of Kapu caste and of Pydipala clan. Prasadam
and kumkum are distributed to all.
SOURCE: Sri M. Lingappa, Teacher, Kondrukota.
A fair is held in connection with the festival
for one day near the temple on an acre of land
4. Polavaram--Taluk headquarters situated on dedicated to the deity. It is held on the after-
the right bank of Godavari river at a distance of noon of the last day of the celebration. Some
24 miles from Kovvur Railway Station on Vijaya- taxes are collected from the tradesmen. Eatab-
wada--Waltair section of the Southern Railway. les, toys, clothes, vegetables, pots, lanterns,
There is bus service as well as launch service frem torchlights, mirrors, combs, etc., are sold. About
Kovvur. 2,000 people, including those from the neighbour-
ing villages, visit the fair.
"It was formerly the chief place in the impor-
tant zamindari of the same name, which formerly It is said that this century-old festival is
<::il 1 braced the whole of this division and much of
Yernagudem and Rajahmundry taluks, but now now mainly celebrated by the labour classes and
comprises only twelve villages paying a peshkash that it is gradually losing its importance.
of Rs. 6,713,
This estate was long under the independent SOURCE: Sri K. Subbarau, Deputy Inspector of
rule of an ancient Hindu family, who derived Schools, Polavaram,
their authority from the Gaiapati Kings of Orissa.
and are said to have been descended from that
line. Little is known of the estate previous to the
British occupation of the country, but the names 5, Jangareddigudem-Situated at a distance of 30
of three of its zamindars Venkatapati, Jagannatha miles from Polavaram and 32 miles from Eluru
and Venkataramana, have been preserved. It was
then divided into three estates of Polavaram Railway Station. This village got the name Jan-
Gutala and Kottapalli, and subordinate to it wa~ gareddigudem after a person by name Jangareddy.
the small hill zamindari of Nagavaram." I
The total popu la tion of th e village is 7,571
The village is also called Reddi Polavaram
and it is made up of the following communities:
probably because Reddi Kings ruled the area for
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Kamma, Vaisya, Kshtria,
some time.
Kapu, Reddy, Teleelu, Turpu Kapu, etc., Sche-
duled Castes (847)-M::ldiga, Mala; Scheduled
The total population of the village is 8,943 Tribes (73)--Koyas, etc.; Muslims and Christians.
and it is made up of several sub-communities of The chief means of livelihood of the people are
Caste Hindus-Scheduled Castes (957); Scheduled agriculture, agricultural labour, trade and other
Tribes (227); Muslims and Christians. The chief traditional occupations.
111eans of livelihood of the people are agriculture,
agricultural labour, trade, services and other The temples of Sri Rama with the images of
traditional occupations. His, Sita and Lakshmana and of Siva and Ganga-
namma are the places of worship in the village.
There are two temples of Sri Rama, a small There is also the village deity Jolugulamma.
temple of th'~ village deity Kademma. a mosque
and a church in the village. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 9 days
from Chaitra Suddha padyami to Navami (March-
April). Festival arrangements are made 10 days
Kademma festival is celebrated for a period
in advance. Cocoanuts, fruits and flowers are
of one month from Chaitra Suddha PUrnima (March-
offered to the dei ty in fu lfilmen t of vows. It is
April) to Vaisa'.;;ha Suddha Purnima (April -May).
being celebrated for the past 65 years and is of
t M_ldras District Gazetteers- Godavari, Vol. I (Madras: 1907) P. 280
 17

local significance. Vaisyas patronise the festival. Dramas, bhajans, Harikathas and burrakathas afford
The local Hindus congregate irrespective of caste or entertainment to visitors.
creed. Prasadam is distributed to all. Cocoanuts,
bananas and fruits are offered to the deity.
SOURCE: Sri G. Asirvadam, Village Level Worker,
Bayyanagudem.
SOURCE: Sri K. S. Kings Burg, Village Level Work-
er, Janfareddigudem.

7. Parimpudi-Situated at a distance of 22 miles

from Polavarm and equidistant (about 32 miles
6. Bayyanagudem-Situatcd at a distance of 27 away) from Kovvur, Tadepalligudcm and Nidada-
miles from Polavaram and 34 miles from Nidada- vole Railway Stations. It was formerly a big forest
vole Railway Station. area where the members ofBandivani family built
a temple for Madana Venugopalaswamy besides en-
The total population of the village is 4,233 dowing the temple wlth 60 acres of land in the
and it is made up of the following communities: name of the swamy. A big well was constructed
Caste Hindus-·Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Telaga, by them. Till the beginning of present century, it
Gowda, Kamsali, Mangali, Chakali, Uppara, etc.; was the only well supplying water for men and ca-
Scheduled Castes(741); Scheduled Tribes (9); Mus- ttle. Koyyalagudem is the hamlet of this village.
lims and Christians. The chief means of liveli-
hood of the people are agriculture, agricultural
The total population of the village is 7,165
labour, trade and other traditional occupations.
and it is nlade up or the following communities:
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kslu:tria, Kamma,
Sri Subrahmanyeswaraswamy temple with Chakali, Mangali, Turpu Kapu, Bukka Kapu, etc.;
the image in the form of a serpent and the temp- Scheduled Castes (1,386)-Madig<l, Mala, etc.;
ies of Vighneswara and Sri Rama are the p1aces Scheduled Tribes (147) - Yerkula; Muslims and
of worship in the village. Christians. The chief mc:tns of livdihood of the
people are agriculture, agricultura I labour, trade
and and other traditional occupations.
Sri Subrahmanyeswaraswamy Sha5hti is cele-
brated for 5 days from Margasira Suddha Shashti
(November-December). Festival arrangements are The temples of Sri Madana Venugopalaswamy
made nearly 20 days in advance. Flowers and fru- and of Lord Sri Rama, the image of village deity
its are offered to the deity. Devotees take bath Chintalamma in the form of garigalu· with no
in tanks and observe fasting during the festival. temple, a Ramamandiram and a church are the
The festival is being celebrated for the past 15 places of worship in the village.
years and is of local significance. Telagas patronise
the festivaL About 3,000 devotees, local and from
neighbouring villages, congregate irrespective of Sri Madana Vcnugopalaswamy festival is cele-
caste or creed. Pujari is Sri Kalakuri Viswanatham, brated for 5 days from Vaisakha Suddha Ekadasi
a Brahmin of Kowsikasa gotram, with hereditary (April-May). It is being celebrated for the past
rights. 2 years and is confined to the village. The local
devotees of the vilIag~ c.)ngregate without any dis-
tinction of caste or creed. Chintalamma Kolupu
A fair is held in connection with the festival is celebrated for the 3 days when smallpox breaks
for 5 days near the temple. Besides presents to out in the village. Naivedyam and sweets are off-
the deity, renL; and taxes are collected from the ered to the deity during the festival. On the last
tradesmen. Sweetmeats, cocoanuts, utensils, lan- day, goats, fowls and he-buffaloes are sacrificed. A
terns, torchlights, mirrors, combs, pictures, pig is buried upto the head in the ground and
photos, books, cloth::s and box;::s, etc., are brought all the cattle are made to walk over the head of
and sold. the pig which is considered good for the devotees.
Bandaru (saffron) tha t is used for the worship of the
There i~ a choultry and pandals ~Lr\! erected. deities is distributed to all. Some subscriptions
 38

are collected to meet the expenditure. There was the wife of Lord Siva. Wben Daksba was
are three choultries in the town. performing the yaga, he did not invite his daugh-
ter, Sathidevi and son-in-law, Siva. Out of filial
SOURCE: 1. Sri Ch. V.A.S. Satayanarayana Murty, love, giving a deaf ear to the advice of Siva,
Teacher, Koyyalagudem. Sathidevi attended the yaga uninvited. Her father
2. Sri J. Krishna Rao, Village Level kept silent without noticing her presence. Insul-
Worker, Koyya/agudem. ted by this discourteous act of her father, she
immolated herself in the sacrificial fire. Know-
ing this act by His insight and becoming infuria-
S. Pattisam or Pattaschala Kshetram-is one of the ted Lord Siva took the incarnation of Veerabhad-
ancient and sacred places of Southern India. The reswara-according to another version; Veerabha-
sanctity of this place is claimed both by the dra is the manasa-putra of Siva-split Dakshayaga
Saivaites as well as by the Vaishnavaites as and beheaded Daksha with sword- weapon Pattasa.
both the Saivaite and Vaishnavaite shrines are After beheading him, Pattasa fell on the hill and
situated here. According to Skandapurana, du~ So it went by the name Pattasadri. Pleased "ith
to the manifestation of Lord Siva and Lord the prayer of the wife of Daksha, he restored him
Vishnu, it is known as Kailasam (abode of Siva) to life but only with the head of a sheep. In
and Vaikuntham (abode of Vishnu) on earth. fulfilment with a boon given to her previously, Siva
This famous Pattasachala Kshetram is picture- manifested Himself as Veerabltadra on the hill.
squely situated on Devakutaparvatham overlooking As there was no water, He forcefully pierced His
the Papi hills, in the heart of the River Gowthami, tndent on the ground from where Bhadrakali
a tributary of the Godavari. It is at a distance sprang up along with water. When Veerabhadra
of about 2 miles from Polavaram and about 16 pursued the Mukkoti Devatas (3 crores of Devatas)
miles from Kovvur Railway Station. from the pandal of Dakshayaga. they fled and took
shelter in the temple of Bhavanarayana, an incar-
nation of Maha Vishnu and prayed for protection.
Pattasachala Kshetram is rich in legend and
The Lord who was an incarnation of Sri Maha
religious tradition. The hill on which the shrine
Vishnu sent Sudarsanam (disc) against Veera-
lies is variously called a.s Devakutadri, Devakuta-
bhadra who coolly swallowed it. Everyone pra-
parvatham, Devakutasikharam, Neeladri or Neela-
yed to pacify Veerabhadra. Maha Vishnu
chalam, Veerabhadrasikhari and Pattasadri and
performed sahasra kamala puja to Veerabhadra's
the origin for the names is described in the
feet, after abhishekam with thousands of potfuls
fo Howi n g legends.
of water, and offered thousand lotus flowers.
Vishnu found the flowers short by one and He
Acc~rding to one legend, Devakutudu (King made good the shortage by offering His right eye
of Devakutaparvatham), son of Karaveera went in place of the lost flower. Siva was
\ to Kailasa (Himalayas) to attend a conference of p leased and restored Sudarsanam to Him. Agas-
mountains, but, not being shown prope'r consi- thya Mahamuni further prayed to Veerabhadra
deration by Kailasudu (King of, Kai1asapar to appease His wrath and settled down there.
vatham) left the others, went and did great penance, Vcerabhadra settled down there in the shape of a
and by so pleasing Lord Siva obtained a boon from Lingam and Agasthya embraced the Lingam in
Him that He would dwell in his body (i.e., on great ecstacy. The marks of the arms seen on
the hill). Hence the hill goes by the name the Lingam are attributed to this event. Accor-
Devakutadri; Devakutaparvatham or Devakutasi- ding to another legend Veerabhadra wa,hed His
kharam. It is also called Neeladri or Neela sword here after beheading Daksha.
chalam because Neeludu or Neela lived and did
penance here and attained salvation. It goes by The total popUlation of Pattisam village is
r he n;'ll1)e Veerabhadrasikhari after Lord Veerabhad- 3,364 and it is made up of the following communi-
raswamy or Veerabhadreswaraswamy, the presi- ties: Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma,
ding deity in the Saivaite shrine. Kapu, Turpu Kapu, Jangam, Sale,ChakaJi, Man-
gali; Scheduled Castes (443) and Scheduled Tribes
It goes by the name of Pattasadri and the vill- (7). The chief means of livelihood of the people
age hy the name Pattisam after the well-known story are agriculture, agricultural labour, trade and
of Dakshayaga. Sathidevi, daughter of Daksh~, other traditional occupations.
Plate II: A view of Veerabhadreswaraswamy and Bhavanarayanaswamy temples.

-Courtesy: Assistant Commissioner, H.R.&C.E.(Aimn.) Dept., Elurll.

•

Plate III: Veerabhadreswa raswamy temple.

-Courtesy: Assistant Commissioner, H.R.&C.E. (Adlllll.) Dept., EfuTJl.

 39

The temples of this Kshetram are of Sri It is one of the Saivaite, Kshetrams in India
Veerabhadreswaraswamy (a stone Sivalingam with famous as Pancha Kasi Kshetrams or Pancha
the marks of two arms that appear to have embr- Mahasaivaite Kshetrams (five great Saivaite shri-
aced the Ungam-the image of his consort Bhadra- nes), the other four being Srisailam, Kasi (Banaras)
kali is of stone in awe-inspring female form), Kedaram and Kalahasti. It is also claimed-
Sri Bhavanarayanaswamy and Sri Sita Ramaswamy.
An inscription shows that the tempI.:: construction :S~O t~o N"~
samam kshetram nasthi
of Sri Sita Ramaswamy was completed by Many-
am Mahalakshmi Zamindarini. There is also a l_C0J-6$oiS ~vi
small temple containing two stone images of women, brahmanda golake
called anistri (widow) and punistri (woman in
married status), one of whom is represented as
Veerabhadra samodevo nabhootho
being in childbed. About 4 miles from the Veer a-
bhadreswara temple and facing it, there is the ;:) (5::)Os'g8
temple of Mahanandeeswara amidst the Gowthami na bhavishyathee"
Godavari. It is believed that these two deities are
brothers. meaning-
.. It is (Mahanandeeswara) is supposed to be the There is no sacred place like Pattasadri in
residence of the bull (nandi) which belongs to the
Pa ttisam temple. It has one agraharam village as the Universe. A God equal to Sri Veerabhadra
an endowment and this brings Rs, 800 a year. On never existed in the past nor is going to e~ist
the island is a cave which is popularly supposed
to be the entrance of an uuderground passage to iIi future,
Benaras"l .
In Skandapuranam it is chronicled-
Pattasachala Kshetram may be traced back
to the Ramayana period. Jambavantha, a very ··~lt3" ~:rr~.):.so lcS~o
e:l
great devotee of Sri Ramachandra, did penance Yathra mahothsavam drashtum
here for many years and according to his wish
Lord Vishnu settled down there along with His ;$~ "tJ liJ'to ""d~o
e:l
spouse Bhuneeladevi. Even today the image of pattase shoola paninam
Jambavantha can be seen at the feet of the Lord Xe ~1:78 ;$ ~~f.J erd:»
Bhavanarayana in His temple situated to the north- Gaja roodhah Paththinascha haya
east of the hill. It is said that Jambavantha inst-
alled the presiding deity, Bhavanarayanaswamy ~lPii <S~::>~O".
and His spouse in the temple and that this shrine mukhya samanvithaha
is more ancient than that of Sri Veerabhadreswara- .. !'~~ ~a-;$.)-aS ;St;I;$o
CI
swamy. This temple of Bhavanarayanaswamy is CO)
Sakatastha narassarve PattaliaDl
one of the five noted Vaishnavaite Kshetrams,
the other four being at (1) Ponnuru (Guntur Dis- all( :s,.x ....
trict), (2) Bapatla (Guntur District), (3) Bhavadev- kshetra magathaha
arapalle (East Godavari District) and (4) Sarpa- tcr~QS'"' 1(S'rt.l LlS:ltS
varam (East Godavari District). Karnatakaha Keralascba Dravida

This Kshetram is reputed to be so very sacred

that even the worms and insects that chanced to Pandu Tankanaha
see the place attain salvation. ~cSer:l'!" non-t'.) ;$:);r. cr l~
CI
Vaidarbhikah Kalinpsch Maharuhtra
•• !>~~ cSo'.:l~~.s ~~§~ :XI;:TC(5dd,
Neeladrow darsanadeva krimikeeta Mahabhrut baba"

s-cSdfl. "&W"~~J.~" To witness this sacred festival of the Lord of

Kadayaha mokshamapnuyath Pattasa, devotees including Rajas and Maharajas

1 Madraa District Gazetteers-Godavari. Vol. I (Madras: 1907)p. 279

· from all nooks and corners of the country, name- forests of Dandaka and Naimisha were benefited
ly, Karna taka, Kerala, Dra vida, Pandu, Tankana, by worshipping the Lord here.
Vidarbha, Kalinga, Maharashtra, Mahabhrutha,
etc., used to come not only on foot, but also by This is also the sacred place where Rama
carts and carriages and on the backs of horses and settled down with Sita and Lakshmana according
,elephan ts. to the wish of His devotee Brahmanandaswamy.
Durga also found it a fit place for final settle-
"::>~~IS'O ~g'~~o
<.)
ment after destroying Shumba and Nishumbha,
Nishipoojam thathodrashtum the twin rakshasas who were harassing devas and
rishis and whom She alone could kill. Durga's
i<5 OSJ'- X ~,);6e oJ-- ~ ~ 8 image with Her simha vahanam (lion's vehicle) in
samagachcha nmaharshaya ha a temple is there even now. It is also claimed
~::.$6'(rb ~~C'.sel el~esA.l
that the pond wherein Gajendra was saved by
Yagnavalkyo Bharadwaja Jamadagni Vishnu and the enuga parvatham (the hill of the
elephant) in the form of the trunk of an elephant
i<5~~e8
_. close by enhance the sanctity of the place.
sthapondhihi Verily the nereby temple of Mahanandeeswara in
the middle of Godavari river, Gopadakshetram
~I(£~ l~b'.s:V~;;5b ~:;:p3S
(Kovvur), Kotilinga Mahakshetram (Rajahmund-
Kasyapothrirvasistasya Vamadevo ry) and Markandeyalayam and several other
~~~~I
sacred places down the banks of the Gowthami
mahamunihL"
river as in the case of Ganga near Banaras has
earned for Pattisam the titles Dakshina Kasi and
Apara Kasi. There is a cave which is popularly
It is also described that Sivaratri festival here is supposed to be the entrance of an underground
considered such a sacred occasion that even the passage to Banaras (Kasi).
saptharishis (seven sages) Yagnavalkya, Bharadwa-
ja, Jamadagni, Kasyapa, Athri, Vaslsta and Vam-
ade-.la would attend the festi.val to have darshan Mahasivaratri is celebrated for 5 days fr0m
M agha Bahula Triodasi (J an uary-Fehru~ ry).
of the Lord.
Akhandothsavarn and abhishekam ar~ performed.
Sugriva prayed tf) Lord Vishnu here for rel~ef Cocoanuts, fruits and flowers are offered. Devo-
from his inconsiderate broth!f V,tii. Sri Vishnu tees observe fasting and jagaranam on Sivaratri
promised to emancipate him in His Ramavath'lr. day. The festival is of ancient origin, is widely
Sri Rama Himself visited this sacred place after known and of all-India import':1.nce. The Govern-
killing Ravana and worshipp.~d Lord Veerabhadra ment patronise the festivaL a111 the temple has
to absolve Himselffrom the sin of killing so great a 200 acres of Inam lands. About one lakh Hindu
devotee of Lord Siva as Ravana. Parasurama who devotees from all parts of India congregate with-
destroyed the kingly dynasties for 20 times could out any distinction of caste or creed. Pilgrims
think of only the Lord of Patti sam to absolve visiting Bhadrachalam shrine and the other shrin-
Himself from that sin. Even Chandra (moon) who es mentioned above visit Pattasachala Kshetram
had yielded to the temptations of Tara, the wife also to att'11.n sllV'ltion. Puj:uis are Saivaities
of his great guru, Bruhaspathi, could be absolved for the Veerabh1dreswara temole and Vaishna-
of the abominable sin by taking a bath in the sac- vaite; for the Bhwanaraya·l1.swamy temple with
red Bhadrabligund-:tl1l, a pit in the bed of the ri- hereditary rights. They perform nitya naivedya
ver. This pit or small pond is said to have been deeparadhanas in the temples.
formed by the waters of Bhogavathi Ganga that
sprouted from the neth::r lands when the weaoon A fair is held in connection with the above
Pattasam fell on the ground for the first time, ~nd festival for 5 days near the temple. Foodstuffs,
it is called Bhadrakaligundam or Bhadrakundam eatables, utensils, lanterns, torchlights, mirrors.
after Bhadrakali, the consort of Sri Veerabhadr- comhs, earthern and wooden toys, pictures,
eswara. There are several such anecdotes t11at kin- phODS, books, mill, handlnom and ready made
gs, devas, daityas, maharshis and residents of the clothes, Ayurvcdic medicines and agricultural
 41

in1 plements are brought and s~ld. Bha!ans, Potlamma are situated in Kotta Pattisam, hamlet
musical performances, dramas, CIrCUS, swm~s, of Gutala.
lotteries and gamblings, etc., afford en.tertam-
ment to the visitors. There are choultnes and In 1951 one Sri Korada Appalaswamy came
free feeding is arranged during the festival. to this place, sculptured the icon of Anjaneya-
Pandals and sheds are erected for the visitors. swamy and installed it on the bank of the Goda-
va~i. After that the villagers constructed a
Anistri and Punisthri "are much worship- temple by collecting subscriptions.
ped by childless women desirous of offsprit;1g. The
suppliant places her foot on a platform III front
of the figures and vows that if a child !ike a pearl The story about Anjaneya has it that once
or like coral is born to her, she will present a Anjanidevi performed penance about Vayudeva
pearl or a piece of coral to the images. In ano-
ther part of the same tem~le are figures of Durga to beget children. The Wind God appeared
and Mahishasuramardham, the form adopted by before her and gave a boon that a child would be
the goJdess Parvathi when she killed the d~mon
Mahi~hasura. Sheep and fowls are sacrificed born to her. Accordingly, a child was born to
before these idols, though they are inside the. pre- her, and he was named Anjaneya after His
cincts of the temple. The spilling of blood IS not
as a rule permitted inside Brahmanical shrines." 1 mother's name. He was born on A-'iargasira
Suddha Triodasi (November--D::c~mber). Sri
Anjaneyaswamy Jayanthothsavam is celebrated for
SOURCE: 1. Sri P. Ramalingeswara Rao, B. A.,
5 days from Margasira Suddha Triodasi (November
LL.B., Advocate, Fatha Pattisam.
-December). Festival arrangement, are made
2. Sri N. Ramachandra Rao, Headmas- about one month in advance. Pujas are perfor-
ter, Panchayat Samithi Elementary med. The uthsava vigraham is taken out in pro-
School, Gutala. cession with music during the period of festival.
3. Articles in Aradhana Monthly Maga- Cocoanuts, fruits and flowers are offered to the
zine of SepE-ember, 1962 and January, dei.ty. Devotees take river bath and observe
1964. fasting. This festival is being celebrated since
the installation of the icon, i.e., from 1951. The
local youngmen committe patronises the festival.
9. Gutala-Situated at a distance of about 7 Subscriptions are collected from the villagers to
miles from Polavaram and 17 miles from the meet the expenditure. Thousands of people, local
Kovvur Railway Station. Kotta Pattisam is the and from the neighbouring villages, congregate
hamlet of this village. without any distinction of caste or creed. Pujari
is a Brahmin with hereditary rights.
The total population of the village is 6,293 A fair is held for 5 days in connection with
and it is made up of the following communities: the festival near the temple during day and night.
Caste Hindus-·Brahmin, Vaisya, Telaga, Kapu, Foodstuffs, eatables, glassware, lanterns, torch-
Velama, Turpu Kapu, Kamsali, Kummari, Ediga, lights, mirrors, combs, pictures, photo~, books,
Vadde, Chakali, Mangali; Scheduled Castes (947) cloth, ready made dresses and toys made up of
- Mala; Madiga, Mala Dasari, Madiga Dasari, earth, wood and paper; etc.; are sold in the fair.
etc·; Scheduled Trib~s (75)--Yenadi; and Chris- Dances, dramas, Harikathas, burrakathas, bhajans,
tians. The chief means of livelihood of the lotteries and gamblings, etc; afford entertainment
people are agriculture, agricultural labour and to the visitors. Pandals are erected. There is also
other traditional occupations. free feeding to some extent on the last day of the
festi val.
The temple of Nrusimhaswamy, with His
stone in'.age in hUInan form, seven Rama temples, Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated for 5 days
Anjaneyaswamy temple with His stone image, during Karthika'11 (October - November) in the
temples of thc village deitie'i Muthyalamm1. and hamlet Kotta Pattisam. Festival arrangements are
Potlamma with their stone images in awe-inspir- made 8 days in advance. Pujas are performed
ing forms; and a church are the places of worship during all the festival days. Devotees take oil
in the village. The temples of Anjaneya and bath and observe fasting and. jagarana. Deepa-
radhana is performed in their houses. This fest- Potlamma Jatra is celebrated in the hamlet,
ival is being celebrated for the past 14 years and Kotha Pattisam, according to the convenience of
is of local significance. Local Hindus participate the villagers once in two or three years. The
in the festival· Prasadarn is distributed to all. local people congregate irrespective of caste or
There is free feeding to some extent on the last creed.
day. Bhajans, Harikathas, burrakathas and dram:ls
afford entertainment to the visitors. Devotees take bath in the river Godavari
Muthyalamma Jatara is celebrated for 3 days and observe fasting and jagaranam during Muk-
during January or February, once in 3 years. Fes- koti Ekadasi and Sivaratri·
tival arrangements are made one month in adv'-r
ance. The deity is taken in procession. on the last. SOURCE: 1. Sri Vcmjji Appa/a Majjayya, Teacher,
day. Cooked rice, vegetables and eatables llre Kotta Pnttisam.
offered as naivendarn. Fowls, goats and sheep ~r~
2. Sri S. Lakshmipathi Raju, Teacher Zilla
sacrificed to the deity in fulfilment of vows. The. Parishad High School, Gutala.
festival is of local significance and local people
congregate. Pujaris are Chakalis with hereditaTY' 3. Sri A. Harinadha Rao, Village Level
rights. Dramas, Harikathas, burrakathas afford Worker, Guta/a.
entertainment to the visitors. Free feeding extends 4. Sri Va/avala Adiyya, Teacher, Kotta
to the last day. Patt;sam .

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KOVVUR TALUK
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 Section IV
KOVVUR TALUK
~ andigudem-Situated at a distance of 2i
miles years. The image of Peddintamma is also instaHed
c"'~ from the Jangareddigudem-Chhyala road and in the temple.
13 miles from Kovvur. The village is connected
by a foot path to the road. SOURCE: Sri P. Eliaza, Teacher. Nandigudem.

The population of the village is 1,607 and 2. GUddigudem-Situated at a distance of 4 miles

it is made up of the following communities: Caste from Gopalapuram, which is on the Jangareddigu-
Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisy", Kamma, Kapu, Golia, dem-Prakkilanka bus route and 29 miles from
Kummari, Chakali, Mangali, Kamsali, Athiracha; Kovvur.
Scheduled Castes (317) -Madiga, Mala; and Sch- The total population of the village is 2,583 and
eduled Tribes (480)-Koya. The chief means of liv-
it is made up of the following communities: Caste
lihood of the people are agriculture and agricul-
Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Telaga, Ath-
tural labour.
iracha, Muthracha, Kapu; Scheduled Castes (474)
-Madiga, Mala; and Muslims. The chief means
There are the temples of Kanakadurgamma, of livelihood of the people are agriculture and
Challalamma and Ganganamma in the village. agricultura 1 labour.
The image of Kanakadurgamma has 8 hands and
The temples of Prasannanjaneyaswamy,
is mounted on a lion. There is the image of
Venugopalaswamy and Kodandaramaswamy are
Peddintamma in the temple of Kanakadurgamma.
the places of worship in the village. There is Sri
There is image of Mahishasura under the right
Vasudasa Varada Kodanda Ramanama Sankirthana
foot of this dei ty.
Samajam established in 1941 in the village. Sri
Anjaneyaswamy temple was built in the year 1959.
Kanakadurgamma Teertham is celebrated for Lord Kodandaramaswamy temple was built and
5 days from Phalguna Suddha Purnima to Bahula Cha- Sri Venugopalaswamy temple was repaired recently
viti (February-March). Arrangements are made a by the local devotees.
week in advance and every day offerings are made
Sri Prasannanjaneyaswamy Jayanthi Uthsavam
in fulfilment of vows· Cocoanuts ~llld bananas are
is celebrated for a day on Margasira Suddha 1'rio-
offered to the deity and goats and fowls are sac-
rificed. Dramas Harikathas and bhajans afford dasi (November-December). Cocoanuts, fruits
entertainment. It is being celebrated for the past and flowers are offered to the deity in fulfilment
3 years and is of local significance. Sri Pokan- of vows. Bhajans are performed and processions
ati Venkataswamy, a Kapu and Sri Narala Pen- are taken out. The festival is being celebrated
for the past 3 years and is of local significance.
tayya, a Kamma, are the chief patrons. People,
Subscriptions are raised from the villagers to meet
local and from the neighbouring villages, congre-
gate. Pujari is a goldsmith. Prasadam is distribu- the expenditure. About' ,500 people of local and
ted to all. There is free feeding to some extclit· nearby villages congregate, irrespective of caste
or creed. Teertham and prasadam are distributed
to all present. A fair is held in connection with
About three years back Sri Kuchanuri Ve-
the festival for a day near the temple. Cocoanuts,
nkanna, a Golla (Yadava) by caste, was tending
lanterns, torches, mirrors, combs, photos, clot-
cattle. When a disC::lse broke out in the herd,
hes, toys, sweets and fruits, eIC., are brought and
Venkanna sprinkled rice mixed with curd for
sold. Harikathas or music performances afford
two or three days for s~lving the herd. Ddty
entertainment. There is poor fceding to some
Kanakadurgamma possessed him and told that
ex t,211t.
..
in case a temple was cO;lstructed for Her and H:r
image was worshipp~d, ;che would protect the villa- SOURCE: 1. Sri B. Ven.'<:ata Ratnam, Head Master,
ge. It was done accordingly and the annual festival Guddigud.:m.
of the o:ity is taking place for the past three 2. Sri V.v. Ramcma, Teacher, Guddigudem.
 3. Gajjaram-Situated on the Jangareddigudem- who have been accorded apotheosis because they
appeared in a dream to some member of the family
Ko\,vUr bus road at a distance of 15 miles from and announced that they had been made immor-
Kovvur Railway Station. River Godavari is at a tal.
distance of one mile fr(lm the village. Gajapathi
Th e village deities are al~ays female, and
Kings are said to have ru led over this place many usually can only be propitiated by the shedding of
years ago. During the e'(cavations, an old fort blood.They are not however. merely malevolent,
but will confer benefits on those whom they fav-
with its ramparts, stone i:nages, temples and other our. Some of the most common of them are Nuk-
things have been found. So, it is said that this alamma, Paradesamma, Neralamma, Mallamma,
Poieramma, Muthyalamma, Peddintamma, Soma-
village is of historic importance. lamma, Bangaramma, Mavullamma and Talupul-
amma. Wherever One of them is established, her
brother, who always goes by the name ofPoturaju is
The population of the village is 2,208 and it also worshipped. Some of them have a reputation
is made up of the following communities: Caste for beyond the local limits of their villages
and are visited by pilgrims from distant places.
Hindus-Brahmin, Kamma, Kummari, Vaisya, Nukalamma of Kandrakota in Peddapuram Taluk
Kshatria, Telaga, Kapu, Settibalija, Yadava, (East Godavari District) Mavulamma of Mare-
dipaka in Ramachandrapuram (East Godavari
Chakali, Mangali, etc.; Scheduled Castes (838)- District) and Somlliamma ofRajahmundry (East
Adi Andhra, Arundhatiya; Scheduled Tribes (17) Godavari District) are famous throughout the
district. These village goddesses are ordinarily wor-
and Christians. The chief means of livelihood of shipped only on the occasion of their annual fes-
the people are agriculture, agricultural labour tival. A buffalo and a number of sheep and fowls
are then sacrificed to them. The fowls are killed
and other traditional occupations. at the four corners of the village; the buffalo is
slain at about midnight on the last day of the fes-
tival. its blood is collected in a pot, and grain of
The temples of Sri Subrahmanyaswamy and various kinds is put into it. The blood is left in
Mutyalamma and two churches are the places of the temple in front of the goddess and a day or
two later. the prospects of the h<l.rvest are fore-
worship in the village. There are stone images of told from the degree to which the various kinds
Vishnu, Vigneswara, Siva, Nandi and a Sivalingam ofgrain have sprouted.
near the tank.
Among the deities who are worshipped by
special castes are Kanyakamma, the goddess of the
Subrahmanyaswamy Shashti is celebrated on Komatis, referred to later, the Kattumai (who is
also sometimes called Kattumaheswarudu) of Ga-
Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-December). mallas and Jdigas, the Gontiyalamma (the mother
Fruits and flowers are offered to the deity. The of the Pandava brothers) of the Malas, the Ka-
msalas' Kamakshiamma, the Karnabattus' Some-
devotees take bath in the pond near the temple. swara and the Madig as'Matangiralu. Brahmin fam-
It is of local significance and local Hindus congre- ilies also often have Some favourite deity whom
gate. they worship in preference to all others. "I

SOURCE: Sri E.M. Isaac, Teacher, Gajjaram.

Village deity MutY::llamma Jatara is celebra-
ted every year. There is 110 fixed date. Goats and
fowls are sacrificed to the deity in fulfilment of 4. Prakkilanka, hamlet of Tallapudi-Situated on
vows. It is of local significance and the local the bank of the river Godavari and 011 the Kovvur-
Hindus congregate. Jangareddigudem bus route at a distance of 14
miles from Kovvur. It can be reached by boat on
the river Godavari.
It is of interest to reproduce here what was
said about the village deities in the Madras
District Gazetteer of Gouavari District published The population of the village is 4,065 and it
in 1907. is made up of the following communities: Caste
"Besides the orthodc,x gods of the Hindu pant- Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu, Settibalija, Vad-
heon, three other classe~ of supernatural beings de, Kalinga, Kamsali, Chakali, MangaIi, Golla,
are commonly worshipped. These are the village
goddesses referred to belvw, who are essentially lo- etc.; Scheduled Castes (1,174)-Mala, etc.; and
cal in character; the ca~te deities, who are objects
of special reference among special castes; and the Scheduled Tribes (85). The chief means of liveli-
family deities, namely the virudu, or soul of some
dead bachelor of the family, and the perantam, or hood of the people are agriculture and agricultu-
spirit of Some woman outlived by her husband, ral labour.

1. Madras District Gazetteers-Godavari. Vol. I, (Madras: 1907), pp.47.48

 4$

The temples of Lord Visweswaraswamy, Sri ages congregate irrespective of caste or creed.
Rama and village deity Mavullamma are the pla- Pujari is a Chakali. Prasadam is distributed to all.
ces of worship in the villase. A fair is held in connection with the festival for
a day near the temple. Foodstuffs, eatables,
mirrors, combs, bamboo articles, lan-terns, pic-
Sri Visweswaraswamy Kalyanam is celebrated
tures photos, and toys are brought and sold. Swi-
for a day on Jaishta Suddha Purnima (May-June).
ngs and lotteries afford entertainment to the
It is of local significance. The temple has some
visitors.
lnam lands. The local Hindu~ congregate. Pujari
is a Brahmin with hereditary rights.
Sri Venkateswara Teertham is celebrated for
a day on Karthika Suddha Purnima (October-
Every year Mavullamma Jatara is celebrated November). It is confined to the village. Telagas
for one day during the harvest season. Fowls are patronise the festival. The local Hindus congregate
sacrificed during the Jatara to the deity. About irrespective of caste or creed.
100 devotees of the village congregate.
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 5 days
SOURCE: Sri P.J. Francis, Teacher, Prakkilanka. from Chaitra Suddha N avami (March-April).
Kalyanam is performed. It is of local significance.
The local Hindus congregate. Pujari is a Vaigha-
nasa.
5. Vegeswarapuram -Situated on the bank of the
river Godavari on the Narsapllr-Prakkilanka road Ganapathi Navarathrothsavam is celebrated
at a distance of about 13 miles from Kovvur Rail- for 9 days from Bhadrapada Suddha Chaviti (August-
way Station. It is believed that yogis (sages) did September) .
penance in this village and so it was called Yoges-
warapuram and gradually it became Vegeswara-
SOURCE: 1. Sri C. Ramabhadra Sastry, Headmas-
puram.
ter, Panchayat Samirhi Elementary
School, Vegeswarapuram.
The total population of the village is 3,139
2. Sri Vasabhaktula Veeracharyulu, Tea-
and it is made up of the following communities: cher, Panchayat Samithi Elementary
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Telaga, School, Vegeswarapuram.
Kapu, Medari, Chakali, Vadrangi, Kummari,
3. Sri eh. Nageswara Rao, Teacher,
Kamsali, Kalali, Mangali, Vadde, Sale, etc.;
Panchayat Samithi Elementary School,
Scheduled Castes (242)-Adi Andhra, Madiga,
Vegeswarapuram.
Mala; Scheduled Tribes (77)-Yanadi; Muslims
and Christians. The chief means of livelihood of 4. Sri N. Ramachandra Murthy, Science
the people are agriculture, agricultural labour and Assistant, Zilla Parishad High Sch-
other traditional occupations. ool, Vegeswarapuram.
5. Sri G. Sataynarayana Murty, Teacher,
The temples of Lord Venkateswaraswamy Panchayat Samithi Elementary School,
with his stone image, of Eswara with the Sivalin- Vegeswarapuram.
gam, of Sri Rama, Subrahmanyaswamyand Maha-
lakshmamma with the image in the form of Sakthi,
a mosque and a church are the places of worship 6. MaJakapalle -Situated on the Eluru-Kovvur
in the village. bus route at a distance of 10 miles by road from
Kovvur Railway Station.
Village deity Mahalakshmamma Jatara is
celebrated for a day on Vaisakha Suddha Purnima The total population of the village is 3,893
(April-May). Cocoanuts and bananas are offered and it is made up of the following communities:
tothe deity. Devotees tuke oil bath in the river Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Kamma,
Godavari during the festival. It is being celebra- Vadrangi, Kamsali, Kummari; Scheduled Castes
ted from ancient times and is cf local significance. (I040)-Madiga, etc.; Scheduled Tribes (63); and
The local Hindus and fro[.1 neiahbourini vil- Christians. The chief means of livelihood of the
 46'

people are agriculture, agricultural labour and 7. Ravurupadu -Situated at a distance of 4 miles
other traditional occupations. from Kovvur.

The temples of Muthyalamma, with 5 feet The population of the village is 822 and it is
high image in human form, Lord Siva and Sri made up of the following communities: Caste
Rama and a church are the places of worship in Hindus-·Yelaga, etc.; Scheduled Castes (92); and
the village. Scheduled Tribes (11). The chief means of live-
lihood of the people are agriculture, agricultural
Muthyalamma Teertham is celebrated for a labour and trade in vegetables, which are grown
day on Margasira Suddha Ekadasi (November- in abundance in this village.
December), Cocoanuts, bananas and naivedyam
are offered to the deity in fulfilment of vows. Village deity Muthyalamma and Lord Siva
Goats, fowls and he-buffaloes are sacrificed. It is temples are the places of worship in the village.
being celebrated from ancient times and is of
local significance. Kammas patronise the festival. Muthyalamma Jatara is celebrated for 2
About 4,000 Hindus, local and from the neigh- days during the first week of November. Goats
bouring villages congregate without any distinc- and fowls are sacrificed to the deity in fulfilment
tion of caste or creed. Pujari is a Chakali. Prasadam of vows. The temple has got 2 acres of Inam
is distributed to all. land. It is being celebrated for the past 20 years
and is' of local significance. People of this and
of the neighbouring villages congregate irrespec-
A fair is held in connection with the festival
tive of caste or creed.
for a day before the temple. It is being held since
50 years. Foodstuffs, eatables, mirrors, combs,
A fair is held in connection with the festival.
torches, utensils, lanterns, pictures, photos, bas-
Foodstuffs, eatables, utensils, mirrors, combs,
kets and toys of earth and wood are brought and
cloth and toys, etc., are brought and sold. Dan-
sold.
ces and recorded music afford entert:1.inment to
the visitors.
Dramas, whirling wheels, dances and lotte-
ries afford entertainment to the visitors. Usually
SOURCE: Sri Addala Narasimha Murthy, Teacher,
a certain devotee of the deity gets pos5essed and Ravurupadu.
he forecasts future events.

Siva Kalyanam is celebrated for 5 days from 8. Peddevam--Situated at a dist:ll1ce of about 11

Phalguna Suddha Ekadasi to Purnima (February- miles from Kovvur Rallw:.ty St1tion.
March). It is being celebrated for the past 2 years
and is confined to the village. One Sri Kunda- The total population of the village is 3,73t
mukkala Satyanarayana is the patron. The tempk and it is made up of the following communities:
has some Inam lands. The local Hindus congre- Cu:>te Hindus--Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu, Kamma,
gate. Pujari is a Brahmin of Kasisva gotram with Kamsali, Chakali, Mangali; Scheduled Castes
hereditary rights. Prasadam is distributed to all. (1,177)...:.. Madiga, Mala; Schc.!duled Tribes (26);
Every day pujas are performed and flaiJ!edyam is and Christians. Thf' chief means of livelihJod of
offered to the deity. the people are agriculture, agricu(tural labour and
other traditional occupation.;.
SOURCE: 1. Sri K. Sriramachandra Murty, Tea-
cher, Panchayat Samithi Elementary The temple of the village de'ty G:ulamma
School, Malakapalle. and 5 other temples and churches are the places
2. Sri Mahasivabattu Sattiraju, Teacher, of worship in the villag~.
Panchayat Samithi Elemeillary Schoo!,
Malakapalle. Garlamma Teerthan) is celebrated f,H 2 days
3. Sri Kollipara Govindaraju, Teacher, from Ugadi, i.e., Chaitra Suddha Padyami
Panchayat Samithi Elementary School, (March-April). It i~ of local significan..:e. The
Malakapalfe. devotees, local and from the neighbour:ng vill<,ges.
 47

congregate without any distinction of caste Formerly, the temple of Anantha Bhogeswara-
or creed. swamy was to the east of its present location, that
is, on the banks of the river Godavari and during
A fair is held in connection with the festival floods the temple was completely washed away.
for 2 days. Eatables, utensils, mirrors, combs, In 1883 the present temple was built and an image
ianterns, torches and toys, etc., are sold. of Sri Venkateswaraswamy was installed. Another
Merry-go-rounds afford entertainment to the visi- temple was then constructed within the compound
tors. There is free feeding to some extent. of it and the villagers thought of installing a Siva-
lingam there. But Lord Siva appeared to an elder
Ganapati Navaratrulu are celebrated on a very gentleman of the village in a dream; and told him
grand scale for 9 days at a common place in the that he was in the river in the form of a Lingam
village from Bhadrapada Sud d haT ad i y a and asked them to instal that image only in the
(August-September). Sri Rama Navami is cele- newly constructed temple. When the villagers
brated on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). were searching for the Lingam in the river, the
bamboo stick held by one of them touched the
SOURCE: I. Sri lduri Aseervadam, Teacher, Panch- Lingam at which a piece of it broke down. The
ayat Samithi Elementary School, broken Lingam was brought by. the villagers and
Peddevam. was installed in the temple.
2. Sri Koli Raja Rao, Teacher, Special
Panchayat Samilhi Elementary School, Sri Rama Navami is celebrated in Ramalayam
Peddevam. for a day on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April).
3. Sri B. M anikyacharyulu, Teacher, Kalyanam is performed. Flowers and fruits are
Panchayat Samithi Elementary School, offered. The festival is of ancient origin and is
Peddevam. confined to the village. The local Hindus congre-
gate. Pujari is Nambi with hereditary rights.

9. Kumaradevam __ Situated on the banks of the

The devotees take river bath early in the
river Godavari and at a distance of 5 miles from
morning during Karthikam (October-November)
Kovvur Railway Station. There is a boat app-
and puja, deeparadhana are also performed in the
roach from Rajahmundry. Formerly in 1882 the
temples.
village to the east of its present location was washed
away in floods; and so this new village was built in
this place. SOURCE: Sri Vadali Satyanarayana Murthy, Head-
master, Panchayat Samithi Elementary
The total population of the village is 2,503 School, Kumaradevam.
and it is made up of the following comJIlunities:
Caste Hindus-Kapu, Kamma, etc.; Scheduled
Castes (604); and Scheduled Tribes (22). The 10. Arikirevula-Situated on the banks of the
chief means of livelihood of the people are river Godavari at a distance of 2 miles from
agriculture and agricultural labour. Kovvur Railway Station. There are boat appro-
aches from Rajahmundry and other places also.
The temples of Lord V enkateswaraswamy,
Sri Rama and of Anantlia Bhogeswaraswamy with
a stone Sivalingam are the places of worship in The population of the village is 1,571 and it
the village. is made up of the following communities: Caste
Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu, Kamma, Kalali.
Dhanurmasothsavam is celebrated for 30 etc; Scheduled Castes (609)---Arundhatiyaj and
drays in Pushyam (December-January) in Lord Scheduled Tribes (7). The chief means of liveli-
\i enkateswara temple. Fruits and flowers are hood of the people are agriculture, agricultural
offered to the deity. It is being celebrated since labour and other traditional occupations.
t~e origin of the village and is confined to the
vllla~e. The local Hindus congregate. Pujari is The temples of Lord ,Siva, Sri Rama and the
a .Valshnava with h~reditary rights. Prasadam is village deity Pasalamma are the places of worship
dIstributed to all. in the village.
 43

Pasalamma Jatara is celebrated for a day in Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Telaga, Bhatraju; Sche-
Chaitram (March-April) according to the conlien- duled Castes (S76)-Madiga, Mala; and Schedu-
ience of the villagers. A procession is taken out led Tribes (12). The chief means of livelihood
on that day. Fruits and flowers are offered. of the people are agriculture, agricultural labour
Goats and fowls are sacrificed to the deity in and other tradititional occupations.
fulfilment of vows. It is being celebrated from
ancien t times and is of local significance. The The temples of Sri Ramalingeswaraswamy,
local Hindus congregate. Madanagopalaswamy, Sri Rama and village dei-
ties Arlamma, Nemalipuremma are the places of
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for a day on worship in the village.
Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). The Lord's
kalyanam is performed. Fruits and flowers are Arlamma Jatara is celebrated for 2 days in
offered. The local Hindus congregate. Vaisakham (April-May). On the first day pujas
are performed and on the second day the deity is
Mahasivaratri is celebrated for a day in Siva taken in a procession to her mother-in-Iaw's
temple on Magha Bahula Chaturdasi (January-Feb- house in Savaram, a hamlet of this village, Cocoa-
ruary).·, Fruits and flowers are offered. The local
nuts, fruits and naivedyam are offered to the deity.
Hindus congregate. The Jatara is being celebrated from ancient times
and is of local significance. Telagas are the pat-
SOURCE: 1. Sri D. S. R. K. Gangaraju, Assistant
rons· The local Hindus congregate,
Teacher, Panchayat Samithi Elemen-
tary School, Arikirevula.
A fair is held in connection with the festival
2. Sri Kesiraju Venkata Narasimha Kri-
for 2 days. Crockery, aluminium utensils,
shnaRao, Headmaster,Panchayat Sam i-
lhi Elementary School, A rikirevula. sweets, pots, lanterns, mirrors, combs, pictures
and photos, books and toys, etc., are brought and
sold.
11. Dommeru -Situated at a distance of about 2
miles from Kovvur. Sri Madanagopalaswamy Kalyanam is celeb-
rated on Vaisakha Suddha Ekadasi (April-May).
The total population of the village is 6,416
and it is made up of several sub-communities of Sri Ramalingeswaraswamy Kalyanam is cel-
Caste Hindus; Scheduled Castes (1,656); Sche- ebrated on Asviyuja Suddha Dasami (September-
duled Tribes (13); Musli.ms and Christians. The October).
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri-
cu I ture and agricultural labour. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated on Chaitra
Suddha Navami (March-April). On every Ekadasi
Lord Subrahmanyaswamy is worshipped in day bhajans are performed in Ramamandir. Every
the vill:lge. Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebra- day pujas are performed to Lord Rama. Bhajarzs are
ted for a day on Margasira Suddha Shashti (Nov- performed on every Monday, Friday and Ekadasi
ember-December). About 1,000 local Hindus days also.
congregate. Temporary sheds are erected for the
pilgrims. SOURCE: 1. Sri Khandbhattu Venkatraju, Head-
master, Penakamelta.
50URCE: Statement of Fairs and Festivals furnished
by lhe Superintendent of Police, West 2· Sri V. Kalidas, Teacher, Panc]zayat
Godavari. Samithi School, P. Savaram.

12. Penakametta-Situated at a distance of 3 13. Dharmavaram-Situated on the Kovvur-Pola-

miles from Kovvur. varam bus route at a distance of 8 miles from
Kovvur Railway Station. Originally a zamindari
The population of the village is 2,037 and it village, this has since been taken over by the
is made up of the following communities: Caste Government.
 49

The population of the village is 2,857 and it Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Devanga,
is made up of the following communities: Caste Kamsali, Gowda, Golla, Mangali, Chakali, etc.;
Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Kapu, Kamma, Scheduled Castes (770)- Arundhatiya, Adi Andhra;
Golla; Scheduled Castes (1,051); Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Tribes (13). The chief means of
(6); and Christians. The chief means of livelihood of li_velihood of the people are agriculture, agricul-
the people are agriculture and agricultural labour . tural labour and other traditional occupations.

The temples of Malleswaraswamy with a The Lingam of Mahalingeswaraswamy and

stone Sivalingam and of Sri Rama and a church are the Nandi are big and beautifully carved out.
the places of worship in the village. Village deity They are believed to be of ancient origin. About
Muthyalamma is also worshipped. 20 years ago, a person by name Annam Rama-
chandra Das came here and cleared the place near
Sivaratri is celebrated for a day on Magha the Lingam that was covered with shrubs. Thence
Bahula Chaturdasi (January-February). Siva Ka/ya- onwards theertham came to be celebrated here.
nam is performed. Some images like that of Natarajaswamy were
found out during excavations.
This festival is of local significance. The
temple has some Inam lands. The local Hindus There are temples of Sri Rama, and Chaya So-
congregate. Pujari is a Brahmin of Kasyapasa meswaraswamy in this village. There is a Lingam
gotram with hereditary rights. There is poor fee- of Mahalingeswaraswamy and a Nandi of
ding to some extent. exquisite sculpture, but with no temple. There
is a temple of Subrahmanya where the deity is
Muthya1amma Jatara is celebarted for a day in the form of a serpent and also the temples of
once in 4, 5 or 10 years for the welfare of the village deities Mahalakshmamma and Syamalamba.
villagers according to their convenience.
Sivaratri is celebrated for a day on Magha
Panakam, vadapappu and chalimidi are offered Bahula Chaturdasi (January-February) near the
to the deity. The festival is of ancient origin but abode of Mahalingeswaraswamy. The festival is
is of local significance. About 3,000 people, local being celebrated for the past 20 years and is of
and from the neighbouring villages, congregate. local significance. Some subscriptions are collected
to meet the expenditure. Hindus, local and from
A fair is held in connection with the Jatara the neighbouring villages, congregate. Boarding
in the night. Eatables, lanterns, torchlights, facilities are arranged for the pilgrims.
mirrors, combs, books, photos, fruits and fancy
goods, etc., are sold. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for a day on
Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April) in Rama
There is a chouhry for the pilgrims.
temple.
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for a day on
Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for a day
on Margasira Suddha ShashTi (November-Decem-
SOURCE: Sri T. Veerabhadrarao, Teacher, Panchayat ber) in that temple.
Samithi Elementary School, Dharmavaram.
SOURCE: Sri V. Seethapathi Rao, B.A., Clerk, Dis-
trict and Sessions Court, Rajahmundry.
14. Gowripatnam_ Situated on the Madras-Cal-
cutta G.N.T. Road at a distance of 9 miles from
Kovvur Railway Station. It is believed that in 15. Devarapalle- Situated on the Madras-Calcu-
the past this village was called Ekachakrapuram tta Great Northern Trunk Road, at a distance of
and Bhima, one of the Pandavas, killed the demon about 13 miles from Kovvur Railway Station.
Bakasura at this place.
The total population of the village is 4,810
. The population of the village is 2,343 and it and it is made up of the following communities:
IS made up of the following communities: Caste Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Kapu,
 50

· Kamma, Golla, SettibaIija, Devanga, Kamsali, Kovvur and 18 miles from Nidadavole Railway
Mangali, Chakali; Scheduled Castes (998) -Adi Station. It has communication facilities from
Andhra, Arundhatiya, Madiga; Scheduled Tribes Kovvur and Jangareddigudem via Polavaram, and
(26); and Christians. The chief means of liveli- from Eluru da Nidadavole.
hood of the people are agriculture, agricultural
labour, trade and other traditional occupations. The total population of the village is 4,436
and it is made up of the following communities:
The temples of Lord Siva, Sri Subrahmanya- Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Telaga,
swamy, two Rama mandirams are the places of Kapu, Reddy, Kamma, Kalali including Idiga and
worship in the village. There is the village .deity Settibalija, Palle, Vadde, Kummari, Kamsali,
Kadiyalamma, besides a church. Chakali, Golla, Mangali, Dommara, Uppari, etc.;
Scheduled Castes (1,114) - Madiga, Mala, etc.;
Scheduled Tribes (22) - Yerukula; Muslims and
Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for a
Christians. The chief means of livelihood of the
day on Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-De-
people are agriculture, agricultural labour and
cember). Cocoanuts, fruits and cash are offered.
other traditional occupations.
It is being celebrated from ancient times and is
confined to the village. The temple committee
The temples of Subrahmanyaswamy, Lord
organises the festival. Some subscriptions are
Venkateswaraswamy Sri Rama and Siva; a mosque
collected from the villagers to meet the expendi-
and a church are the places of worship in the
ture. The local Hindus congregate. Prasadam
village.
is distributed to all. There is free feeding to
some- extent.
Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for 5
days from Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-
Siva festival is celebrated for 6 days from December). It is being celebrated for the past
Phalguna Suddha Sapthami to Dwadasi (February- 30 years and is of local significance. Reddys
March). Cocoanuts, fruits and cash are offered. patronise the festival. The Hindus, local and
The festival is being celebrated for the past one from the neighbouring villages, congregate, with-
year and is confined to the village. Some sub- out any distinction of caste or creed. Pujari is Ii
scriptions are collected from the villagers to meet Brahmin.
the expenditure. The local Hindus congregate.
Pujari is a Brahmin without hereditary rights. A fair is held in this connection with a few
Prasadam is distributed to all. There is free shops. Eatables, lanterns, torchlights, mirrors,
feeding to some extent. pictures and photos, combs and toys of earth and
wood are brought and sold.
SOURCE: 1. Sri K. Ramacharyulu, Teacher, Pancha-
yat Samithi Higher Elementary School, Dramas, Harikathas, dances and burrakathas
Devarapalle. afford entertainment to the visitors.
2. Sri S. Appa Rao, Teacher, Pan ch ayat
Samithi Higher Elementary School, Kunthi Devi Panduga or Aradhana is celeb-
Devarapalle. rated in the village during October.
3. Sri Shaik Ameena, Teacher, Devara
palle. SOURCE: 1. Sri K. Job, Teacher, Gopalapuram.
4. Sri K. Venkataswamy, Teacher, Devara- 2. Sr; G. Subbarao, Teacher, Zilla Pari-
palle. shad Middle School, Gopalapuram.
5. Sri Uppaluri Subrahmanyam. Teacher,
Devarapalle.
6. Sri Kanuri Dharmaraju, Teacher, De- 17. Yadavole-Situated at the 6th mile on the
varapalle. Yernagudem-Koyyalagudem road.

The population of the village is 3,884 and it

16. GopaJapuram- Situated on the Kovvur-Nida- is made up of the following communities: Caste
davole bus route at a distance of 24 miles from Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Golla, Uppari, eft-;
 51

Scheduled Castes (687)-Madiga, Mala, etc.; Sc- villages, congregate. Pujari is a Chakali. Prasadam
heduled Tribes (16); and Muslims. The chief is distributed to all. Free feeding to some extent
means of livelihood of the people are agriculture, is arranged for the pilgrims.
agricultural labour and other traditional occu-
pations. A fair is held in connection with the
festival for a day near the temple. Eatables, lan-
Lord Subrahmanyaswamy IS worshipped in terns, torchlights, mirrors, combs, ready-made
the village. dresses, glass utensils, etc.; are brought and sold.
Dramas, magic, circus and lotteries afford enter-
Sfi Subrahmanyeswara Shashti is celebrated tainment to the visitors.
for a day on Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-
December). It is being celebrated for the past Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 5 days
4 years and is of local significance. The Hindus, from Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April).
local and from the nearby villages, congregate.
SOURCE: Sri T. Seshagiri Rao, Headmaster, Samithi
A fair is held in connection with the festi- Elementary School, Thirumalapuram, Kov-
val. Eatables, fruits, cocoanuts, pictures and vur Taluk, West Godavari District.
photos, cut-piece clothes, toys of earth and wood
and rubber balloons are brought and sold. Merry-
go-rounds, gambling, dramas, lotteries, Harikathas 19. Rajavaram-Situated at a distance of 30 miles
and musical performances afford entertainment from TadepaUigudem Railway Station and one
to the visitors. mile from the place of confluence of Yerrakalva,
Bineru and Pulivaagu.
SOURCE: 1. Sri Abhimalla Sundara Roo, Teacher,
Panchayat Samithi Elementary School, The popu 13 tion of the village is 3,409 and it
Yadavole. is made up of the following communities: Caste
2. Sri Bhamidipati Ramakrishnaiah, Tea- Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu, Kamma, Turpu
cher, Panchayat Samithi Elementary Kapu, Vadde, Devanga, Kummari, Vadrangi,
School, Yadavole. Kamsali, Gowda, Chakali, Mangali, etc.; Schedu-
led Castes (1, 132)-Madiga, Mala, etc.; Scheduled
18. Thirumalapuram-Situated at a distance of 2 Tribes (16)-Yerukula; and Muslims. The chief
miles from Seethampet, which is on Jangareddi- means of livelihood of the people are agriculture,
gudem-Kovvur bus route. agricultural labour and other traditional occupa-
tions.
The population of the village is 2,295 and it
is made up of the following communities: Caste Lord Subrahmanyaswamy temple with stone
-Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Gowda, Yadava, etc.; image in the form of a serpent, Sri Rama temple
Scheduled Castes (686)-Madiga, Mala; and three Vishnu temples are the places of WOT-
Scheduled Tribes (23); and Christians. The chief ship in the village.
means of livelihood of the people are agricultural
labour and other traditional occupations. A stone image in the form of Nagendra was
discovered sometime back near the Bangaru-
Sri Rama temple is the place of worship in cheruvu to the north of the village. Lord Subrah-
~he. village. The village deity Ankala mma temple manyaswamy appeared in a dream to one of the
IS 10 Venkataramanujapuram a hamlet of this elders of the village and commanded him to cons-
Village. ' truct a temple for Him. The villagers accordingly
constructed the temple of Sri Subrahmanyaswamy
. Ankalamma Teertham is celebrated for a day by collecting subscriptions.
l~every year according to the convenience of the
VIllagers. Fruits and cocoanuts are offered. Fowls, Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for 6
go Its and sheep are sacrificed to the deity in days from Margasira Suddha Panchami to Dasami
ful~lment of vows. It is being celebrated from (November-December). Fruits and flowers are
ancIent origin and is of local significance. About offered in fulfilment of vows. It is being celeb-
1.000 devotees, local and from the neighbouring rated for the past 10 years and is of local signi-
 52

ficance. About 2,000 devotees, local and from fowls are sacrificed to the deity.
the neighbouring villages congregate, irrespective
of caste or creed. There is one acre of Inam land SOURCE: Sri B. Somadas, Headmaster, Chinnaya-
to the temple given by Sri Dandabathula Subbanna. gudem.

A fair is held in connection with the festival

for 6 days near the temple. Eatables, lanterns, 21. Tyajampudi- Situated at a distance of 2!
mirrors, combs, pictures, photos, books, etc, are miles from Yernagudem, which is at the 34th mile
brought and sold. Lotteries, dramas, dances, burra~ from Eluru on Eluru-Yernagudem G.N.T. road
kothas and Harikathas afford entertainment to the and 12 miles from Nidadavole Railway Station.
visitors. There is poor feeding to some extent on
the last day. Sri Rama Navami (Kalyanam) is The population of the village is 3,321 and it
celebrated for 6 days from Chaitra Suddha Navami is made up of the following communities: Caste
(March-April), in Sri Rama temple. Hindus-Telaga, Reddy, Kamma, Vadde, Chakali,
Mangali, etc.; Scheduled Castes (735) - Madiga,
SOURCE: Sri Vagu Satyanarayana Paparao, Teacher, Mala, etc.; Scheduled Tribes (20); and Muslims.
Rajavaram. The chief means of livelihood of the people are
agriculture, agricultural labour and other tradi-
tional occu pations.

20. Chinnayagudem-Situated at a distance of 4 There are the village deities Thuti Kurlamma
miles from Yernagudem on the G.N.T. road, 18 (with a temple) and Gonthalamma in the village.
miles from Nidadavole Railway Station and 26
miles from Kovvur. Gonthalamma Panduga is celebrated for a
day in the month of October. Cocoanuts and
The population of the village is 3,322 and it fruits are offered to the deity. Goats, fowls, and
is made up of the following communities: Caste sheep are sacrificed. It is mostly confined to
Hindus-Kamma, Golla, Kummari, Vaikhanasa, local Mala community.
Kamsali, Chakali, Mangali, etc.; Scheduled Castes
(1,237)- Madiga, Mala, etc.; Scheduled Tribes SOURCE: Sri K. Appa Rao, Teacher, rryajampudi.
(16); Muslims and Christians. The chief means
of livelihood of the people are agriculture, agri-
cultural labour and other traditional occupations. 22. Kurukuru-Situated at a distance of 12 miles
from Nidadavole Railway Station.
A Vishnu temple and a Siva temple are the
places of worship in the village. There is a village The population of the village is 924 and it is
deity Bata Gangalamma temple at a distance of made up of the following communities: Caste
2! miles from the village. Hindus-Kamma, etc·; and Scheduled Castes
(192)- Adi Andhra, etc. The chief means of live-
Dhanurmasothsavam is celebrated in Vishnu lihood of the people are agrieultu re and agricul-
temple for 30 days in Pushyam (December-Janu- tural labour.
ary). It is being celebrated for the past some
years and is confined to the village only. The There are Sri Rama temple and an image of
local Hindus congregate. Subrahmanyaswamy in the form of a serpent in
the village.
Sivaratri is celebrated in Siva temple for 4 Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for a
days from Magha Bahula Chaturdasi (January-Feb- day on Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-Dec-
ruary). Pujari is a Brahmin. An extent of 100 ember). Fruits and flowers are offered to the
acres of Inam land is assigned by the Government deity. It is being celebrated for the past 4 years
in favour of the temples of Vishnu and Siva.- and is of local significance. The Hindus, local
and from a few neighbouring villages, congregate.
The devotees go and fulfil their vows once a
year to Bata Gangalamma. Goats, sheep and SOURCE: Sri Y. Sunder Rao, Headmaster, Kurukuru.
 53

23- Kurumamidi-Situated at the 7th mile from from Nidadavole Railway Station and 15 miles
Nidadavole on the Nidadavole-Yernagudem road. from Kovvur.

The population of the village is 2,974 and it The to tal popUlation of the village is 4,152
is made up of the following communities: Caste and it is made up of the following communities:
Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu, Kamma, Vadde, Caste Hindus-Vaisya, Telaga, Kapu, Kamma,
Turpu Kapu, etc.; Scheduled Castes (821); Sche- Golla, Kalali including Gowda. Idiga and Setti-
duled Tribes (25); and Muslims. The chief means balija, Yadava, Kamsali,'Telikala, Chakali, Man-
of livelihood of the people are agriculture, agri- gali, Kammari, Kapu, etc.; Scheduled Castes
cultural labour, fishing and other traditional (889) - Madiga, Mala, etc.; Scheduled Tribes
occupations. (37)- Yerukula; Muslims and Christians. The
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri-
The temples ofSubrahmanyasw;:tmy, Sri Rama culture, agricultural labour and other traditional
and Siva with their idols are the places of worship occupations.
in the village. There is the village deity Mavul-
lamma also. The temples of Sri Rama, Subrahmanyaswamy
and of the village deity Patemma are the places
Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for 5 of worship in the village.
days from M argasira Suddha Shashti (November-
December). It is confined to the village. The Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for 5
local Hindus congregate. Prasadam is distributed days from Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-
to all. December).

Sri Rama Navami is celebrated in Rama It is said that the image of Subrahmanya-
temple for 5 days from Chaitra Suddha· Navami swamy was self-manifested long back in this vi-
(March-April). It is being celebrated from an- llage. From that time onwards every year the
cient days and is confined to this village. The festival is being celebrated. It is confined to
local Hindus congregate. Prasadam is distributed this village only. Vaisyas patronise the festival.
to all· The local Hindus of all communities congregate.

Mahasivaratri is celebrated in Siva temple On the first dav the Lord's Kalyanam is
for 5 days from Mag~a Bahula Chathurdasi (Janu- performed. Cocoanuts and fruits are offered.
ary-February). Devotees observe fasting and Pujari is a Brahmin. Prasadam is distributed to
jagarana during the festival· all. There is free feeding to some extent·

The festival is being celebrated from ancient Patemma Jatara is celebrated for 2 days once
days and is confined to this village. The local in 8 or 9 years, according to the convenience of
Hindus congregate. Prasadam is distributed to all. the villagers. Goats,fow Is and sheep are sacrifi-
ced to the deity. On the next day of the Jatara
a young pig is buried alive in the ground up to
Mavullamma Jatara is celebrated for 2 or the head and the cattle are taken over the head
3 days every year. of this buried pig. This is a custom of the village.
Chakalis and Mangalis take garagalu in the pro-
SOURCE: 1. Sri Y.B.K. Lakshmi Narayana, Head- cession. Cooked rice full of a winnowing pan is
master, Panchayat Samithi Elementary placed on the head of a person and taken round
School, Korumamidi. the village with music. Several people play with
2. Sri Prathapa Lakshmi Narayanasarma, bamboos or sticks, turning them frequently over
Teacher, Panchayat Samithi Elementary the -head of the persoil. There is a superstitious
School, Korumamidi. belief that, but for the hindrance or obstruction
of the flying sticks above, the winnowing pan with
cooked rice and the man fly off into the air. Like
24. Chikkala-Situated at a distance of 2-1 miles this he goes 3 times around the village and on
from the Nidadavole-Yernagudem road. 7! miles each round an animal is sacrificed, usually a pig
 54

a sheep or a he-buffaloe. Prasadam is distributed Sri Subramanyaswamy Shashti is celebrated

to all. for a day on Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-
December). Cocoanuts, fruits and flowers are
It is believed that the Jatara is being cele- offered· The local devotees congregate without any
brated for the past 200 years and is confined to distinction of caste or creed.
this village. Kammas patronise the festival. The
local Hindus congregate. Animals are sacrificed to the village deity
A fair is held for 2 days in this connection Mallamma, when epidemics prevail in the village.
near the temple with a few shops. Eatables, mi-
rrors, combs and toys are sold· Dramas afford SOURCE: 1. Sri S. S Gulab, Headmaster, Pancha-
entertainment to the visitors· yat Samithi Elementary School. Kata-
koteswaram.
SOURCE: 1. Sri Abhimalla Srinivasarao, Headmas- 2. Sri B. Symon, Teacher, Panchayat
ter, Panchayat Samithi Elementary Sc- Samithi Elementary School, Katakot-
hool, Chikkala. eswaram.
2. Sri Ch. L. Narasimhacharyulu, Assis- 3. Srj Ch. Suryanarayana Roo, Teacher,
tant Teacher, Panchayat Samithi Ele- Katakoteswaram
mentary School, Chikkala.
3. Sri N. Sathaiah, Teacher, Panchayat
Samithi Elementary School Chikkala. 26. Thimmarajupalem-Situated at a distance of
i a mile from the Nidadavole-Yernagudem road
and Ii miles from Nidadavole Railway Station.
15. Tadimalla-Situated at a distance of 6 miles
from Nidadavole Railway Station by road and 20 The population of the village is 796 and it is
miles from Kovvur. made up of the following communities: Caste
Hindus-Brahmi.n, Vaisya, Telaga, Kamma, Cha-
The total population of the village is 4,026 kali, Mavgali, etc.; Scheduled Castes (228)- Ma-
and it is made up of the following communities: diga, Mala; and Christians. The chief means of
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Vadde, etc.; livelihood of the people are agriculture and agri-
Scheduled Castes (442)-Madiga, etc.; Sche- cultural labour.
duled Tribes (19); Muslims and Christians.
The chief means of livelihood of the people are The temples of Lord Venugopalaswamy and
agriculture, agricultural labour and other tradi- of the village deity Kota Sathemma are the places
tional occupations. of worship in the village.
The temples of Lord Siva, Sri Rama, Subrah-
Sri Venugopalaswamy Kalyanam is celebra-
manyaswamy and Rajagopalaswamy are the places
ted for 5 days from Vaisakha Suddha Ekadasi to
of worship in the village. There is an image of
Purnima (April-May). This festival is of local
the village deity Mallamma· It is said that the
significance. Sri Devulapalli GOpala Krishna
temple of Rajagopalaswamy was constructed be-
fore the 15th century A.D. Sastry and Sri Bandaru Rama Rao are the chief
patrons. The Hindus, local and from nearby
Mahasivaratri festival is celebrated in Siva villages, congregate· The pu,iaris are Vykhanasa
temple for 2 days on Magha Bahula Triodasi and Brahmins of Bhargavasa gotram with hereditary
Chathurdasi (January-February). rights.

Cocoanuts, fruits and flowers are offered in SOURCE!: Srj Bh. Venkala Rao, Headmaster, Special
fulfilment of vows. Fasting is observed by the de- Panchayat Samithi School, Thimmaraj'u-
votees on that day. palem.

The local people congregate, irrespective of

caste or creed. Pujari is a Brahmin of Bharadwa- 27. Nidadavo -Situated on the Madras-Calcutta
jasa gotram with hereditary rights. Prasadam is Railway line at a distance of 10 miles from Kovv-
distributed to all. ur by rail and 15 miles by road: A branch line
 55

from this junction goes to Narsapur, a town 48 chief means of livelihood of the people are agri-
miles on the east coast. It has communication culture, agricultural labour, trade, services,
facilities by bus to many a town like Narsapur, labour and other traditional occupations.
fangareddigudem, Kovvur, Bhimavarm and Pola-
varam and Eluru City and by canals to Narsapur, The temples of Golingeswaraswamy. Satya-
Bhimavaram, Koderu and Attili towns and Raj- narayanaswamy, Someswaraswamy, Rajasekhara-
:mmundry and Eluru Cities. Of course, canal swamy, Madanagopalaswamy, Anjaneyaswamy,
transport is mostly made use of for cargo only. Lord Siva,. Subrahmanyeswaraswamy, Saibaba,
It is a big trading centre too, being a marketing Vighneswaraswamy and village deity Nangalamma,
centre next to Tadepalligudem in paddy and rice. besides mosques and churches, are the places of
worship in the town.
Formerly, Nidadavolewas known by names like
Niravadyapuram and Niravadyaprolu. According A legend current in the area about the deity
to the history of Eastern Chalukyas, battles were Nangalamma is narrated below. The deity Nangala-
fought in Niravadyaprolu and Peruvanguru bet- mma is believed to belong to Vanga family and to be
ween them and Rashtrakutas. 'Niravadya' was a the daughter-in-law of Chamarthi family. To the
title of Vijayaditya II, who ruled this area bet- north of this place, in the olden days there was a
ween 699-729 A.D. As this village was construc- kingdom, which was invaded by foes. The latter
ted and named after him, it went by the name won the battle and the residents of vanquished
'Niravadyaprolu' during those days. During the kingdom fled to other places. Amongst them was
British period, this village acquired the name a couple who too migrated to this place. Owing
N idada vole. to poverty, they were selling away their jewels
one by one. One day the husband went to bazaar
to sell the golden bangle of his wife. At the same
According to some historical findings, Nida-
time, a similar golden bangle of the queen was
davole was a place renowned for Saivaradhana.
stolen and the soldiers were searching for the
Even today we can find Sivalingams, images of
thief. They caught hold of the man, who was sel-
Vinayaka, Nandi, and Sakthi in large numbers
ling the bangle of his own wife; and the king,
here. In the year 1943, a very big Sivalingam with
without enquiry, ordered to punish both the man
panavattam (the base of the lingam) and a sila pha-
and his wife severely. This insult was unbearable
lakam (stone inscription) were discovered when
to the woman. She committed suicide by drow-
the Kola dibba was being excavated. Even as- rec-
ning herself in the canal. Afterwards, it is belie-
entlyas in the year 1959, a big beautiful statue
ved, she became the deity Nangalamma and a
of Nandi was unearthed. It ilIurtrates the exqui-
temple was built for her on the bank of the canal.
site sculpture that flouri,;hed in the area here
It is said that this scene was witnessed by several
Numerous inscriptions were also discovered here.
people. The stories current mention that on acco-
A few wells with a radius of !- of a yard are
unt of the curse of that woman tamarind trees did
said to exist even today underneath the roads here
not bear fruit, village munsiff did not live in the
and there. Often people discov~r the idols of
village, Kshatrils, goldsmiths, carpenters and
Vinayaka and Nandi in a ruined state and the
Madigas did not thrive there.
stones of temples. It is believed that once there
had been more than a hundred Sivalayams here.
Nangalamma Jatara is celebrated for 3 or 4
The fort of this place was once serving as a defence
days once in 5 or 6 years according to the conve-
fortress for the main fort of Rajamahendra varam
nience of the villagers usually in the month of
(Rajahmundry). To the west of this Kota dibba at
May. Fowls, sheep, goats, he-buffaloes and pigs
a distance of 1 a mile, there is a statue known as
are sacrificed in fulfilment of vows. Fruits, flo-
Kota sakthi which is 6 feet high. After the Hindu
wers and panakam are offered to the deity.
regime, this fort fell into the hands of Muslim
invaders.
The Jatara is of local significance. The temple
has some Inam lands. The chief patrons are Go1-
The total population of the town is 16,842 las and Kapus. Thousands of Hindus, local and
and it is made up of several sub-communities from the neighbouring villges, congregate. PuJarl
of Caste Hindus; Scheduled Castes (2,165); Sch::d- is a Golla with hereditary rights. Prasadam iii
ukd Tribes (130) Muslims and Chirstians. The distributed to all.
 56

A fair is held in connection with this festi- The legend current in the area about Golin-
val near the temple for 3 or 4 days during the geswaraswamy temple is as follows: Originally the
nights. Eatables, utensils, lanterns, torch lights, place where the temple stands was full of bushes
mirrors, combs, pictures, books, photos, and and shrubs where the cowherds used to graze their
toys, etc., are brought and sold. Dramas, merry- cattle. It was noticed that one cow was not
go-rounds, and lotteries afford entertainment to the yielding milk in the house. The owner pursued
visitors. it and observed that the cow was standing on a
bush and pouring out its milk. The man cleared
Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for 1 day that region of bushes and discovered a big 'Siva-
on Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-·Decem- lingam there. The same Lingam now goes by the
ber). Fruits, flowers and silver hoods are offered name Sri Golingeswaraswamy.
to the deity in the morning after oil bath. The
festival is of ancient origin and is confined to It is revealed from a stone inscription, that
this town only. The local Hindus partIcIpate in was found in Mallipudi village of this district,.
the festival. Pujaris are Brahmins. There is poor that there was Sri Agasthyeswaralayam at Nida-
feeding to some extent. davole. This inscrpition was written in 1219 A.D.
and was discovered in a Vishnalayam in Mallipudi.
Sri Golingeswaraswamy Kalyanam is celebra- According to some other inscriptions, it is learnt
ted for 5 days from Magha Bah~la Chaturdasi (Jan- tha t there were also very big temples called
uary-February) . Mahadeveswara temple and Kumaraswamy temple
in the vicinity.
Sri Satyanarayanaswamy Kalyanam is celeb-
rated for 5 days from Magha Suddha Triodasi
The ancient temples of Nidadavole were rava-
(January-February) .
ged during the Muslim onslaught that took pla-
ce in 16th and 17th centuries. Many images of
The image of Sri Satyanarayanaswamy was
the deities were broken to pieces. People must
found in the Nidadavole canal. It was installed
have hidden under ground some beautiful images
on the banks of the canal itself and a temple was
at that time, which are discovered now-a-days.
constructed subsequently. There is a Pujari in
this temple who is a Brahmin. Vrathams and mar-
In the compound of the house of a Golla,
riage functions are often conducted in this temple
which is behind Madanagopalaswamy temple, was
and those who perform Vrathas and marriages
discovered a stone pillar, inscription on which re-
in the temple offer to the swamy Katnam, a fixed
lates to King Vishnu Vardhana of Eastern Chalu-
fees. The expenditure of the nitya dhupa, deepa
kyas~and was written in Telugu. It reveals that
and naivedyams are borne from the money realised
Vemuluru Komaiah gave away 52 sheep to a person
in this way.
to conduct aka sa deeparadhana in Kumaraswamy
Saibaba Utsavam is celebrated after Anthar- temple.
vedi teertham every year. Every Thursday the
devotees perform bhajans. Another inscription was found in Madanago-
palaswamy temple which belongs to 1199 saka
Ganapathi Navarathrulu are celebrated for 9 year. This reveals that Pubbaiah of Niravadyap-
days from Bhadrapada Suddha Chavithi (August-Sep- • rolu gave away 50 cows to Deveboya, for the
tember)' These are celebrated on a grand scale necessary ghee to conduct the akasa deeparadhana
by the local associations like Lorry Sangh'lm, in Mahadeveswara temple.
Merchants Union, Yuvajana Sangham and by the
Motor bus workers. Subscriptions, in cash or An inscription of 1227 saka year on a stone
kind are also collected to meet the expenses. On pillar discovered in a mosque, mentions that the
the last day free feeding and distribution of clo. pillar was intended for erection in Mahadeveswara
thes to the poor are held. temple. The inscription on a pillar found out
near the Kota dibba, which was written in 1227
Madana Gopalaswamy festival is celebrated saka year, relates that Kuchena, son of Devaraju
for a day on Sravana Bahula Ashtami (July-August). Peddim of Athukur donated land to Chenna
Cocoanuts and bananas are offered to the deity. Malladevaswamy. From the same pillar it is
 $7

decipaered that on Thursday, Chaitra Suddha 15. Sri Kanda Ghatodgajudu, Teacher,
Padyami of 1227 Saka year, some other people also Nidadavole.
donated some lands to Chenna Malladevaswamy 16. Sri Y. Venkateswara Rao, Teach~r,
and that on Monday, Vaisakha Bahula Ekadasi of Hindu Aided Elementar School, Basi-
1228 Saka year, King Vishnu Vardhana assigned vireddipet, Nidadavole.
some lands to Chenna Malleswaraswamy at 17. Nidadavole Charitra, Sri Goparaju
Gurralagunta. Venkatanandam, Ahhyudaya Publica-
tions, Nidadavole.
All the above mentioned inscriptions were
written in Telugu. In Kumaradevam, a nearby
village to Nidadavole, some more inscriptions
28. Unagatla - Situated at a distance of about t
were discovered which mentioned donations given
a mile from the Narsapur-Prakkilanka road, 2i
to some temples. The stone pillars, upon which
miles from Chagallu Railway Station, 5 miles
these incriptions are written are now in Kalyana-
from Nidadavole Railway Station and 11 miles
mantapam and Mukhamantapam in Sri Venkates-
from Kovvur.
waraswamy temple Of Kumaradevam village.
The population of the village is 4,107 and it
SOURCE: 1. Sri Goparaju Satyanarayanamurty,
is made up of the following communities: Caste
Teacher, Nidadavole.
Hindus--Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu, Kamma, Golia,
2. Sri Ch. V. Ramanarao, Teacher, Kalali including Settibalija,. Vadrangi, Kummari,
Abhyudaya Samithi Junior Basic Medara, Kamsali, Chakali, Mangali, Uppara, etc.;
School, Nidadavole. Scheduled Castes (624) - Domniara, Madiga,
3· Sri D. Venkateswarlu, Teacher, Ni- Mala, etc.; Scheduled Tribes (l8)-Yerukula, etc.;
dadavole. and Christians. The chief means of livelihood
4. Sri G. Suryarao, Teacher, Abhyudaya of the people are agricultu re, agricultural labour,
Samithi Junior Basic School, Nidada- toddy tapping and other traditional occupations.
vole.
5. Sri C. Satyanarayanamurty, Bill Coll- Sri Subrahmanyaswamy temple with the
ector, Nidadavole Panchayat, Nida- image in the form of a serpent carved on a stone,
davole. four Sri Rama temples with the images in human
6. Sri R. Suryanarayanamurty, Tea- form and village deity Mahalakshmamma temple
cher, Nidadavole. and a church are the places of worship in the
village.
7. Sri D. Subbaiah, Tea(;her, Raipeta,
Nidadavole.
Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for a
8. Sri Vemuri Satyanarayana, Head- day on Margasira Suddha / Shashti (November.".
master, Nidadavole. December). Festival arrangements are made a
9. Sri Ragidimilli Satyanarayanamurly, day in advance. On that night the deity is taken
Teacher, Nidadavole. in a procession. The devotees take oil bath and
10. Sri B. Gangaraju, Teacher, Panchayat go to the temple with fruits, flowers, kumkum,
Samifhi Elementary School, Nidada- turmeric, camphor, agarbathis and silver serpent
vole. hoods and offer them to the deity. Fasti ng and
11. Sri Alamuri Krishnamraju, Teacher, jagarana are observed by the devotees. The fes-
Hindu Aided Higher El~mentary tival is of local significance. The local Hindus
School, Raipeta, Nidadavole. participate. Prasadam is distributed to all.
12. Sr'- K. Veeranna, Teacher, Higher
Elementary School, Basivireddypet, A fair is held in connection with the festival
Nidadavole. for 2 days near the temple. A few shops are
13· Sri Vanga Ramanna, Teacher, Nida- held with eatables and lac toys, etc.
davole.
14. Sri V. Ramarao, Teacher, Higher Mahalakshmamma Jatara is celebrated in the
Elementary School, Basil'ireddYpet, village, when there are any diseases prevalent in
Nidadavole. in the village. Cocoanuts, fruits and panakam
 58

(jaggcry melted with water) are offered. Animals Sri Subrahmanyaswamy Shashti is celebrated
are sacrificed in fulfilment of vows. Pujaris are for 5 days from Margasira Suddha Shashti (Nov-
Chakalis. ember-December). A pro~ession is taken out.
The festival is being celebrated for the past about
SOURCE: 1. Sri Varanasi Venkata Subba Roo, 80 years and is of local significance. About 1,000
Agriculturist, Unagat1a. Hindus, local and from the neighbouring villages,
2. Sri D. Satyanandam, Teacher, Una- congregate. Prasadam is distributed to all.
gatia.
3. Kumari V. Alice, Teacher, Unagatla. A fair is held in connection with the festival
for 5 days near the temple. Some rents and
4. Sri A. Ramamurty, Teacher, Una- taxes are collected from the tradesmen by the
gatla. Panchayat Board. Eatables, utensils, lanterns,
5. Sri N. Raju, Assistant Teacher, Una- torchlights, mirrors, combs, books, photos,
gatla. clothes, agricultural implements, bangles, boxes,
6. Sr' Athunuri Rczmamurty, Landlord, baskets and earthen and wooden toys are brought
Unagatla. and sold. Dramas, music and Harikathas afford
entertainment to the visitors. There is a chou]-
7. Sri D. Satyanal'ayana Murty, Head- try in the village and there is free feeding to
master, Panchayat Samithi Elementary some extent.
School, Unagatla.
Patemma Jatara is celebrated for three days
once in 12 years according to the convenience of
29. Chagallu-·Situated on the Eluru-Nidada- the villagers. During the Jatara, a hut is built in
vole bus route at a distance of 6 miles from Ni- the centre of the village and the deity which
dadavole and 9 miles from Kovvur. The rail- is taken to the hut from the temple is again taken
way station Chagallu is 2 miles from the village back to the temple after the festival is over.
on Vijayawada -Waltair Section. It is on the Every day sevas, aradhanas are performed to the
bus routes from Nidadavole to Eluru, Polavaram deity. On the last day the dei ty is taken in a pro-
and Jangareddigudem. It is believed that once cession and panakam and kumbham are offered to
Moudgalyamaharshi did penance here. A canal the deity. On the third day, goats, fowls, sheep and a
called Pemulakalva which is to the east of the he-buffaloe are sacrificed before the temple and the
village is believed to be of natural formation and hut in the centre of the village is burnt. Kammas
not dug by human hand. and Kapus patronise the Jatara. The Hindus,
local and from the neighbouring villages, congre-
The population of the village is 6,820 and it gate. Pujaris are Kummaris and Chakalis with
is made up of the following communities: Caste hereditary rights.
Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Telaga,
Kapu, Kamma, Goundla including Ediga and Ganapathi Navaratrulu are celebrated for 9
Settibalija, Devanga, Yadava, Kuruva, Kamsali, days from Bhadrapada Suddha Chavithi (August-
Chakali, Mangali, Kummari, etc.; Scheduled September). It is being celebrated for the past 20
Castes (1,141)-Adi Andhra, Arundhatiya, Madi- y~ars. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for a day
ga, Mala, etc.; Scheduled Tribes (16); Muslims on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April).
and Christians. The chief i::neans of I:velihood
of the people are agriculture, agricultura! labour, SOURCE: 1. Sri M. Muneeswara Rao, Teacher,
trade, toddy tapping, palm fibre making, labour Special Panchayat Samithi Elementary
and other traditional occupations. School, Chagallu.
2. Sri Yerroju Venkata Rao, Clerk Pan-
The temples of Subrahmanyaswamy, Sri chayar Office, Chagallu.
Rama, Siva, Ganapathi, Anjaneyaswamy, Rajes- 3. Sri G. Bala Raju, Teacher, Panchayat
waraswamy and village deities Patemma, Maha- Samithi Elementary School, Chagal!u.
lakshmamma, Muthyalamma, Konthamma; mosq- 4. Sri G. Kondala Rao, Teacher, Pancha-
ues and churches are the places of worship in the yat Samithi Elementary School, Cha-
village. gallu.
 59

30. KOVVUf- The taluk headquarters situated on result of which the cow died· This is how he was
the right bank of the river Godavari facing Raja- . subjected to gohatya sin. He wanted a sacred
mundry city on the left bank. It is a railway sta- place to be named Govuru and establish a presi-
tion on Vijayawada-Waltair section of the South- ding deity. As he was thinking about the deity,
ern Railway at a distance of 89 miles from Vijaya- Gopalaswamy (Sri Krishna) appeared with His
wada. consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama, promised to
come down to earth to save him and the world
Gowthama, the great saint, built Varadagop- through him, asked hin1 to carry Him on seven
alaswamy temple and on the four sides of the tender leaves and establish Him where the leaves
temple, streets were constructed and a village was would be damaged or torn. The next morning,
founded. Gowthama named that village as Govur while he was offering arghya to the Sun in the
which, in course of time, became Kovvur in river, the image of Gopalaswamy appeared in his
usage. hands. He carried it according to the instructions
of the Lord, and installed it where the leaves gave
The total population of the town is 15,427 way, with the assistance of the other rishis to
and it is made up of several sub-communities of whom he narrated his experience. Tearing of the
Caste Hindus; Scheduled Castes (1,852); Sched- leaves was interpreted as destroying the sins of
uled Tribes (49); Muslims and Chrsitians. The the devotees. Gowthama and his wife Ahalya were
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri- the chief of those that took part in the function.
culture, agricultural labour, services, trade and The image resembles the stone in the Godavari
other traditional occupations. river but there is no clear chiselling. Gopalaswa-
my is with Rukmini and Satyabhama wearing the
The temples of Sri Varadagopalaswamy, Cho- feathers of peacock on the head, crossing the
deswara, Subrahmanyaswamy, Gowthameswara- right leg ov~r the left and holding the flute in
swamy Balatripurasunderswarudu, Chaitanya- both the hands. The sanctum sanctorum, the in-
swamy, Radhakrishna, Anjaneyaswamy and of the ner hall, the outer mantapam with the temple of
village deity Kovvuramma (image in human form Garuda (the sacred kite and the vahanam of Vish-
with 4 hands) are the places of worship in the nu) and the dhwajasthambham (victory pillar) com·
town. Besides these temples, there are a Sankara- prise the temple. To the right there is the image
charya mutt, a mosque and a church in the town. of Dasanjaneya (Hanuman, the servant). There is
the kalyana mantapam to the south and nearly
there are six old wood-apple trees. A town with four
It is believed that Gowthama Rishi desirous
streets on four sides of the temple flourished. The
of having a sacred river that would wash away
village was named Govuru. All devotees were gra-
the sins of gohathya (killing a cow) created river nted their desires and hence the epithet )larada
Godavari.
(giver) was added and the Lord is called Varada-
"The peculiar sacredness of the Godavari is gopalaswamy. During the Nizam's rule a noble
said to have been revealed by Rama himself to Reddy donated 40 acres of land, a single plot
the rishi Gautama. The river is sometimes called
Goda, and the sacred character especially attaches half a mile from the village for lighting, etc., de-
to the Gautami mouth. According to the popu- dicated to the deity. About one hundred years
lar legend. it proceeds from the same source as
the Ganges. by an underground passage; and this back in the year Prabhava, one Govardhanam
identity is preserved in the familiar name of Vri- Rangacharyulu donated Garuda vahanam and Ses-
ddha-Ganga. But every part of its course is holy
ground, and to bathe in its waters will wash away ha vahanam to the swamy. In 1907 the temple of
the blackest sin. "I Sri Rama with images of Sita, Lakshmana and
Anjaneya and dhwajasthambham were installed. A
Gowthama Rishi who was a powerful saint car and Anjaneya vahanam were added. The image
was feeding the people during the twelve years of of Lakshmi Devi was installed by Srimathi Mukk\\
continuous famine with the help of food grains he Lachchamma and this temple is to the north of
was growing by his tapassakthi. Eswara in the form the Gopalaswamy temple facing south.
of a cow and Vighneswara in the form of a calf
were destroying the crops. In order to protect the Kovvuramma Jatara is celebrated for 4 days
crop, the Rishi hit the cow with darbha, as a from Telugu New year's day, i.e., Chaitra Suddha

1 Thelmp"lal Gazetteer of India, vol. XII Clarendan Press; Oxford, 1908), p. 299.
 60

Padyami (March-April). On the night of the first in the sea at the spots where they are supposed to
have been ......... a bath in the river anywhere
day a fowl is sacrificed, its blood is mixed with along its course has great sanctifying virtue." 1
kumbham and taken in a procession in a winnow on
the head of a person. The process is repeated with SOURCE: Sri Sripada Surya Prakasa Rao, Teacher,
goat and he-butl'aloe successively on the remain- Kovvur.
ing nights. On the last day a young pig is bur-
ied in the ground upto the head and the deity is
taken in procession over the head of the pig. The 31. Pasivedala-Situated on Vijayawada-Wa!tair
local people congregate. section of the Southern Railway at a distance of
2 miles from Kovvur. Gouthama Maharshi did
penance in Gopadakshetram (Kovvur). At that
The Kalyanamahothsavam of Varadagopala- time the people in the area were affected by dro-
swamy is celebrated for a day on Vaisakha Suddha ught. Gouthama with his yoga power cultivated
Ekadasi (April-May). The common Hindu fes- the land every day and was supplying food to all.
tivals are all observed here with particular devotion Gouthama had the yoga power of separating Ganga
and enthusiasm. Mukkoti Ekadasi on Margasira Sud- from Eswara. One day Eswara became a cow and
dha Ekadasi (November-December) is a special oc- Ganapathi a calf and both the cow and the calf
casion here. On that day Gopalaswamy on Garuda, began to destroy the crop. Gouthama beat the cow
Chakraperumallu on Sesha, Sita and Rama on with a darbha· The cow suffering from the pain
Anjaneya, Anjaneya on a cha/uvachapparam, Lakshmi came running to thjs village and died here with
in a palanquin and Choleswaraswamy {installed the pain. The village thus got the name Pasuve-
by a Chola chakravarthi} on Nandi (bull), are all dana (pasu means cow and vedana means pain) and
taken in procession. Brahmins recite vedas and gradually it became Pasivedala.
all take part in the festival decorating the streets
with festoons of green mango leaves. The total population of the village is 3,671
and it is made up of the following communites:
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Telaga, Kapu,
A bath in the river Godavari at Kovvur is Kamma, Gowda, Vadrangi, Kamsali, Kummari,
always associated with sanctity. The town has a Kanchara, Chakali, Mangali. etc.; Scheduled
beautiful bathing ghat where hundreds of people, Castes (829)- Madiga, Mala; Muslims and Chri-
coming even from distant places, are seen every stians. The chief means of livelihood of the
day bathing in the river. The following extract people are agriculture, agricultural labour and
from the Madras District Gazetteers testifies the other traditional occupations.
belief of Hindus in this regard.
The temples of Sri Rama and village deity
"Seven traditional mouths are recognised as Gogulamma and a church are the places of wor-
sacred by Hindus. The holy waters of the Goda- ship in the village.
vari are said to have been brought from the head
of Siva by the Saint Gautama, and the seven bran-
ches by which it is traditionally supposed to have Sri Veerabrahmamgari Uthsavam is celebrated
reached the sea are said to have been made by for 3 days from Kartika Bahula Ekadasi (October-
seven great rishis. The mouths of these are con-
sidered especially holy, and to bathe in the sea at November) in memory of that saint. It is being
anyone of them is considered an act of great re- celebrated from many years and is of local signi-
ligious efficacy. It is customary for the pious ficance. The devotees, local and from the nei-
(especially childless persons desirous of offspring)
to make a pilgirimage to each in turn and bathe ghbouring villages, congregate.
there, thus performing the sapta-sagara-yatra or
'pilgrimage of the seven confluences.' The Vaina-
teyam is not one of these traditional mouths, but Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 5 days from
is supposed to have been created afterwards by a Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Kalyanam
rishi of that name who stole a part of the Vasishta
for the purpose. The traditional seven are the and pattabhishekam of Rama are performed. The
Kasyapa or Tulya (the Tulya Bhaga drain), the festival is being celebrated from many years, and
Atri (the Coringa river), the Gautami, the Bharad- is of local significance. Local Hindus participate.
vaja, the Viswamitra or Kausika. the Jamadagni
and the Vasishta. The Bharadvajll, Vivamitra Pujari is a Brahmin. Prasadam is distributed to
and Jamadagni no longer exist; but pilgrims bathe all. There is free feeding to some extent.

1 Madras District Ga2etteers- Goda~'ari, Vol. I (Madras: 1907) p.6

 61

Swamy Pragnanandaswamy, who did penance SOURCE: Sri Ch. Gursalam, Teacher, Panchayal
for many days in the Himalayas, came down to Samirhi Elementary School, Chandravaram.
Pasuvedala and settled here. A festival is being
celebrated in connection with the birth day of the
Swamy in Kartikam (October-November). He was 33. Gowripalle, hamlet of Mallavaram-Situated at
a great saint. All communities take part in a distance of -1 a mile from Chagallu Railway
bhajans, the festival and spiritual lectures, which Station on the Vijayawada- Waltair section of the
are the items of celebrations. Southern Railway. The hamlet is at a distance
of 4 furlongs from the main village Mallavaram.
Gogulamma Jatara is celebrated during San-
kranti (13th to 14th January). Processions are taken The population of the village is 3,976 and it
ou t. Goa ts and fowls are sacrificed to the deity. is made up of the following communities: Caste
Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Kapu, Telu-
SOURCE: 1. Sri P. Venkanna, Teacher, Pasivedala. kula, Kamsali, Chakali. etc·; Scheduled Castes
2. An Enumerator. (972)-Adi Andhra, Madiga, Mala; Scheduled Tribes
3. Sri Veeravalli Solomon, Teacher, Pan- (18); Muslims and Christians. The chief means of
chayat Samithi Junior Basic School, livelihood of the people are agriculture, agricul-
Pasiveda/a. .tural labour and other traditional occupations.

Sri Rama temple and Ramalingeswara (Siva)

32. Chandravaram, hamlet of Mallavaram-Situ- temple are the places of worship in the village.
ated at a distance of a mile from Chagallu Rail- There is village deity Arlamma with no temple.
way Station via Mallavaram.
Sri Ramalingeswara kalyanam is celebrated
The population of the village is 3,976 and it for a day on Kartika Bahula Dasami (October-No-
is made up of the following communities: Caste vember). The festival is being celebrated for
Hindus-Kapu, Kamma, Kalali, Chakali, etc.; the past 30 years and is confined to the village.
Scheduled Castes (972); Scheduled Tribes (18); Kammas patronise the festival. The local de-
and Muslims· The chief means of livelihood of votees congregate.
the people are agriculture, agricultural labour and
other traditional occupations. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated in Rama
temple on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April).
The temples of Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy,
Subrahmanyeswaraswamy, Anjaneyaswamy and of Arlamma Jatara is celebrated for a day once
village deity Ammavaru and a mosque are the in 4 or 5 years. The jatara is being celebrated
places of worship in the village. for the past 50 years. Local people congregate.

SOURCE: Sri Dasika Seshaiah, Teach", Gowripa/lt.

Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy Sapthaham is cele-
brated for 7 days during December, once in 2
years. Cocoanuts, fruits. neivedyam and flowers
are offered to the deity. Devotees observe fasting 34. Madduru-Situated at a distance of 2-1 miles
and jagarana during the festival days. The festi- from Nidadavole Railway Station and 4t miles
val is being celebrated for the past 8 years and is from Kovvur.
of local significance. About 5 to 6 hundred Hin-
dus, local and from the neighbouring villages, The population of the village is 3,387 and it
visit the temple during those days. Pujari is a is made up of several sub-communities of Caste
Vaishnava Brahmin. There is free feeding to some Hindus; Scheduled Castes (482); Scheduled Tribes
extent. (4); Muslims and Christians. The chief means of
livelihood of the people are agriculture, agricul-
Sri Rama Navami is cdebrated all Chaitra tural labour and other traditional occupations.
Suddha Navami (March-April). Ekaham is cele-
brated in the Kodanda Ramaswamy temple every Lord Subrahmanyaswamy is worshipped in
year. the village.
 62

Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for a SOURCE: 1. Sri Y. Suryanarayana, Teacher, Pan-
day on Margasira Suddha Shashti (November- chayat Samithi Elementary School,
December). The Hindus of the village congre- M arkondapadu.
gate. 2. Sri Mahasinabhattu Sayapa Raju, Te-
acher, Panchayat Samithi Elementary
SOURCE: . Statementof Fairs and Festivals furnished School, M arkondapadu.
by the Superintendent of Police, West 3. Sri S. Bhima Murty, Tecaher, Gowri-
Godavari. palle.
4. Sri H. V. Prabhakara Sas/ri, Teacher,
Panchayat Samithi Elementary School,
33. Markondapadu--Situated at a distance of Ii M arkondapadu.
miles from Chagallu Railway Station, about 10
miles from Nidadavole by canal and 14 miles
from Kovvur by road. As an image of Markan- 36. Singanamuppavaram-Situated at a distance
deya was discovered here, the village was known of 4 miles from Nidadavole on the Eluru-Nida-
as Markandeyapuram, which gradually became davole bus route and 11 miles from Kovvur.
Markondapadu.
The population of the village is 644 and it is
The total population of the village is 3,279 made us of the following communities: Caste
and it is made up of the following communities: Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Telaga, Kamma, Ka-
Caste Hindus--Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu, Kamma, lali, Chakali, Mangali; Scheduled Castes (163)-
Kalali, Kummari, Golla, Chakali, Mangali, Kam- Arundhatiya, etc,; and Scheduled Tribes (4). The
sale, etc.; Scheduled Castes (981)- Arundhatiya, chief means of livelihood of the people are agri-
etc.; Scheduled Tribes (lO)-Yerukula; Muslims culture and agricultural labour.
and Christians. The chief means of livelihood of
the people are agriculture, agricultural labour, There is Sri Rama temple in the village; vi-
trade and other traditional occupations. llage deity Udugulamma is also there.

The temples of Markandeswaraswamy and of Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 5 days
the village deities Muthyalamma and Mahalaksh- from Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Lord's
mamma and a church are the places of worship Kalyanam is performed. The festival is being
in the village. celebrated for the past 50 years. The local Hin-
dus congregate. Prasodam and panakam are dist-
Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated in Mar- ributed to all.
kandeswaraswamy temple for 2 days from Marga-
sira Suddha Shashti (November-December). Kaly- Village deity Udugulamma Sevas are perfor-
anam of the deity is performed. Offerings are med every year.
made in the form of cash and kind. The festival
is being celebrated for the past 15 years and is SOURCE: Sri Kasivajhala Venkata Subbarayudu, Ag-
confined to this village only. Kammas pa tronise ricu/turist, Singanamuppavaram.
the festival. The local Hindus congregate. Pujari
is a Brahmin of Harithasa gotram.
37. Brahmanagudem-Situated at a distance of 16
Jatara for the village deities is celebrated for miles from Kovvur by road. There is a halting
a day once in 2 or 3 years. Fruits and flowers station on Vijayawada-Waltair section for this
are offered and animals are sacrificed. Pujari is village by the side of Nidadavole Railway Station,
a Kummari with hereditary rights and the patrons which is at a distance of 2 miles from here.
an: Kammas.
The total population of the village is 3,058
Arlamma Aradhana is performed for a day and it is made up of the following communities:
every year. Fruits and flowers are offered and Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Ka-
,animals are sacrificed. mma, Kapu, Telaga, Settibalija, Yadava, Kuruva,
 63

etc.; Scheduled Castes (841)- Adi Andhr~, Sri Venugopalaswamy Kalyanam is celebrat-
Arundhatiya; and Scheduled Tribes (1). ed for a day on Phalguna Suddha Ekadasi (February-
The chief means of livelihood of the people are March). It is being celebrated for the past 62
agriculture and agricultural labour. years and is confined to the village The temple
committee organises the festival. The local Hindus
The temple of Siva with the stone Sivalingam congregate. Pujari is a Vaishnava of Srivatsasa
and of Lord Rama with the stone images of Rama, gotram.
Sita, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Satrughna are the
places of worship in the village. The stone image Sri Subrahmanyaswamy Shashti is celebrated
of the village deity Nagaramma is also worshipped. on Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-Decem-
ber).
Maha Sivaratri is celebrated for3daysfromMagha
Bahula Ekadasi to Triodasi (January-February). SOURCE: Sri Kakaraparthi Seetharamaiah, Teacher,
On the last day the deity is taken in a procession Special Elementary Panchayat School,
to the accompaniment of music. Fruits and flow- Gopovaram.
ers are offered. Devotees take oil bath and obs-
erve fasting and jagaram during the festival. The
festival is being celebrated for the past many years 39. Atlapdu-Situated at a distance of half a
and is confined to the village. The local Hindus mile from Nidadavole Railway Station and one
congreagte. mile from the Nidadavole-Polavaram road.

Sri Rama Navami is celebrated in Rama The population of the village is 1,490 and it
temple for 5 days from Chaitra Suddha Navami is made up of the following communities: Caste
(March-April). Kaioyanam is performed. On the Hindus-Brahmin, Kapu, Chakali, etc.; Scheduled
last day a procession is taken out with music. Castes (374)-Adi Andhra; Scheduled Tribes (4);
Local Hindus congregate. Pujari is a Vaishnava and Muslims. The chief means of livelihood of
with hereditary rights. the people are agriculture and agricultural
labour.
Kunthidevi Panduga is also celebrated in the
village. The temples of Siva, Rama, Subrahmanya-
swamy and village deity Nangalamma are the
SOURCE: 1 Sri G. Venkatrao, Teacher, Panchayat places of worship in the village.
Samithi Elementary School, Brahmana-
gudem. Every year in Siva temple abhishekam is per-
formed to the Lord on every Monday'in the month
1. Sri Veernala Thirupanyamdas, Teacher,
of Kartikam (October-November). Local Hin-
Brahmanagudem.
dus participate in the festival. Pujaris art
Brahmins.
38. Gopavaram--- Situated at a distance of 3 miles SOURCE: Sri J. Venkata Ramona, Teacher, First
from Nidadavole Railway Station and 10 miles Assistant, Hindu Aided Elementary School,
from Kovvur by road. Atlapadu.

The popUlation of the village is 1,248 and it

is made up of the following communities: Caste 40. Settipeta - Situated at a distance of 2 miles
Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu, Kamma, Kalali from Nidadavole Railway Station and 13 miles
etc.; Scheduled Castes (272}; and Schedu led Tribes from Kovvur. Tallapalem is the hamlet of this
(1). The chief means of livelihood of the people are village.
agriculture, agricultural labour and other tradi-
tional occupations. The total popUlation of the village is 3,456
and it is made up of the following communities:
The temple of Sri Venugopalaswamy, Siva, Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Tela-
Subrahmanyeswaraswamy and village deity Am- ga, Kapu, Golla, Vadde, Gouda, Kamsale, Cha-
mavaru are the places of worship in the village. kali, Mangali, Jalari, etc.; Scheduled Castes (404)
 64

--Adi Andhra, Madiga, Mala, etc.; Scheduled asked them to offer a person every day towards her
Tribes (17)- Yerukula; Muslims and Christians. food. The villagers agreed to that and every day one
The chief means of livelihood of the people are person was going to the deity as food for her. That
agriculture, agricultural labour and other tradi- person was used to be placed in the temple and
tional occupations. locked. On the following day when the door was
opened, there were seen only the bones of the person.
The temples of Sri Rama and Vinayaka are One day the turn came to a Gavarla boy. He had his
the places of worship in the village. There are meals as usual. He took a whip with him and went
village deities Nangalamma, and Mavullamma and to the temple, entered it and asked the villagers
a church in the village. to lock up the door from outside. He was standing
in the temple carefully watching. At midnight the
The image of Mavullamma is a brass pot and devatha appeared in a human form of huge size
margosa leaves are tied to the top of it and white before him and asked him to bow to her feet. But
and black dots are painted on the pot. There the boy said that he did not know how to bow
arc two temples ·of the d city-one is called and requested her to dt>monstrate for him. The
puttili (~~~ - parents' house) and it is a hut deity bent down and bowed. As soon as the deity
of palm leaves and the other temple is called bowed, the boy began Whipping her terribly. Ma-
vullamma was not able to open the doors, as they
attillu (~!o~-inother-in-Iaw's house) and it is
were fastened with enchanted locks. She created
constructed with lime and bricks.
an opening in the wall and ran away from there
Nangalamma Jatara is celebrated for 3 days through a tunnel. She halted at this place (Talla-
during Sankranti, i. e., on the 13th, 14th and 15th palem) where there was then no deity nor a tem-
of January, Goats, fowls and sheep are sacrificed ple. It is believed that even today the undergrou-
to the deity. Bonalu are placed in a winnow ('In nd tunnel from the temple at Rakuduru to this
the head of a person who goes round the temple place is existing. It is also believed that she is
and the village. A young pig is buried in the one of the hundred and one sisters of a single
ground up to the head and cattle and people walk brother, Pothuraju, established in different parts.
over the pig on their way to the temple. The There are two palm trees in the village, which are
Jatara is of ancient Origin and is of local signifi- called Pothuraju thallu (Pothuraju palms). During
cance. The Hindus, local and from the neigh- the annual festivals, worship takes place near the
bouring villages, congregate. trees and birds are immolated.

Sri Seetha Ramaswamy Kalyanamahothsavam is The running away of a deity unable to bear
celebrated for 5 days from Chaitra Suddha Navami the Whipping of a boy may appear strange but it
(March-April). Cocoanuts, fruits, flowers, betel
is not without an explanation. As mentioned abo-
leaves with betel nuts and money are offered to
ve, she must be one of the 101 Kshudra Devatas
the Lord. The festival is being celebrated for the who have not got intrinsic spiritual power. They
past 50 years and is of local significance. The wield their influence over men only on account of
temple has about 11 acres of Inam land. The Hin- the psychological fear complex of the ignorant
dus, local and from the neighbouring villages, populace. In fact they have no influence over peo-
congregate without any distinction of caste and ple who worship higher powers and chant power-
creed. Pujari is a Vykhanasa of Gowthamasa go/- ful mantrams. When once the boy had the upper
ram. Prasadam is di stribu ted to all. There is free
hand, she had had no choice but to flee from there.
feeding sometimes. This festival is celebrated by
She was helpless against the enchanted lock. In
. the income got from the lands donated by the
villagers. fact the temples of these Kshudra Devatas were the
rendezvous of professional dacoits and bandits.
A story i~ current about the village deity These dacoits and bandits had a belief that if the
here. The actual name of the deity Mavullamma first blow was hit by the people they attack, their
is Rakuduru Mavulamma. Rakuduru is a village in
attempt against the latter would end in a defeat
West Godavari District. Mavullamma who got her-
self establishhed there was harming the villagers and for them and were therefore giving up the attack
ca ttle. All the villagers prayed to her and performed in such cases. It was usual with them to give a
seva to her. Through one of the villagers the deity blow first. It was also the practice by the war)'
 65

traveller to attack first and escape from subse- 4. Sri G. Venkateswara Rao, Teacher,
quent blows and loss of property. Special l'anchayat Samithi HiKher Ele-
mentary School, Seltipeta
The stories current about M:.tvul1amma say
tba t that deity has inau splcious feet (\3~ ~O-Cl»)
41. Singavaram-Situated at a distance of 2 miles
-chedda padalu) and therefore, the place where-
from Nidadavole Railway Station and about 10
ver she sets her foot is ruined. When the deity
miles from Kovvur.
lived with her parents that family was reduced
to penury. She visits her mother-in-Iaw's place
The popUlation of village is 1,583 and it
only once in 7 years and stays there onlv for a
consists of the following communties: Caste
week. This is the significance of the celeb~'ations
Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Telaga, Ka-
noted below. The stories do not, however, men-
la1i, Golla, Kamsali, Vadrangi, Chakali, Mangali;
tion details about the husband of the deity, his
Scheduled Castes (321)--Madiga, Mala; and
name, etc. There are two temples for her in the
SchedUled Tribes (37)-Yerukula. Tile chief me-
village. The house of the parents is thatched and
ans. of livelihood of the people are -agriculture,
that of the mother-in-law is of stone and lime.
agncultural labour and other traditional occu-
She is taken to the mother-in-1aw's house, carrv-
p:dions.
ing her image by people walking on wet c1o~h
spread on the ground, satisfying her desires, ex-
Lord Rama temple with th~ stullC i mages of
pressed on the way through some one, and then
Sri Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and Anjaneya and Sri
kept there for a week. It is said that unless
Venugopalaswamy temple are the places of wor-
this festival is celebrated once in seven years, the
ship in the village.
peace of the place is disturbed and the village is
reduced to a battle field. This is the experience
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 5 days
of past generation and a record is maintained of
from Chailra Suddha Nm ami (March-April). Ka!-
the experiences. The residents of the village,
yanam and procession are performed. Cocoanuts,
therefore, celebrate this festival with great pomp
fruits, chalipindi and panrzkam are offered to the
and interest, inviting rebtives from distant pla-
Lord. The festival is b~il1g celebrated from
ces as if it were a family function.
many years and is contlned to this village only.
The local Hindus congregate. Pujari is a Vaish-
Mavullamrna procession festival is celebrated nava of Gowtamasa go/ram with hereditary rights.
for a day (.)n S:1l1kranti, i. e., on Pushya Sud,lha Prasadam is distributed to all. Dramas, blwjans
Panchami (December-January). and Harikathas afford ent-:rtainment. On the last
day there is poor-feeding to $ome extent.
The brass pots are worshipped as the deity,
The Chakalis keep the pots on their heads and SOURCE: 1. Sri M. Blzaskararao, Teacher, Special
take them in a procession. They keep garagalu or Pallchayaf Elementary School. Sing-
brass pots on their heads, cover coloured saree; varam.
over tht! pots and place a serpen t made of brass 1. Sri V. K. PeruamaJlachary. Teacher,
over the pots and take them in a procession. Go- Special Pallchayat Elementary School,
ats, fowls, sheep and he-buffaloes are sacrificed Singavaram.
to the deity. The festival is of local significance.
The 10cal Hindus congregate. Plijaris are either
Chakalis or Yadavas. 42. PendyaJa-Situated at a distance of 8 miles
from Nidadavole Railway Station. Sri Rama ill
believed to have had performed here the obsequies
SOUI{CE: 1. Sri Uppu/uri Veeranna, Teacher, Talla- of Jatayu, the eagle king which gave fight to Ra-
pa/em· vana, when he was abducting Sita from the ash-
ram i.n the forest during the absence of Rama.
2. Sri Josyula Suryanaravana {Hurty,
Jatayu was wounded fatally but lived to convey
Teacher, Tal/apa/em. '
tidings about Situ to Sri Ramu. The cooked rice
3. Sri S. RaJasekhar Rao, Teacher, Set- offered to the departed souls is called pindam and
lipela. therefore the place came to he called Pindala and
 6.6

gradually it became Pendyala. There is another Panchayat Samithi Elementary School,

belief that sage Pandya did penance here and Pendyala.
hence it is called Pendyala. The river Vasishta,
a branch of Godavari, flows beside the village. 43. Koropalle-Situated at a distance of 6 miles
from Nidadavole Railway Station and l6 miles
The population of the village is 2,254 and it from Kovvur. River Godavari is at a distance
IS made up of the following communities: Caste of one mile from this village.
Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Kapu, K.alali,
Palle, Chakali, Mangali, etc.; Scheduled Castes The population of the village is 1,109 and it
(225)-Adi Andhra; Scheduled Tribes (12)-Bagata, is made up of the following communities: Caste
Yerukula; and Christians. The chief means of Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Telaga, Ka-
livelihood of the people are agriculture, agricul- pu. Velama, Kalali, etc; Scheduled Castes (243)-
tural labour and other traditional occupations. Arundhatiya; and Christians. The chief means
of livelihood of the people are agriculture and
The temple of Sri Sakaleswaraswamy (Siva) agr icultural1abour.
and Sri Rama are the places of worship in the
The temples of Sri Subrahmanyaswamy with
village. There are the village deities Chintala-
the image in the form of a serpent, Siva temple
mma and Adi Laxmamma in the village.
and the village deity Korupallemma and a church
Sri Sakaleswaraswamy Kalyanam is celebra- are the places of worship in the village.
ted for 5 days from Magha Bahula Ekadasi to Am- Sri Subrahmanyaswamy festival is celebrated
avasya (January-February). Neivedyam is offered. for a day on Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-
The festival is of local significance and the local December). Fruits and flowers are offered. The
Hindus congregate. festival is being celebrated for the past 15 years
and is confined to the village. The local Hindus
Jatara for the village deities is celebrated for
congregate. The patrons and pujaris are the Bra-
2 or 3 days during Sankranthi i.e., January 14th.
hmins.
Hindus, local and from the neighbouring villages,
congregate. A fair is held with eatables, fruits, The village deity Korupallemma Jatara is ce-
etc. lebrated for 2 days once in three years. Goats
and he-buffaloes are sacrificed. The sacrificed
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 5 days
blood is mixed with cooked rice and scattered in
from Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April) in
the village. The Jatara is being celebrated for
Rama temple.
the past 20 years and is confined to this village.
Local Hindus congregate.
SOURCE: 1. Sri B. Ramachandrudu, Teacher, Pan-
chayat Samithi Elementary School, SOURCE: 1. KUmari G.S.S. Mariamma, Teacher,
Pendyala. KorupaJle.
2. Sri Pendyala Somasundaram, Teacher, 2. An Enumerator.

t! \
gJ~
11 A
al.\\~~ i

~,2v"
TADEPALLIGUDEM TALUK
 FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
T ADEP ALLIGUDEM TALUK
WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT, A. P.

KOVVUR
TALUK

\
"-
"- '\.
\

""
"-
ELURU TALUK "- \
INDEX
\ .~ (3)
(ODE NUMBER
'\. KONORUPROlE.

1 MMnLAMUDI SOMA'~MMA
NO FiXlD DATE
CAI'IG'O£VI
"
NOflX(oIMT£

.5 NJ.LLAJA!U•. A LAI(S.-.fMINARAl' ANASWAMY

)~·FE.8

"ENVGOPA!ASWAMY
MAR. APR. !!!!'
p~u01
A
a"
I) ANJI."'THA,Attf. StJ6RAl-iNLANYASWAMY
NO ... ·O€'
MAOANAGOPAtASWAMY
APR·MAr
AGRAHARAM \ a
~~

I)ANDU GANGA ~HAYANI

ISTH )}>IWAA1
MUOUNURU (8y' •
, (j)KASIPADU
Yf£RAMMA
.JAN.Ft.!

POt£R.AMi~A
.o.\M·AlR
SlJ6R}.HMANrHV'lA/{A
SWAMr NO'r'·CE.C
RAMAUNG£5 W ARA
MAR·APR
29 JACANNADHIt- MAH£5WARASWAMY
P~R""M MAR·"'''
KASAMMJ. OfCEhUlOI

GU8MLAMMA
JItI'IVA/l,Y

5... P£'NTAPADU RAMAUNGBWARASWAMY KAIKALUR

AGRAHAFIAM
I"'·'" TALUK
61 PAD'.MARA
YIPPARRu ::~~~:KAsL~~Z;MAF£a. MAR KRISHNA DISTRICT
SUBRAHMANY AlWAMY
NOV·DEC BHEEMAVARAM
AN)ANErA$WAMY
NOV·OE.C TALUK OTHER ROA.DS

8H/MfSWARA5WAM'f
)m.Ff.! RA.IL.WAY lJROAO GAUGE

MUT'fALAMMA
JANI,)ARY NA.T/ONA.L HfC:HWArs

MARE.MMA
® T A'-UK .HEADQUARTERS

(i) VILL.AGE WITH SERIAL. NO

i
----_j
 Section V
TADEPALLIGUDEM'TALUK
.Q1l'arellamndi-Situated at a distance of II miles places of worship in the village. Sri Lakshminara-
C'.4I~from the Chebrole Railway Station on the yana is represented by an image in human form
Vijayawada-Waltair section of the Southern Rail- in a reclining posture with a lotus sprouting from
way and 15 miles from Tadepalligudem. the umbi1i~us and with Lord Brahma sitting on it.
Village deity Ammavaru is also there in the village.
The population of the village is 690 and it is
made up of the following communities: Caste Sri Lakshminarayanaswamy Kalyanamahoth-
Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Telaga, Vadla, Gouda, savam is celebrated for 5 days from Magha Suddha
Chakali, Yadava, etc.; Scheduled Castes (155)- Ekadasi (January-February). This festival is being
Adi Andhra, and Muslims. The chief means of celebrated for the past 16 years and is of local
livelihood of the people are agriculture and agri- significance. The local Hindus of all communities
cultural labour. congregate. Lectures, Harikathas, bhajans and nama-
sankeerthanas are held. Prasadam is distributed
• The temples of Sri Rama, village deity Soma- to all.
lamroa and tutelary deity Ganga Devi are the
places of worship in the village. Sri Venugopalaswamy Ka1yanam is celebrated
for a day on Chaitra Suddha Ekadasi (March-April).
Somalamma and Ganga Devi Jatara is cele- This festival is being celebrated from many years.
brated for a day once in 3 years or 5 years acco- The local Hindus of all communities congregate.
rding to the convenience of the villagers. Coco- Pujari is a Vaikhanasa Brahmin with hereditary
anuts, and eatables are offered.' Fowls are rights. Teertham and Prasadam are distributed to
sacrificed. The patrons of Soroalamma are all.
the villagers and of Ganga Devi are the Telagas.
Local Hindus of all communities participate in
Village deity Jatara is celebrated once in 4
the Jatara
or 5 years according to the convenience of the
villagers. Fowls are sacrificed.
SOURCE: Sri A. V. Subba &0, Karanam, Marella-
mudi.
SOURCE: Sri B. Jogi Raju, Karanam, Nal/aJar/a.

2. NallaJarla-Situated on the Madras-Calcutta

National High way at a distance of II miles from 3. AnantbapalJe-·-Situated on the Madras-Calcutta
Chebrole Railway station and 13 miles from Tade- National High way at a distance of 16 miles from
paWgudem. Tadepalligudem and 30 miles from Eluru.

The total population of the village is 5,036 The total popUlation of the village is 5,547
and it is made up of the following communities: and it is made up of the following communities:
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Telaga, Kamma, Mutra- Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu, Kamma,
cha, Chakali, Mangali, Kamsali, etc.; and Schedu- Turupukapu etc.; Scheduled Castes (976); and
led Castes (1,412)- Adi Andhra, Arundhatiya etc. Scheduled Tribes (42). The chief means of liveli-
The chlef means of livellhood of the people are hood of the people are agriculture, agricultural
agriculture, agricultural labour and other tradi- labour, trade and other uaditional occupations.
tional occupations.
The temples of Subrahmanyaswamy, Vegilin~
The temples of Sri Venugopalaswamy, with geswaraswamy, Madana Gopalaswamy. and village
the image in human form with a flute at the deity Dandu Ganga Bhavani are the places of wor~
mouth, and of Lakshminarayanaswamy are the ship in the village.
 68

Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for a sami (September-October), a festival is celebra-

day on Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-De- ted for Sri Veereswaraswami.
cember). Cocoanuts are offered. Devotees take oil
bath and observe fasting and jagarana. There is a SOURCE: Sri Samayamantri Satyanarayana Murty,
Board of Trustees for temples and the festivals Karanam, Kondruprole.
are conducted by them. Prasadam is distributd to
all.
Sri Madana Gopalaswamy Kalyanam is cele- 5. Madhavaram-Situated o.n the Eluru-Bhima-
brated for 5 days from Vaisakha Suddha Ekadasi to varam bus route at a distance of 5 miles from
Purnima (April-May). This festival is of ancient Nawabpalero Railway Station on the Vijayawada.
origin and is of local significance. The local Hin- Waltair section of Southern Railway, 12 miles
dus congregate. froro Tadepalligudem town and 40 miles from
Eluru city. There are bus communications from
Dandu Ganga Bhavani seva is performed for this village to Eluru, Bhimavaram, Tadepalligu-
2 days from the day following Sankranthi i.e. (Ja- dem etc.
nuary 15th). Cocoanuts are offered.
The population of the village is 4,746 and it
is made up of the following communities: Caste
Sivaratri is celebrated for a day on Magha
Hindus-Brahmin, Sale, Vaisya, Telaga, Kumma-
Bahula Chaturdasi (January-February) in Vegilin-
ri, Telukula, Vadde, ChJkali; Mangali, Kamsali,
geswaraswamy temple. Devotees take oil bath and
Kalali etc.; Scheduled Castes (1,360)-Adi Andh-
observe fasting, and jagarana. During the festival
ra, Scheduled Tribes (42)-Yerukula; and Mus- -
days the devotees take bath in Yerrakalva, a local
lims. The chief means of livelihood of the people
stream of perennial flow.
are agriculture, agricultural labour and other
traditional occupations.
SOURCE: Sri M. Venkata Seetharama Rao, Kara-
nam, Ananthapalle.
The temples ofRamalingeswaraswamy, Subrah-
manyeswaraswamy, Anjaneyaswamy, Sri Rama and
4. Kondruprole-Situated at a distance of 3 miles Kanchi Kamakshamma are the places of worship in
from Tadepalligudem Railway Station on the Vi- the village. There is a temple to the saint Veera-
jayawada-Waltair section of the Southern Rail~ Lrahmam and also a temple for the village deity
way. Poleramma·

Poleramma festival is celebrated for 3 days

The population of the· village is 1,600 and it
from Chaitra Suddha Paydami (March-April). A
is made up of several sub-communities of Caste
procession is taken out. Fowls and sheep are
Hindus; and Scheduled Castes (243). The chief
sacrificed on the first day. People offer fruits
means of livelihood of the people are agriculture,
etc. in fulfilment of vows. This festival is be-
agricultural labour and other tradition:d occupa-
ing celebrated for the past two generations and
tions.
is of local significance. About 400 Hindus, local
and from the nearby villages, congregate.
The temples of Rama, Siva and of village dei-
ty Veeramma are the places of worship in the A fair is held near the temple for 3 days in
village. connection with the festival. Eatables, toys, cocoa-
nut~, etc. are brought and sold. Dramas, Harika-
Veeramma festival is celebrated for 5 days thas, puppet shows and lotteries afford entertain-
from Magha Suddha Ekadasi (January--February). ment to the visitors.
Fruits are offered. Devotees observe fasting and
jagarana. Yadavas are the chief patrons. Hindu Sri Ramalingeswara festival is celebrated for
devotees of all communities participate. During 5 days from Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April).
the festival days, some Yadavas narrate the life Devinavarathrulu are celebrated for 9 days from
stories of Veeramma and the miracles performed Asviyuja Suddha Padyami (September-October).
by her. Pujari is a Yadava with hereditary rights. Su brahmanya Shash ti is celebra ted for 5 days
from Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-De-
In the Sivalayam,during AsviYllja Suddlza Da- cember).
 69

A fair is held in this connection near the The temples of Siva, Rama and a Church are
temple. About 400 Hindus, local and from the the places of worship i.n the village. There is
nearby villages congregate. Eatables, cocoanuts, village deity Kasamma with no temple.
fancy goods, mirrors, combs, and toys etc., arc
sold. Kasamma Jatara is celebrated for a day dur-
ing December. Offerings and sacrifices are made
In the entire Pushyam (December-January) in in fulfilment of vows. This Jatara is of local
Rama temple, every day pujas and processions are si~nific~nce. The Hindus of the village congre
performed. gate. A Chakali is the pujari.

SOURCE: Sri Samayamanthri Venkata Sivaramaiah, SOURCE: Sri T. Somaiah, Karanam, Kasipadu
Karanam, Madhavaram.

8. Mudunuru- Situated at a distance of about

6. Jagannadhapuram-Situated at a distance of 2 miles from the Tadepalligudem-Bhimavaram
2 miles from the Nawabpalem Railway Station on bus route and 4 miles from the Tadepalligudem
Waltair-Vijayawada section and about 6 miles Railway Station.
from Tadepalligudem.
The popUlation of the village is 1,508 and it
The total population of the village is 5,078 is made up of the following communities: Caste
and it is made up of the following communities: Hindus-Brahmin, Telaga, Velama, Kamsali etc·;
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu, Kamma, Scheduled Castes (213): and Scheduled Tribes
Golla, Kamsali, Kalali, Sale, Senapathulu, (3). The chief means of livelihood of the people
Chakali, Mangali, etc.; Scheduled Castes (1,042) are agriculture and agricultural labour.
and Scheduled Tribes (65)---Yenadis etc. The
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri- The temples of Sri Rama, Anjaneyaswamy
culture, agricultural labour, and other traditional and of the village deity Gubbalamma are the pla-
occupations. ces of worship in the village.

Sri Malleswaraswamy and village deity Muth- Gubbalamma Jatara is celebrated for 2 days
yalamma are worshipped in the village. from the day following Sankranti (January 15th).
Cocoanuts, fruits and flowers are offered to the
Sri Malleswaraswamy Kalyanamahothsavam deity in fulfilment of vows. Naivedyam is offered
is celebrated for 1 day on Chaitra Suddha Padyami to the deity in every devotee's house. This Jatara
(March-April). The local Hindus of all com- is of ancient origin and is confined to this village.
munities congregate. only. Festival is held under the supervision of
the Trustees appointed by the Hindu Religious
Muthyalamma festival IS celebrated in the and Charitable Endowments Department. The
month of Januar,y. loc:ll Hindus congngate. Pujari is a Kummari.

SOURCE: Sr; Pasa{a Rama Rao, Vii/age ¥,unsiff, SOl,JRCE: Sri Lingam Chandrasekharam Karanam,
Jagannadhapuram. Mudunuru.

7. Kasipadu-Situated at a distance of 7 miles 9. ,Pentapadu Agraharam-Situated at a I.iistance

from Tadepalligudem. of 2 miles from Tadepalligudem.

The population of the village is 2,030 and it The total population of the village is 8,839
is made up of the following communities: Caste and it is made up of several sub-communities of
Hindus- Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Cbakali, Caste Hind us, Scheduled Castes (879); and Scbe·
etc.; Scheduled Castes (302)-Mala, etc.; Schedu- duled Tribes (39). The chief means of livelihood
led Tribes (74); and Christians. The chief means of the p.!ople are agriculture, agricu !tura) labour.
of livelihood of the people are agriculture, agri- services, factory labour and other traditional
cultural labour and other traditional occupations. occupations.
 10

Lord Ramalingeswaraswamy temple wi th the generations the Mahants continued to improve

image in the form of stone Sivalingam is the place the mutt and earned landed property for it in
of worship in the village. Kakarlamudi, Dontavaram, Pippara, Yanapalle
and Sitaramapuram villages. Till two centuries
Sri Ramalingeswaraswamy festival is celeb- back, the mutt was a rendezvous of idle bairagis,
rated for 3 days in Magham (January-February). who have been slowly harnessed to useful avoca-
About 8,000 Hindus, local and from neighbouring tions and some of them have now their own lands
villages congregate. and houses. A visitor first sees the cement figure
of a cow outside the temple. It is said that about
SOURCE: Statement of Fairs and Festivals furnished 30 years back a cow went round the mutt for 18
by the Districl Health Officer, West Goda- days and died. On entering the temple a figure
vari Distriot. of Saraswathi, the presiding deity of learning, is
seen on the wall, indicating that the mutt must
have been at some period a gurukulam or centre
~

of learning. There is the image of Lord Venugo-

Kasba Peotapadu-popularly known as Bairagi
palaswamy in the mutt. There is nothing like a
Pentapadu. This village is situated at a distance regular annual festi val. The Mahan ths who
of 4 miles from Tadepalligudem. managed the mutt, reformed the bairagis and
they commenced cultivation of lands. The Lam-
Upto about 2 decades back bairagis or san- badies too flourished under the guidance of the
yasis were staying in the mutt here in good num- Mahanths and gifted cows and calves to the mutt.
bers and the village was therefore called Bairagi The mutt became both a granary and a gorakshana-
Pendapdu. Pentapadu Agraharam is adjoining to sala. After the days of the Mahanth Sivadas
this main village. Government offices and the Bavaji one of his descendents began giving talis-
weekly market were said to be at Pentapadu Ag- man for issueless women to beget santhanam
raharam about 200 years ago. TadepaUigudem (children). This earned the Lord the title
came into prominence comparatively recently
owing to the location of the railway station, and cSanthana' Gopalaswamy and large funds accrued
shifting of the taluk headquarters to it, whereas to the temple. When a baby was born, it was
Bairagi Pentapadu has been known for the last considered to have been by the grace of Santhana
few centuries. It was the centre of some officials Venugopalaswamy and it belonged to Him. There-
during the East India Company regime, the Ni- fore the parents had to surrender the baby to the
zam's rule and the Zamindari administration. Lord and purchase it in an auction. The parents
The villagt! stood on the main way between Kasi were, however, the final bidders in the auction.
and Rameswaram. About 350 years back a resident The income to the mutt increased and the mutt
of the place used to be of help to piligrims going flourished. The managemen t was looked after by the
to Banares and Rameswaram passing through this the hereditary Mahanths, and it has now been
village. On account of this hospitality Bairagi taken over by the H. R. & C. E. (Dept.) of the A.P.
Petapadu became a stage of halt for the pilgrims. Government. The last Mahanth Ramachandra Das
not only brought down the reputation of the mutt
but also created difficult problems for the Govern-
The total population of the village is 2,385
ment by alienating the temple lands for 98 years
and it is made up of several sub-communities of
Caste Hindus; and Scheduled Castes (592). The which practically means perpetual lease. There
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri- is the temple of Anjaneya and that of Lord Venu~
cultural labour and other traditional occupations. gopalaswamy who is called San thana Gopala-
swamy. Several obscene figures are seen on the
walts and towers of the Venugopalaswamy temple.
The temples of Anjaneya, Venugopalaswamy, One explanation for these is that they are kept as
Dwarakatirumala Venkateswaraswamy and a mutt
are the places of worship in the village. a protection against the evil eye damaging the
structure as is done in green fields.
A mutt was constructed in 1559 A.D. by the
Mahant Lakshmandas Bavaji. The Velama SOURCE: Article from Andhra Prabha Weekly
Zamindars patronised the mutt and for about eight dated 30-10-1963·
 71

10. Padamara Vipparro-Situated at a distance of the expenses on daily lighting and pujas. Lately
4 miles from Pentapadu on Bhimavaram-Tade- in this village another two Vaishnava temples
palligudem bus route and 7 miles from the Tade- arose. They are of Sri Adikesavaswamy and Sri
palligudem Railway Sta tion on the Vijayawada- Seetha Ramaswamy. There is also the temple for
Waltair section of the Southern Railway. As the village deity Mahankali Mahalakshmamma.
Viprulu (Brahmins) Were in majority for about 50 Sri Narasimha Apparao constructed a thamara
years in the past in this village, it was called kolanu (lotus lake) in an area of 20 acres of land
Viprapuri (village of Brahmins). It has now in the village. He allotted some Inam lands to
acquired the name Vipparru in usage. There the village deity temple also.
used to be nithya veda parayanam i·e. daily recita-
tion of the Vedas. Mahankali Mahalakshmamma Jatara is celeb-
rated for 5 days from Phalguna Bahula Chaturdasi
Even to-day it is a custom that the students, (February-March) .
who are interested in learning Vedas, come to the
Pandits and during that period, they take meals The Jatara is of ancient origin and is of local
one 'day in one house and another day in another significance. Temple trustees manage the jatara
house by turns- The boys thus prosecute the Vedic Fruits and flowers are offered. About 1,000
studies and after completing their course they people of all communities, local and from the
return to their native places. neighbouring villages, congregate.

The total population of the village is 4,026 A fair is held in this connection for 5 days
and it is made up of the following communities: near the temple. Eatables, utensils, lanterns,
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Vaishnava, torchlights, mirrors, combs, books, pictures and
Kshatria, Telaga, Kapu, Kummari, Kalinga Ve- photos of gods and leaders, clothes, bamboo arti-
lama, Vadde, Settibalija, Yadava, Kuruva, Vad- cles, toys, etc. are brought and sold.
rangi, Chakali, Mangali, Uppari etc.; Scheduled
Castes (350); Scheduled Tribes (ll); Muslims and Dramas, circus, merry-go-rounds, lotteries,
Christians· The chief means of livelihood of the magic etc. afford entertainment to the visitors.
people are agriculture, agricultural labour and
other traditional occupations. Sri Subrahmanyashashti is celebrated for 5
days from Margasira Suddha Panchami to Navami
The temples of Rajeswarawamy, lanardana- (November-December). Fruits and Bowers are
swamy, Seetha Rama Swamy and Adi Kesavaswamy offered.
and a sacred abode for the deity Subrahmany-
eswaraswamy are the places of worship in the vill- This festival is being celebrated for the past
age. Besides the village deity Mahankali Mahala- 8 years and is of local significance. The temple
kshmamma, there is also a church. . trustees who are appointed by the Government
manage the festival. About 1,000 people, local
Rajeswaraswamy temple and lanardana- and from the neighbouring villages, congregate
swamy temple in this village are very ancient, withou t any distinction of caste or creed.
built probably during the time of King Raja Raja-
narendta of the Eastern Chalukyas of Rajahmund- A fair is held in this connection for 3 days
ry. There are some inscriptions on the stone near the deity. Eatables, loltenils, lanterns, torch-
pillars in the Rajeswaraswamy temple mandapam, lights, mirrors, combs, books, pictures and pho-
which are not, however, deciphered so far. The tos, clothes, bamboo utensils and toys etc., are
cult of Saivism had been in prominence; and brought and sold.
there were constructed Siva and Vaishnava temp-
les. Some of the Veerasaiva rituals are percep- Dramas, circus, merry-go-rounds, lotteries,
tible even to day in the local celebrations. When magic etc. afford entertainment to the visitors.
these temples were in a poor condition, Sri Raja
Narasimha A pparao, Zamindar of Sanivarapupeta Sri Rajeswaraswamy festival is celebrated
Estate, took care of them and allotted 30 acres of for ,5 days from Phalguna Bahula Navami to Trio~
land to Rajeswaraswamy and 18 acres of land to dasi (February- -March). Sri Janardanaswamy
Janardanaswamy temples as Inarn lands to meel Kalyanam is celebrated for 5 days from Maga
 72

Suddha Narami to Triodasi (Jan uary-February). of livelihood of the people are agricuhure, agri-
Sri Seetha Rama Swamy festival is celebrated for Cliitural labour and other traditional occupa-
5 days from Chaitra Suddha Aslami to Dwadasi tions.
(:t>.'larch--April). Sri Adikesavaswamy festival is
celebrated for 5 days from Vaisakha Suddha Eka- Rama temple and Anjaneyaswamy temple
d.;zsi to Purnima (April-May). The pujari of Sri are the places of worship in the village. Anja-
Rajeswaraswamy temple is a Velana ti Brahmin of neyaswamy temple was constructed 33 yeats
Bharadhwajasa gotram. The pujari of Janardana- ago.
iwamy temple is a Vaishnava of Sandilyasa got-
ram. Anjaneyaswamy festival is celebrated for 3
days from Margasira Suddha Ekadasi (Novembel'-
During the 5 days of the village deity festi- December) Pujas are performed by the devotees.
val, sidibomma, a traditional custom, is a special Fruits and flowers are offered. Devotees take oil
attraction. This is also called sidikaduru thippula. bath and observe fasting and jagarana. This fes-
From 1200 to 1400 A·D., Saiva and Veerasaiva tival is being celebrated for the past 33 years a~d
cults became proJninent. The Veerasaivas were is of local significance. About 2,000 Hindus, local
led by Sri Basaveswara. Some of the customs of and from neighbouring villages, congregate. The
those days still persist. One such is sidikaduru Pujaris are the descendents of the family of buil-
thippputa. The Veerasaivas used to exhibit their ders of the temple.
prowess when their desires had been fulfilled,
particularly when they succeeded in their love A fair is held in connection with this festi-
affairs. The hero was given an oil bath and taken val for 3 days before the temple. Eatables, uten-
in a procession to the sidimaanu on the outskirts sils, lanterns, torchlights, mirrors, combs, pictures
of the village. Sidimaanu was a vertical wooden and photos, books of songs, clothes, toys etc.
pillar abou t 12 feet high, firmly fixed to the grou- are sold. BhaJans are performed.
nd. Arrangements were made to turn a horizontal
rod at the top round and round. Iron hooks were There is a choultry and there is free feeding
thurst into the back of the hero and they were tied too to some extent. For this purpose some sub-
to the horizontal rod, which was turned round and criptions are collected from the villagers.
round. The person revolved along with the rod in
mid air supported only by the iron hooks fixed to SOURCE: Sri Y. Basavaiah, Village MunsijJ, Ba-
his back,piercing right into his back muscles. He dampudi.
had to bear the hardship without exhibiting signs
of any pain or sorrow. That custom at the festival
is still followed and the image of a human being 12. Peda Nindrakolanu--Situated at a distance of
bolding a sword in the right hand is taken in a 2 miles froin the Eluru-Bhimavaram bus route
procession to the whirling wheel in the centre of and about 10 miles from Cheprole Railway Sta-
the village, tied to the wheel and turned. round tion on Vijayawada-Waltair section of the Sou-
thern Railway.
and round. The spectators enjoy the sight, thro-
wing fruits and flowers at the image.
The total population of the village is 3,258
SOURCE: Sri Tallapragada Venkatroyudu, Karanam, and it is made up of several sub- communities
Padamara Vipparru. of Caste Hindus; Scheduled Castes (355); Sche-
duled Tribes (21); and Muslims. The chief means
of livelihood of the people are agriculture, agri-
t1. Badampudi-A railway station on the Vijaya- cultural labour and other traditional occupa-
wada-Waltair section of the Southern Railway at tions.
a distance of 4 miles from Tadepalligudelll.
Bhimeswaraswamy temple with the image in
The total population of the village is 4,226 the form of stone Sivalingam is the place of wor-
and it is made up the following communities: ship in the village.
Castes Hindus-Kapu, Kamma, Kalali, Koppu Ve-
lama etc; Scheduled Castes (365)-Madiga, Ma- Sri Bhimeswaraswamy festival is celebrated
la, etc;Scheduled Tribe!> (30). The chief means for 5 days from Magha Bahl/fa Ekadasi (January-
 73

February). About 6,000 Hindu devotees, local The total population of the village 4s 7,156
and from the neighbouring villages, congregate, and it is made up of the following communities:
without any distinction of caste or creed. Caste Hindus- Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Kapu,
Velama, Chakali, Sale, Mangali, Settibalija, Ya-
SOURCE: Statement of Fairs and Festivals furni shed dava, Kuruva, Kamsali, etc.; Scheduled Castes
by the Superintendent of Police, West Go- (700); Scheduled Tribes (14); and Christians. The
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri-
dal'ar! District.
culture, agricultural labour, factory labour,
trade, and other traditional occupations.

13. Kakaramilli-Situated at a distance of 10 miles The temples of Sri Rama, Suvarneswara-

from the Undi Railway Station on Nidadavole- swamy, Anjaneyaswamy Siva and of village deity
Narsapur Section of the Southern Railway. Mareml1la with her awe-inspiring image, are the
places of worship in the village.
The population of the village is 656 and it is
made up of the following communities: Caste
Hindus- Brahmin, Telaga, Koppu Velama, Cha- Maremma festival is celebrated for 5 days in
kali etc.; Scheduled Castes (57)-Adi Andhra etc; the last week of February. [t is said that Mare-
and Christians. The chief means of livelihood mma belongs to the family of Gajula Ganganna.
of the people are agriculture and agricultural His family, therefore, goes round the village in
labour. procession with vadibiyyamu. Cocoanuts and
fruits are offered and fowls and sheep are sacrifi-
ced to the deity in fulfilment of vows. The devo-
The temples of Lord Siva, Rama and vill- tees in thier houses offer nail'edyam to the deity
age deity Mutyalamma and a chur ch are the
and arrange some feasts also. This festival is
places of worship in the village.
being celebrated for the past 200 years and is of
Mutyalamma festival is celebrated for 2 days local significance. Ganganna family patronises
from Sankranti day i. e. January 14th. Cocoanuts the festival. About 2,000 Hindus, local and from
are offered and fowls are sacrificed in fulfilment the neighbouring villages, congregate, without any
of vows. This festival is of ancient origin and is distinction of caste or creed. Pujari is a Brah-
of local significance. The residents of the village
min. Prasadam is distributed to all.
of all communities congregate.

SOURCE: Sri P. Venkata Rama Subbaiah, Karnam, A fair is held in connection with this festi-
Kakaramilli val near the temple. Eatables, utensils, lanterns,
torchlights, mirrors, comb.>, pictures, photos,
mill cloth, handloom cloth, agricultural imple-
ments, fowls and goats etc. are sold.
14. Gaoapavaram- Situated at a distance of
about 12 miles from Chebrole and also from Ta-
depalligudem Railway Stations un the Vijayawada- Dramas, Harikarhas, dances, merry-go-rounds
Waltair Section of the Southern Railway. The burrakathas, circus, gambling and musical concer-
bus rou tes which pass through the village are ts etc. afford entertainment to the visitors ..
fadepalligudem- Bhimavaram, Chebrole- Bhima- There are choultries and free feeding is also
varam and Eluru-Narsapur ria Ganapavaram.
there to some extent.
There is launch service from Ganapavaram to
Akiveedu in Bheemavaram Taluk.
SOURCE: 1. Sri Gaju/a Ganganna, Village Munsi!f,
Ganapavaram.
As this village is believed to have been
ruled by King Ganapathy Deva of Kakatheeya dy- 2. Sri Chintalapari Gandhiraju, Watch-
nasty, it has come to be known as Ganapavaram. dealer, Ganapal'aram.
 74

15. Valluru- Situated on the Tadepalligudem- The total population of the village is 5,747
Bhimavaram bus route at a distance of 9! miles and it is made up of the following communities:
from Tadepalligudem Railway Station o~ Vijaya- Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria etc.
wada-Waltair Section of the Southern Rail- and Scheduled Castes (1,074). The chief means
way. of livelihood of the people are agriculture. agri-
cultural labour and other traditional occupa-
The population of the village is 1,401 and it tions·
is made up of the following communities: Caste
Hindus-- Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Telaga, The temples of Vishnu, Siva and of the vil-
Padmanayaka, Velama, Koppu Velama, Chakali; lage deity Mahalakshmamma ar..: the places of
Schedllled Castes (207) and Scheduled Tribes (4). worship in the village.
The chief means of livelihood of the people are
agriculture and agricultural labour.
Mahalakshmamma Teertham is celebrated
for 3 days in March. Fowls are sacrificed in
The temples of Sri Rama, Siva, and Goddess fulfilment of vows. This festival is of old origin
Bala Tripurasundari are the places of worship in and is of local significance. This temple has some
the village. There is village deity Kotlamma Inam lands. The devotees, local and from the
in the village. neighbouring villages, congregate, without any
distinction of caste or creed. Pujari is a Kapu
Sri Kapileswaraswamy (Siva) festival takes with hereditary rights.
place for 1 day on Magha Bahula Chaturdasi (Ja-
nuary-February). This festival is being held for SOURCE: Village MUIlSijf, Pippara.
the past 15 years and is of local significance.
The residents of the village of all communities
congregate. 17. Muggulla-Situated at a distance of i a mile
from the Tadepalligudem-Bhimavaram bus route
Kotlamma Jatara is celebrated for a day and 10 miles from the Tadepalligudem Railway
once in 2 years on January 14th. Fowls, sheep Station.
and goats are sacrificed. Intoxicating drinks are
used during Jatara. It is of local significance. The population of the village is 893 and it is
The local people congregate. The pujaris are made up of the following communities: Caste
Chakalis. Hindus-Brahmin, TeJaga. Settibalija, etc., and
Scheduled Castes (97). The chief means of live-
Devi Navarathrothsavams are celebrated for lihood of the people are agriculture and agricul-
10 days in Bala Tripurasundari temple from Asvi- tural labour.
Yuja Suddha padyami (September-October).
Sri Rama temple with the images of Sita,
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for a day on Rama, Lakshmana and Anjaneyaswamy and of vii·
Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April) in Rama lage deity Muggullamma are thl! places of WOf-
temple. ship in the village.
SOURCE: Sri Mallareddy Rama Murthy, Agricultur-
ist, Valluru. Muggullamma Jatara is celebrated for a day
on Chaitra Suddha Padyami (March--April). Ani-
mals and fowls are sacrificed. Cocoanuts and
flowers are offered in fulfilment of vows. Devo-
16. Pippara-Situated on the Tadcpalligudem- tees observe jagarana during the night of festival.
Bhimavaram bus route and at a distance of 7
miles from the Tadepalligudem Railway Station This festival is of old origin and is of local
on Vijayawada-Waltair Section of the Southern significance. Hindus congregate irrespective of
Railway. Formerly in this village there was a caste or creed. The patrons are Settibalijas and
fortress of Zamindars. Telagas.
 7·5

Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for a day on SOURCB: Sri S. T. P. V. L. Narasimhacharyu/u,

Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Cocoa- Director of the New Tadepalligudem Land
nuts and flowers are offered. Mortgage Bank, Muggu/la.
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 S~fon VI
TANUKU TALUK
16aJdari-A railway station on the Nidadavo- goats and fowls are sacrificed. The Hindus of
fI-\le-Narsapur branch line of the Southern Rail- the village congregate.
way situated at a distance of 7 miles from Tanu-
ku. It is said that the village was originally situ- SOURCE: Sri D. Mruthyunjayudu, Headmaster, Z;-
ated at a distance of 6 furlongs to the west of the lla Parishad Elementary School, Kaldari.
present location and was called Mounjipuram.
After the formation of Attili canal, the village
was reconstructed by the side of it and came to 2. Velivennu - Situated at a distance of 6 fur-
be known as kalvadari (beside the canal) which in longs from the Kaldari Railway Station on Nida-
popular usage is called Kaldari· adavole-Narsapur branch line, 5 miles from
Nidadavole and 8 miles from Tanuku. One has
The total population of the village is 3,197 to cross Gosthani river canal to reach this village
and it is made up of the following communities: from the Kaldari Railway Station.
Caste Hindus---- Brahmin, Vaisya, Viswabrahmin,
Kamma, Kapu, Kalali, Chakali, Mangali etc; Sche- The total population of the village is 5,484
duled Castes (885)- Madiga, Mala; Scheduled and it is made up of the following communities:
Tribes (17)- Yerukula; and Christians. The Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Kapu,
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri- Sale, Kalali, Chakali, Mangali etc; Scheduled Cast-
culture, agricultural labour, trade and other tra- es (590)- Madiga; and Scheduled Tribes (15). The
ditionaloccupations. chief means of livelihood of the people are agricu-
lture, agricultural labour , weaving and other tradi-
The temples of Ramalingeswaraswamy with tional occupations.
Silvalingam; Maremma, Mutyalamma and Kana-
kamahalakshmamma with their images in femini- There are five temples of Sri Rama in the
ne form; and three temples of Sri Rama are the village. The temple of Siva, and of the village
places of worship in the village. There is also a deity Mahanakalamma are the other places of
church. worship in the village.

Sri Ramalingeswaraswamy Kalyanam is cele· Mahankalamma Teertham is celebrated for

brated for 5 days from Phalguna Suddha Ekadasi one day on Chaitra Bahula Amavasya (March-April).
to Purnima (February-March). Abhishekams an d Cocoanuts are offered and goats, sheep and fowls
pujas are performed. Cocoanuts are offered to are sacrificed to the deity. The Hindu devotees
the Lord. The festival is of local significance. of the village congregate, without any distinction
Kammas are the patrons. The Hindus of the of caste. The pujaris belong to Kamma caste.
village congregate. The pujari is a Brahmin with
hereditary rights. Prasadam is distributed to all. Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for one
Harikathas and dramas afford entertainment dur- day on Margasira Suddha Skashti (November-De-
ing the festival to the visitors. cember. Local Hindus congregate.

Teerthams for the village deities, Maremmaj Mukkoti Ekadasi and Bhishma Ekadasi are
Mutyalamma and Kanakamahalakhmamma are celebrated from Pushya Bahula Ekadasi (Decem-
celebrated on Magha Suddha Pumima (January-Feb- ber-January) and from Magha Suddha Ekadasi
ruary). These Teerthams actually commence from (January-February) for 2 days and 4 days res-
Magha Suddha Sapthami. pectivcly.Mukkoti Ekadasi is being celebrated for
the past 20 years and is of local significance. All
The Ja taras for the village dei ties are perfor- Hindu communities of the village take part in the
med once in 5 or 6 years. On the day of Jati\ra, festival and there i~ free feeding also. The devo
 78

tees take river bath and observe jagarana on 4. TeeparrU-Situated near the bank of Vasista
Bbishma Ekadasi also. Godavari on the Narsapur-Prakkilanka road at
a distance of 7 miles from Tanuku and 10 miles
SOURCE: Sri Penmethsa Subba Raju, Teacher, Ve- from Nidadavole Railway Station.
livenu.
The total population of the village is 2,317
and it is made up of the following communities:
3. Kanuru Agraharam-Situated on the bank of Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Kamma, Kapu, Viswa-
Vasista Godavari at a distance of 8 miles from brahmin, 5isthikarnam, Palle etc, Scheduled Castes
the Nidadavole Railway Station and also from (337)-Adi Andhra; and Scheduled Tribes (14).
Tanuku. The chief means of livelihood of the people are
agriculture, agricultural labour and other tradi-
tional occupations.
The population of the village is 1,724 and it
is made Up of several sub-communities of Caste
Hindus; Scheduled Castes (288); Scheduled Tri- The temples of Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy,
bes (4); and Christians. The chief means of liveli- Narendraswamy, which are believed to have been
hood of the people are agriculture, agricultural constructed by sage Vasista, Bhramaramba Malli-
labour and other traditional occupations. kharjunaswamy, Sri Rama, Anjaneya and village
deity Chintalamma are the places of worship in
The temples of Ramalingeswaraswamy, Ra- the village. The main entrance of the Lakshmi
ma, Subrahmanyeswaraswamy and village deity Narasimhaswamy temple faces to North. The
Talamma, and a church are the places of worship images of Panchamukha (five-faced) Anjaneya,
in the village. To the south of the village there is Sapthamukha (seven-faced) Anjaneya and Ekada-
a mango tree, and it is believed that there is the samukha (eleven-faced) Anjaneya had been ins-
deity Bhagirathamma. There is no image of the talled in this village.
deity, but the devoteei worship the trunk of that
tree. Sri Narendraswamy Kalyanam is celebrated
for 5 days from Magha Bahula Ekadasi to Amava-
Sri Ramalingeswaraswamy Kalyanamahoth- sya (January-February) Fruits are offered to
savam is celebrated for 5 days from Vaisakha Su- the Lord. This festival is being celebrated from
ddha Ekadasi (April-May). This festival is cele- ancient times and is of local significance. Zilla
brated since the origin of the village and is of Parishad contributes some money to meet the ex-
local significance. The Hindu residents of the penses of the festival. The Hindu devotees of the
village cOilgregate. Harikathas, dramas burrakathas village congregate without any distinction of
and musical concerts afford entertainment du- caste. Prasadam is distributed to all·
ring the days of festivity.
Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Kalyanam is
Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated on celebrated for 5 days from Vaisakha Suddha Eka-
Magha Suddha Shashti (January-February). Free dasi to Purnima (April-May). It is being celeb-
feeding is arranged by the donations collected rated from ancient times and is of local signifi-
from the villagers. cance. The local Hindu devotees congregate. Pra-
sadam is distributed to all.
Talamma Jatara is celebrated during Sank-
Bhramaramba Mallikharjunaswamy Kalyanam
ranti i. e., 14th of January. Goats and fowls are
is celebrated on Magha Bahula Ekadasi (January-
sacrificed to the deity in fulfilment of vows. The
February).
Chablis in the village act as pujaris by turn.
Chintalamma Uthsavam is celebra.ted during
Goats and fowls are sacrificed to Bhagira- Sankranti (January). Goats, sheep and fowls are
thamma also· sacrificed to the deity. Kammas are the patrons
and pujari is a Chakali.
SOURCE: Sri Narasimhadevara Venkata Sastry,
Headmaster, Zilla Prarishad Elementary Ekahams, sapthahams, saptha sapthahams are per-
School, Kanuru Agraharam. formed at the instance of the enthusiastic devo-
 79

tees. The patron is Sri Hanumaddasa Yogeend· after taking bath, and perform puja to that ball
rulu. Kotipatrapujas (pujas with one crore of bih'a of sacred ash, believing that ball to be Mallikhar·
leaves) and Hanuman vrathamulu are often per- junaswamy, offer his food as naivedyam to the Lord
formed· Sri Suvarchala Panchamuka Anjaneya- and later consume it. After passing thus for 6
swamy Kalyanam is celebrated on Jaistha Suddha months the ball of sacred ash turned into Siva·
Ekadasi (l\1ay-June) every year. The Hindu de- lingam. The Kummari proclaimed this pheno-
votees, local and from the neighbouring villages, menon to the elders of the village and they thou-
congregate. ght that Mallikharjunaswamy manifested Himself.
A temple was built with the as,>istance of bhaktas.
On the back side of Narasimbaswamy tem- At that time thIS village was under the rule of
ple, there is a mantapam of Sri Saraswatiswamy Rajahs of Mogalturru. The then Rajah, who, it
with his tomb. Every year his jayanti is celebra- is said, had the darsal1 of the Lord assigned 3
ted and his several disciples and devotees from acres of land to the temple.
distant places congregate. Lectures are delivered
on his life. Sri Visweswara&wamy and Sri Malleswaraswamy
Kalyanothsavams are celebrated for 5 days from
Many devotees visit this village to take bath Magha Bahula Ekadasi to Amavasya (January-Feb.
in the RiveT Godavari. ruary). Kall'anams are peformed on Magha Bahula
Chathurdasi. On a day during the festival, there
When the river Godavari is in floods, pools is temple car procession between 2 p. m. and
of flood water encircle the temple of Lakshmi 5 p. m. Fruits are offered to the Lords. The de-
NarasiITIhaswamy. This presents an interesting votees take river bath, observe fast and observe
sight and people from the neighbouring villages jagarana by doing bhajans.
come to see the phenomenon.
These kalYanams are being celebrated for the
There is free feeding to all the pilgrims. past 50 years and are of local significance. Loc-
al Hindus congregate. The pujari is a Brahmin
of Bharadwajasa gotram with hereditary rights.
S0URCE: Sri Annadevara Suryaprakasa Rao, Tea- Prasadam is distributed to all and free feeding is
cher, Teeparru. arranged.

SOURCE: Sri T. V. N. Narasimhacharyu/u, Headmas-

5. Ve)ag2durru_ Situated at a distance of 5 miles ter, Panchayat Board Elementary School,
from Tanuku via Undrajavaram. One can reach Velagadurru.
this village by alighting at the 27th mile from
Nidadavole on Nidadavole-Narsapur road and
proceeding for II miles in westward direction. 6. Thadipurru - Situated at a distance of 3 miles
from Satyawada Railway Station on Nidadavole-
The population of the village is 1,719 and it Narsapur branch line of the Southern Railway
is made up of the following communities: Caste and 9 miles from Tanuku.
Hindus- Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatriya, Kapu, Se-
napati, Kaikala; Scheduled Castes (512)-Madiga, The total population of the village is 3,325
Mala; and Scheduled Tribes (7). The chief me- and it is made up of the following communities:
::tns of livelihood of the people are agriculture, Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Kapu,
agricultural labour, weaving and other traditiona 1 Kalali, Cbakali, Mangali, Viswabrahmin, Kaikala,
occupations. Kummara etc., and Scheduled Castes (363)- Pan-
chama. The chief means of livelihood of the peo-
Sri Visweswaraswamy and Sri Malleswaras· ple are agriculture, agricultural labour, weaving
wamy are worshipped in the village. About one and other traditional occupations.
and half centuries ago, one Gunnepalli Basappa,
a Kummari went to Srisailam to have darsan of The temples of Someswaraswamy, Madanago-
Bramaramba :rvlallikharjunaswamy and brought laswamy and three temples of Sri Rama are the
home a ball of sacred (rihhulhi) ash from Srisailam. places of worship in the village. There is the vill-
He used to apply the ash on his forehead daily age deity also. There are the procession images
 80

of Someswaraswamy and Parvati in the Someswa- marriage, kalyanam is celebrated on that day in
raswamy temple and the procession images of Ma- the temple. He is believed to be the bestower of
danagopalaswamy, Rukmini and Satyabhama 10 boons to issueless couples who worship Him and
the temple of Madanagopalaswamy. is said to afford protection against the bites of
venomous serpents. On the following day of the
Someswaraswamy Kalyanam is celebrated for kalyanam i.e., on Sapthami, the Lord is taken in
5 days from Phalguna Suddha Ekadasi to Amavosya procession on the vahanams of peacock and hull to
(February-March). It is being celebrated for the the accompaniment of decorated prabhas and to
past many years and is of local significance. Since the attendance of various musical instruments.
the last 10 years the festival is being organised by The devotees take bath in the early hours and
trustees, who look after the temple lands, arrang- offer symbolic silver serpen ts, flowery hoods,
ing cultural programmes during the festival days. cocoanuts and flowers.
The Hindus of the village participate.
The festival is being celebrated for the past
Madanagopalaswamy Kalyanam is celebrated 60 years and is of local significance. The temple
for 5 days from Phalguna Suddha Ekadasi to Purni- has Inam lands and the festival is arranged with
rna (February-March). It is being celebrated sin- the income accrued from them. The patrons are
ce many years. The Hindu devotees of the village Kammas. Arrangements are made one week in
take part in the festival. advance. Devout Hindus, local and from neigh-
bouring villages, participate. There is a pujari on
The village deity (Ammavaru) Jatara is cele- salary basis. Free feeding is arranged to the thou-
brated for 2 days, when small-pox, cholera and sands, for which money is collected from the
cattle diseases break out in the village. Goats villagers.
and fowls are sacrificed to the deity. Prasadam
is distributed to all. A fair is held in connection with the festival
for a month near the temple. About 7 to 8 hund-
SOURCE: Sri VajapeyajuJa Veerabhadra Rao, Tea- red persons, local and from the neighbouring vi-
cher, Zilla Parishad Higher Elementary llages, visit the fair daily.
School, Thadiparru.
Eatables, utensils, lanterns, mirrors, combs,
pictures, photos, wooden toys, cloth etc., are
7. Uudrajavaram- Situated at a distance of 5 brought and sold.
miles from the Tanuku Railway Station on tre Ni-
dadavole branch line of the Southern Railway. Dramas, Harikathas and music concerts afford
entertainment to the visitors. There are 2 chouJ-
The total population of the village is 7,375 tries.
and it is made up of the several sub-communitie5
of Caste Hindus; Scheduled Castes (] ,078); Sche- SOURCE: Sri K.Rcimakrishna, Teacher, Koyya]agu-
duled Tribes (49); and Christians. The chief demo
means of livelihood of the people are agriculture,
agricultural labour, weaving and other traditio-
naloccupations. 8. Cbilakapadu-Situated on the bank of Gostha-
ni river canal, it is at distance of 2 miles from
The temples of the village are of Sri Subrah- Kaldari Railway Station on the Nidadavole-Nar-
manyeswaraswamy, Rama, Siva and Vishnu. The sapur branch line of the Southern Railway and 7
image of Subrahmanyeswaraswamy is in the form miles from Nidadavole by boat. Formerly, this
of a serpent with 6 hoods. area was covered with forest and it is said that
Suka maharshi performed penance here. "Sukam"
Sri Subrahmanyeswaraswamy Shashti is ce- means chi/aka (parrot). The village was called
lebrated for 2 days from Margasira Suddha Shashti Chilakapadu after the sage Suka.
(November-December). Subrahmanyeswaraswa-
my, the son of Eswara had two wives, Kanakaval- The total popUlation of the village is 1,344
Ii and Devasena. His marriage was celebrated on and it is made up of the following communities:
Margasira Suddha Shashti. To commemorate His Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Perika ,
 81

Ediga; Scheduled Castes (211); Scheduled Tribes Pothuraju Devata is believed to be the brother of
(8); and Christians. The chief means of livelihood Tummalamma. Ratnam would announce t when
of the people are agriculture, agricultural labour epidemics for men or cattle break out, that the
and other traditional occupations. Devata Tummalamma appeared before him and
informed that she was responsible for the out-
Two temples of Rama and a temple of Tum-
break of the pest. He fasts for two days before
malamma which is said to be attavarillu and a
thatched house for her, which is believed to be the commencement of the festival. On the third
pllttiliu, are the places of worship in the village. day the entire village moves in processioa with
There is a church also. music to the house of Pothuraju. The man is tall
and well-built and appears like the Pothuraju of
Tummalamma Jatara is celebrated when the legends in human form. Children and stran-
dn:adful diseases prevail in the village. The deity
gers feel scared and nervous even to look at him.
is brought to puttillu (parents' house), which is
temporarily erected for the Jatara. After the com- Hundreds of cocoanuts are broken in his presence
pletion of Jatara the hut is burnt and the deity is during the procession. In every ten minutes, a
taken back to her mother-in-Iaw's house i.e., the chicken is offen'd to his mouth a t his behest and
temple. Garagalu are taken in procession accom- it is bitten by him at the neck.
panied by the beating of flat drums, and other
musical instruments. In the presence of Pothura- Kumbhalu celebration takes place on the
ju holding a stick tied with the foliage of margo- following day. A cartful of cooked rice is got
sa, and applied with pasupu and kumkum, fruits ready and is supplemented wit h preparations
and cocoanuts are offered to the deity during the tastefully. A winnowful of coocked rice is mixed
procession. Goats and fowls are sacrificed to the with the blood of fowls and it is called halicheta.
deity, and naivedyam is offered at their respective It is carried by a village servant who cannot
homes by the villagers. move by himself perhaps because of possession by
other Devatas. Four people help him to move.
This Jatara is being celebrated for the last 22 while Pothuraju leads and circumambulate the
years and is of local significance. About 1,000 lo- village thrice by waving sticks above the winnow
cal Hindus ann from neighbouring villages con- striking each other and shouting 'poli', 'poli',
gregate. The married daughters of this village are in order to avoid the presence of other Devatas.
invited to participate in the Jatara. Free feeding At the end, the entire cart-load of rice is unloa·
is arranged to some extent. ded and balicheta is kept at the village boundary
and the people speedily return to the village with·
A fair is held in connection with the Jatara. out looking back, before sunset, and reach their
Sweets, etc., are brought and sold. homes with a superstition that they should observe
perfect silence throughout the night by closing
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 5 days at doors and bolting them. They come out only after
the two Rama temples belonging to Kamma and sunrise next morning. Sri Ratnam, Pothuraju in
Perika communities from Chaitra Suddha N(1vami human form, is taken for the celebration of kum-
(March-April). Harikathas are rendered; dramas bhalu in a chair on a double bullock-cart. In spite
are enacted; puranams are read; and musical con. of the four day fast, he represents Pothuraju with
certs are conducted. There i<; free feeding to all all his dignity and ferocity.
for 2 days with the help of contributions from
the villagers. SOURCE: Sri Dhulipala Chinna Gunnaiah, Head-
master, Z i I I a Parish ad Elementary
Pothuraju that is taken in procession along School, Chilakapadu.
with Tummalamma during the festival is generally
represented by a pole or stick to which margosa
leaves are tied. But Pothuraju of this place is ac- 9. Pasalapudi -Situated at a distance of I! miles
tually a well-built awe-inspiring individual for the from Satyavada Railway Station on the Nidada-
last thirty years. One Sri Nagotu Ratnam substi- vole-Narsapur branch line of the Southern Railway
tutes himself for the margosa leaf-decorated pole. and 6 miles from Tanuku.
 The total population of the village is 1,154 This was one of the villages of Duvva Thana
and it is made up of the following communities: under the Mogalturru Zamindars. In 1800 A.D.
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatriya, Kam- it came under the control of Sri Uppalapati Jogi
ma, Kapu, Turpu Velama, Settibal1ja,' Cha- . Jagannatha .Raju.· One Sri S!lfya Rao of. Chatti
kaIi, Mangali, Jangam; Scheduled Castes (50g)- Hanumanthacharyul~ family installed 12 prote'ct-
Adi Andhra; Scheduled Tribes (8)- Yerkula; and ing angels around the village, got 6 families settled
Muslims. The chief means of livelihood of the there and named it as Suryaraopalem after him.
people are agriculture, agricultural labour and In 1852 the Duvva Thana was taken over by the
other traditional occupations. Government.

The total population of the village is 2,495

The temples of Ramalingeswaraswamy and and it is made up of the following communities:
the village deities Mahalakshmi and Gogu lamma Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Kshat-
and a Rama mandir are the places of worship in riya, Kapu, Padmasale, Kalali, Viswabrahmin,
the village. Chakali, Mangali; Scheduled Castes (619) -·-Adi
Andhra; and Scheduled Tribes (23)-Yeruku!a.
Gogulamma Jatara is celebrated for three The chief means of livelihood of the people are
days once in 3 years in fulfilment of vows taken, agriculture, agricultural labour and other tradi-
when cattle diseases break out in the village. The tionaloccupations.
garagaiu of the deity are taken to the centre of
the village during the prevalence of the diseases. The temples of Sita Ramaswamy and village
Animals are sacrificed. On the last day of the deity Mahalakshmamma are the places of worship
festival, a pig is buried 'in the ground and the in the village.
cattle are made to walk over it. On the night
during the Jatara, cooked rice mixed with blood Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 5 days
is kept in a winnow and is placed on the head of from ChaiTra Suddlza Nm'ami (March-April). On
a village servant, who goes round the village acc- Navami day kalyanam is performed and on Dasami
ompanied by ten persons. andthe cooked rice with there is temple-car procession to the accompani-
blood 'is strewn on the borders of the village, with ment of music. A drama is enacted on the same
a belief that other deities do not enter their vill- night. This festival is being celebrated since
age. All Hindu castes take part in the Jatara. many years and is of local significance. Kammas
The devotees offer sweets prepared at their are the patrons. The Hindu devotees of all
homes to the deity as naivedyam. communities local and from the neighbouring
villages congrega teo Pujari is a Brahmin.
Mahalakshmi Teertham is celebrated for one
day on Phalguna Suddha Purnima (February-March). Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for 2
Animal sacrifice is prohibited and fruits and d3YS from Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-
cocoanuts are offered to the deity. All commu- December). This is being celebrated for the past
nities take part in the festival. Pujari is a 6 years. There is free feeding during the festi-
Brahmin. val.
SOURCE: Sri P. Seeta Ramaiah, Teacher, Zilla
Sri Ramalingeswaraswamy Kalyanam is celeb- Parish ad Elementary School, Suryarao-
rated for 5 days from Vaisakha Suddha Ekadosi to palem.
Purnima (April-May).

SOURCE: Sri T. Venkataratnam, Teacher, Zilla ll. Vadluru -Situated at a distance of one mile
Parish ad Special Elementary School, from Teetali on Tanuku-Tadepalligudem road and
Pasalapudi. 3 miles from Tanuku Railway Station on the Nid-
davole-Narsapur branch line of the Southern
Railway.
10. Suryaraopa)em-Situated at a distance of 2
miles from Satyavada Railway Station on the Ni- The total population of the village is 2,827
dadavole-Narsapur branch line of the Southern and it is made up of the following communities:
Railway and seven miles from Tanuku. Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Kshatriya, Kamma; Sale,
 83.-

eto., Scheduled Castes (611);' Sehedul~d Tribes In fact DUfvasa is always associated with
(20); and Christi1)ns. The chief means of liveli- anger. When Durvasa was bringing down the river
hood of the people are agriculture, agricultural Gowthami to this place without the permission of
labour and other traditional occupations. Gowthama, the latter found it out and stopped
the river at this place and cursed that a bath in
Temples of Someswaraswamy, Sita Rama- the river would wash off the effects of good deeds
swamy and of Gogulamma with her image in of all the previous lives. In turn Durvasa made
female form are the places of worship in the thousand rivers flow into the pond where Gowth-
village. ami River was made to stop in order to counter-
act the curse of Gowthama. The new river was
Sita Ramaswamy Kalyanam is celebrated for called 'Veyyeru' (thousand rivers) and the name
(me day on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). is now corrupted into Voyyeru. Durvasa was a
There is rathothsavam after kalayanam of the Lord terror to all. Even the rishis were cautious in
and in the night dramas and Harikathas provide cursing others 'as such cursing would invariably
entertainment. The devotees take bath in the diminish the good effects of their penance. But
canal nearby and offer fruits to the Lord in the Durvasa pleased Siva and Parvathi with his
temple. Prasadam is distributed. This festival penance and obtained, inter-alia, the boon that
is being celebrated from ancient times and is of the effects of his penance should not diminish
local significance. The Hindu devotees of the by his curses.
village congregate.
u::S~~ .. i!~ :ldbBo .,.~o
Gogulamma Jatara is celebrated during Sarva kaleshu niyatham vasam.
Sankranti (January). It is being celebrated from
ancient times and is confined to the village. The ;srs~l! ;rr'OSo
Hindu devotees of the village congregate. Pujal; Sarvathra pujanam.
is a Kshatria with hereditary rights .. Goats, fowls
and sheep are sacrificed to the deity. tII~~ ~O :T-a-~ •
~_..

Amogha krodha harshaptihi

Sri Someswaraswamy Kalyanam is also celeb-
rated annually in that temple. ';5 .1.;$ B;S •
r ;70 .._ .l d:i) •
Sapannaiva thapah kshayaha
SOURCE: Sri P. V. V. Suryanarayana Murthy,
(Skanda Puranam Svarahasya Khandam, 27th Chapter)
Assistant Teacher, Zilla Parishad Higher
Elementary School, Vadluru.
Sahasra nadeetheera Bheemamandala

12. Duvva- -Situated at a distance of 4 miles ;SO~z,-rs£&O

from Tanuku Railway Station on the Nidadavole- Parishkar anam
Narsapur branch line of the Southern Railway and
6:-~~::S ~!;$~o· :;)e$c;S:f)'j
7 miles from Tadepalligudem Railway Station.
This village is also known as Durvasapuram, as it Durvasa pureevaram vijayathe.'
is believed to have been established by the sage
Durvasa. According to the legend the sage Viswa- This is an indication that Durvasa had foun-
mitra conducted penance in Relangi near Tanuku. ded Duvva (Durvasapuram) on the bank of Saha~
On completion of the yagnam the two rishis Viswa- sranadi (thousand rivers).
mitra and DUl-Vasa were involved in some argu-
ment whereupon Durvasa became angry, came to One Raja Uppalapati Jogi Jagannatha Raju
this place, did penance, pleased Lord Siva and constructed a fort at Duvva and made it his capi-
Parvati, brought down a sacred river, installed tal during the 18th century A.D., ruling over 300
Kesavaswamy and constructed a temple for Him. villages divided into 8 paraganas yielding an an-
He was so ferocious that even the image of Kesa- nual revenue of 2,34,000 varahas. The area was
vaswamy looks ferocious and is not brought out named 'Kalidindi'.
of the temple even during the festive days to gua-
rd the public against the Lord's ferocious sight. The total population of the village is 8,023
and it is ID.ade up ~f fut following c.ommunitie~: the crown of Rukminidevi, there are mal«lram and
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatriya, Kam- a chakram. ,Again there are the images of dasava-
rna, Kapu, Pudmasale, Agnikula Kshatriya, Golla. tharas, namely, Maslhya, Kurma, Varaha, Narasimha,
Settibalija including Chegidi, Chakali, Mang::lli, Vamana, Parasurama, Baiaram/], Sri Rama, Buddha
Medara, Kalavanta, Up para etc.; Scheduled Castes and Kaliki representing the incarnations of Lord Vi-
(692)-Adi Andhra; Scheduled Tribes (41)-Yeruku- shnu. To the left side of the Swamy below the dasa-
la, Yenadi; Muslims and Christians. The chief vatharas there is sankhu with makaram below the
means of livelihood of the people are agriculture, former. A little away from there, there is the ima-
agricultural labour, trade, weaving, fishing and ge of Satyabhama. The image of the Lord is very
other traditional occupations. well decorated with anklets to the legs and a
string of small rings tied round both the ankles,
Temples of Nageswaraswamy, Kesavaswamy, and the waist. The jewel Kowsthubham is adorned
Venugopalaswamy, Sita Ramaswamy, Subrahman- to the neck and several other ornaments to the
yeswaraswamy and Sri Rama and of village dei- different parts of the body. A garland of tulasi
ties, Mahalakshmamma, Mullamma and Danamma leaves up to the knees, ear-rings, three namams
are the places of worship in this village. Nages- on the forehead, the crown and abhayahastham are
waraswamy, symbolised in a Sivalingam is said to all true to the de,cription of Venugopalaswamy in
have been installed by Karkotaka in Dwapara several religious books. A flute is held near the
ruga. By the side of Sivalingam there is the stone mouth in the two hands wlth the head bent a little
image of Parvati, known as Parvatavardhani, towards left; and the image standing gracefully
which appears as of a girl of 5 years of age, hol- with the right leg cros3ed over the left at the an-
ding a bud of lotus in right hand. There are the kle pr~sents a beautiful sight that enchants any
procession images ofParvati and Nageswaraswamy devotee. At the back of the head, the knot of hair
made of copper. In Kesavaswamy temple also there contains a flower of six petals. The back portion
are the procession images of Kesavaswamy, Sri- has the symbols of Jaganmohini. The significance
devi and Bhudevi made of copper. The temple of of the figure is that the devotee should conquer
Venugopalaswamy is said to have been built aro- the shadvargas and reach the Lord through shat-
und 1330 A.D. by a rich devotee named Vipparthi chakras.
Gopala Reddy, who lived in Vipparru. Fond of
cattle rearing, he maintained a herd of cows at Sri Nageswaraswamy Kalyanam is celebrated
Gullapadu where he had cultivable lands. Milk from Magha Bahula Navami to Phalguna Sudlha
was being brought from there daily. For some Padyami (January-February) for 8 days. The rttu-
time it was found that every day half a potful of also observed are dhwajarohanam on Navami, kalya-
milk disappeared, though the lids of the containers nam on Dasami, asthanothsavam on Ekadasi, sada-
were intact. When this was brought to the notice syam on Dwadasi, chorothsavam on Triodasi, Ma-
of the Reddy he went to Gullapadu to watch what hasivaratri on Charhurdasi and trisulasnanam and
exactly had happened. He undertook a fast and vasantothsavam on Amavasya. There is pushpothsa-
kept awake meditating about the Lord. At mid~ vam on Phalguna Suddha Padyami. Abhishekams to
night Sri Venugopalaswamy, ill the fOfm of a 5 the Lord and kumkum pujas to Goddess Par.vathi
year old boy, opened the lid and began to drink are performed. Fruits and cocoanuB are offered
the milk. He caught bold of the boy, asked him to the Lord. Hindus, local and from neighbouring
who he was and why he was drinking milk steal- villages congregate. Prasadam is distributed to all.
thily. The Lord revealed Himself and told him Dramas and Harikathas provide recreation to
that His image was under the ground two feet be- the visitors during the festival days.
low the surface and commanded him to install it
in a sacred place. The Lord blessed him that he Sri Kesavaswamy Kalyanam is celebrated for
would attain salvation. When the spot was dug up, 6 days from Vaisakha Suddha Ekadasi to Bahu/Q
the image of the Lord, supposed to have been Padyami (April-May). Dhwajarohanam on Ekadasi,
swayambhu (self-manifested), in an exquisite form asthanolhsal'am on Dwadasi sadaYam and Nrisimha
was discovered. It was installed in a temple. The Jayanthi on Triodasi, chorothsa)Jam on Chaturdas;
self-manifested image of Venugopalaswamy is of and vasantothsavam 011 Pumima day are the
stone,2' 8" high with garudavahanam under His feet. rituals which are obser~cd. The Hindu devotees,
There is the image of Rukminidevi at the right local and from the neighbouring villages congre-
side of the Lord. At a distance of thret' inches from gate. Prasadam is distributed to all.
Plate IV! Venugopalaswamy and Seetaramaswamy temples.

~Collrtesy; Assistant Commissioner, H. R. & C .E. (Admn,) Dept., Eluru.

 Sri Veuugopalaswamy Kalyanam is celebra- tions in Andllra P.radesh, published by the Endow-
ted for 8 days from Phalguna Suddha Navaml to ments Board during the British regime, a copy of
Bahula Padyami (February-March). On Narami which is available in the Gowthami Library at
is dhwajarohanam; kalyanam is on Dasami; rathoth- Rajahmundry, the following statement is found:
savam is on Ekadasi; sadasyam and pannauthsavam
in the night are on Dwadasi; on Triadasi is astha- Incription on the southern side of the stone
nosthsavam; chorothsavam is on Chathurdasi; vasan- pillar on the north-east in the mukhamantapam of
ntothsavam is on Pumirna; and on Bahula Padyarni Sf! Venugopalaswamy temple situated to the west
is sripushpayagnam. Cocoanuts and fruits are of Duvva of Tanuku taluk, Rajahmundry district;
offered to the Lord. Hindus in and around the Inam land (400 acres) which requires 6 puttis of
village participate. There is free feeding to some paddy seeds for sowing was assigned to Uddanda-
extent. Pujari is Vaishnava Brahmin. Prasadam rayani Ramanujulu, a Vaikhanasa of Gowthamasa
is distributed to all. got ram to conduct daily worship to Gopalaswamy,
Kesavarayalu, Pallakesavulu and Hanuman. Be-
Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for 5 sides this, provision is made for the supply of 60
days from Margasira Suddha Panchami, to Navami seers of oil per month by the oil mongers of the
(Novem ber-December). Dhwajarohanam and place for lighting and daily and occasional
kalyanam on Panch ami, teertham and uregimpu on functions.
Shashti, sadasyam on Sapthami, churnothsavam
on Ashtami and sripushpayagnam on Navami are the Another inscription described on page 371
rituals observed during the festival. Hindus in of the above book relates to Salivahanasaka 15iO
and around the village congregate. i. e., 1649 A. D. It is on the eastern side of the
stone pillar described above and was by Malline-
Sri Sita Ramaswamy Kalyanam is celebrated du Prabhuvu·
for 6 days from Chaitra Suddha Ashtami to Triad-
asi (March-April). Dhwajarohanam on Ashtami, "Sri Gopalaswamy! Salivahanasaka 1570,
kalyanam on Navami, uregimpu on Dasami; sadas- Sarvadhari Phalguna Suddha Dasami, Monday: -
yam and rathothsal'arn on Ekadasi; vasanthothsavam Mallinedu, son of Vipparthi Thimmanna got stone
on Dwadasi and sripushpayagnam on Triodasi are slabs spread in Bhogamantapam and got repaired
the successive rituals. Hindus, local and from the sanctum sallctoruUl established by Garigana
the neighbouring villages congregate. Prasadam Venkatadri and built the Sikharam. He celebra-
is distributed to all. ted the festival for 5 days with all pomp commen-
cing from Phalguna Suddha Dasami."
Danamma Teertham is celebrated for 5 days
in the month of May. It is said the Goddess Pa- SOURCE: Sri Lingala Suryanaryana, First Grade
rvati is being wors!lipped in this name in the vill- Telugu Pandit, Zilla Parishad High School,
age. Garaga[u (If the deity are taken in process- Anantapal/e P. O.
ion on siribandi by Chakalis. Some subscriptions
are collected to celebrate the Teertham. About ten
thousand people, local and from neighbouring vi- 13. Teetali-Situated on the banks of Attili canal
llages, congregate. at a distance of 2 miles form Tanuku Railway
Station on the Nidadavole-Narsapur section of
There is a fair in connection with the Teerth- the Southern Railway.
am. Eatables, utensils, combs, mirrors, photos,
toys etc., are brought and sold. The total population of the village is 3,838
and it is made up of the following communities:
Mahalakshmamma and Mullamma Teertham Caste Hindus-Brahmins, Vaisya, Kshatriya, etc.;
is celebrated for a day on Tuesday which comes Schedu led Castes (842); and Scheduled Tribes
just before laistha Suddha Purnirna (May-June). (22). The chief means of livelihood of the people
Pasupu, kum kum, chalimidi and panakarn are offer- are agriculture, agricultural labour and other tra-
ed. The local Hindus take part in this festival. ditional occupations.

The correspondent bas reported that on pa- The temple of the villages are of Rajeswara-
ges 370 and 371 of the book on temple inscrip- swamy, Sita Ramasamy, Kodanda Ramaswamy and
 86

of the village deities, Oogulamma and Mahanka- tures, golfo ka/apam and musical performances
lamma. The deity Bangaramma is also worshipped afford entertainment to the visitors. Free feeding
but has no temple. is also arranged to some extent.

This place was covered with forest during Sri Sita Ramaswamy Kalyanam is celebrated_
the reign of Rajaraja Narendra. When he came to for 5 days from Chaitra Suddha Ashtami to Dwadasi
this place on a hunting expedition he saw a huge (March-April). On Dwadasi the Lord is taken
serpent in the place where the present Rajeswara- in procession on ponnavahanam with music. The
swaroy temple stands. Then he installed a Siva- devotees take river bath and observe jagarana.
lingaro, constructed a sacred abode for it and t-his festival is being celebrated for the past 50
named it Rajeswaraswamy temple. When a com- years. The Teetali family are the- hereditary
pound wall was being dug out, the stone image trustees for this temple. Hindus, local and from
of a serpent and a Nandi were discovered here. the neighbouring villages, congregate. The mem-
There are some inscriptions in Pali language on bers of the Teetali family attend the kalyanam to
them and on main entrance to the temple. There the Lord without fail though they are employed
is a big well before the temple. It is believed in distant places. They perform all ceremonies.
that the well was not man-made but was dug out
by Devatas overnight. The pujari of the temple having quarrelled
with the trustee is said to have run away by lock-
Once a person belonging to Teetali family ing the door of the sanctum sanctorum of the
was going to Kasi with his wife with a desire to temple. The trustee was thereafter offering
have children. During their journey they retired naivedyam and was performing puja ever day from
under the shade of a tree. God appeared in his outside on Iy. One day some boys were playing
dream and commanded him to worship Him. He before the temple and one of them (Tcetali
woke up and to his astonishment found the images Sita Ramaswamy, the Karnam of the village upto
of Sita, Rama and Lakshmana in the bushes before 10 years back) placed his hands on the doors of
him. He took those images and installed them the temple. Suddenly the doors opened and after-
in this village and got a temple constructed for wards another pujari was appointed and aradhana
Sita Ramaswamy. began to be celebrated in the sanctum sanctorum.

Formerly, there were images of wood in the Dramas, bhajans, dances, lectures, puranams
temple of Kodanda Ramaswamy. The present and music performances are the entertainments
images were got prepared in Bhadrachalam, shown for the visitors.
to Bhadrachala Sita Ramachandraswamy and in-
stalled here. Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy Kalyanam is
celebrated for 5 days from Chaitra Suddha Ashtami
Sri Rajeswaraswamy Kalyanam is celebrated to Dwadasi (March-April). Everyday pujas are
for 5 days with great pomp an.d pleasure from performed and naivedyam is offered. Kalyanam
Magha Bahula Ekadasi to Amavasya (January-Feb- of the swamy is ceiebrated on Navami.
ruary). The Lord is taken on vahanams of Ra-
vanabrahma, Nandi, and peacock with arrange- This festival is being celebrated for the past
ment of electric lights in a procession accompanied 30 years and is of local significance. The de-
by prabhas, music and dances. This festi"val is votees of the village congregate without any
being celebrated for the past 50 years. About distinction of caste. The hereditary trustees for
6,000 Hindu devotees, local and from neigh- this temple belong to Pathapati family.
bouring places, congregate.
Harikathas, dramas and music performances
A fair is .held in connection with the festi- are arranged. Pandals are erected and decorated
val. Eatables, utensils, lanterns, combs, mirrors, with festoons·
pictures, photos, toys, cloth etc., are brought
and sold. Gogulamma Teertham is celebrated for a day
on Magha Suddha Puriifma (Januar)'-February).
Dramas. Harikathas, burrakathas, dances. lec- On the night preceding the Teertham, the deity is
 87

taken in procession to the accompaniment of ditation after the tragic end of Panati in her
music, etc. Naivedyam is offered by the house- earlier birth and no one had the courage to dis-
wives. Plantains and cocoanuts are offered and turb the penance because of the fear of His third
sheep, goats and fowls are sacrificed to the deity. eye, as the fire that weiu Id emanate from that eye
when opened, would consume to ashes the first
This Teertham is being celebrated for the past person in the' vision. Vishnu prevai1~d . upon
50 ye'Hs and local Hindus congregate. Money His son Manmatha to sacrifice himself for the
is collected from the villagers to celebrate the weal of the world. Manmatha was burnt to
Teertham. Pujari is a Chakali. ashes; Siva married Parvati to whom was born
Kumaraswa111i who killed Tarakasura. Thus the
A legendary episode is told by the villagers place was aS50ciated with PUranas. To wash off
which narrates that a saint by name Ramayogi the sin of having killed Tarakasura who was a
was attacked by cholera during his peregrination. great devotee of Siva, Kumaraswaniy installed
He was used to be carried on by the people of here Kapardeeswaraswamy, a Sivalingam. If
one village to the next village and thus finally rice were to be offered to this Lingam a putti of
he had reached Teetali. The people of TeetaJi rice had to be cooked. To avoid it, it is said
did not know of his presence in their village. only a small piece of jaggery is offered. In ad-
When they first saw him, he cried to them to dition to this, the sacred perennial River Gos-
quench his thirst and died. A fter some days, thani flows near Tanuku. The legend about the
some miracles happened in the village. A single River Gosthani is that while a big eagle carried
cloth in a locked box was found burnt while away its calf, the cow ran after it and the milk
others were intact. Only one palm leaf was from its udder flowed like a river and thus the
burnt in the thatch of a hut, the remaining being river Gosthani (Gosthani means 'from udder of
as they were.' When it was found by some vil- the cow') was formed; and it became so sacred
lagers that the late Ramayogi in a naked form that anyone who bathes in it for a year would
with a torch in his hand was .burning them, the get his desires fulfilled. Tanuku is important,
villagers prepared panakam and distributed it to nay sacred to the Andhras, as it is the place of
all. With this the unhappy miracles came to an birth of Adikavi Nannayabhattaraka, who under-
end. From that time onwards every year during took the translation of the Panchamaveda (the fifth
Vaisakham (April-May), panakam is distributed Veda) Mahabharata written in Sanskrit by Veda-
to all in the temples of Rajeswaraswamy and Sita vyasa. A jammi tree is said to have existed on
Ramaswamy after performing pujas to Ramayogi. the spot where Nannaya performed yagnam on
the bank of the River Gosthani. Historically,
Tanuku appears to have formed part of Mogal-
SOURCE: Sri Meduri Venkateswarlu, Headmaster,
turru paragana of Peddapuram samsthanam under
Zilla Parishad Special Elementary Girls
the rulers of Rajamahendravaram. Two tanks
School, Teefali.
historically noted are Kommayi Cheruvu or
Kumaraswamy Cheruvu and Mundamopu Cheruvu
(widows' tank) or the tank where the wives of
14. Tanuku-The taluk headquarters and a Rail-
Tarakasura were widowed (i.e., where they were
way Station situated at a distance of about taken and all signs of muththaiduvas were re-
11 miles from Nidadavole on the Nidadavole-
moved).
Narsapur branch line of the Southern Railway.
Situated on either bank of the river Gosthani, the
place is known to have been the· abode of Tara- The total population of the town is 24,657
kasura, who was a menace to devas, Brahmins and it is made up of the following communities:
~ishis and all peace loving persons. By perform~· Ca;te Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Kapu,
mg severe tapas he obtained boons from Lord Chakali, Mangali, etc. etc.; Scheduled Castes
Siva that no one could kill him, excepting one (2,099); Scheduled Tribes (267); Muslims; Christ-
born to Siva and Parvati. Parvati, who had ians and Jains. The chief means of livelihood
burnt herself to death in the sacrificial fire of her of the people are agriculture. agricultural labour,
fa~her, Daksha, was reborn as the daughter of trade, services and other traditional occupations.
Htmavantha and was praying ~he Lord to marry There are good number of factories such as the
her again But Siva was engaged in deep me- Andhra SugH Factory, Jaya High Speed Cycles,
 88
R.olling Steel Factory, Akkamamba Spinning agricultural labour vegetable selling and other
Mills and Vijaya Manure Factory. Labour is traditional occupations.
available here in plenty. The place is full of
educational institutions, libraries, reading rooms There is the temple of Venkateswaraswamy.
and cultural institutions. This temple was got constructed by the Zamindar
Narasimham Apparayanam of Nuzvid who dona-
Temples of Kesavaswami, Mahalakshmi Sita ted 20 acres of land to the temple. Village deity
Rama, Kapardeeswaraswamy, Anjaneyaswamy, Gogulamma is also worshipped.
Siddeswaraswamy, Sita Ramanjaneyaswamy, Kod-
anda Ramaswamy, Subrahmanyaswamy, Satyanara- Sri Venkateswaraswamy Kalyanamahothsa-
yanaswamy, Navagrahas, Rama, Someswaraswami, vam is celebrated for one day in Phalgunam (Feb-
Natarajeswaraswamy, Kanakadurga, and of the ruary-March). The Hindus devotees of the vill-
village deities Pallalamma, Muthyalamma, and age congregate. Pujari is a Vykhanasa of Bharga-
Mahakalamma are the places of worship in the vasa gotram with hereditary rights. Teertham and
town. There are 2 mosques, Ramakrishna Mutt, prasadam are offered to the Lord.
Achalaguru.Ashram, Sadhu Mutt. and Nannayya
Pee tam in thetown. Kesavaswamy temple is stated Gogulamma festival in Pusyam (December-
to have been built by Chalukyas. ' January) and Gonthi Panduga in Kartikam (Octo-
ber-November) are celebrated.
Kesavaswamy Kalyanam is celebrated for
one day on Magha Suddha Ekadasi (January-Feb- SOURCE: Sri Iragavarapu Chinnam Raju, Karnam,
ruary). It is being celebra ted from ancient times Paidiparru.
and is of local significance. The Hindu devotees
of the town congregate.
16. Mandapllka- Situated at a distance of 2 mi-
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated on Chaitra les from Tanuku. To the east of the village,
Suddha Navami (March-April). Surya Sapthaham there is a canal flowing by the name "Madugu".
on Ratha Saplhami, Nannaya Jayanti on Ugadi, Na- It is believed that this is a tributary of the Goda-
taraja and Siddeswara Kalyanam on Sivaratri, vari River in ancient times, and that on the banks
Satyanarayanaswamy Kalyanam on Vaisakha Suddha of it Mandavyamuni performed penance. Hence
Ekadasi (April-May) and Subrahmanyeswaraswa- this village was known as Mandavya Kshetram
my Kalyanam on Margasira Suddha Shashti and is now called Mandapaka. Another version
(November-December) are the other festivals is that the place where the present village now
that are celebrated in the town in the respective stands was a vast pasture land with madugu and
temples. the Golla of the neighbouring villages used
to tend their sheep here in large flocks. The
Chalimidi and panakam are offered to the shepherds heard on one day the sound of musical
village deities and fowls and animals are sacrificed instruments and the sound "Om". When the pla-
occasionally. ce waS examined the idol of Sri Kesavaswami was
found. A temple was constructed by the Zamin-
dars of Nuzvid in this place. The people in the
SOURCE: Sri Pamarthi Verzkata Ramana Rao, Tea-
neighbouring villages of Pedapadu and Chinn,'.-
cher, Tanuku;
padu came and settled in this place.As this place
was full of flocks of cattle it was called Manda-
paka (manda means herd).
15. Paidiparro-Situated at a distance of 2 fur-
longs from Tanuku Railway Station.
The total po.pulation of the village is 4,61 b
The total population of the village is 1,736 and it is made up of the following communities;
it is made up of following communities: Caste Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Viswa-
Hindus-Brahmin, Kapu, Bhagavata, Settibalija, brahmin, Kapu, Sale, Chakati, Mangali, Vadde,
Chakali, Mangali; Scheduled Castes (I 86)-Madi- Golla, Koppu Velama etc; Scheduled Castes (497)-
ga, Mala; and Scheduled Tribes (9). The chief Adi Andhra etc.; and Scheduled Tribes (21). The
means of livelihood of the people are agriculture, chief means of livelihood of the people are agri-
 S9

culture, agricultural labour, trade and other trad· neyaswamy temple in the temple compound of
itional occupations. Kesavaswamy and installed Sri Anjaneya in it.
Outside the compound of this temple, there is a
The temples of Someswaraswamy, Kesava- dilapidated image of Nandi. There are two stone
swamy, village deity Yellaramma, Anjaneyaswamy images in front of the deity, going by the names
and mandirams of Rama and Ganapathi are the Pothuraju and Komati. On the back side of the
places of worship in the village. The image of image Komati there is an inscription which is re-
the Lord Kesavaswamy is 5 feet high beautifully ported to have not yet been deciphered. Another
made 0f salegram stone having 4 hands, holding Anjaneyaswamy temple was constructed in the
pallchajanyam in the rear right hand, Padrnam in the year 1959 on the banks of the canal.
front right hand, sudarsanachrakam in the rear
left hand, and gada in the front left hand. There are Sri Someswaraswamy Kalyanothsavam is cele·
the images of Sridevi, Bhudevi and sages Sanaka brated for 5 days from Magha Bahula Ekadasi to
and Sananda. The image of the deity Yallaram· Amavasya (January-February). On Sivaratri there
ma made of stone is prepossessing with 4 hands, is rarhothsavam; abhishekams, sahasranamaarchanas,
. holding damarukam and a sword in the two right lakshapatri and laksha kumkuma pujas and bhogamJ
hands, trident and drinking vessel in the two left are performed and processions are taken out in
hands. Below the feet of the deity there is the fulfilment of vows. Fast and jagarana are obser-
image of an animal which is said to be a fox by ved on the day of Sivaratri. This festival is being
some and a bandicoot by others. celebrated since 1945. The Hindu devotees of
the villages congregate. Pujari is a Velanati
The legend of' the temple of Kesavaswamy Brahmin of Athreyasa got ram with hereditary
goes on as follows: Sri Dharma Apparayanam the rights. Uthsavams are celebrated for festivals like
well known Zamindar of Nuzvid, agreed to the Vinayakachavithi, Maharnavami, and on Mon·
request of the villagers to construct a temple for days in Kartikam and Jwala thoranothsavam on
Lord Kesavaswamy in place of the original small Purnima and in Dhanurmasam. In the entire
temple which was in ruins. When the villagers Kartikam there is the illumination with oil deep.
were digging out the earth, the present image and ams and distribution of prasadam.
some relics of the foundation of an ancient tem-
ple were found. It is believed that the image was . Sri Kesavaswamy Kalyanamahothsavam is
the one installed by Mandavya Maharshi; and the celebrated for 7 days from Phalgu'1G SuddfJa Dasami
relics of the foundation are said to be very to Bahula Padyami (February-March). Kesava·
ancient. On the old foundation itself, the swamy is said to be one of the five pancha Kesavas.
Zamindar got constructed the present temple, The five Kesavas are believed to be those at Ryali
mantapams and towers. It is also said that the in East Godavari and Mandapaka, Tanuku, Duvva
temple was mainly constructed by a dumb man. in West Godavari District and Kothalaparru. On
The Zamindar was devoted to the Lord very Phalguna Suddha Dwadasi there is rathothsavam.
much and took great interest in constructing the Sahasra thulasi, kumkum, laksha thulasi bhogam and
temple. The architectural grandeur of the tem- uregimpu are performed to the Lord in fulfilment
ple's tower is highly enthralling and unrivalled. of vows. This festival is of ancient origin. The
There is an image of Meka Basava Dandanatha, Hindu devotees, local and from the neighbouring
the ancestor Nuzvid Zamindars with an ins- villages, congregate. Pujari is a Vaikhanasa
cription, on the top of the temple. He was the Brahmin of Bhargavasa gotram with hereditary
commander-in-I:hief of the Kakateeya Empire in rights. On the occasion of Krishna Jayanti in
the 12th century. This clearly proves that the Kesavaswamy temple, the devotees observe fast
temple was constructed by the Nuzvid Zarnindars. and in the night perform maharnivedana after
Moreover, the archana and other rites are perfor- Visesharchana· On the first Ekadasi there is
med in their names. As it is apparent from the ekaham by Sri Prabhakara Kesava Bhaktha Sama-
r.ecords that the Zamindar Dharma Apparayanam .iam. Viseshothsavams (special functions) are per-
llved between 1785-1827 A.D., it may be assumed formed to the Lord 011 ChaUra Suddha Padyami
that the temple might have been constructed bet- (March-April), Toli Ekadasi (June-July), Sri
ween those years. In the year 1945, Sridhara Krishna Ashtami (July-August), Vijayadasami
Pullamma a great devotee constru~·ted Sri Anja- (September-October), Naraka Chathurdasi (Sep-
tember-October), Ksheerabdhi Dwadasi (october April), the devotees keep fruits and panakam in
-November), Mukkoti Ekadasi (November-De- the temple, close the doors and not open them for
cember), Sankranti (January), Bhishma Ekadasi 3 days. This is an ancient custom. During the
(January-February) and in the months of Kartikam intervening two days i. e. on Bahula VidiYa and
(October-November) and dhanurmasam (Decem- Tadiya they do not perform nivedano. Usually
ber-January). Throughout the month of Kartikam during those 3 days, nobody leaves the village.
there is deepamaalalankarana(decoration with lights) During the festival days like Vasantanavaratrulu
and prasada viniyogam· In Dhanurmasam bhoga- and Sarannavaratrulu, sahasra namaarchanas are
mulu are performed. performed to the deity. Chalimidi, vadapappu, pa-
nakam, pasupu, kumkurn etc., are offered. Naived-
Yellararnma Teertham is celebrated on yam is offered at their respective homes by the
Chaill·a Suddha Purnima (March-April). The poet devotees. Animal sacrifice which was in vogue
Srinatha, in his Kreedaabhiramam had described in the past is now given up. The celebrations are
Yellaramma as Ekaveera Devi the descendent of of ancient origin. Hindus, local and from the
Renukadevi and as companion of Kakatamma. In neighbouring villages, congregate without any dis-
justification of the supposition that Yellaramma tinction of caste. Pujari is a Velamati Brahmin
j., the companion of Kakatamma, there are, besi- of Athreyasa gotram with hereditary rights.
des the full image of Yellaramma, head described
as that of Ekaveera Devi and a pair of feet said to A dandakam written by Anipeddi Jagan-
b~ those of Kakatamma. natha Sastry in about 1924 A D. is recited before
the deity by the archakas. The Kali dandakam
Some miracles shown by the deity written by Kalidasa was used to be recited prior
to that.
After sahasranamarchana, some flowers are kept
on the crown of the ddty and pujaris read dandll- There is Sri Prabhakara Kesava Bhaktha
kam. While the pujaris are doing so, the fall of Samajam in the village, ~stablished in 1958 at the
the flowers from the crown if it occurs is taken behest of Sri Prabhakara Umamaheswara Pandit
as an indication that the desires of the devotees of Vijayawada. They conduct some programmes
would be fulfilled. If the flowers fall, the hearts in propagating theism. Bhajana kalakshepams on
gf the dev')tees redound with mirth and joy. And every Saturday night, suryanamaskaras on every
if the flowers do 110t fall, something is supposed Sunday morning according to the instructions of
to have gone wrong in the performance of the de- the above pandit, Ekhamahothasvam on Toli Eka-
'Votees, or that their desires are not going to be ful- dasi, gopujamahothsavam on Krishnastami prabhata
filled. The deity some times makes the devotees Seva on all the days in the early mornings during
realise their faults and then, the flowers drop. Kartikam (October-November), Satya Nara-
The worshippers of the deity are indeed impres- yana Vrarhamulu on collective basis on the Muk-
sed by this phenomenon. koti Ekadasi and Visesharchana to Surya Bhagavan
on Rathasaptami, are some of the items on the
Once upon a time Kotaiah, a puJari of the programme of this Samajam conducted in the,
deity had forgotten to take out his silver vessel temple of Sri Kesavaswamy.
from the temple after performing puja on Chai/ra
Bahula Padyami. He closed the doors and went SOURCE: 1. Sr; Devanakonda Gopalam, Head-
away. According to the custom, the doors should master, Zilla Parishad SpeciaJ Ele-
not be opened for 3 days. He went again to the mentary School, Mandapaka.
temple, stood outside the doors helplessly and 2. Sri Peddinti Kesavaswamy, Pujari in
prayed to the deity for the return of the vessel. the temple of Sri Kesavaswamy,
The deity threw that silver cup outside through a Mandapaka.
hole in the door.

Garga Urhsavam on Chathurdasi day, and Sribandi 17. Varighedu -Situated at a distance of 3 miles
Uthsavam on the noon of Full Moon day are cel- rom Relangi Railway Station on Nidadavole-
ebrated to the deity. On the night of the follow- Narsapur branch line of the Southern Railway
ing day i. e. on Chaitra Bahula PadYami (March- and 6 miles from Tanuku. It is said that this
 91

village was gifted away by Karikalachola, the as the previous moat and is called agadthi (moat).
great Chola King. There is a big pond near the temple of Siddhes-
wara· It appears to have been the outcome of
The total population of the village is 2,346 the desire of Anasuya, the renowned wife of Ath-
and it is made up of the following communities: ri Maharshi. It is said that Athri Maharshi used
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Telaga, Settibalija, to walk to Godavari ncar Kakaraparru every mor-
Bhatraju etc.; Scheduled Castes (444); and Sche- ning to take his bath and bring water from there
duled Tribes (23). The chief means of livelihood for the abhishekam of Siva. As he grew advanced
of the people are agriculture, agricultural labour in age and was still with difficulty walking to
and other traditional occupations. Godavari near Kakaraparru, Anasuya prayed to
Ganga; and near the place where the pond now
The temples of Rama, Siva, Vishnu and of stands, a spring of water gushed out. This episode
the village deity Aravambikadevi are the places of is referred to in the Kasikshetra gadha. On every
worship in the village. Sunday before sunrise springs at three places at
the bottom of the pond can be seen. It has been
Aravambikadevi latara is celebrated for one found that the water of one spring is tastless, the
day on Asviyuja Bahula Amavasya (September-Oc- other sweet and the third brackish. Devotees take
aber). Before Jatara, asadis perform sevas twice their b:lth in the pond on every Sunday before
or thrice with music. Cocoanuts, bananas, panakam sunrise, and all through the Kartikam, with the
and chalimidi are offered; and goats, sheep and belief that the water of the sacred Ganga at Kasi
fowls are sacrificed to the deity. This Jatara is flows to this pond on those days.
being celebrated from ancient times and is of lo-
cal significance. Local Hindus congregate. The total popUlation of the village is 15,074
and it is made up of the following communities:
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated on Chaitra
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya,Kamma, Kapu, Ye-
Suddha Narami March-April) in Rama temple
lama,Golla, Kummari, Sale, Settibalija,Kalavanta,
Chakali, Mangali etc; Scheduled Castes (1,086)-
SOURCE: Sri 1IJangapati Gopalakrishnam Raju, Ass-
Adi Andhra etc.; Scheduled Tribes (106); Muslims
istant Karnam, Varighedll.
and Christians. The chief means of livelihood
of the people are agricu lture, agricultural labour,
tarde and other traditional occupations.
18. Attili_ Situated at a distance of one mile
from the Railway Station of the same nsme on the
The temples of Subrahmanyaswamy, Anjane-
Nidadavole-Narsapur branch line of the Southern
yaSwamy, Venugopalaswamy, Santhana Venugopa-
Railway,9 miles from Tanuku, 12 miles from Ta-
depalligudem by road and 18 miles from Nidada- laswamy, Siddheswaraswamy and of village deity
vole. It is said that thi.s place was the abode of Poleramma with her image having 4 hands, a mos-
Athri Maharshi and was hence called Athri Which que and a church are the places of worship in the
in usage gradually became Attili. Lord Siddhes- village. Kollapati Venkamma and Mahankalamma
wara is bdieved to have been installed here by are the other village deties here. There are the
Athri Maharshi; in proof whereof there is an im- images of Subrahmanyaswamy, Sri valli and Deva-
agt' of Athri Maharshi by the side of Siddheswara sena in the temple of the Lord Subrahmanya-
S;,valingam. swamy. In connection with the construction of
this temple, it is said that a serpent appeared to
Ac(_'ording to history, this place was in the a iOC:1I person an -d disappeared immediately.
past th( capital for some kingdom or other. Af- When that place was dug ou t a silver sheet was
t.::r the reign of Kumaragiri Reddy, one of the discovered and the images of a serpent with hood
battle3 between the Reddys of Rajamahendrava- and a Sivalingam were found on it. He got con-
mm and KOildaveedu took place here. structed a temple and enshrined the image of
Subrahmanyaswamy.
It i~ ~ai.d that on the site where the present
High school stand~ there wa~ a fort with a moat Sri Subramanyeswaraswamy Kalyanamahoth-
alround. The low level ground around the s1te savarn is celebrated for 9 days from Margasira
where High School is no; situated is considered Suddha Shash'i (November-December). On that
day the Lord is taken in a procession on different padyami the seeds grow into small plants and on
vahanams with music throughout the village in the that day they apply pasupu and kumkum to the
night followed by prabhas also. This festival is baskets and plants and offer them to the deity.
being celebrated since 1928 A. D. About 10,000 All caste Hindus take part in the festival.
Hindus local and from the neighbouring villages,
congrega teo SOURCE: Sri K. V. Sivudu, Headmaster, Panchayat
Samithi Higher Elementary School, A ttili.
A fair is held in connection with the festival
for one day. Eatables, utensils, lanterns, mir-
rors, combs, Ayurvedic drugs, pictures, photos, 19. Gummampadu-Situated at a distance of one
books, cloth, mats, toys, agricultural implements mile from Relangi Railway Station on the Nida-
etc., are brought and sold· Swings, magic, cir- davole-Narsapur branch line of the Southern
cus, dramas, harikathas, burrakathas, leather pup- Railway and 6 miles from Tanuku.
pet doll plays and musical performances afford
entertainment to the visitors. The total population of the village is 1,356
and it is made up of the following communities:
Special choultries and pandals are put up. Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Teillga,
There is free feeding to all the pilgrims. Kummari, Chakali, Kalali, Mangali; Scheduled
Castes (249)-Adi Andhra; Scheduled Tribes (8);
and Christians. The chief means of livelihood
Kollapati Venkamma Jatara is celebrated for
of the people are agriculture, agricultural labour
5 days from Sankranti (January 14th). The
and other traditional occupations.
legend connected with the deity says that once
the IS daughters of the Kollapati family bought
The temples of Bhimeswaraswamy, Sri Rama
bangles from a bangle seller and wore them. The
and of the village deity Gogulamma and a church
bangle seller demanded payment of cost of bang-
are the places of worship in the village.
les for 16 daughters, though they were only IS.
That night the deity Venkamma appeared in a
• Sri Bhimeswaraswamy Kalyanam is celebra-
dream and told that she was their 16th daughter.
ted for 1 day on Phalguna Bahula Dasami (Feb-
Then the family paid the total amount to the
ruary-March). Naivedyam is offered to the Lord.
bangle seller. From that time onwards that
It is being celebrated for the past 10 years and is
family is performing sevas and jatoras every year
of local significance. The Hindu devotees of the
to the deity. On one night during the festival
village congregate without any distinction of
the deity is taken in a procession with music in
caste.
the village. Every day the siribomma is taken in
a procession and pasupu and kumkum are offered.
This Jatara is mainly celebrated by Kollapati Sri Rama Kalyanam is celebrated for 1 day
family of Kapus who treat the deity as their on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April) in the
daughter. It IS being celebrated for the past 50 temple of Sri Rama.
years and is of local significance. Kapus are the
patrons. The Hindu devotees, local and from the Sf)URCB: Sri M. Devasahayam, Teacher, Gummam-
neighbouring villages, congregate. Flowers, r odu .
fruits, pasupu, kumkum and ravikalu (jackets) are
offered to the deity. Some of the devotees sacri-
fice fowls and goats and some offer chalimidi and 20. Velporu-A railway station on the Nidada-
panakam to the deity. vole-Narsapur branch line of the Southern Rail-
way~situated at a distance of about 2 miles from
Poleramma Jatara is celebrated for the 9 days Tanuku Railway Station. As milk and curds are
preceding Chaitra Suddhu Padyami (March-April). produced in abundance, large quantities of the
Once a local family \\'ith no children on wor~hip­ same are despatched to Bhimavaram and Rajah-
ping this deity was blessed with children. They mundry daily. As it is believed that Devata~
worship the dejty regularly. They put clay in 9 (celestial beings) in the past ruled this village, it
baskets and sow nine kinds of grains in them 9 is known as Velpuru (jn Telugu velpu means Devata
days b~forc the festival. On Chaitra Suddha or celestial beingl
 The total population of the village is 13,418 21. Kakula Illiodalaparru-Situated at a distance
<lnd it is made up of several sub-communities of of 3 miles to the south-east of Tanuku.
Caste Hindus-Scheduled Castes (1,297); and
Scheduled Tribes (33). The chief means of live- The total populatIon of the village is 3,147
lihood of the people are agriculture. agricultural and it is made up of the following communities:
labour, trade and other traditional occupations. Ca~te Hindu~-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Karni-
bhathula, etc.; Scheduled Castes (556); Scheduled
The temples of Vigneswara, Satyanarayana, Tribes (21); and Christians. The chief means of
Rama, Siva, Suhrahmanyeswaraswamy, Rudres- livelihood of the people are agriculture, agricul-
waraswamy and of the village deities Ganganam- tural labour, weaving and other traditional occu-
rna, Metlamma, Gogulamma, Mahalakshmamma pations.
and Eswaramma are the places of worship in the
village. Pandurangaswamy is also worshipped in
The temples of Chodeswara with stone Siva-
the village.
lingam, Gopalaswamy with His image in human
Sri ~Pandurangaswamy Teertham is celebrated form (resembling Sri Krishna), Subramanyeswara-
for 5 days from Kartika Suddha Ekadasi to Purnima swamy in serpent form on black stone, and of the
(October-November). This festival is of ancient village deities Challalamma and Peddintlamma
origin and is of local significance. The local are the places of worship in the village.
Hindus congregate. Sweets and plantains are sold
in a few shops held during teertham. Challalamma and Peddintlamma Jatara is
celebrated for one day on the first Tuesday after
Sri Subrahmanyaswamy Teertham is celebra- Sankranti (January). The people believe that
ted on Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-Dec- they would be immune from small-pox on account
ember). -Local Hindus congregate. Eatables, of the celebration. Chalimidi, panakam, jaggery
mirrors, combs etc., are sold in a few shops held and plantains are offered to the deities. This
during the time. Street dramas, Harikathas and Jatara is being celebrated from ancient times and
dances provide entertainment to the people. is of local significance. Kammas are the patrons.
The Hindu devotees of the village partici.pate in
Jatara of the village deities is celebrated on the festival without any distinction of caste.
Asviyuja Bahula Amavasya (September-October). Prasadam is distributed to all.
Animal sacrifice was observed formerly on a large
scale, but now some devotees sacrifice fowls and
Sri Chodeswaraswamy Kalyanam is celebra-
sheep in their houses only. Cocoanuts are offered.
ted in Vaisakham (April-May). It is being celeb-
This jatara is celebrated under the supervision of
rated for the past many years. Kammas are the
Village Munsiff.
patrons. Local Hindus congregate, Pujari is a
Brahmin with hereditary rights.
Festival of Lord Siva is celebrated in Karthi-
kam (October-November) in Siva temple.
Subramanyeswaraswamy Shashti is celebrated
In Magham (January-February), Veerabhadra for one day on Margasira Suddha Shashti (Novem-
and Sakthi festivals are celebrated in Rudres- ber-December). The devotees take bath and
waraswamy temple. observe fast and jagarana.

During the festival days, the devotees take Sri Rama Navami is celebrated in Chaitram
bath in the Gosthani river, perform pujas in the in Gopalaswamy temple.
tempks, offer fruits etc. There is free feeding
to the poor. SOURCE: Sri Alluri Suryanarayana Raju, Headmas-
ter, Zilla Parishad Elementary Girls
There is a choultry, where marriages are
celebrated in the village.
School, Kakula llIindalaparru.

SOURCE: Sri Penugonda Satyanarayana Murthy,

Teacher, Zilla Parishad High School, 22. Ajjaram- Situated at a distance of 6 mile"
Velpuru. from the Tanuku Railway Station.
 The total population of the village is 2,457 As Brahma is once believed to have performed
and it is made up of the following communities: Yagnam here, there is a sacred place called Brah-
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatriya, Reddy, magundam. This is, however, now filled up with
Kapu, Kummari Kamasali, Settibalija etc.; Sche- the waters of Vasishta. On festival days etc.,
duled Castes (499)-Adi Andhra; and Schedu led people take bath in it with the hope of attaining
Tribes (28)-Yerukula. The chief means of liveli- salvation.
hood of the people are agriculture, agricultural
labour, brass industry, and other traditional occu- The total population of the village is 4,409
pations. and it is made up of the following communities:
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatriya, Kam-
The temples of Uma Maheswara,wamy, rna, etc.; Scheduled Castes (520); Scheduled Tri-
Kanchi Kamakshi, Sri Rama, Subrahmanyeswara- bes (8); and Christians. The chief means of liveli-
swamy, and of the village deity Tummalamma are hood of the people are agriculture, agricultural
the places of worship in the village. The image labour and other traditional occupations.
of Tummalamma is of 6 feet height in an awein-
piring human form. The temples of Siva, Gopalaswamy, Sita
Ramaswamy, Su.brahmanyeswara, and of the vill-
Sri Uma Maheswaraswamy Kalyanam is cele- age deities Kanakalamma and Nallavari Venkam-
brated for one day on Pha/guna Suddha Ekadasi ma and a church are the places of worship in the
(February-March). Flowers and fruits are offerd village. The images of Gopalaswamy and Sita
to the Lord. This festival is being celebrated Ramaswamy are said to be very attractive. The
for the past 100 years, and is of local significance. image of Kanakalamma, the village deity, is in an
The Hindu devotees of the village congregate. aweinspiring feminine form.
Pujari is a Saiva Brahmin with hereditary rights.
Subrahmanya Kalyanam is celebrated for
There is free feeding too.
one day on Margsira Suddha Shashti (November-
December). It is of ancient origin. Hindus, local
Sri Subrahmanyeswaraswamy Kalyanam is
and from neighbouring villages, congregate. Pujari
celebrated for one day on Margasira Suddha Sha-
is a Brahmin. Free feeding is arranged.
shU (November-December). Fruits, flowers, silver
and gold articles are offered to the Lord· There A fair is held in connection with the festival.
is free feeding to all. This festival is being celeb- Sweets, utensils, mirrors and combs etc. are sold.
rated for the past 7 years and is of local signi-
ficance. The Hindus of the village congregate. Bhajans, music and lottery provide enter-
Pujari is a Brahmin with hereditary rights. tainment.

Goats, sheep and fowls are sacrificed to Tu- Siva Kalyanam is celebrated on Vaisakha
rnmalamma during Sankranti (January) and on Suddha Ekadasi (April-May). It is being celeb-
Ugadi i.e., on Chaitra Suddha Padya;ni (March- rated from ancient times. About 400 Hindus in
April). P anakam and chalimidi are offered to the and around the village ga ther. A Brahmin is the
dcity. The patrons are Kshatrias, Vaisyas and pujari· The villagers collect donations and
Reddies. Pujari is a Kummari. arrange free feeding to the visitors.

Sita Rama Kalyanam is celebrated on Chaitra A fair is held in connection with the festival.
Suddha Nmam;. Sweets, utensils, mirrors and combs etc., are
brought and sold. Magic, lottery and group
SOURCE: Sri Ka/aga Venkata Ramana, Headmas- bhajans cater recreation to the visitors.
ter, Zilla Parishad Special Elementluy
School, Ajjaram. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated on Chaitra
Suddha Nal'ami (March-April) in Sita Ramaswamy
temple.
23. Kakaraparru-Situated on the banks of the
Vasistb::t, a tributary of Godavari River, at a Goats and fowls are sacrificed to Nalla-
distance of 5 miles from Tanuku. It is the home vari Venkamma in fulfilment of vows taken in the
of many a learned scholar in S:m:;krit and Telugu. ,lays of difficulty.
 9,S

SOUllCB: Sri Charla Lakshminarayana, Teacher, The temples of Siva, Vishnu, Someswara-
Elementary Girls School, Kakaraparru. swamy, Kesavaswamy and of village deities Chin-
talamma and Gonthemma are the places of wor-
ship in the village.
24. Peravali-Situated at a distance of 5 miles
from Tanuku Railway Station. The bus routes of Sri Someswaraswamy Kalyanam is celebrated
Narsapur-Nidadavole, Tanuku-Narsapur, Narsa- for 15 days from Magha Bahula Ekadasi (January-
pur-Bhimavaram and. Khandavalli-Tadepalligu- February). People have much faith in the powers
dem pass through this village. The boats from of Someswaraswamy. It is said locally tha t a
Narsapur to Nidadavole also pass through this person, who had once stolen the Trisulam of th~
village. Lord, suffered from high fever and could get
relief only after placing it, !back in its original
The total population of the village is 2,173 place after repenting for his fault. He regu·
and it is made up of the following communities: larly perfJrms seva to the Lord in Kartikam (Oc-
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Kapu, tober-November). Ka/yanam, sulateertham, rat-
Settibalija, Jangam, etc.; Scheduled Castes (275); hothsavam are the rituals of the festival. Cocoa-
Scheduled Tribes (10); Muslims and Chri~tians. nuts, bananas, pumpkins and bunches of cocoa-
The chief means of livelihood of the people are nuts are offered to the Lord· The devotees take
agriculture, agricultural labour, trade and other river bath, observe fasting and jagarana. This
traditional occupations. festival is being celebrated from ancient times
and is of local significance. About 5,000 Hindus,
The temples of the village are of Rama with local and from the neighbouring villages, congre-
His stone image in human form, ,Anjaneyaswamy gate. Pujari is a Thammala Brahmin. There is
with His stone image in the form of Hanuman, free feeding to all.
Siva with Sivalingam and of Vishnu.
A fair is held in connection with the festival
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for one day
for 15 days. About 5,000 people, local and from
on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). The
the neighbouring villages, congregate. Eatables,
Katyanam of the Lord is celebrated with much
utensils, lanterns, mirrors, combs, Ayurvedic
eclat. Bhajans are performed. In the night the
Lord is taken in procession around the village, drugs, pictures, photo,', books, toys, mill and
handloom cloth, blankets and tape are brought
The Hindu devotees of the village take part in
and sold.
the festival. Pujari is a Brahmin with hereditary
rights. Panakam is distributed to all present. Dramas, leather puppet doll plays, acrobats,
and whirling-wheels afford entertainment to the
visiton. Pandals are erected for the occasion,
SOURCE: Sri Sista Venkata Subrahmanyam, Tea-
cher, Zilla Parishad Elementary Sch(lO/,
Kcsavaswamy Kalyanam is celebrated for 6
Peravali.
days from Magha Suddha Ekadasi to Bahula Paoya-
mi (January-February). On Purnima there is
25. Mukkamala-Situated at a distance of 3 miles Chakra teertham i.e., the Lord is taken in a palan-
from Peravali on the Nidadavole-Narsapur bus quin"to the river in procession. Cocoanuts, fru-
its and pumpkins are offered. Local Hindus con-
route and 8 miles from Tanuku.
greg'ltc. Pujari is Vaishnava Brahmin.
The total population of the village is 4,258
and it is made up of the following communities: Chintalamma Jatara js celebrated for 3 days
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Kapu, during Sankranti (13th, to 15th of January). It
Ediga, Chakali, Mangali, Kummari, etc., Sche- was the practice for a woman of a Mangali family
duled Castes (675)-l\1adiga, Mala; Scheduled to be possessed by Amma varu Chintalamma.
Tribes (18)-Yerukula; and Christians, The While possessed, the woman would be swinging
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri- her head forwards and backwards and this is
CUlture, agricultural labour, trade and other tra- generally known as vunuta or vuguta. The women
ditional occupat;gns. was getting possessed and her husband did pot
like it. At the first beat of the drum for Amma- lwalatoranothsavam in Siva temple is celeb-
varu puja in the temple at the centre of the street, ated'on Kartika Suddha Purnima (October-Nove-
the girl would forget her normal duties and sur- mber).
roundings and get possessed which the husband
tried to stave off by performing seva to Amma- SOURCE: 1. Sri B. Kameswara Rao, Headmaster,
varu. The deity made it clear that possession, Zilla Parishad Elementary School,
which was a family tradition, could not be avoid- Mukamala.
ed. He therefore, became disgusted and married 2. Sri K. Rama Gopalakrishna Murthy,
another girl. During the month of Ja tara, she B. A., Senior Telugu Pandit. S.K.P.
fasts. Sevalu are performed for a month. Chali- V. V. Hindu High School, Vijaya-
midi and panakam are offered. Goats, sheep and wada-2.
fowls are sacrificed to the deity. Fowls are offe-
red to the person possessed by the deity and he
cuts the throats of the birds with his teeth. On 26. Khandavaili-Situated at a distance of 8
Kanumu day, a pig is buried in the earth upto its miles from Tanuku. It is a very ancient village.
neck and buffaloes are made to walk over the Copper sheets with the script of some ancient lang-
head of the pig. Kumbham is po ured on the guage and objects of archaeological importance
boundaries of the village. The devotees take were found here in excavations, which are said to
river bath and observe fasting andjagarana during belong to Andhra rulers. This village is called
the Jatara. It is being celebrated from old times Panchalingakshetram because of five Lingams in
~nd is confined to the village. The Hindus of Markandeswara-Mrukandeswaraswamy t e m pie.
the village congregate. The patrons are the vil- It is observed that the temples with five lingams
lagers and sevas are performed by Chakalis, Man- are found only at Kasi, Rajahmundry and in this
galis and Kummaris. village. The River, Vasishta Godavari, brought
down by the sage Vasishta, flows by the side of
The observance of Gonthemma Panduga by this village and reaches the Bay of Bensal near
Malas is a special feature in this village. Both Narsapur.
men and women of the community don several
garbs and go about begging for contributions from The total population of the village is 7,410
the other communities. This is the only occasion and it is made up of the following communities:
when the members of that community go about Caste Hindus-Brahmin~ Vaisya, Kapu, Settibalija
begging. With that money they perform, in their etc.; Scheduled Castes (1,229) - Adi Andhra; and
houses, Gonthemma Panduga at the time of Atla Scheduled Tribes (53). The chief means of liveli-
Tadiya i. e., Asviyuja Bahula Tadiya (September- hood of -the people are agriculture, agricultural
October). labour and other traditional occupations.
Ankam Perantalu is another local observan-
ce among the Kammas. Just before marriage, The temples of Venugopalaswamy with His
the .bride and the bridegroom perform puja to stone image; Markandeswara with Sivalingam;
Ankam Perantalu. This Ankam Perantalu was the 12 temples of Rama and the temples of village
loving, dutiful and exemplary wife of a Kamma deities Poleramma and Sakthi are the places of
youth,who was living on th~ other side of River worship in the village.
Godavari and coming to her every evening. He
used to employ an empty washerman's pot to Sri Venugopalaswamy Kalyanam is celebra~
!;wim across the river as a float. One day he had ted for 5 days from Magha Suddha Ekadasi to Pur-
taken an unburnt pot, which melted in water in nima. (January-February). There is rathothsa-
the middle of the river, and the young man was yam abo. Cocoanuts, flowers, fruits, and pana·
washed away. The wife, unable to bear the sorrow kam are offered. This festival is being celebrated
of separation, committed suicide. She is believed since the inception of the village and is of local
to have become a Devata and is called by the significance. Trustees appointed by the Endow-
name Ankam Perantalu· The Kammas believe ments Board look after the arrangements for the
that unless the new couple worship Her before festival. About 2 to 3 thousand Hindus, local
marriage, the marriage would not be happy and and from the neighbouring villages congregate.
prosperous. Pujrtri is a Vaishnava Brahmin.
 97

A fair is held in connection with the festival Dramas, whirling-wheels, Harikathas and cir-
for 5 days. Eatables, utensils, lanterns, mirrors, cus afford entertainment.
combs, pictures, photos, books, toys, cloth and
agricultural implements etc., are brought and Sri Rama Ekaham is celebrated during Kar-
sold. tika Suddha Ekadasi and Bahula Ekadasi (October-
November). Bhajans are performed on that and
Harikatha and purana kalakshepams, circus, on the following days. The devotees, local and
dramas, and whirling wheels afford entertainment from the neighbouring villages take part and sing
to the visitors. Pandals are crected. devotional songs. Loud speakers are arranged.
There are samaradhanas for 10 times during this
Sri Markandeswaraswamy Kalyanam is cele- month.
brated for 5 days from Magha Bahula /)asami to
Chathurdasi (January-February). The devotees ob- SOURCE: Sri Gandikota Ramasomayajulu, Head-
serve fast. The kalyanam is being celebrated master, Zilla Parishad Boys School, Khat.-
since the inscription of the village. About 2,000 davalli.
devout Hindus, local and fcom the neighbourilig
villages, gather.
27. Thurpu Vipparru-Situated at a distance of 7
A fair is held for 5 c1ays in connection with miles from the Tanuku Railway Station.
the festival. Utensils, laterns, mirrors, combs,
pictures, photos, books, mill cloth and agricultu- The total popUlation of the village is 3,111
rdl implements etc., are hrought and sold. and it is made up of the following communities:
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu, Settibali-
ja, Telukula, Kamsali, Mangali, Chakali, Sale etc.;
Harikathas, dramas and puranas cater rec-
Scheduled Castes (308)-Madiga, Mala; and Sche-
reation to the visitors.
duled Tribes (25). The chief means of livelihood
of the people are agriculture, agricultural labour,
Sakthi Teertham is celebrated for 9 days
trade, weaving and other traditional occupations.
from Chaitra Suddha Padyami to Navami (March-
April). The devotees prepare sweets and offer The temples of U ma Malleswaraswamy, Sat-
the same as naivedyam at homes. This Teertham yanarayanaswamy, Rama and Mallamma are the
is being celebrated since the origin of the village.
places of worship in the village. The village
The Hindus local and from the neighbouring vill- deity Mallamma is depicted as riding a tiger with
ages congregate. A Brahmin is the pujari. a sword and trisulam in her hands. The temple of
Satyanarayanaswamy was built in 1910 A.D. by
A fair is held in connection with the festival Smt. Pallipatla Subbamma who also donated some
for 9 days. Sweets, utensils, lanterns, mirrors, lands to the temple.
combs, pictures, photos etc., are brought and
sold. The festival of the village deity, Mallamma,
is celebrated for a month from 16th December to
Po'erumma Teertham is celebrated for 15 15th January. On the night of January 14th, sevas
days from Vaisakha Suddha Padyami to Purnima on large scale are performed with music. On 15th
(April-May). Flowers, fru its and panakam are of January the devotees prepare burelu and garelu
offered and goats, sheep and fowls are sacrificed and offer naivedyam to the deity. Sevas are per-
to the deity. At homes sweets are prepared and formed every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday
offered as naivedyam. This Teertham is being during the month of festivity. The devotees offer
held fran. the origin of the village. There is 12 rice, fruits, pasupu, kumkum, blouse pieces,
acres of Inam land attached to this deity. All chalimidi, panakam and vadapappu to the deity. It
Hindu ca,tes participate in the festival. Pu.iari is being celebrated since the origin of the village
is a Kapu belonging to Asadi sect. and is of local significance. Sri Kana Apparao
celebrates this festival by collecting donations
A fair is held for 9 days. Sweets, utensils, from the villagers. The Hindus of the village con-
lanterns, mirrors, combs, pictures, photos, and giegHe. Pujarhs a Kummari. Th:;!re is free feeding
toys are brought and sold. too.
 98

Sri Satyanarayanaswamy and Urna Malleswa- have been discovered. The big bricks used in
ra Kalyanams are celebrated for 5 days from foundations of gudidibba and an image of Nandi
M agha Suddha Ekadasi (January-February). These with broken head are preserved in the village.
are being celebrated for the past 35 years and are Some huge broken images discovered here are kept
confined to the village. Pujaris are Brahmins. under a big banyan tree in the centre of the vill-
There is free feeding to all. age. Some of the villagers apply pasupu and
kumkum to these images and offer fruits and flo-
Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam is celebrated for 5 wers as naivedyam and distribute them to the
days from Chaitra Suddha Navami. Sri Kona Appa- children.
rao arranges free feeding with his own funds.
Dramas, Harikathas and music performances afford The total population of the village is 1,322
en tertainmen t. and it is made of the following communities:
Caste Hindus- Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Kapu,
Gonthemma Panduga is celebrated by the Karnibhakta, Golla, Chakali, Kummari, Mangali;
Mala community with great pomp. All communi- Scheduled Castes (351)-Arundhatiya, Panchama;
ties take part in the festival. and Christians. The chief means of livelihood
of the people are agriculture, agricultural labour
SOURCE: Sri Vipparthi Venkata Lakshmi Narasim- and other traditional occupations.
hamurthy, Teacher, Zilla Parishad Elemen-
tary School, Thurpu Vipparu. The temple of Rama with the images of Sita,
Rama, Lakshmana and Hanuman is the place of
worship in the village. There is a prayer hall for
28. Aitampudi-Situated at a distance of about 5 Ch ristians.
miles from Tanuku.
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for one day
The population of the village is 1,057 and it on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Kalya-
is made up of several sub-communities of Caste nam is celebrated and there is procession also.
Hindus and Scheduled Castes (101). The chief Flowers, fruits, chalimidi, pa>lakam, sweets and
means of livelihood of the people are agriculture, cooked rice are offered to the Lord. The Hindus
agricultural labour and other traditional occupa- of the village congregate without any distinction
tions. of caste.

Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for Siddhi Ganapati Navaratrulu are celebrated
one day on Margasira Suddha Shashti (November- for 10 days from Bhadrapada Suddha Chaviti to
December). About two to three hundred Hindus Triodasi (August-September). Aradhana is per-
of the village congregate without any distinction formed twice a day for 9 days. Flowers and fru-
caste or creed· its are offered. The Hindu devotees of the village
congregate. Services of a Brahmin pujari are
A fair is held with a few shops selling eatab- requisitioned to perform pujas during the festival·
les and toys.
SOURCE: Sri Maddala Tirumala Venkalanarasimha-
SOURCE: Stateme!!t of fairs and festivals furnished charyulu, Surarnpudi.
by the Superintendent of Police, West
Godavari District.
30. Kavalipuram- Situated at a distance of 6 fur-
longs from Tanuku- Bhimavaram bus route. The
29. Surampudi-Situated at a distance of 4 miles nearest railway stationS are Velpuru and Relangi
from Tanuku. This village known in the past as on the Narsapur-Nidadavole branch line of the
Sura~anipet was located to the north-east of the Southern Railway.
present site. While the soil was being dug out
for use in the fields, some gold rods were said to As Sri Rama in his expedition to kill the de-
have been found; some relics of old wells, founda- mon Thataki is believed to have hid himself here
tions of houses and bricks were also reported to behind a huge earthen mound to the south of the
 99

village and watched her, this village got the name Scheduled Tribes (14). The chief means of live-
Kavalipuram (in Telugu, kavali means to keep lihood of the people are agriculture and agricul-
watch). tural labour.

The total population of the village is 1,746 Temples of Someswara, Agastheeswara, Go-
and it is made up of the following communities: palaswamy and of village deity Danamma are the
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Kamma, places of worship in the village.
Kapu, Kummari, Mangali, Chakali, Settibalija,
PadmasaJe; Scheduled Castes (157)-Madiga, Mala; Danamma festival is celebrated for 3 days
Scheduled Tribes (19); Muslims and Christians. from Chaitra Suddha Padyami (March-April). This
The chief means of livelihood of the people are festival is being celebrated for the past 100 years.
agriculture, agricultural labour and other traditi- It is of local significance. About 3,000 people,
onaloccupations. local and from the neighbouring villages, congre-
gate. Pujari is a Kummari with hereditary rights.
The temples of Bhimeswaraswamy and village Fowls are sacrificed to the deity in fulfilment of
deity Paillamma, a mosque and a church are the vows. 'Siribandi Thripputa', community feasts,
places of worship in the village. distribution of prasadam, and chalivendras are the
important items of the festival. The animal sac-
Sri Bhimeswaraswamy Kalyanamahothsavam rifice is the last part of the festival.
is celebrated for 5 days from Magha Bahula Eka-
dasi to Amavasya (January-February). This fes- A fair is held in connection with this festi-
tival is being celebrated for the past 20 years and val for 3 days. This is being held for the past
is of local significance. The Hindu residents of 100 years, in the centre of the village. About 3,000
the village congregate. During the festival in the persons congregate. Eatables, utensils, lanterns,
nights, there are Harikathas, burrakathas and torchlights, mirrors and combs, pictures and pho-
dramas. tos, cloth, toys etc. are brought and sold in the
fair. Whirling wheels and dramas afford enter-
Paillamma Jatara is celebrated on Deepavali. tainment to the visitors.
Sheep and fowls are sacrificed. This festival is
being celebrated for the past 50 years and is of SOURCe:: Sri Podila Viswanathasarma, Headmaster,
local significance. The Hindu residents of the vill- Panchayat Samithi Special Elementary
age congregate. A few devotees from the neigh- School, Somaraju Illindafaparru.
bouring villages also gather to see the Jatara.
Pujari is a Kummari with hereditary rights.
32. Mallipudi-Situated at a distance of 3 miles
SOURCE: Sri Bhagavathula Satyagangadharam, Head-
from the Manchili Railway Station on the Nida-
master, Panchayat Samithi Elementary
davole-Narsapur branch line of the Southern
School, Kavalipuram.
Railway, one mile from Rameswaram bus stage
and 14 miles from Tanuku. There were in the
past gardens 0f jasminefiowers in this village
31. Somaraju Illindalaparru--Situated at a dist-
dedicated to Sri Uma Vasuki Ravi Someswara-
ance of 2t miles from Relangi Railway Station
swamy in juthiga village, which is only 2 fur-
on the Narsapur-Nidadavole branch line of the
Southern Railway and 6 miles from Tanuku. It longs away from here. It was therefore called
is on the banks of the River Go~thani, a tributary Mallipudi (in Telugu malli means Jasmine flowers).
of the Godavari river. This village was named
2\)() years ago as Somaraju lllindalaparru, after
one Pusuluri Snmaraju who was a great devotee The population of the village IS 2,142
and a poet_ and it is made up of the following communltics:
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Reddi, Kummari, Man-
The population of the village is 2,147 and it gab, Chak..ali, Kamsali, Sale, Uppara, Kshatria,
is m~dc up of the following communities: Caste Settibalija etc.; Scheduled Caste" (379)-Madiga,
Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Reddi, Kapu, Mala etc.; Scheduled Tribes (IO)-Yerukula and
Settibalija, ('te., Scheduled Castes (179); and Christians. The chief means of livelihood of the
 100

people are agriculture, agricultural labour and rated from olden days. About 20,000 devotees,
other traditional occupations. local and from the neighbouring villages, congre-
gate. Harikathas and dramas are performed.
Two temples of Sri Rama, a temple of Mada- There is free feeding also. The devotees take
nagopalaswamy and a church are the places of bath in the Gosthani river and attend the rathoth-
worship in the village. savam.

Madanagopalaswamy Kalyanam is celebrated A fair is held in connection with the festival

for 5 days from Chaitra Suddha Ekadasi to Purnima for 5 days near the temple. Sweets, utensils,
(March-April). About 1,000 devotees, local and lanterns, pictures and photos, mill-cloth, agricul-
from neighbouring villages, congregate. Pujari is a tural implements, and toys of earth and wood are
Vykhanasa of Gowthamasa gotram with hereditary brought and sold. Devasthanam choultry and
rights. Fruits are offered to the deity. Prasadam other choultries exist, besides erection of pandals
is distributLd to all. at the time of festival. Harikathas, dramas and
swings afford entertainment to the visitors·
A fair is held in connection with the festival
for 5 days. Sweet", utensils, mirrors and combs,
Gogulamma Jatara is celebrated every year;
pictures and photos are brought and sold.
and during the Jatara some of the devotees offer
fowls to the deity. Pujari is a Kummari with
Harikathas and dramas afford entertainment
hereditary rights.
to the visitors. Drama troupes from Tanuku,
Tenali and Vijayawada stage plays here during
this period. SOURCE: Sri B. Venkata Naryana, Executive
Officer, Sri Rameswaraswamy temple,
SOURCE: Sri Purighalla Apparao, Headmaster, Natharameswaram.
Mallipudi.

34- Manchili-Situated on the bus routes from

33. N. Rameswaram-Situated at a distance of
Tanuku to Bhimavaram and from Tadepalligudem
2 miles from Manchili Railway Station on the to Koderu; it is a Railway Station too on the
Nidadavole-Narsapur branch line of the Nidadavole-Narsapur branch line of the Southern
Southern Railway and 14 miles from Tanuku. It Railway.
is said that Sri Rama in order to get the sin of
having killed Ravana expiated, installed a Siva-
The total population of the village is 3,413
lingam of shells and conches her.::. It was there-
and it is made up of the following communites:
fore called Natharameswaram (natha is snail in
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, etc.;
Telugu). It is also said that Parasurama, after
Scheduled Castes(471); Scheduled Tribes (3) and
killing his mother Renukadevi at the behest of his
Christians. The chief means of livelihood of the
father, used to take bath in the Gosthani river
people ar..! agriculture and agricultural
where he installed a Sivalingam also.
labour.
The total popUlation of the village is 1,632 and
it is made up of the following communities: Caste The temples of Sri Chaya Someswara, Sri
Hindus-Reddy, Vaisya, Settibalija etc; Schedul- 'Rama Satyanarayana and of village deity Pal-
ed Castes (179); and Scheduled Tribes (12). The lalamma and a church are the places of worship
chief means of livelir.ood of the people are in the village.
agriculture and agricultural labour.
Pallalamma Jatara is celebrated for one day
The temples of Sri Rameswaraswamy and on the the first Tuesday after Vaisakha Suddha
Gogulamma are the places of worship. Purnima (April-May). It is being celebrated
since ancient times. About 2,000 Hindus of the
Mahasivaratri festival is celebrated in Rames- village and of the neighbouring villages congregate
waraswamy temple for 5 days from Magha Bahula without any distinction of caste ot creed. Pujari
Triodasi (January-February). It is being celeb- is a Kummari with Inam lands and hereditary
Plate V: A view of Rameswaraswamy temple.

-Courtesy; ExeclItjYe Officer. Rameswaraswamy temple, N. Rameswaram

 101

rights. Fruits and palaharams are offered to the Skinnerapuram which is known in usage as
deity. Kinnarapuram was founded in 1801 A. D. by
Vemuri Ramayya Panthulu, who was working as
In the evening one person is made Sirt Shirastdar under Collector of Bandar District.
Bomma (idol of prosperity). A horizontal beam As a result of his idea this village had been
is made to rotate round and round at the top of formed by taking off some lands fro111 the neigh-
a beam vertically fixed to the earth. He is tied to bouring villages of Mogallu, Korukollu, Unikili
one end of the horizontal beam, which turns and Aravilli. The new village was named after
round and round and the people in crowd Skinner, the Collector.
throw at him plantain fruits. Those that succeed
in hitting him, it is supposed, would be favoured The population of the village is 1,198
with siri (prosperity) during the ensuing year. and it is made up of the following communities:
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Chakali, Golla, Kapu,
A fair is held in connection with the festival Settibalija etc; Scheduled Castes (212) ;-Madiga,
near the temple. Sweets, lanterns, mirrors, combs Mala, etc; Scheduled Tribes (19)--Yerukulas;
and toys are brought and sold. and Chirstians. The chief means of livelihood
of the people are agriculture and agricultural
SOURCE: Sri Chitta Venkata Sreeramachandramurthy, labour.
Teacher, Manchili.
A temple each of Sri Rameswaraswamy, Sri
Venugopalaswamy and 3 temples of Sri Rama are
35. Paluru-Situated at a distance of 2i miles the places of worship in the village. There is the
from Attili Railway Station on the Nidadavole- village deity Poleramma also.
Narsapur branch line of the Southern Railway
and 10 miles from Tanuku town. Poleramma festival is celebrated for one day
in Magham (January-February), This festival is
The total population of the village is 2,176 being held for the past 100 years and is of local
and it is made up of the fonowing communities: significance. People from the neighbouring vil-
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Gowda, Kshat-
lages also congregate.
ria, Telaga, etc; Scheduled Castes (404); Schedu-
led Tribes (44); and Christians. The chief means
of livelihood of the people are agriculture and Sri Rameswaraswamy and Sri Venugopala-
agricultural labour. swamy festivals are celebrated for 3 days from
Magha Suddha Panchami to Saptami (January-Feb-
The temples of Siva and Mutyalamma are ruary). These festivals are of local significance.
the places of worship in the village. There are 2,000 Hindus, local and from tht neighbouring
the images of Siva, Parvati and Ganapathi in the
villages, congregate. Lord's Kalyanam is perfor-
Sivalayam.
med in both the temples according to Saivite and
siva Kalyanam is celebrated for 5 days from Vaishnavite practices separately. Pujari is one
Phalguna Suddha Ekadasi to Purnima (February- Sri Buddhu Satyanarayana, a Velanati Brahmin.
March). It is being celebrated for the past 5 There is free feeding also. Prasadam is distri bu-
years and is confined to the village. The Hindus ted to all.
of the village congregate. Pujari is a Brahmin of
Athreyasa gotram. Prasadam 11> distributed to all. During festival of the kalyanam that lasts
for 3 days, vedaparayana, Sundarakanda parayana,
SOURCE: Srj D. Subrahmanyam, Teacher, Altili.
Suryanamaskarams, abhishekams and kumkum pujas
are performed.
36. Skinnerapuram-Situated at a distance of 10
miles from Tanuku, 8 miles from Bhimavaram A fair is held for 3 days in the temple com-
and I! miles from Aravilli Railway Station on pound itself. Eatables, cocoanuts and bananas
Nidadavole-Narsapur line. are brought and sold.
 102

Dramas, dances and bhajans afford entertain- 38. Aravilli-Situated a t a distance of 1 mile from
ment to the visitors. the Aravalli Railway Station on the Nidadavole-
Narsapur branch line of the Southern Railway
SOURCE: Sri Balam Simhadri Veera Venkata Satya- ~nd 14 miles from tanuku town by road.
narayana Moorthi, slo B. Joganna, Tea-
cher,Panchayat Samithi Elementary School, The population of the village is 4,200 and it
Skinnerapuram. is made up of the following communities:
Caste Hindus-Brahmin,Reddi, Chakali, Kammara;
Mangali, Sale, Kummari, Kamsali, Uppara, Vais-
37. Unikili-Situated at a distance of 4 furlongs ya, Kshatria, Yadava, etc.; Scheduled Castes
from Aravilli Railway Station on the Nidadavole (521)-Adi Andhra, etc; Muslims and Christians.
-Narsapur branch line of the S')uthern Railway The chief means of livelihood of the people are
and 15 miles from Tanuku town. agriculture, agricultural labour, and other tradi-
tionaloccupations.
The total population of the village is 4,081
and it is made Up of the following communities: The temples of Rama, Vishnu, Siva, Ganesh,
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Kamma, Chakali, Man- Markandeya, Subrahmanyeswara, Anjaneya, Kan-
gali, Uppara, Viswabrahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, akadurga and a church are the places of worship
Kapu etc.; Scheduled Castes (107)-Adi Andhra; in the village.
Scheduled Tribes (5)-Yerukulas; and Christians.
The chief means of livelihood of the people are Vern ana Jayanthi is the festival celebrated
agriculture, agricultural labour and other tradi- for one day in Pushyam (December-January),
tional occupations. usually on the 18th of January, in commemora-
tion of the great poet, Yogi Vemana. He wrote
The temples of Sri Rama, Siva, Vishnu, Aataveladi (a type of composition of poems) poems
Umamaheswara and the village deity Pallalamma which impart numerous morals. The celebration
and a church are the places of worship in the of this festival is believed to protect the village from
village. the danger of fire. This festival is celebrated
chiefly by the Reddis for the past 50 years and is
Umamaheswaraswamy Kalyanam is celebra-
of local significance. The residents of the village
ted for 3 days from M agha Bahula Triodasi to
belonging to all communities congregate. . Pujari
Amavasya (January-February). It is being celeb-
is a Kummari with hereditary rights. During the
rated for the past 12 years. The devotees, local
Jayanthi, his life history is narrated in the form
and from the neighbouring villages, congregate.
of Harikathas and lectures.
Pandals are erected and decorated with electric
lights. There is free feeding to all. Bhaj(ms and
Harikathas provide entertainmen t to the visitors. Kanaka Durga Jatara is celebrated in Jaish-
tam (May-June). Fowls, sheep and goats are
Pallalamma Jatara is celebrated for 3 days sacrificed. Cocoanuts and bananas are offered.
after Vaisakha Suddha Purnima (April-May). The devotees decorate their houses and offer nai-
Pujari is a Kummari with hereditary rights. Ani- vedyam tc the deity.
mal sacrifices are made. This festival is being
celebrated for the past 12 years. Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated on Mar-
gasira Suddha Shashti (November-December).
Sri Madhavaswamy Kalyanam is celebrated Gonthelamma Panduga and Paidamma Utsavam
for 5 days from Phalguna Suddha Ekadasi to are the other festivals of the village.
Purnima (February-March) in Vishnu temple.
There is a choultry in the village.
Sri Ramalingeswaraswamy Kalyanam is celeb-
rated for 5 days from Magha Bahula Ekadasi to SOURCE: Sri SaUi Mangi Reddy, Teacher, Aravitli.
Amavasya (January-February) in Siva temple

SOURCE: Srj Vitala Ramadurgaiah, Headmaster, 39. Polamuru-Situated at a distance of 6 miles

Un ik ili. from Manchili Railway Station on the Nidada-
 103

vole-Narsapur branch line of the Southern Rail- Nidadavole through Gosthani river canal by boat
way and 18 miles from Tanuku town. too.

The population of the village is 4,712 and it The total population of the village is 7,286
is made up of the following communities: Caste and it is made up of the following communities:
Hindus-Brahmin, Kummari, Mangali, Vaisya, Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, etc;
Chakali, Senapathi, Settibalija, etc; Scheduled Scheduled Castes (1,170); and Scheduled Tribes
Castes (636); Scheduled Tribes (14); and Chris- (26). The chief means of livelihood of the peo-
tians. The chief means of livelihood of the peo- ple are agriculture, agricultural labour and other
ple are agriculture, agricultural labour and other traditional occupations.
traditional occupations.
Temples of Sri Umamaheswara, Sri Sita
The temples of Markandeswaraswamyand Ramaswamy and Bezwada Kanakadurga are' the
Pattabhi Ramaswamy are the places of worship places of worship in the village.
in the village. There is also a temple of Subrah-
Kanaka Durga Jatara, otherwise known as
manyaswamy in the compound of the first
Ammavari Teertham, is celebrated on Chaitra
temple and the image is in the form of a
Suddha Purnima (March-April). About 4,000
serpent inscribed on stone. There is an image of
devotees, local and from the neighbouring villa-
Anjaneyaswamy also in the second temple. At
ges, congregate. Patrons are Reddys and pujaris
times Sri Subrahmanyaswamy is reported to give
are Brahmins. Pujas are also performed to the
darshan to the villagers in the form of a serpent
deity Kanakadurga by the villagers during Sank-
going round the image of Subrahmanyaswamy in
ranthi festival. Fowls, sheep and goats are sacri-
the temple. There are the village deities Polera-
ficed. Cocoanuts, chalimidi, panakam, vahanams,
mma and Mahankalamma·
garaga/u, sarees, silver eyes, chains etc. are offer-
ed to the deity.
Subrahmanya Shastiis celebrated fOr one day
on Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-Decem- A fair is held for 1 day on Chaitra Suddha
ber). It is being celebrated from ancient times. Purnima. Eatables, mirrors, combs, song-books,
The Hindus of the village partiJpate in the fes- etc. are brought and sold.
tival. Pujari is a Adisaiva Dravida Brahmin of
Vasista gal ram with hereditary rights. Sri Sita Ramaswamy Kalyanam is celebrated
on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-ApriU. The
Hanumajjayanthi Utsavam is celebrated for pujari is a Vaishnava of Bhardwajasa gotram.
one day on M argasira Suddha Triodasi (November-
December). It is of ancient orgin and local sig- U mamaheswaraswamy festival is celebrated
nificance. The Hindu residents of the village congre- for 5 days from Pha/guna Suddha Ekadasi (Feb-
gate. Pujari is a Vykhanasa Brahmin ofGowthamasa ruary-March). There would be bhajans, Harika-
gotram with hereditary.rights. thas and dramas during this period. The pujari is
a Brahmin of Kasyapasa gotram.
Mahankalamma and Po!eramma Jataras are
celebrated for 4 days from Vaisakha Bahula Amava- During the festival days, some devotees take
sya (April-May). These are also being celebrated the water of River Uttara Vahini Gosthani to
from ancient times. The devotees of the village their respective homes, where old people and
congregate without any distinction. children drink that water with a view to S:lllC-
tity attached to it.
SOURCE; Sri Y. Suryanarayanamurthy, Teacher,
Polamuru. SOURCE: Sri D. R. Narayanaraju, Teacher, Panch-
ayat Samithi Elementary School, Penu-
mantra.
40. Penumantra -Situated at a distance of 2l
miles from the Manchili Railway Station on the
Narsapur-Nidadavo)e branch line of the Southern 41. Juttiga-Situated at a distance of 3 miles from
Railway. This village can be approached from the Manchili Railway Station on the Nidadavole-
 104

Narsapur branch line of the Southern Railway Scheduled Castes (495)-Panchama, Arundhatiya;
and 14 miles from Tanuku town. and Scheduled Tribes-16. The chief means of
livelihood of the people are agriculture and agri-
The population of the village is 2,792 and cui ture labour.
it is made up of several sub-communities of castc
Hindus; Scheduled Castes (232); Scheduled Tribes The temples of Gopalaswamy, Someswara-
(5). fhe chief means of livelihood of the people are swamy, Anjaneya and 3 temples of Sri Rama
agriculture, agricultural labour and other tradi- and of the village deities Paddala Venkamma,
tional occupations. Mulagalamma and Musalamma are the places of
The temple& of Sri Subrahmanyaswamy, Jana- worship in the village. The legend connected
rdanaswamy, Kala Bhairarva, Durga, Kumara- with the deity Paddala Venkamma is told thus.
swamy, Veerabhadraswamy, Kamaksbi, Anjane- Some pepper merchants were one day passing thro-
yaswamy, and Vasuki Ravi Someswaraswamy are ough the village with bags of pepper on horse
the places of worship in the village. The image backs. At Kantheru, a girl asked them as to what
of Vasuki Ravi Someswaraswamy is a swayambhu was being carried on the horse backs, to which
Sivalingam. This Sivalingam is famous as one they replied that it was black gram. When they
of the twelve Jyothirlingams and is known as reached their destination and opened the blgs,
Ghasmeswara Lingam. Rameswaralingan at they found to their surprise black gram in the
Natba Rameswarm of this taluk is said to place of the costly pepper. Realising that the
be the younger brother of the Lingam girl who accosted them at Kantheru was no ordi-
tha t is here. It is said that the festival nary a girl but a Devata (divine soul), they came
due to be celebrated at Juttiga is celebrated at back to this village and prayed that if the gram was
Natha Rameswaram at the behest of Ghasme- recon verted in to pepper, they wou Id cons t-
swara of Juttiga. ruct a temple for her. They got back pepper and
they constructed a temple nammg the deity
Mahasivaratri festival is celebrated for 5 days "AshtaPadmala Venkamma". This deity is belie-
from Magha Bahula Chaturdasi (January-Febru- ved to have had been playing in these days with
ary). The place where the festival is held is consi- the girls of the place.
dered to be very sacr;::d as it is on the banks of
River Uttara Vashini Gosthani. It is being The Jatara of the village deity Peddala Venkam
celebrated from ancient times and is of local sig- ma is celebrated every year during Magham (Janu-
nificance. The local Hindus and of the neighbour- ary-February) on a Sunday. The residents of the
ing villages congregate. Pujari is a Brahmin with village congregate The chief patrons are Reddys
hereditary rights. The hereditary trustees are of and the pujari is appointed temporarily for the
Santhiraju families. Fasting and jagarana are festival day. On the festival day a Pambala iii
observed. Lakshaptri pujas are performed. There decorated in the form of the deity with a saffron
would be a procession accompanied by the beating sari. He holds a sword in one hand and per-
of drums and music. Abhishekam, and pujas are per- forms dance to the accompaniment of music, and
formed to the Swamy. Flowers, fruits. cocoanuts he goes about in procession through all the streets.
are offered. Dramas, Harikathas and puranakala- At that time, the devotees offer small fowls. He
ks/zepams are held and there is free feeding also. bites their throats and throws them away. All the
devotees sacrifice fowls and sheep and offer nai-
SOURCE: Sri Vajipeyayajula Venkatesswarlu, Tea- vedyam. Some take chalimidi; panakam and bana-
cher, Juttiga. nas to the temple. Prasadam is distributed on
the following morning to the villagers.
42. Kantheru-Situated at a distance of 3 miles
by cart track from Penugonda which is on Ta- Sri Thyagaraja festiv2l1 is celebrated for 5
nuku-Narsapur bus route. Tanuku is the near- days from January 25th to 29th in commemora-
est railway station to this village. tion of Thyag3faj:l, the great saint renowned for
his music and songs. This is being celebrated for
The population of the village is 1,950 and it the past 8 years. Musicians and dramatists from
is made up of the following communities: Caste distant places come, give performances and enter-
Hindus-Brahmin, Reddy, Kapu, Settibalija etc; tain the villagers.
 J.GS
Mulagalamma Jatara is celebrated 1n name of the great composer saint Thyagaraja.
Magham (January-February). Musicians and other artistes gather here from
very distant places for the festival.
SOURCE: Kadali Purushotham~ Kantheru.
Narendraswamy Kalyanam for one day on
Magha Suddha Vidiya (January-February), Gopa-
43. Bbatlamogutur-Situated at a distance of 3 laswamy Kalyanam on Phalguna Suddha Ekadasi
furlongs from Nallajerla-Koderu road, 6 miles (February-March); Sita Rama Kalyanam on
from Manchili Railway Station on Nidadavole- Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April) are. also
Narsapur branch line of the Southern Railway and celebrated in the village.
9 miles from Tanuku. It is said this village was
assigned as agraharam to the poets and pandits by SOURCE: Sri Ch. Appalaraju, Headmaster, Zilla
a Chola King. It is also said that Rajaraja Nar- Parishad Elementary School, Bhatlamo-
endra, the great Chalukyan Emperor built two tem- gatur.
ples, one for Narendraswamy and the other for
Gopalaswamy.
44. Nelamuru-Situated at a distance of 6 miles
The population of the village is 1,086 and it from the Lankala Koderu Railway Station on the
is made up of the following communities: Caste Nidadavole-Narsapur branch line of the Southern
Hindus-Brahmin, Bhatraju, Chakali, Mangali Railway and 17 miles from Tanuku·
etc; Scheduled Castes (217) - Adi Andhra; Sche-
duled Tribes (6) and Christians. The chief means The popu1ation of the village is 1,632 and it
of livelihood of the people are agriculture and is made up of the following communities: Caste
agricultural labour. Hindus-Brahmin, Golla, Mangali, Kshatria,
Kapu, Settibalija, etc.; Scheduled Castes (394);
The temples of Narendraswamy, Venugopala- Scheduled Tribes (8); and Christians. The chief
swamy, Sri Rama and Thyagaraja and of the vil- means of livelihood of the people are agriculture
lage deity Poleramma are the places of worship in and agricultural labour.
the village.
The temples of Siva and Muthyalamma and
a church are the places of worship in the village.
Poleramma festival is celebrated for one day
in Pushyam (December-January). Jatara is celeb-
rated in an area of 4,000 square yards under a Sri Seetbaramanjaneya Mukkoti Teertha-
peepul tree, which is called Ammavari Pitam. Varshikothsavam is celebrated for 5 days from
Chalimidi and panakam, cocoanuts, bananas, fowls Pushya Suddha Ekadasi to Purnima (December-
and goats are offered to the deity. On that day January). This festival is being celebrated for
the devotees observe fasting also. About 2,000 the past 4 years and is of local significance only.
Hindus, local and from the neighbouring villages, All communities partiCIpate in it. Prasadam
congregate. The villagers are the patrons. is distributed to all. There is free feeding on the
last day. The efficacy of Dwadasi vratham of
Ambareesha (the noble king renowned for his piety
A fair is held in connection with the festival. and righteousness) described in Mahabhagavata
Sweets, utensils, lanterns, mirrors, combs, pic- (~"",,"~:Sa'~) is underlined during the celeb-
tures, photos, mill-cloth, toys of earth and wood ration.
and other things are brought and sold. Boarding
and lodging facilities are available to the
pilgrims. On the Mukkoti Ekadasi day, the devotees
take bath and offer fruits to the deity. Some
Sri Thyagaraja Aradbana Utsavam is celeb- devotees fast the whole of that day and night
rated for 5 days in M agham (January-February). and observe jagarana.
This Aradhana was first started in 1935 by the
late Srikantham Gangaraju. a renowned Mrudanga SOURCE: Sri P. Krishnam Raju, Teacher, Nel-
vidwan of this place. This is celebrated in the muru.
45. Mllr11tel-Situated at a distance of 8 miles 46. Vanampalle- hamlet of Negglpudl -Situated
from the P~lacole Railway Station on the Nidada- at a distance of 8 miles from the Palacole Rail-
vole-Narsapur branch line of the Southern Rail- way Station on the Nidadavole-Narsapur branch
way and 12 miles from Tanuku. line of the Southern Railway and 13 miles from
Tanuku.
The total population of the town is ',296
and it is made up of the following communities: The total popUlation of the main village in-
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Reddy, Vaisya, Setti- cluding this hamlet is 2,434 and it is made up of
balija, etc.; Scheduled Castes (1,028); Scheduled the following communities: Caste Hindus-Brah-
Tribes (111); and Christians. The chief means of min, Reddy, Kapu, Settibalija, etc; and Schedu-
livelihood of the people are agriculture, agricul- led Castes (157). The chief means of livelihood
tural labour, trade and other traditional occupa- of the people are agriculture and agricultural
tions· labour.

The temples of Brahmeswaraswamy, Venu- The temples of Narasimhaswamy, Sri Rama,

gopalaswamy, Venkateswaraswamy, Subrahman- Anjaneyaswamy and of the village deity Vaoumu-
yaswamy, Anjaneyaswamy, and of the village deity lamma are the places of worship in the village.
Poleramma and a church are the places of wor-
ship in the village. Narasimhaswamy Kalyanam is celebrated for
6 days in Magham (Jaunuary-February). It ii
Sri Brahmeswaraswamy Kalyanam is celebra- being celebrated for the past 2 years and is confi-
ted for 5 days from Magha Suddha Navami (Janu- ned to the village. The devotees of the village
ary-February). It is being celebrated for the congregate.
past 100 years and is of local significance.
Various kinds of offerings are made to the Lord. A fair is held for one day in the middle of
The Hindus of the village congregate. Pujari is the village. Eatables, mirrors, cloth and earthen
a Brahmin who is paid monthly salary. Harika- toys are brought and sold. Gambling and cock-
thas and puranas afford entertainment to the fights afford entertainment to the visitors.
visitors.
Vanumulamma Jatara is celebrated in the
Poleramma Jatara is celebrated, when that village. Pujari is a Kummari with hereditary
deity is brought into the village. About 200 rights. Fruits, fowls, and goats are offered to
the deity,
devotees of the village congregate. Fruits, or-
naments, fowls, and sheep are offered to the
SOURCE: Sri Tholetl Paparao, Teacher, Venugopala
deity. High School, Vanampa/le.

A fair is held in connection with the Jatara

near Poleramma temple for one day. Eatables, 47. Satyavaram -Situated at a distance of 22
combs, pictures, books, cloth and earthen toys miles flOm the Tadepalligudcm Railway Station
are brought and sold. Gambling and cock-fights and It miles from Maruter.
atrord entertainment to the visit on>.
The population of the village is 1,289 and
Sita Rama Kalyanam is celebrated for 5 days it is made up of the following communities: Caste
from Chai/Ta Suddha Nallami (March-April). Hindus-Brahmin, VeJama, Settibalija, etc.; Sche-
duled Castes (257); Scheduled Tribes (11) - Ye-
fukula; and Christians. The chief means of live-
Sri Venugopalaswamy Kalyanam is celebra-
lihood of the people are agriculture and agricul-
ted annually for 5 days from Pha/guna Suddha tural labour.
Ekadasi (February-March).
The temples of Vishnu and Siva and of the
SOURC,E: Sri Tholeli Venkata Ratnam, Teacher, village deity Thummalamma are the places of
Venugopala High School, Maruter. worship in the village.
 Ammavari Ureglmpu 1s celebrated for 7 days girl even at the cost of destruction of Penugonda.
from Chaitra Bahula Padyami (March-April). The Kusuma Sresti sent for the Vaisyas of 18 towns
festival is of local significance. The residents of representing 714 clans for consultation. The re-
the village congregate. Fowls, sheep, etc., are presentatives of 102 clans who opposed the alli-
sacrificed and cocoanuts, fruits and flowers are ance decided to sacrifice their lives by burning
offered to the deity. Pujari is a Kummari. themselves to death in the face of the majority
opinion. When the invitation was sent to the
A fair is held in connection with the celebra- king for the marriage, the people of the 102 clans
tion near the temple with a few shops, selling Who opposed the alliance burnt themselves to
eatables etc. death along with Vasavi Kanya. Vasavi showed
her real form in a vision to Vishnu Vardhana and
During the festival days, the procession cursed that no Vaisya girl would thereafter be
deities in the temples of Vishnu and Siva are taken good looking, and that the head of the king who
in procession. Prasadam is distributed to all. The sleeps in Penugonda would be shattered to pieces.
pujaris are Brahmins in these two temples. A shakti emanated from the fire pit and destroyed
that king. Therefore, kings and Kshatriyas too
SOURCE: All enumerator. till recently avoided entrance into Penugonda.

48. Penugonda-Situated at a distance of 10 miles Several relics are found in Penugonda even
now. . The street parallel to Kanyaka temple is
from the Tanuku Railway Station on the Nidada-
known as Lingala Veedhi which was once called
vole-Narsapur branch line of the Southern Rail-
Banaras of the South, because of the presence of
way. Nagari-Penugonda is believed to have
one hundred and one Lingams out of which one
been the name of this place during the time of
was removed by a crow. It has been stated in
Rajaraja Narendra, the great Chalukyan king.
The puranic version is that tbis was constructed
Kanyakapuranam that the Lingams were establi-
shed by Vaisyas whereas it has been said by others
by Viswakarma, the architect of DevalL
that the Lingams were installed by Rajaraja Nar-
endra after his father had become a victim to the
The main reputation of Penugonda springs
fury of Kanyakaparameswari. It is said by local
from the belief that it is the birth place of Vasavi
people that several relics dug out recently were
Kanyaka, an incarnation of Parvati Devi. The
sent to the museum at Madras. Som e Sivalin-
Vaisyas in Kailas (the abode of Lord Siva) were
gams of marble stone and other Sivalingams and
born on earth on account of several curses.
finely cut golden ear rings were discovered here.
Kusuma Sresti was one of them. As he was issue-
The centre of a street where an old well is loca-
less, he performed Putrakamestiiyagam as advised
by his guru, Bhaskaracharya as a result of which ted is said to be of interest for archaeological
studies. '
Parvati Devi was born as his daughter, Vasavi
Kanyaka Parameswari. Virupaksha was his son.
As the Vaisyas prayed for the presence of the Tri· The total population of the town is 13,978
murthis also on earth along with them, Brahma and it is made up of several sub-communities of
was born as Bhaskaracharya, Vishnu as Janardana Caste Hindus; Scheduled Castes (1,690); and
and Siva as Nageswaraswamy. Chithrakanta, a Scheduled Tribes (231). The chief means of
Gandharva king, was also born as a result of some livelihood of the people are agriculture, agricul-
curse as Vishnu Vardhana, King of Padmanayana. turallabour, trade and other traditional occupa-
He was the father of Rajaraja Narendra. Amidst tions.
the enthusiastic welcome that he was given in
Penugonda during his invasion of the South, he The temple of Kanyakaparameswari is at one
chanced to see Vasavi, who was standing outside end of the village with the image of Nagareswara~
and watching the festivities. Fascinated by her swamy in the middle and those of Parvati and
beauty he fell in love with her and desired to Kanyaka on either side. One peculiarity in this tem-
marry her. But her father declined the offer, as ple is that the dot of sandal paste decorating the
it involved inter-caste marriage and as she had to forehead of Nagareswaraswamy remains moist
be married to her maternal uncle according to until the following day when fresh paste is
their custom. The king threatened to marry the applied.
 1Q,8

Mahasivarathri festival is celebrated for one Scheduled Tribes (23); and Christians. The chief
day on Magha Bahula Amavasya (January-Febru- means of livelihood of the people are agriculture,
ary). Two to three thousand devotees of t.his agricultural labour and other traditional occupa-
and the neighbouring villages congregate. tions.

A fair is held in connection with the festival The temples of Malleswaraswamy, Kesava-
with a few shops which sell toys and eatables, swamy, Sri Rama and of the village deity Maha-
etc. lakshmamma are the places of worship in the vill-
age. Lord Malleswaraswamy is represented by a
SOURCE: 1. Superintendent of Police, West Goda- stone Sivalingam.
'Vari District.
2. An extract from Andhra Prabha The temples of Parasurama, Sakthamma,
Weekly dated 22-1-1964. Danduganga and Katlamma are in Annavarappa-
du, hamlet of Malleswaram. The image of Parasu-
rama in the first temple is made of marble stone.
<49.Pittalavemavaram-Situated at a distance of
10 miles from Tanuku. Sri Malleswaraswamy festival is celebrated
for 5 days from Magha Bahula Ekadasi (January-
The population of the village is 3,057 and it February). Kalyanam is celebrated on Triodasi
is made up of the following communities: Caste day. This festival is of ancient origin. The devo-
Hindus-Brahmin, Reddy, Viswabrahmin, Vaisya, tees, local and from the neighbouring village
Kshatria, Telaga, Kapu, Settibalija, Yadava, congregate.
Kuruva, etc; Scheduled Castes (313) - Adi An-
dhra, etc; and Scheduled Tribes (38)-Yerukula. "sri Kesavaswamy Kalyanam is celebrated for
The chief means of livelihood of the people are 5 days from M agha Suddha Ekadasi to Purnima
agriculture and agricultural labour. (January-February). This festival is also of anci-
ent origin though of local significance. The Hindu
The temples of Sri Rama and Someswara- residents of the village congregate. Pujari is a
swamy are the places of worship in the village. Vaishnava and the patrons are Brahmins.

Mahalakshmamma Teertham is celebrated for

Sri Someswaraswamy Kalyanam is celebrated 3 days from Phaiguna Suddha Purnima (February-
for 5 days from Yaisakha Suddha Ekadasi to Purnima March), when Harikathas, dramas, puppet shows,
(April-May). It is of local significance. The procession of the deity are held. The Hindus of
Hindus of the village congregate. the village congregate.

Vemana Jayanti is celebrated for 3 days from A fair is held in connection with the Teertham
January 17th to 19th. There is free feeding. in front of the Ammavari temple for 3 days.
Dramas and Harikathas afford entertainment to the Eatables, toys for children, pictures, photos, fowls,
visitors. various kinds of fruits etc., are brought and sold.
Harfkathas, dramas and puppet-shows etc. afford
SOURCE: Sri Nallamilli Palla Reddy, Teacher, Pit- entel tainment to the visitors.
talavemavaram, Siddantam Post.
Parasurama festival is celebrated for 5 days
from Chaitra Suddha Navami to Triodasi (March-
50. Malles",aram--Situated at a distance of 12 April). It is being celebrated for the past 100
miles from the Tanuku Railway Station on the years and is of local significance. The Hindus of
Nidadavole-Narsapur branch line of the Southern the village congregate. Pujari is a Brahmin.
Railway.
Sakthamma Jatara is celebrated for 5 days
The popUlation of the village is 3,713 and it from Chaitra Suddha Padyami (March--,\pril). About
is made up of the following communities: Caste 1,000 devotees, local and from the neighbouring
Hindus-Brahmin, Rajaka, Mangali. Vaisya, Kapu, villages, congregate. Goats and fowls are offered
Yadava, etc; Scheduled Castes (573)-Adi Andhra; to tbe deity.
 lQ9

A fair is held in connection with the festival celebrated for 2 days during Sankranthi (14th and
for 5 days near the temple. Sweets, lanterns, 15th January).
mirrors, pictures, photos, toys of earth and wood
and ribbons are brought and sold. Harikathas,
bhajans, dramas, gambling, magic shows and cock- SOURCB : 1. Sri Akella Viswanadhan, Teacher, M all p

fights afford entertainment. eswarQm.

2. Sri Pisapati SubrahmanyasomayaJulu,
Dauduganga and Katlamma Jatara is also Headmaster, Annavarappadu.
NARSAPUR TALUK
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 Section VU .
NARSAPUR TALUK
'le u I a p a II e -
Situated on the Palacole- the people are agriculture, agricultural labour
.,. Pamarru road, at a distance of t a mile and other traditional occupations.
from the Palacole Railway Station and 7 miles
from Narsapur. Lord Siva in the form of a stone Sivalingam
is worshipped in the village.
The total population of the village is 3,698
and it is made up of the following communities: Lord Siva's festival is celebrated for S days
Caste Hindus -Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, during Pha!gunam (i.e.) in the last week of Febru-
(Raju), Kapu, Settibalija, Sale, etc. etc·; Sche- ary or first week of March). This festival is of
duled Castes (S92)-Adi Andhra, Madiga, Mala local significance. About 10,000 devotees local
etc.; Muslims and Christians. The chief means and from the neighbouring villages congregate.
of livelihood of the people are agriculture, agri- Only Hindus take part.
cultural labour. weaving and other traditional
occupations. SOURCB : Statement of Fairs and Festivals furnislted
by Col/ector, West Godavari District·
There is the temple of Sri Rama in which
are the stone images of Sri Rama, Lakshmana,
Sita and Hanuman. There is another temple 3. Machapurl-Situated at a distance of 5 mUes
dedicated to Siva. from the Veeravasaram Railway Station and 7
miles by road from Narsapur.
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 5 days
from Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Ar- According to the tradition the following are
rangements are made two days in advance. Sri the stories told in the locality regarding the ori-
Rama Kalyanam is performed on Navami. It is gin of the name of the village: (I) Gon theru, a
being celebrated for the past 10 years and is con- tributary joins the river Godavari just at the sea
fined to the village. The Hindu devotees of the and forms a marshy spot. Fish is therefore
village congrega teo Kshatriyas are the chief pat- available in abundance and is a source of liveli-
rons. Pujari is a Brahmin. Prasadam is distri- hood for fishermen. It is therefore called Math-
buted to all. syapuri or Matchapuri (mathsya meaning fish);
(2) It is also called Mamakara Panchaka village
because of its reputation for five things commen-
Harikathas and burrakathas are conducted.
cing with letter I'M" viz., Mathsyapuri, Marem-
There is a choultry and poor feeding is arranged.
rna, Manchemuvaru, Madugu and Muthyavaru;
(3) The fertile soil that this village has is dug up
SOURCE: Sri Gorripali Apparao, Revenue Inspector, and used to manure the fields. While so digging
Palaeo/e. some old mud pots and other earthenware have
been found indicating the possibility of the pre-
sence of the Muslim:; in the past. Muslims are
2. Sivadevunichikkala-Situated at a distance of called Mlechchas and it is said that the village
about 5 miles from Palacole. It is a Railway was therefore called first Mlechchapuri which
Station on the Nidadavole-Narsapur branch line gradually assumed its current form a 'Machapuri'
of the So uthern Railway. (4) This place was in the past the abode of many
a SaivaMadhva, Vaishnava and Smartha, many of
The total population of the village is 2,617 whom were erudite scholars who had stated
and it is made up of several sub-communities of that there existed a mound of earth twenty feet
Caste Hindus; Scheduled Castes (453)-Adi Andh- high resembling a hillock the summit of which
ra, Adi Dravida, Chalavadi, Madjga, Mala, etc.; resembled the nail of a top. The pundits
and Muslims. The chief means of livelihood of of the place claimed that it was here that
 112

Arjuna the third of the Pandavas shot the mathsya SOURCE: Sri' Aduri Suryanarayana, Mathematics
yanthram and won Draupadi for himself and his Assistant, Machapuri.
other four brothers. The fish shaped yanthra was
tied high up in the air and made to rotate. The
competitor had to look at its shade in the oil 4. Vempa-Situated at a distance of 8 miles from
below and shoot it for winning the hand of Drau- Mogalturru by boat.
padi, daughter of King Drupada. It was only
Arjuna that could accomplish the feat. The The total population of the village is 4,020
pundits attribute the original name Mathsyapuri and it is made up of the fol1owing communities:
to this important puranic fact which is claimed to Caste Hindus-Kshatriya (Raju), Kapu, Settiba-
have taken place here. This place is now inhabi- lija, Agnikulakshatriya etc. etc.; Scheduled Castes
ted by fishermen. (912); and Scheduled Tribes (13). The chief
means of livelihood of the people are agriculture,
The total population of the village is 3,477 agricultural labour and fishing.
and is made up of the following communities: Temples of Subrahmanyaswamy, Siva and
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatriya, (Raju), Vishnu are the places of worship in the village.
Telaga, Kapu, Settibalija, etc.; Scheduled Castes
(656) - Adi Andhra, Adi Dravida, Arundhatiya, Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for a day
Chalavadi, Madiga, Mala, etc.; Scheduled Tribes on Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-Decem-
(12); Muslims and Christians. The chief means ber). Flowers and fruits are offered to the deity.
of livelihood of the people are agriculture, agri- The devotees of the village congregate and all
cultural labour, fishing and other traditional oc- Hindus take part in the festival. The fes-
cupations. tival is celebrated with the help of donations col-
lected from the ryots. Pujari is a Brahmin. This
Temples of Janardanaswamy, Agastheswara, festival is of local significance. Vykuntha Eka-
Subrahmanyaswamy, Rama, Maremma, Pen- dasi and Sivaratri are the common festivals and
namma, Pothuraju, Poleramma, Venkamma, each is celebrated for one day every year.
Vishnu and a church are the places of worship in
the village. The image of Janardanaswamy is in SOURCE: Sri M. Suryaprakasa Rao, Farm Manager,_
human form. His consorts are Rajyalakshmi, Panchayat Samithi, Vempa.
Sridevi and Bhudevi.

Janardanaswamy Teertham is celebrated for 5. Palaeo Ie (Ksheerarama Ksbetram)-Situated at a

6 days from Phalguna Suddha Dasami to Purnima distance of 6 miles from Narsapur. It was for-
(February-March). Rathothsavam is celebrated merly a Dutch town of some importance, ceded
during the festival. Panakam (jaggery melted to the British in A. D. 1813. This was called
with water) and chalimidi (a paste of rice-flour Dugdopavanapuram, Upamanyupuram, Palakota
mixed with jaggery) are offered to the deity. The (Palathota) and Palakolanu. As Pala cherlu (milk
Hindu residents of the village congregate. This trees) like banyan and ravi (ficus religiosa) were in
festival is of local significance. Pujari is a Vai- abundance here, it was called Palakota. Lord
shnava Brahmin. Prasadam is distributed to all Siva pleased with the devotion of his Balabhaktha
and there is free feeding. Upamanyu made with his trident a pushkarini
(tank) whence milk sprouted up; it was therefore
A fair is held in connection with the festival called Palakolanu (tank of milk) and Upamanyu-
. for 7 days near the temple. About 400 persons puram after Upamanyu .
of the village congregate. Sweetmeats, earthen
pots, mirrors, combs, pictures, photos, mats and The total population of the town is 29,774
other fancy goods are brought and sold. There is and it is made up of the following communities:
a choultry for the visitors. Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, K<;hatriya,
(Raju), Kapu. Settibalija. Yadava, etc. etc.;
SC,heduled Castes (2,769)-Adi Andhra, Adi Dra-
Dramas, Harikathas, lotteries and dances vida, Madiga, Mala, etc.; Scheduled Tribes (285);
afford entertainment to the public. Muslims and Christians. The chief means of
Plate VI Gopuram (tower) of Ksheera Ramalingeswarswamy Temple, Palacok.

-Courtesy· Commissioner for H. R. & C. E. (Admn.) Dept. A. P. Hyderabad.

 113

livelihood of the people are agriculture, agricul- 1912) and Sri Saibaba temple, are also located in
tural labour, trade in citrus fruits, weaving and this Kshetram· There are the temples of the tutelary
other traditional occupa tions. Palacole IS a Goddesses-Peddintamma to the east, Muthyalam-
trading centre of considerable importance in rna and Mamillamma to the west, Mahuramma to
West Godavari District. The weekly fair, cloth the north and Mogadaramma to the south of the
market and cattle fair, all held on Saturday are town.
largely attended.
Several inscriptions are found about the
Sri Ksheera Ramalingeswaraswamy temple Ksheerarama Kshetram, it is written in the South
with its 120 ft. high tower is the important one Indian Inscriptions that Gundambika, wife of
in this town. The legend has it that a great King Velanati Chola offered 4.khanda Varti Deepam
Rakshasa Daraka (also known as Tarakasura) to the Lord in Saka 1079 (A D. 1157) Nara Nara-
worshipped the Amrutha Lingam found during yana Chakl avarthi, son of Upendra Chakravarthi of
the churning of Ksheerasagaram (milk of ocean) Vishnuvardhana dynasty constructed the Sanivara
with great devotion and acquired great powers. Mandapam in A. D. 1306. Kona Ganapathideva
By virtue of these powers he used to harass the Maharaju constructed the Natyamandapam and
Devatas. So Karthikeya, more popularly bronze doors to the eastern gate in Saka 1198
known as Kumaraswamy, wanted to kill Daraka (A. D. 1276). CheJla Pinnamaneni Narasimhaneni
in the war and for that purpose, he broke the constructed the Kalyana Mandapam. It is known
sacred Lingam, which Daraka wore and which from Dandakaviliva of Sri Veliveli that Sri Bacchu
gave him all his strength into five pieces in order Ammaiah, a Vaisya laid the foundation with
that he could vanquish Daraka. It is believed Vighneswara puja in A. D. 1777 for the construc-
that Devendra installed one piece in the village tion of the temple tower.
Dharanalakota on the banks of the river Krishna,
which is now called Amararama (Amaravati The sanctity of this Kshetram is well d"scri-
in Guntur District). The second piece was bed in the foJlowing poem:
installed by Kumaraswamy in Bhimavaram
(near Samalkot of Kakinada Taluk, East "qSo~;Sl:l ~~~6 !;$:l~~ fi'~r5
Godavari District) also called as Kumararall'am; Ghanavajra vighatitha kamaneeya gopura
the third piece was installed by the Sun-God Surya
in Daksharam which is now called Draksharamam
(near Ramachandrapuram, East Godavari District) Prakara sohbhitha prabhavambu
and the fourth was installed by Chandra (Moon)
W"1il~E§~g ~o~l\6 ltfo<:5l);j"~
in Gunupudi (near Bhilllavaram of West Godavari
District) on the banks of Gowthallli which is now Charumanikya samsthagitha sowdha!;avaksha
called Somaramalll. Sri Mahavishnu is believed to
EO>
have, following the advice of Sage Narada took Sowvarnavedika sankulambu
the other piece and installed it on the banks of
Vasista Godavari in this town, which is known as S'oi$'~ ~~XE3 SD.)6 ~""<5
Ksheeraramam. Astadikpalakas are protecting as Kanchana manigana kalpitha sopana
well as worshipping the Lord on eight sides,
Nandikeswara to the east opposite to the Sivalin- ~;S~ S~t.:l ;;Sol';l";S~oe:o

gam, Vinayaka to the south-east, Veerabhadra to Bhavana kavata sambhavanambu

the south, Sarada to the South-west, KUlllara-
swamy to the We~t, Durga (Mahishasuramardhani) l~~:l:le) ~~6
Navaneela vidruma pravimala sthapitha
to the north-west, Sesln and Brihaspathi to the
north, Kalibhairava to the north-t:ast and Hanu-
mantha to the north. Besides there are the shrines Sthambhali kudya vijrumbhanambu
of Brahma, Visweswara, Gokarneswara and Lak-
shmi in this temple.
Visadamuktha phaJa vithana vibhramambu
Sri Astabahu Lakshmi Narayanaswamy temple
(constructed in A.D. 1773), Sri S:1mbheswara and iSX:li:)) le~;s~ ~l~e:lg ~;$:r-~
Venkateswa raswamy tcm pl es (con s t r Llcted in A.D. Naguchu dribhuvana samrajya mavahilla
 114

xe~ et";StJ) ~ t)'";::S1\O dfl;::SoX from Narsapur. The surname of several of the
e;) ._

Garim jupattu Gailasairi yananga villagers who lived in this village was Achanta
and hence it is called by the name Achantavema-
el~l\) ;::S~$.;J-IO~~ ~~cS ~~eJ. varam. As there are many pandits in this village,
Baragu nammahadevuni bhavana machata." this village is also called by the name Panditha-
Vemavaram. It is said that during the reign of
Sri Bhagavathula Lakshmipathi Sastri wrote Katama Reddy of the Reddy dynasty this village
that the greatness of the Kshetram (in his Ksheera- was known as Katamareddy Vemavaram.
ramo Mahathmya Saram) is such that the stay of one
'Year in Varanasi (Benaras), of hundred pakshams The total popUlation of the village is 5,531
in Srisailam, of eighty ghadiyas in Gaya, of hundred and it is made up of the following communities:
years in Kedaram, of thousand years in Rames- Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Kamma, Karinibhak-
waram, of five years in Kanchi, of ten years in thula, Kamma, Vaisya, Kshatriya (Raju), Kam-
Kumbhakonam, of eight years in Haridwaram, sali, Kapu, Settibalija, Kummari, Devanga,
six hundred years in Kalahasti and of five years Golla etc. etc.; Scheduled Castes (787)-Madiga,
in Pattisam is equal to one day's sleep in this Mala. etc.; Scheduled Tribes (31) and Muslims.
Kshetram. The chief means of livelihood of the people are
agriculture, agricultural labour, handloom weav-
Mahasivaratri is celebrated in the Ksheera ing and other traditional occupations.
Ramalingeswaraswamy temple for a day on Magha
Bahula Chathurdasi (February-March). Devotees Temples of Someswara, Kesava, Subrah-
offer cocoanuts, fruits and flowers besides fulfill- manya, Rama, Maremma, Kanakadurga and
ing their vows. Abhishekams are conducted by a mosque are the places of worship. The
devotees during Kartikam. Local Hindu devotees village deity Maremma is in awe-insplflng
congregate. There is a great belief that one who female form and there are also the images of
after taking bath in Ramakundam (tank) which is other village deities such as Mavullamma, Mut-
at the centre of the village, performs Somavara yalamma, Gothulamma and Pallalamma housed
Vratham in Kartikam and comes out of the separately. Someswaraswamy temple was built
jlValathorana;n will be blessed with children. during the time of the Reddy Kings and the
temple is for the past 18 years under the .manage-
Ammavarla Uthsavam is celebrated for 10 ment of a trustee appoint~d by the H.R. & C.E.
days from Asviyuja Suddha Padyami to Dusami (Admn.) Department.
(September-October) to appease the tutelary
Goddesses. Cocoanuts and fruits are offered.
Maremma Jatara is celebrated for 7 days
Sheep, goats and fowls, etc. are sacrificed at the
from Jaistha Bahula Navami to Amavasya (M1Y-
houses of the devotees. The local Hindus parti-
June). Jatara is celebrated on Jaistfta Suddha
cipate in it. Potters are the pujaris appointed
Navami. The same night jagarana is observed by
on the basis of monthly salaries. Prasadam is
devotees and procession of the deity is conducted
distributed to all.
through all the streets of the village. From the
following day i. e., from Dasami, uriseva (pro-
Dramas, Harikathas and dances afford enter- cession) is con~ucted on alternate days upto
tainment to the visitors. Discourses by pandits Amavasya. Goats, sheep and fowls are sacrificed
on Bh3g1.vadgita and Ramayana are arranged. to the deity in fulfilment of vows. One or two
buffaloes are also sacrificed on the day of jatara
on behalf of the entire village. During the
SOURCE: I. Sri Bolla Venkata Subba Rao, Agricul- period, devotees offer naive1yam to the deity in
turist, Palacole. their homes. It is being celebrated from ancient
2. Extract From Andhra Prabha Weekly times and is confined to the village. About 4,000
dated 13-3-63. devotees local and from the neighbouring villages
congregate, without any distinction of caste and
creed. PujariS are potters with hereditary rights.
6. Vemaram-Situated at a distance of 7 miles The trustee is the Village Munsiff belonging to
from the Palacole Railway Station and 13 miles Kamma caste of Arimilli family.
 115

A fair is held in connection with the festival Chakali, Kalali, including Settibalija, Golla,
for 6 days from Dasami to Amavasya near the Teli, Kapu, etc. etc.; Scheduled Castes (1,327)-
temple. It is being held from ancient times and Madiga, Mala, etc.; Scheduled Tribes (26);
about 4,000 people local and from the neighbou- Muslims and Christians. The chief means of live-
ring villages congregate. Sweetmeats, pictures, lihood of the people are agriculture, agricultural
photos and toys are brought and sold. Whirling- labour, weaving, trade and other traditional occu-
wheels and dramas afford entertainment to the pations.
visitors.
Temples of Sri Rameswaraswamy alias
Sri Someswaraswamy festival is celebrated Achanteswaraswamy, Sri Venugopalaswamy, Sri
for 5 days from Phalguna Bahula Ekadasi to Ama- Venka teswaraswamy and of the village deities
vasya (February-March). Kalyanam is celebrated Muthyalamma and Gogulamma are the places of
on Ekadasi and prasadam is distributed to all. worship in the village.
Fasting is observed.
The legends connected with the name of the
Sri Kesavaswamy festival is celebrated for 6
village as also Achanteswara Kshetram are narra-
days from Chaitra Suddha Dasami to Purnima ted hereunder. The place was originally called
(March- April). Kalyanam is celebra ted on Ekadasi
Marthandapuram after the protecting deity of the
and prasadam is distributed to all.
place Marthandeswara. The deity was facing west
towards the village and on account of the fierce
Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for looks of the deity, fire accidents were common in
one day on Margasira Suddha Shashti (November the village and it was not prospering. In response
-December). Devotees take bath and offer fruits, to their prayers to save them from the severity of
flowers, etc. A small fair is held. Procession of his sight, the Lord revealed in their dream that
tIle deity is arranged during the night. his divine spouse alone could counter-act the
effect of his sight. The villagers therefore ins-
Sri Kanakadurga Seva (puja and procession) talled in front of the shrine, facing the Lord,
is celebrated during Ugadi i. e. on Chaitra Suddha Mahishasuramardini (Parvati Devi, wife of Lord
Padyami (March-April) and on Maharnavami. Siva assumed this form when she fought against
and killed Mahisasura, a demon). These two
SOURCE: Sri R. Veerabhadriah, Teacher, Zilla shrines can now be found in Sri Rameswaraswamy
Parishad Elementary School, Vemavaram. temple.

Sage Achyuta and his wife Ganga prayed

7. Achanta (Achanteswara Kshetram;-Situated at a
Lord Siva for salvation and the Lord asked them
distance of 3 miles to the west of Vasista Godavari,
both to bring to Him and Parvati, flowers every
8 miles to the east of Maruter, 13 miles from the
day. He naIr.ed them Puslzpa Sundara and Pushpa
Pillacole Railway Station, and 30 miles from the Sundari and imposed on them the observance of
Tadepalligudem Railway Station. It has also com- strict celibacy. But in a weak moment, they
munication facilities to Bheemavaram and Nar- broke the condition of celibacy and were cursed
sapur. The history of Achanta dates back to 481
to be born in the world, the former as a Brahmin
A. D. as revealed from an inscription at Srunga- and the latter as a dancing girl. The husband
var::tpukota near Bheemavaram. It records that
S:lge Achyut'l was thus born as Odayanambi to
Matru~ilrma belonged to Achantapuram and that
Jadanayanar of Tiruvallur near Madras and was
he was the recipient of a gift from Vasishteekula a great devotee of the Lord. The wife Ganga
Ananta Varma who ruled Kalingadesam from was born to a dancing girl of the same village and
Pishtapuram during 460-485 A.D. was named Param~llla<::hi. Siva, in the form of
sage Valmiki took Odayanambi from his father
It is one of the largest and richest agricul- Jadanayanar, and asked him to worship (eight
tural villages in the district. The total population times a day exactly once every jhamu -3 hours)
of the village is ]2,782 and it is made up of the without fail the Atma Lingam (small replica of
following communities: Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Sivalingam which will be worn on the body in a'
Vaisya, Kshatria (Raju), Kamma, 8al(', Mangali, casket) he gave him. Siva, in the form of a ser-
 116

vant boy of Paramanachi, acted as a mediator The Lord asked him to sit under the bi/va tree in
between the two, who fell in love with each other. the temple and repeat Lingastakam and Panchaks-
He also satiated the avarice of the mother of the hari. He did accordingly and his sight was resto-
girl, Kalahavalli, in the form of an old Brahmin. red though dimly. Once fire broke out in the place
Kalahavalli died and to lessen her sorrow Odaya- and could not be controlled. The pujari rushed to
nambi took Paramanachi on a pilgrimage. After the temple and saw that there was no sandal paste
visiting several places they came to Marthanda- covering the third eye of the Lingam. He imme-
puram and settled there. One night satiated with diately applied fresh paste, and the fire SUbsided.
sexual intercourse they could not wake up in The third eye of the Lord is known as the agnine-
time. When Odayanambi woke up he found it thram (eye of fire) and it has always to be kept
time for immediate puja of the jhamu. He had no covered and cool with sandal paste, lest the fire
time to go to the Atma Lingam which was earlier should destroy the world outside.
removed from the body and kept in the kitchen
and to find sandal paste or flowers. He felt Before Odayanambi got salvation, he went on
helpless and was anxious not to fail in duty. He a pilgrimage. Once when he was visiting the sacred
turned towards Paramanachi who was fast asleep places he heard u woman crying on the banks of
with her breasts exposed. His eyes fell on the the Godavari 'Odayanambi'. She was also waiting
smooth and white left brea:; t of Paramanachi. recounting the pranks of childhood of a departed
There was the balance of the sandal paste that son. Odayanambi asked her what the matter was.
they had used during the night and a few petals She told him that she and her neighbour had a
of the betel leaves. He felt that Lord Siva was son each and as they had heard the fame of a
omnipresent and was certainly present in the great saint Odayanambi, both the boys were named
breast which resembled a Siva Lingam. When he after the greut saint. Unfortunately for her, when
began to worship it by smearing the sandal paste the boy was playing in the Godavari river at the
and offering the betel petals in place of flowers, age of three, a crocodile swallowed him. Her
Paramanachi opened her eyes and was upset by neighbour was performing that day the upanaya-
his strange behaviour. He was in deep medita- nam (thread-marriage) ceremony of her SOI1. But
tion. When he was shaken and b-rought to nor- she was denied that pleasure and therefore she
mal condition, he explained to her that several was weeping on the banks of the Godavari calling
devotees had realised the presence of Siva in out the name of the boy. Odayanambi asked her
what they believed to be Siva. It is believed that to go and get her husband and the relatives. When
innocent shepherd realised the Lord in the dung of all assembled, he called out the crocodile and
sheep, one in a toe, another in an inverted mea- demanded it to give back the boy whom it had
sure. She demanded to see Siva in her breast swallowed three years back. The crocodile went
and the devotee prayed to the Lord. Siva appea- away and soon returned with the boy now aged
red before them in the breast and blessed both of seven. He was praised as Lord Siva, was taken
them with salvation. The Sivalingam, converted home and under his patronage the boy's upanaya-
into stone, has all the resemblance of the breast of nam was performed.
a woman. It has no pedestal, unlike those in
some other temples, and emanates from the ground On return from the pilgrimage one morning,
level as it is said that the remaining portion of he entered the temple with his shoes on in his
the body of the woman is within the ground. The eagerness to have the Lord's darsan. The devotees
Lingaro is named Chanti Lingam (Lingam of the there turned him out abusing him for his sinful
breast) and the plaee got the name Achanta and act of walking into the temple with shoes on. The
the Kshetram Achanteswara Kshetram. The one disappointed Odayanambi went under a nearby
foot high Lingam has three small holes and is tree and prayed to the Lord to go to him if He
leaning towards one side, the east, without being appreciated pure devotion. The image left the
erect. Two of the holes are said to be Siva's pedestal in the temple and stood before him. The
eyes and the third in front is said to be the third others were surprised by his bhakl i and begged his
eye of the Lord. In the two, there is always pardon. Siva asked what his desire was· He prayed
water. A sadhu tried his utmost to dry up tho! Lord to give all of them salvation and his de-
these two holes till blood began to ooze and the si re was fu lfilled.
sadhu lost his sight. He prayed to the Lord to
pardon his ignorant folly and to restore his sight. Sri R~\meswaraswamy or Achanteswaraswamy
Plate VII: Sri Madanagopalaswamy.

-Courtesy: Executive Officer, Madanagopalaswomy tempie,Achanto.

 117

Kshetram is a big renovated temple with a high Madhava, Chitra Vighneswara, Dundi Vighnes-
tower both built in cement. Some of the ancient wara, and Pranutha, river Ganga. There is the
vigrahas like Saptamatrukas, et c. are studded into burning ghat close by as in Kasi. Sri Rames-
the temple and tow~r walls. Besides the Sivalin- waraswamy festival is celebrated for five days from
gam in the sanctum sanctorum, the story of which Magha Bahula Ekadasi to Amavasya (January-Feb-
is described above, there are several shrines in ruary). Kalyanam of Sri Rameswaraswamy on
the temple compound. There are Lakshmaneswara Ekadasi, pro:ession in the village with fire works
Lingam installed by Lakshmana, Kamaleswarudu on Dwadasi, car festival and sadasyam (panupu)
by Viswakarma (the renowned artist and architect on Triodasi, procession again on Chathurdasi and
of the Pushpakavimanam-aeroplane of the Devas), pushpayagam (conclusion) etc. on Amavasya are
Someswara Lingam by Chandra (Soma or Moon held. It is a widely known ancient festival and
God), Markandeswaralinga m by Markandeya, some thou~ands, local and from far and nearby
Varadaraju, Uttareswarudu by Kubera, Indra places of the district, gather. Like the three eyes
Lingam by Indra (the king of the Devas), Varu- of the Lord, pujaris are of three gotrams viz.
neswara by Varuna(the God of rain), Kumbhes- Sreevathsasa, Athreyasa and Kausikasa and the
wara by Agasthya, Vasisteswara by Vasista, Na- management too is a commit tee consisting of
gareswara by Kubera Sambhava, Vaiswanara individuals of three different castes. The expen-
Lingam by Vahni (the fire God), Dharmeswara by diture is met from the offerings and income ob-
Sam ana (Yamadharma or God of death), Dana- tained from about 150 acres of inam land. A fair
veswara by Nairuthi, Anthar Vedeeswara by is held during the five days of the festival. Uten-
Devaravathi and Bhima Lingam by Bhima. There sils, lanterns, torchlights, mirrors, combs, Ayur-
are Saraswathi, Suryanarayanaswamy by Her side, vedic medicines, pictures and photos of Gods and
Ganapathi, Brahma, Veerabhadra, Visweswara- leaders, agricultural implements and toys are sold.
swamy, Vayudevaswamy, Bhaktanjaneyaswamy, There are religious discourses, dramas, lectures
Kesavaswamy, Chandeeswara, Bhrungeeswara, and Harikathas during the period. There are
Kumaraswamy and His consort, Subrahmanyaswa- choultries and there is free feeding on a mass
my and Rama, and Satyanarayana with Ram:t- scale.
devi.
The deity Venugopalaswamy is also called
Inscriptions record historical facts of the Madanagopala and Kotagopala. The stone image
early twelfth century relating to this temple. In of the deity believed to have been installed by
tl12 A. D. Mahamandaleswara Konamummadi sage Narada is half prostrate with venu (flute) at
Bheemaraju, his son Sominayakudu, and Maha- his lips. His consorts Rukmini and Satyabhama
mandaleswara Lokiraju granted manyams (inams) are on either side of the Lord. In this temple
to Malleswarasuryadeva and Sureeswaradeva. In there are also Indra Lingam and Skandha Lingam.
1256 A. D. Parwalokaraya Vishnuvardhana Sri Venugopalaswamy Kalyanam is celebrated for
Maharaj and during Vijayadithya's rule, 7 days from Chaitra Suddha Dasami to Bahula Pad-
Rajamraju, Erra Laksmiraju Vengeswara and yami (March-April). The function commences
Pinnalakshmiraju have established akhanda diviyalu with ankurarpanam and dhwajarohanam. There is
(lamps burning constantly in their name). An- car festival on Ekadasi. After other usual cere-
other inscription records that the arecanut garden monies, punassandhanam is done on the seventh
which was given to Asanti Sooraparaju by the day. In the morning pushpayagam is performed
ruler of the plac:! during the marriage of with white lotus flowers. The Brahmins carry
Mylaradevi was endowed to Rameswara temple. the Lord in a palanquin 12 times round the tem-
ple, offer dhoopa, deepa, naivedyam (incense, kar-
pura harathi and food) 12 times, th~ food is of 12
Much sanctity is attributed to Achanta which kinds, and 12 neerajanams are done. Afterwards
even Devas are believed to visit unseen to have the the deity is taken into the temple. Pulihora and
darsan of Chanteesa, Venugopalaswamy and the 12 preparations are offered again. It is an
other Gods that have settled down there. Achanta ancient festival and is confined to the local con-
resembles the sacred Kasi (Benaras) in some res- gregation. Local Hindus take part in the festival.
pects. Sri Rameswara of Achanta represents Sri The pujari is a Brahmin. Prasadam is distributed
Viswesa of Kasi, Umadevi, Annapoornavisalakshi, to all. There is 75 acres of Inam land endowed
Ramagundam, Manikarnika, Varadaraju, Bindu to this temple.
 Venkateswaraswamy festival is celebrated in celebrated for 3 days from Pushya Suddha Ekadasi
the village for 6 days from M agha Suddha Dasami to Triodasi (December-January). Three to four
to Purnima (January-February). Kalyanam on thosand Hindu devotees, local and from the neigh-
Dasami, car festival on Ekadasi, Sadasyam on bouring villages, congregate without any distinc-
Dwadasi and Chakratheertham on Purnima are the tion of caste or creed.
important rituals observed. The local Hindus
congregate. Twelve acres of Inam land are atta- Another festival of the village is Sri Subrah-
ched to the temple. The pujari is a Brahmin. manya Shashti, celebrated for 2 days from Marga-
sira Suddha Shashti (Novem ber- December). Two
Mutyalamma and Gogulamma Teertham to three thousands of Hindus, local and from the
(Fair) is celebrated on four or five Fridays from neighbouring villages, of all castes congregate.
Jaistha Suddha Purnima to Ashadha Suddha Purnima
(May-J une). Local people take part in it wi th- SOURCE: Statement of Fairs & Festivals furnished
out any distinction of caste or creed. Fowls are by Superintendent of Police, West Godavari.
offered as sacrifice to the deity. One devotee Sri
Gapavajjula Ramayya used to show this Devata to
the devotees in the form of a girl. The pujari is 9. Nadipudi-Situated on the bank of the River
a Kapu belonging to Asada community. Twelve Vasista which is a tributary of the River Goda-
acres of Inam land is attached to the temple. vari, at a distance of 19 miles from the Palacole
Railway Station and 25 miles from Narsapur by
SOURCE: 1. Sri D. V. Simhadri Rao, Executive road.
Officer, Achanta Panchayat.
2. Sri G. Gopalakrishnayya Sastri, The total popUlation of the village is 2,729
Telugu Pandit, Achanta. and it is made up of the following communities:
3. An article on Achanta by Sri G. R. Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Viswabrahmin, Kamma,
Varma in Andhra Prabha Weekly Vaisya, Kshatriya (Raju), Kapu, Settibalija, in-
dated 16-12-1964. cluding Kalali, Kamsali Chakali, Mangali, Vaddi,
Kummari; Scheduled Castes (419)-Adi Andhra,
Madiga, Mala, etc.; and Scheduled Tribes (24).
8. Deva-Situated at a distance of about 13 miles The chief means of livelihood of the people are
from the Palacole Town and Railway Station. agriculture, agricultural labour , business and other
traditional occupations.
The total population of the village is 2,018
and it is made up of several sub-communities of Temples of Sri Subrahmanyeswaraswamy,
Caste Hindus; Scheduled Castes (507) and Sche- Lakshmaneswarudu, Kesavaswamy, Rama and the
duled Trib~s (18). The chief means of livelihood village deity are the places of worship in the
of the people are agriculture, agricultural labour village. The image of Subrahmanyeswaraswamy is
and other traditional occupations. of stone in the form of a serpent and the
images of his two consorts Valli and Devasena
A local legend goes to say that a bridegroom are also there in the temple.
while .proceeding to the village of his bride for
marriage, got down from the palanquin at the According to the local legend, Kumaraswamy
tank in this village. On seeing a cobra taere, he put is the son of Parvati and Parameswara and by the
it to death immediately. While returning to hi s curse of his mother Parvati, he was born in this
village after marriage along with the bride, he world. He is worshipped in several places of South
chanced to see at the spot the head of that snake India in the form of serp~nt going by the name
and he met with instantaneous death. The bride Subrahmanyaswamy or Subrahmanyeswaraswamy.
performed Sati (entering funeral pyre of the hus- Subrahrnanyeswaraswamy was installed in this
band) at the same place. In memory of this bride, village 400 years ago, and He showed his maMma
people of this village celebrate a festival every or power to the villagers. A live serpent was seen
year. It is named after her as Pellikuthuramma by the villagers to the west of the village where
Teertham, pellikuthuru meaning bride. There appe- the present temple is built. He appeared to some
ars to be no temple nor deity. The festival is of the villagers in their dreams and told them
 119

that He was Subrahmanyeswara and asked them Subrahmanya Shashti is the festival that is
to contruct a temple for Him. The villagers cons- celebrated for 2 days from Margasira Suddha
tructed a big temple· The villagers believe that He Shashti (November-December). About 1,000 to
would fulfil the desires of devotees, restore eye- 1,500 devotees of all castes of Hindus local and
sight to blind people and bless those not having from the neighbouring villages congregate.
progeny with children. It is said that some people
who cursed the Lord lost their eye-sight. To quote SOURCE: SCatement of fairs and festivals furnished
an instance about 50 years ago, a Tahsildar wanted by the Superintendent of Police, West
to auction a margosa tree. The elders of the village Godavari District.
objected to this saying that it may be given for
the temple doors of the Swamy for a small amou-
nt. But the Tahsidar did not listen to them. He 11. Penumanchili-Situated at a distance of 3
told them that he had no belief in that deity and miles from Achanta, 10 miles from the Palacole
auctioned the tree. Immediately the Tahsildar lost Railway Station and 30 miles from the Tadepalli-
his eye-sight. Thereupon, he realised the power of gudem Railway Station. It is connected by bus
the Swamy and with his own money he brought from Narsapur via Palacole and from Tadepalli-
the wood required for the doors of the temple. gudem via Maruter.
Afterwards, he got his sight back.
The village is of historical importance as the
Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for 5 statues of a Jain and Chathurmukha Brahma were
days from Margasira Suddha Panchami to Navami unearthed about 30 years back during excavations.
(November-December). There is rathothsavam on The Chathurmukha Brahma image was taken about
Shashti day and kalyanam on other days. Devo- 5 years back to Kakinada to be placed in a
tees take bath in the River Godavari and offer museum. The Someswaraswamy temple is ascri-
flowers, fruits and hoods of silver and gold and bed to Kakatiyas. The sankhu (conch) in this
dakshana to the deity. Some devotees offer gold temple bears an inscription in Pali language. It is
and silver replicas of the Swamy. It is being said that the sankhu was sent to the deity through
celebrated for the past 400 years and is confined Prathaparudra, the Kakathiya ruler, by his mother.
to the neighbouring villages. About 10,000 Hindu There are old wells in this village and it is said
devotees of the village and from the neighbouring that the rulers of Mogalturru constructed them.
villages congregate. The patrons are Brahmins
and Viswabrahm'ins of the village. Pujari is a The total population of the village is 2,527
Brahmin who is paid salary. and it is made up of the following communities:
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatriya (Raju),
Bhajans, Harikathas, dramas and bharatanat- Kapu, Settibalija etc. etc.; Scheduled Castes (940);
yams afford entertainment to the pilgrims during Scheduled Tribes (19); Muslims and Christians.
these 5 days. There are separate choultries for The chief means of livelihood of the people are
Brahmins, Vaisyas and Sudras and there is free agriculture, agricultural labour and other tradi-
feeding in the choultries. tionaloccupations.

SOURCE: Sri Musti Surya Prakasa Rao, Headmas- A Jain temple locally known as Jainadevu-
ter, N ~dipudi. nialayam, and temples of Sitaramaswamy and
Someswaraswamy are the places of worship
in the village. The image in the Jain temple is of
10. Kodamanchili-Situated at a distance of about stone in sitting posture and is 6 feet high. There
10 miles from the Palacole Railway Station. are no proper hands and legs to the image. People
believe that they were broken during the religious
The total population of the village is 4,793 feuds. An image of Sri Anjaneyaswamy was found
and it is made up of several sub-communities of in Brahmin street and it was installed in the Sita-
Caste Hindus; Scheduled Castes (1,355) and Sche- ramaswamy temple.
duled Tribes (80). The chief means of livelihood
of the people are agriculture, agricultural labour, Sri lainadevuni Uthsavam is celebrated for
and other traditional occupations.' one day on U gadi i. e., on Chaitra Suddha
 120

Padyami (March-April). Devotees fulfil their vow"! near the Vanumulamma temple for 3 days. It is
and take prasadam. Flowers and fruits are offered being held for the past 40 years. The local people
to the deity but there are no animal sacrifices as and people from the neighbouring villages like
He preached ahimsa. It is being celebrated for the Valluru, Gummalur, Gumparru, Penumarru and
past 30 years and the devotees, local and from the Vemavaram congregate. Sweetmeats, lanterns,
neighbouring villages, congregate. Only Hindus pictures, photos, books and mill cloth are
take part in the festival. There are no pujaris or brought and sold.
patrons.
SOURCE: Sri Indukuri Venkatasubbaraju, Teacher,
The devotees observe fasting and jagarana Vaddiparru.
and take bath in the pond during the festival~. On
Mukkoti Ekadasi day the devotees perform Hari-
nama sankeerthana followed by free feeding on the 13. Gumparru-Situated at a distance of one mile
following day.
and 5 furlongs from Elapakurru and about 8 miles
from the Palacole Railway Station.
SOURCE: Sri Goruganthu Krishna Rao, Teacher,
P enumanchili.
The total population of the village is 2,967
and it is made up of the following communities:
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Telaga, Kamma,
12. Vaddiparru-Situated on the Gummalur-Val-
Settibalija, Yadava, Vadrangi Kummara,
luru road at a distanc'e of 5 miles from Achanta,
Chakali, Mangali etc. etc.; Scheduled Castes (530)
8 miles from the Palacole Railway Station and 14
-Madiga, Mala etc.; and Scheduled Tribes (20)-
miles from Narsapur. The Rajas of Mogalturru
Yerukula. The chief means of livelihood of the
acclaimed the pandits and poets of this ancient
people are agriculture, agricultural labour and
village which was a famous Agraharam in tho'le
other traditional occupations.
days.
The temples of Sri Subrahmanyaswamy, Sri
The total population af the village is '1,759
Sitaramaswamy and Gokarneswaraswamy and of
and it is made up of the foHowing communities:
the village deity Kasalnatamma are the places of
Caste Hindus- Brahmin, Vaisya, Kapu, Settibali-
worship in the village. The im:lge of Kasalnat-
ja, Yadava, etc.; Scheduled Castes (316)-Adi An-
amma is in female form There is a stone Siva-
dhra, Madiga, Mala, etc; Scheduled Tribes (14);
lingam in Gukarneswaraswamy temple.
and Christians. The chief means of livelihood of
the people are agriculture, agricultural labour and
other traditional occupations. The legend about Sri Subrahmanyaswamy
has it that about 150 years ago, Pasivedula Veer-
aruma, a Viswabrahmin woman used to keep a
Temples of Siva in the name of Nageswara-
cup of milk and when she propitiated Subrahman-
swamy and the village deity Vanumulamma are the
yaswamy used to come in the form of a big snake
places of worship in the village. Vanumulamma's
and drink the mi:k. A temple was built for Sub-
image is in female form and the temple is located
rahmanyaswamy and every year on Margasira
to the north-east of the village and to the north
Suddha Shashti, Kalyal'amahotsavam is being celeb-
of the pond.
rated to the Swamy. Sevas are conducted during
the month of Jaistham. Thousands of Hindu
Vanul11ulamma Uthsavam is celebrated for 15 devotees, local and from the neighbouring villa-
days from Phalguna Bahula Padyami (February-Ma- ges, congregat!!. All cOlllffiunities take part in
rch). Goats and fowls are sacrificed to the deity the festival. The pujari is a potter. Teertham
in fulfilment of vows. It is being celebrated for and prasadam are distributed to all.
the past 40 years. The Hindu devotees of the
village and of the neighbouring villages congre- A fair is held in connection with the festival
gate. Pujari is a potter locally called Asadi. Pra- near the temple. About two to three thousand
sadam is distributed to all. people, local and from the neighbouring villages,
congregate. Sweetmeats, lanterns, mirrors and
A fair is held in connection with this festival combs and millcloth are brought and sold. There
 121

is free feeding. Harikathas, dramas and circus of the following communities: Caste Hindus-Brah-
;.lfford en tertainmen t. min, Vaisya, Karnibhaktula, Kapu, Settibalija,
Yadava, Chakali etc. etc.; Scheduled Castes
Gokarneswaraswamy temple is an ancient (1,498)-Adi Andhra, Madiga, Mala etc.; Schedu-
one. It was rebuilt with a tiled roof about 100 L:d Tribes (29)-Yerukula; Dudekulas, Muslims and
years ago by Kala Seshamma of the village. But Christians. The chief means of livelihood of the
in A. D· 1928 Sri Malapaka Satyanarayana Rao people are agriculture, agricultural labour, raising
removed the tiled roof and reconstructed the of betel leaf gardens, weaving, trade in cocoanuts
temple spending a good amount and installed a and other traditional occupations.
dizwajasthambam before the temple. He wanted to
remove the old Sivalingam and reinstall a new
Temples of Sri Ramalingeswaraswamy, Sri
one and when it was dug 2 yards deep, the lower
Rama, Anjaneyaswamy and Kanakadurga are the
part of the Lingam was not found. It was therefore
places of worship in the hamlet. There are 2
thought that it was swayambhoo (self-manifest)
images of Kanakadurga; one is of stone in human
Lingam and that the root of the Lingam is in the
form and the other, made of wood, is painted with
River Gowthami, the tributary of Godavari. The
colours.
Lingam is 24 inches in circumference and 4! feet
in height and is like the ear of a cow.
Kanakadurga Teertham is celebrated for 6
Sri Gokarneswaraswamy Kalyanam is celeb- days from Vaisakha Suddlza Purnima to Bahula
rated for one day on Chaitra Suddha Panchami Panchami (April-May). Cocoanuts, bananas and
(March-April). Sevas are conducted during the other fruits and flowers are offered to the deity.
entir..: month of Kartikam (October- November) Panakam (jaggery water slightly spiced) and
and during Mahasivaratri in Maglzam (January- vadapappu (soaked green gram dhal) are served by
February). Prabhala Teertham (Fair) is held dur- devotees during the festival. Kumkuma puja is per-
ing Sankranti in January. The local Hindus cong- formed during Devinavaratrulu in Asviyujam
regate. Formerly, this temple was under the (September-October). It is being celebrated for
trusteeship of Sri Meerzapur Zamindar and from the past 100 years and is confined to the neigh-
15 years it is under a trustee. The pujari is a bouring villages. About 500 devotees, local and
Brahmin and every day naivedyam and incense are from the neighbouring haml~ts, congregate. All
offered by him. Hindu Castes and Dudekulas take part in the
festival.
Sri Sitaramaswamy temple is also an ancient
one. It is now under the management 0f a trustee. A fai.r is held in connection wi.th the festival
Every day naivedyam is offered. Sri Sitaramaswamy before the temple under a panda!. It is being held
Kalyanam is performed on Chaifra Suddha Navami from the origin of the temple. About 500 local
(March-April). Local Hindu devotees congregate. people and from the neighbouring hamlets congre-
gate. Sweetmeats, fruits and flowers are brought
s'mRCE: Sri M, Venkatarama Sastri, Farmer, and sold.
Gumparru.
Sri Ramalingeswaraswamy Kalyanam is
celebrated for one dlY on Magha Suddha Ekadasi
14. Abbirajupalem hamlet of Doddipatla--Situated (January-February). Abhishekam is performed with
at a distance of one mile from Doddipatla bus- milk, panchamrutham and with the juice of sugar-
stand to the north of the Bank Canal of this villa- cane. Lakshapathri pujas are also performed by
ge, 8 miles from the PalaC')]e Railway Station devotees during Magham (January-February) and
and 14 miles from Narsapur, the taluk headquar- Kartikam (October-November). Local Hindu
ters. As a Kshatria by name Abbiraj u lived here devotees congregate. The pujari is a Saivaite
in the begining, it is called Abbirajupalem enjoying Inam lands of the temple. Discourse~
after him. on puranas and Bhagavadgila are held by sadhus
and pandits. The devotees observe fasting and
The total population of the village Doddipatla jagarana during Ekadasis and during Mondays in
including its hamlets is 8,037 and it is made up Kartikam (Octobef,,·November).
 122

SOURCE: Sri Ponna China Veerabhadrudu, Cloth Narsapur. This village was called Chenchuluru as
Merchant, Abbirajupalem. it was once inhabited by Chenchus. It gradually
became Chenchunada and after they left the village
it became Chinchinada.
15. Elamanchili-Situated at a distance of 9
miles from the Palacole Railway Station and 15 The total population of the village is 2,808
miles from Narsapur. and it is made up of the following communities:
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Raju, Telaga, Ka-
The total population of the village is 7,482 pu, Settibalija, Chakali, Mangali; Scheduled Castes
and it is made up of the following communities: (643)-Madiga, Mala, etc.; and Scheduled Tribes
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kamma, Kapu, (11). The chief means of livelihood of the people
Settibalija, Golla, Chakali etc. etc·; Scheduled are agriculture, agricultural labour, trade and
Castes (1,810)-Adi Andhra, Madiga, Mala, etc.; other traditional occupations.
Scheduled Tribes (17); Muslims and Christians.
The chief means of livelihood of the people are Temples of Sri Venugopalaswamy and Mare-
agriculture, agricultural labour, trade and other mma are the places of worship in the village. The
traditional occupations. image of Maremma is of bronze;

Temples of Siva, Subrahmanyaswamy. Sri Maremma Teertham is celebrated for 5 days

Rama, Veerabrahmam and Ammavaru (village de- from Vaisakha Suddha Dasami (April-May).
ity) and a church are the places of worship in the Sheep, goats and fowls are immolated to the
village. All the deities are in human form. deity. It is being celebrated for the past 30 years
and is confined to the neighbouring villages.
Ammavari Teertham is celebrated for 5 days About 300 Hindu devotees, local and from the
from Phalguna Suddha Dasami (February-March). n eighbo u ri n~, villages, congrega teo
Goats, sheep and fowls are sacrificed to the deity.
It is being celebrated from ancient times and is
confined to the village. The Hindu devotees of the A fair is held in connection with the festival
village ccngregate without any distinction of caste for one day by the side of the village tank. About
or creed. 300 people, local and from the neighbouring villa-
ges, congregate. Sweetmeats and utensils are
A fair is held in connection with the festival brought and sold.
for 5 days. People, local and from the surrounding
villages. like Siragarapalle, Chinchinada, Meraka- SOURCE: Sri A. Sree Rama Murthy, Teacher,
lanka, Enumulalanka and Kalagampudi villages Chinchinada.
congregate. Sweetmeats, utensils, lanterns, pictu-
res, photos and toys are brought and sold. Lottery,
gambling and dramas afford entertainment to the 17. Yenuguvanilanka-Situated at a distance of 5
visitors. miles from Narsapur town and Railway Sta-
tion by road and 4 miles by boat along the canal.
Siva Teertham is celebrated 011 Chaitra Ba/lUla
Dasami (March-April). Sri Veerabrahmam Teer- The total population of the village is 3,621
tham is celebrated on Magha Bahula Triodasi (Ja- and it is made up of the following communities:
nuary-February). Subbarayuni Sha<hti is celebrated Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatriya, Agni-
on Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-Decem- kulakshatriya, Telaga, Settibalija, Chakali, Man-
ber). Anjaneya Teertham is celebrated on Marga- gali, etc. etc.; Scheduled Castes (501)-Adi Andh-
sira Bahula Ekadasi (November-December). ra, Madiga, Mala, etc.; Scheduled Tribes (7); and
Christians. The chief means of livelihood of the
SOURCE: Sri Y. V. Satyanarayana Murthy, Teacher, people are agriculture, agricultural labour, fishing
Elamanchili. and other traditional occupations.

Temples of the village deities Maremma,

16. Chinchinada-Situated between Elamanchili Mavuramma and Balusulamma are the places of
and Kalagampudi at a distance of 7 miles from worship in the village.
 123

Ammavari Jatara is celebrated for 4 days in The total population of the village is 1,234
Chaitram (March-April) according to the con- and it is made up of the following communities:
venience of the villagers. Animal sacrifice is in Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Agnikulakshat-
vogue during the period of the festival. It is ria (Pane), Telaga, Kapu, Settibalija, Yadava,
being celebrated for the past 60 years and is con- Rajaka (Chakali), Nayibrahmin (lVIangali)
fined to the village. The Hindu devotees of the etc.;-Scheduled Castes (186)-Adi Andhra, Madi-
v1llage congregate. Telagas are the chief patrons. ga; and Christians. The chief means of Ii velihood
of the people are agriculture, agricultural labour,
Subrahmanya Shashti on Margasira Suddha fishing, cattle-breeding and rope making·.
Shashti (November-December) and Malleswara-
swamy Kalyanam on Phalguna Suddha Ekadasi A temple of Kanakavanuvulamma and a
(February-March) are the other festivals celebra- church ~are the places of worship in the village.
ted in the village. The image of Kanakavanuvulamma is sculptured
in cement. The temple is having roof of tiles.
SOURCE: 1. Sri B. Krishna Murthy, Teacher,
Enuguvanilanka. Kanakavanuvulamma Uthsavam is celebrated
2. Sri P. Ramanujulu, Teacher, Enugu- for 14 days form Vaisakha Suddha Vidiya to Purnima
vanifanka. (April-May). Fruits and t10wers are offered to the
deity. Fasting and jagarana are observed by some
3. Sri Gotea Sundaresan Rao, Village
devotees in their houses. It is being celebrated
Karnam, Enuguvanilanka.
from ancient times and is confined to the village.
The Hindu devotees of the village congregate
without any distinction of caste and creed. Sar-
18. Gondi -Situated at a distance of 5 miles from
vasri Adabala Bhujanga Rao of Kapu caste and
Palacole by cart track. Digamarthi Subbarao of Nayibrahmin caste are
the trustees. The present pujari is a potter by
The total population of the village is 742 and name Sri Manthina Viswanadham.
it is made up of the following communities:
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Agnikulakshatriya, Tela- SOURCE: Sri Pusuluri Venkata Subba Rao, Karnam,
ga, Settibalija, Chakali, etc.; and Scheduled Castes Navarasapuram.
(238)-Adi Andhra, Madiga, Mala, etc. The
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri-
culture, agricultural labour, fishing and other tra- 20. Narsapur-Taluk and Revenue Divisional
ditional occupations. headquarters of the same name and situated on
the right bank of the Vasishta branch of the River
There are no temples in this village. Godavari about 6 miles from its confluence with
the sea. It is the terminus Railway Station on
Ammavari Uthsavam in propitiation of the Nidadavole-Narsapur broad gauge section of the
village deity Pemulamma is celebrated for a day Southern Railway at a distance of 35 miles from
once in a year according to the convenience of Nidadavole.
the villagers. Sheep, goats and fowls are sacrifi-
ced to the deity. It is being celebrated from It is said that the Madanagopalaswamy
ancient times and is confined to the village. The temple was constructed in 1173 A. D. If this is
Hindu devotees of the village congregate without correct, the town must have been in existense
any distinction of caste or creed. Pujaris are since then. This place was a former settlement of
Agniku laksha trias. the Dutch and the French and the British took
this from the French in 1759 A. D.
SOURCE: Sri G. Lingaraju, Karnam, Gondi.
"Forde at once sent forward a force of 1,500
sepoys to occupy Rajahmundry; and the garrison
there, imagining that the whole of the English
19. Navarasapuram-Situated at a distance of 4 force was upon them, abandoned the fort on 10th
miles from the Narsapur Railway Station by road December (1758 A. D.) and retired to the south.
and 3 miles by boat. Forde again advanced on January 28th and reach-
 124

ed Ellore on February 6th. Thence he detached pondence from the then Chief and Council of
a force to occupy the French factory at Narsapur Masulipatam. Coringa i~land and the country
which was abandoned on its approach."l near Injaram were flooded, and so was Narsa-
pur." 3
The importance of this town is aptly descri-
In 1839 a cyclone raged all along the coast
bed in the Gazetteer of Southern India thus:
from Vizagapatam to Narsapur.
"Narsapoor is also a seaport, now frequented
chiefly by Native craft, but in the time of the The total population of the town is 30,064
Honorable Company's cloth trade it was resorted and it is made up of the following communities;
to by English ships of large size. Vessels are built Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatriya, Kapu,
and repaired in mud docks on the banks of the
Kamma, Kummari, Kammara, Karnibhaktula,
river-the anehorage is several miles from the
mouth, depth 5 or 6 fathoms. At high tide there Devanga, Agnikula Kshatriya, Gavara etc.; Sche-
is about 8 feet of water over the bar; outside the duled Castes (2,141)-Mala, Madiga etc; Sche-
bar is a shifting sand bank, which has much in- duled Tribes (216); Muslims and Christians. The
creased in size of late years, and the entrance is chief means of livelihood of the people are agri-
from the south between the sands. Lightly laden culture, agricultural labour, weaving, fishing and
vessels enter the river by a circuitous channel,
known to the Native pilots. Most of the cargo is
other traditional occupations. Narsapur town
discharged at Antarvedy, a place of religious resort stands in an unique position in lace industry.
situated near the sea, close to the river's mouth. This cottage industry is peculiar to this town and
There is no doubt that much might be done to the surrounding villages. The lace prepared from
improve the bar, and with the removal of the im- the hands of the women at this place has got good
pediments which now exist, Narsapoor would pro-
demand jn foreign countries, especially, in Ame-
bably in time recover its former importance as a
seaport. The annual value of exports now amounts rica, England, France, Australia, etc. The volume
to about a lac of rupees, notwithstanding the utter of trade is of the order of about 50 1akhs rupees
want of any proper approach to the town. With per year. This trade earns good foreign exchange.
a fine navigation canal leading from the principal
agricultural towns in this part of the district, and
with an improved exit from this branch of the Temples of Sri Adikesavaswamy, also known
Godavari, which is no less than 40 or 50 feet deep as Emberumannar, Kapila Malleswaraswamy,
opposite the town, Narsapoor would in a very few Rajagopalaswamy, Amareswaraswamy, Madana-
years become the important place of trade for gopalaswamy, Venkateswara, Sri Rama, Anjaneya-
which its natural position seems eminently to
adapt it. There are many resident merchants of
swamy, Kanaka Durga, Vanamulamma, Gantalam-
wealth and respectability, but in consequence of ma, Mastan Saheb darga, a n.osque and 3 churches
the difficulties encountered at their own port, are the places of worship in this town.
they are obliged to transfer much of their trade to
Coringa. European capital might be laid out Adikesavaswamy alias Emberumannar temple
here to great advantage, and a resident European
merchant of experience and energy might expect
success. The climate is excellent, and seems pec- This sacred temple was founded in the year
uliarly adapted to the European constitution; the 1788 A. D. by late Revered Puppala Ramanap-
health of the Native inhabitants also is remar-
kable, and living is particularly moderate." 2 pa Naidu, the then Dubash to the Governor of
Madras. He got constructed the present temple
Though the place is congenial one for a with all its gopurams and the other shrines within
happy living it has to face the fury of Vasistha the compound wall of Adikesavaswamy temple.
Godavari occasionally. In 1614 and in 1679 A. D. The other shrines in the enclosure ar'e of Sri Lak-
the encroachments of this river seem to have for- shmi Devi, Andalamma, Alwa Charya, Manavala
ced many to leave their houses. Mahamuni and Garuda. It is said that the temple
of Anjaneya and the pushkarini in front of this
"The next inundation which occurred was temple were also got constructed by late Ramana-
that of May 20,1787 ....
ppa Naidu. There is an interesting legend connec-
Pitiable details of the havoc wrought by this ted with the origin of this temple. It is said that
hurricane and flood are to be found in the corres- the disciples of the great Vaishnava Saint Ramanu-
ja alias Emberumannar requested Ramanuja before
I. Madras District Gazetteers, Godavari, Vol. I, p, 32
2. Gazetteer of Southern India, p.43
3. Madras District Gazetteers, Godavari, Vol. I, p 142
 ,

- ~.

Plate VIII: Sri Adikesavaswamy temple.

Plate IX : Sri Amareswaraswamy temple on the bank of river Godavari .
 125

his niryanam to permit them to worship his idol. the Lord here goes by the name Kapila Mallewara-
He permitted them to worship his idol and trans- swamy. It is not known who constructed the
ferred all his spiritual powers to the stone replica temple for the Lord. It is said that one
that was prepared by his disciples. Similarly Manchili Seshaiah constructed the front hall
Ramanuja seems to have transferred spiritual about 200 years ago. The shrine of Subramanye-
powers to the satagopam bearing his padukalu. swaraswamy was constructed in the year 1938 by
After the niryanam of Ramanuja, his idol was Srimathi Sishta Durgamma.
enshrined in a temple at Perambudur in
Madras State and worshipped. Sri Ramanuja Amareslraraswamy temple
appeared before Puppala Ramanappa Naidu
in a dream and ordained him to construct a This is majestically perched on the banks of
temple for him at Narsapur and worship him. Vasishta Godavari. It is believed that sage Vas-
Ramanappa Naidu gathering some skilled ishta installed the stone Sivalingam here for per-
sculptors repaired to Perambudur, to get prepared forming pujas. It is said that about 400 years
a stone replica of Ramanuja. Though the stone back some persons belonging to the family of
idol prepared by the sculptors was equal to the Betevaru constructed the temple and endowed
one in the temple at Perambudur, Ramanappa was some lands in the name of the Lord.
enchanted and lured by the original idol in
the temple and wanted to take it away from M adanagopalas\\'amy ternple
Perambudur, exercising his influence as Dubashi.
The pujaris and other devotees at Perambudur
It is said that one Kowlur Mangaiah cons-
implored Ramanappa to desist from taking away tructed this temple in 1173 A. D. There is an
the original idol and they conceded to part with inscription on one of the pillars in the rear of the
the satagopam which contained the padukas of temple. The pujari contends that the inscription
Ramanuja. Ramanappa somehow gave up the idea contains the date of construction of this temple
of removing the original idol. He brought the as 1173 A. D. But the inscription is not decip-
stone image of Ramanuja and the satagopam after herable. It seems that there was only the stone
observing all the rituals from Perambudur and image of Madanagopalaswamy in human form
enshrined the image in the temple at Narsapur. playing on a flute. About 150 years back one
As it is essential that there should be a temple Saripalle Reddaiah of Narsapur installed the
for Lord Vishnu, where there is a temple for images of Satyabhama and Rukmini.
Ramanuja, he got constructed the temple of
Adikesavaswamy also. This temple is considered
to be a very sacred temple as there is the original Sri Adikesavaswamy Bramhothsavam is cel-
satagopam bearing the padukas of Ramanuja. The ebrated for 10 days from Chaitra Suddha Purnima
stone image of Kesavaswamy is in human ferm to Bahula Navami (March-April). On Purnima
with four hands, flanked by Sridevi and Bhudevi. dhwajarohanam in the morning and procession on
Just adjacent to thi.s temple is the shrine of simha vahanam; on Bahula Padyami, procession on
Ramanuja with his image in human form with hamsa vahanam; on Vidiya, Varadaraja alallkaram
folded hands. in the morning and hamsa vahanam in the evening;
on Tadiya, Surya alankaram in the morning and
in the evening procession on Chandra vahanam; on
Kapila Malleswaraswamy temple
Chaviti, Jaganmohini pallaki seva in the morning
and Rajadhiraja vahanam in the evening; on Pan-
The lord is here in the form of a stone Siva~
chami, vasantholhsavam in the morning and in the
lingam. Within the compound of this temple,
evening procession all gaja l'alzanam; on Shashti,
there are also two shrines of Subrahmanyeswara-
car festival with Rajamannar alankaram; on Sap-
swamy with the images of the deities in serpent
thami, pushpakam in the morning and procession
form, and another of Saneswaraswamy with the
on aswa vahanam in the evening; on Ashtami,
image of the deity in human form. It is believed
chakravari and yedumusugula uthsavam; and on
that Kapila Mahamuni during his sojourn to all
Navami, Sripushpayagam are the rituals observed
sacred shrines, came to this place to have a dip during the festival. Cocoanuts, fruits, chakkara-
in the holy waters of Vasishta Godavari and that pongali, potlakaya paramannam are offered to the
he installed the Sivalingam here for worship. So deity.
 126

This festival is being celebrated since the bra ted for 5 days from Magha Bahula Ekadasi to
inception of the temple. About 2,000 local Hindu Amavasya (January- February). On Ekadasi, kal-
devotet:s participate in the festival. The founder yanam; on Dwadasi, procession of the deity on
late Puppala Ramanappa Naidu acquired substan- nandi vahanam; on Triodasi, ledi vahanam; on Cha-
tial immovable properties in the name of the thurdasi, trisulasnanam and on Amavasya, sathagha-
deity, and provided for all the services in the tabhishekam are the rituals observed during the
temple. Till 1925 the temple and its affairs were festival. Cocoanuts, fruits, naivedyam are offered to
managed by the founder's family, when it was the deity in fulfilment of vows. Devotees have a
taken over by the Hindu Religious & Charitable dip in the holy waters of Vasishta Godavari and
Endowments (Administration) Department. The worship the Lord on Amavasya. About 2,000
temple has 130 acres wet Inam land. There devotees local and from nearby villages partici-
are four Brahmin pujaris with hereditary rights. pate in the worship on this day. This is an ancient
Prasadam is distributed thrice a day during the festival and is confined to Narsapur and a few
festival. nearby villages. There is 28 acres wet Inam land.
The Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments
Sri Emberumannar Uthsavam is celebrated (Administration) Department manages the festival.
for 10 days from Chaitra Bahula Ekadasi to Vaisa- Pujari is one Sri K. Mallikarjuna Sarma, a 'Brah-
kha Suddha Panchami (March-April). There is min of Kowndinyasa gotram with hereditary
Mangalagiri-Kelam on the first three days. The rights. Prasadam is distributed to all present.
image of the deity is taken out in procession on
different vahanams like, aswa, Chandra, etc. on the
other days. Cocoanuts, fruits and naivedyam are Rajagopalaswamy Kalyanothsavam is celebra-
offered to the deity in fulfilment of vows. The ted for 7 days from Phalguna Suddha Dasami to
local Hindu devotees participate in the festival· Bahula PadYami (February-March). Cocoanuts and
Pujaris are Brahmins with hereditary rights. fruits are offered to the deity. This is an ancient
festival but is of local significance. The local
Hindu devotees participate in the festival. There
lwalathorana Mahothsavam is celebrated in
is an Inam of 30 acres wet land in the name of the'
Kapila Malleswaraswamy temple for a day on Lord. The Hindu Religious & Charitable Endow:
Kartika Purnima (October-November). The deity ments (Administration) Department manages the
is taken out in a procession. Cocoanuts and flo- festival. Pujari is one Sri Purushottama Dikshitu-
wers are offered to the deity. This is an ancient
lu, a Vaighanasa Brahmin. Prasadam is distributed
festival and is confined to Narsapur only. About
to all.
500 local Hindu devotees participate in the festi-
val. Pujari is Sri Manchili Suryanarayana Mur-
thi, a Brahmin of Kasyapasa gotram with heredi- Madanagopalaswamy Kalyanothsavam is
tary rights. celebrated for 5 days from Vaisakha Suddha Eka-
dasi to Purnima (April-May). On Dasami dhwaja-
Subrahmanya Sashti is celebrated for one rohana; on Ekadasi, garudothsavam and kalyanam;
day on Margasira Suddha Shashti (November-Dec- on Dwadasi, rathothsavam; on Triodasi, procession
ember). Cocoanuts, milk, chalibindi and nuvvupindi of the deity on ponnavahanam; on Chathurdasi,
are offered to the deity in fulfilment of vows. procession on hamsa vahanam and on Purnima,
About 600 local Hindu devotees participate in the procession on Surya are the rituals observed dur-
festival. Pujari of Kapila Malleswara Swamy ing the festival. Cocoanuts, curds, and milk are
jJerforms the pujas in this temple also. offered to the deity in fulfilmt:nt of vows. This
festival, though an ancient one, is of local signifi-
A petty fair is held before the temple in cance. About 500 local Hindu devotees partici-
connection with Subrahmanya Shashti with a few pate in the festival. Pujari is Sri Peddinti
shops selling, toys of various kinds and other Venkata Lakshminarasimha Charyulu, a Brahmin
sundry articles. About 600 local Hindu devotees of Bhargavasa gotram. Prasadam is distributed to
attend the fair. Women and children are all.
pred0minant.
Madar Saheb is worshipped by the devotees
Amareswaraswamy Kalyanothsavam is cele- of all communities on every Thursday and Friday.
 127

Eatables are offered and incense is burnt before confined to district. The Hindu devotees, local
the darga. and from far and near places of the district, con-
gregate. The expenditure is met from the in-
SOURCE: 1· Sri P. Venkata Reddi Nayudu, Retired come got from the 100 acres of land attached to
Tahsildar, Narsapur. the temple. Pujari is Sri Manchili Atchuthara-
2. Sri K. Parameswara Rao, Temple maiah, an Adisaivadravida Brahmin of Kasyapasa
Executive Officer, Narsapur. gotram with hereditary rights. Prasadam is dis-
3. Dr. T. Ramarao, M. A., Ph. D., tributed to all. Free feeding is arranged on a
Principal, The Narsapur Col/ege, Narsapur. large scale.

A fair is held in connection with the fegtival.

21. Lakshmaneswaram-Situated at a distance of It is being held from ancient times and the people,
about 4 miles from Narsapur by road as well as local and from several villages in the district,
by boat on the River Godavari. To get absolved congregate. Sweetmeats, utensils, lanterns, mir-
of the sin of ha ving killed Rakshasa Ravana, a rors, combs and toys are brought and sold. There
great devotee of Lord Siva, Sri Rama is said to are choultries. Temporary pandals are put up
have installed 100 Sivalingams throughout the during the period of the festival.
length and breadth of the country. Soon after-
wards Lakshmana, the brother of Sri Rama, ins- Mutyalamma Jatara is celebrated for 3 days
talled here a Sivalingam brought by Anjaneya and in Vaisakham (April-May). Gamalagudupu a
hence the village goes by the name Lakshmanes- particular function is observed. There is night
waram. long procession on the first night. The second
night is for rest and sleep. On the third day, yala
fllso called nadiveedhi teertham is done. Sheep,
The total popu lation of the village is 7,113
goat~, fowls and birds are sacrificed at the temple
and it is made up of the following communities:
generally and at times on road to the temple dur-
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Viswabrahmin, Vaisya,
ing the procession; cocoanuts and bananas are also
Kshatriya (Raju),Agnikulakshtriya (Palle), Telaga,
offered. Formerly it was celebrated from the in-
Settibalija, Yadava, Chakali, Kummari, Mangali,
come got from fishing. Daily in the morning
etc. etc.; Scheduled Castes (847)-Adi Andhra,
nairedyam is offered to the deity and in the even-
Madiga, Mala; Muslims and Christians. The
ing deeparadhana is arranged. Telagas and Setti-
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri-
balijas are the patrons. Pujari is a Yadava of
culture, agricultural labour, pottery, goldsmithy,
Pasulla gotram with hereditary rights. Prasadam
fishing, trade and other traditional occupations.
is distributed to all.

Temple of Sri Lakshmaneswaraswamy, Rama,

Subrahmanyaswamy and of the village deities SOURCE: 1. Sri Tailorpeta Mastan Sahib, Teacher,
Mutyalamma and Gogullamma are the places of Lakshmaneswaram.
worship in the village. The image of Lakshma- 2. Sri Vtlnamala Sri Ramamurlhy, Tea-
neswaraswamy, said to have been installed by cher, Lak$hmaneswaram.
Lakshmana, is a stone Sivalingam. There are the 3· Sri Ayyagari Purnamallikarjuna:Sarma,
images of Urmila, Lakshmana's wife and a stone Karnam, Lakshmaneswaram.
image of Durga in this temple. It is believed that 4. Sri L. Veeraraju, Teacher, Lakshmane-
Durga manifested Herself after killing the Rak- s\\'aram.
shasa Sambarasura at this place.

Mahasivaratri is ceLbrated in Lashmaneswara 22. Linganaboyinacherla-Situated at a distance of

Kshetram for 5 days from Magha Bahula Chatur- 6 miles to the south of Narsapur. Once two
dasi (January-February). Every day Rudrabhishe- brothers by name Linganna and Bayyanna lived
kam is performed to Swamy and Lalithasahasrana- here and so this village came to be called Linga-
ma kumkumpuja to the deity Durga. Flowers and naboyinacherla.
frui ts are offered to the Swamv. Gold ornamen ts and
cash are offered to Durga in' fulfilment of vows. The population of the village is 5,294 and
It is being celebrated from ancient times and is it is made up of the f0Howing communities: Caste
 128

Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Agnikula kshatriya, seven Rama temples located in the hamlets of the
Kapu, Settibalija, Chakali, Mangali etc. etc.; village.
Scheduled Castes (328);-Adi Andhra, Madiga,
Mala; Scheduled Tribes (2); and Christians. The The devotees have sea bath, observe fasting,
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri- jagarana during Mukkoti Ekadasi in their houses.
culture, agricultural labour, fishing, salt making, During other festivals they clean their houses,
vegetable growing and other traditional occupa- take oil bath and wear new clothes. During Ugadi
tions. (Chaitra Suddha Padyami) , agricultural imple-
ments are worshipped. During Sankranti they
Temples of Muthyalamma, Maremma, Siva, invite their sons-in-law to their homes and honour
Rama and Subrahmanyaswamy are the places of them with gifts according to their mite.
worship in the village. The images of Maremma
and Muthyalamma are wooden images in human SOURCE: Sri Chirla Narasimhamurthy, Teacher,
form painted with colours. Linganaboyinacherla.

Mutyalamma Teertham and Maremma Teer-

tham are each celebrated for 2 days on Chaitra 23. Mogalturru-Situated at a distance of 6 miles
Suddha Padyami and Vidiya and Chaitra Ba/mla from Narasapur connected by bus. This village
Padyami and Vidiya respectively. They are being has greatly fallen off of late years. Outside the
celebrated for the past 50 years and are confined village is a fort of mud walls, inh:lbited by a pen-
to the village. The Hindu devotees of the village sioned Rajah, the descendant of the ancient
congregate without any distinction of caste or Zamindar, who once possessed the gre:lter portion
creed. Pujaris are Agnikulakshatriyas with here- of the tract in the West Godavari District.
ditarY rights.
The total population of the village is 14,296
compnSll1g several Hindu sub-communities;
The deities are brought to the centre of the
Scheduled Castes (1,718); Scheduled Tribes (84);
village 10 days in advance of the festivals and
Muslims and Christians. The chief means of live-
every day pujas are performed. Bananas, boorelu,
lihood of the people are agriculture, agricultural
anapa dhal and cooked field beans and greens are
labour, trade and other traditional occupations.
offered as naivedyam to the deity. Sheep, goats
and fowls are sacrificed to the deity· Some devo- Temples of Siva and Vishnu are the places
tees take intoxicants and eat mutton a., a part of of worship in the village.
the rituals.
Ammavarla Uthsavam is celebrated every
In the Siva temple, kalyanam is celebrated year in Magham (January-February). The period
on Vaisakha Purnima (April-May) and on Kartika of observance is not reported. It is being celebra-
Purnima (October-November). Prasadam and ted from ancient times and is confined to the
panakam are distributed to all. Subrahmanya village. The devotees of the village congregate.
Shashti is celebrated on Margasira Suddha Shashti Only Hindus take part in the festival. Bhajans
(November-December) in Subrahmanyaswamy are performed. .
temple. Sri Rama Kalyanam is celebrated on
Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April) in the SOURCE: An Enumerator, .Mogalturru.
BHEEMAVARAM TALUK
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 Section VHI
BHEEMAVARAM TALUK
ltJDdi- A railway station situated at a distance andAnjaneya by muththaiduvas at 108pitams (seats of
~ of 6 miles from Bheemavaram-Gudivada bran- Gods with their pictures). Hotels, choultries and
ch line. This village which was formerly called pandals are put up. There is free feeding in the
Dundipuram gradually carne to be known as Undi. choultries to the pilgrims.

The total population of the village is 9,046 Krishna Ashtami is also celebrated for one
and it is made up of the following communities: day on Sravana Bahula Ashtami (July-August).
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Kshatria, Velama, Teertham and prasadam are distributed to all:
Telaga, Gowd, Viswabrahmin, Chakali, Mangali
etc·; Scheduled Castes (417); and Scheduled Tribes SOURCE: Sri Alagharj Appalanarasimham, B. A.,
(33)-Yerukala. The chief means of livelihood of Retired Sub-Registrar, Undi.
the people are agriculture, agricultural labour,
trade and other traditional occupations.

Temples of Sri Kesavaswamy, Siva, Sri Rama, 2. Pamulaparru-Situated at a distance of two

Subrahmanyeswaraswamy, Sri Venkateswaraswamy furlongs from the Bheemavaram-Tadepalligudem
and of the village deity, Poleramma, are the pla- bus route, 3 miles from the Undi Railway Station
ces of worship in the village. The images of Sri and 7i miles from Bheemavaram.
Rama, Lakshmana and Sita are in human form ..
and that of Anjaneya is in the form of Hanuman. The total population of the village is 952
The image of Rama is in the middle and Laksh- and it is made up of the following communities:
mana to the right side of Rama holding bow and Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Kapu, Uppara, Gowd,
arrows and on the left side there is the image of Chakali etc.; Scheduled Castes (52)-Adi Andhra;
Sita, with the image of Anjaneya in a sitting post- Scheduled Tribes (82)-Konda Dhora; and Chris-
ure near Sri Rama. Sri Rama temple has 3 tians. The chief means of livelihood of the peo-
rooms. In the middle apartment there are the ple are agriculture and agricultural labour.
images. Before the temple, there is a big mantapam
of 40 yards length. The kalyanam is celebrated in Temples of Nageswaraswamy, Rama, Gana-
t:1is mantapam. pathi and Pasalamma, the village deity, and a
church are the places of worship in the village.
Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 11 days The imag~ of Nlgeswaraswamy is stone Sivalin-
from Chailra Suddha Padyami to Ekadasi (March- gam with panuvattam. The image of Pasalamma
April). For 7 days from Padyami, daily pujas and is in human form.
Baghavannamasankirthanas are performed. On
Navami day, the marriage of Sita and Rama is Nageswaraswamy Kalyanam is celebrated
celebrated. On the Ekadasi day pujas are perform- for 3 days from Vaisakha Suddha Triodasi to
ed offering thousand cocoanuts. Cocoanut3, Purnima (April-May). Arrangements for the
bananas and other fruits are offered to the celebration of the festival are made 4 days in
deity. This festival is being celebrated for the advance. Kalyanam is celebrated on Purnima
past 7 years and is confined to this village only. day. This fcstiv~ll is confined to this village
The devotees, local and from the neighbouring vill- only. The Hindu devotees of the village con-
ages, congregate. Only Hindus participate in the gregate. Pujari is an Adisaiva of Maharsheyasa
festival. Pujari is a Vaishnava of Pancharatra gotram gotram with hereditary rights. Prasadam is
without hereditary rights. Arrangements are made distribut~d to all. Dramas are enacted on the
15 days in advance. Bhajans afford entertainment night of kalyanam.
to the visitors. On Tuesday, Friday and Saturday,
pujas are performed to Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana Pasalamma Jatara is celebrated for two days
 130

on the 14th and 15th January. The temple of There are choultries. Pandal are put up.
this deity is on the outskirts of the village. Be- Drinking water is supplied to the pilgrims.
fore celebrating the latara, the deity is brought
out 10 days in advance and installed temporarily SOURCE: Statement of fairs and festivals furnished
in the centre of the village. From that day pujas by the District Health Officer, West
are performed daily to the deity. During the Godavari.
last 2 days, the deity is taken out in a procession
for one day and on the following day the deity is
taken to the temple and naivedyam is offered. 4. Cherukuvada-Situated at a distance of 10
Goats, fowls and sheep are sacrificed on the last miles from Tanuku Railway Stati.on and 20 miles
day to the deity in fulfilment of vows. All com- from Nidadavole.
munities participate in the festival. About 1,000
devotees congregate. The total population of the village is 2,831
and it is made up of the following communities:
Ganapathi Navaratrulu are celebrated for 9 Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Telaga, Kapu,
days from Bhadrapada Suddha Chavithi (August- Settibalija, Viswabrahmin; Scheduled Castes (32lS)-
September). Every day abhishekam is performed Madiga, Mala; and Scheduled Tribes (13). The
in the morning and palaharam is distributed in chief means of livelihood of the people are agri-
the night. culture, agricultural labour, trade and handi-
crafts.
Devi Navaratrulu are celebrated from Asviyuja
Suddha Padyami to Navami for 9 days; and on The temples of Chennakesavaswamy, Sri
Dasami, pujas are performed to the sam; tree and Visweswaraswamy, Rama and the village deity
the deity is taken out in a procession. Abhishe- Barramma are the places of worship in the village.
kam is performed on Kartika Suddha Purnima Chennakesavaswamy is a stone image in human
(October-November) . form with 4 hands holding sankhu (conch), chakra
(disc) and gadha (mace) in the three hands, the
fourth hand being abhaya haslam.
SOURCE: Sri Malladi Venkatasuryanarayana, Tea-
cher, Pamuluparru. Chennakesavaswamy Kalyana mahothsavam
is celebrated for 7 days from Magha Suddha Na-
vami to Purnima (January-February). This fes·
3. Akividu-A railway station on the Bheema- tival comprises the following: Deeksha, ankurar-
varam-Gudivada branch line situated at a dist- pana, dhwajarohana, Sri Devi and Bhudevi vivaham
ance of about 10 miles from Bheemavaram. and the festival culminates on th~ 7th day with
chakrateertham and pushpayagam. Teertham and
The total population of the village is 13,061 prasadam are distributed to all present. This
and it is made up of several sub-communities of festival is of ancient origin and of local signifi-
Caste Hindus; Scheduled Castes (l ,082); Sche- cance only. Only Hindu residents of the village
duled Tribes (180); Muslims and Christians. The congregate. Pujr.lri is a Vaikhanasa Brahmin of
chief means of livelihood of the people a re agri- Bhargava golram with hereditary rights. The
culture, agricultural labour and other traditional Aradhanas and festivals are celebrated in the name
occupations of Sri Achanta Perraju Dramas and Harikathas
afford entertainm~nt to the congregation.
Village deity Kolletikota Peddintlamma is
worshipped in the village. Narasimha Jayanthi is celebrated for a day
on Vaisakha Suddha Triodasi (April-May). Abhi-
Kolletikota Peddintlamma festival is celeb- shekam and sahasranamarchana are performed to
rated for 7 days in Magham (January-February). the Lord. Vadapappu and panakam are offered.
About 10,000 devotees, local and from the nei-
ghbouring villages of all communities, congregate. This festival is of ancient origin and is of
Small shops are opened for the sale of Konda- local significance. The Hindu residents of the
palle toys. village congregate.
 131

Dhanurmasam commences from Margasira Venugopalaswamy ,Subrahmanyeswaraswamy, Gan-

Suddha Ashtami (November-December) and con- ganamma, Poleramma and a church are the places
tinues upto the second day of Sankranti festival of worship in the village. There are also three
and is celebrated with much pomp. Every day Rama temples. The image of Sri Ramalinges-
by sun-rise there is sahasranamarchana to Sri waraswamy is a stone Sivalingam and of Sri
Chennakesavaswamy (worship of the lord by re- Venugopalaswamy is of stone.
peating His one thousand names and offering
either kumkum (vermilion), bilvam, tulasi or a Sri Subrahmanyeswaraswamy Shashti is celeb-
flower for each name). This is followed by rated for a day on M argasira Suddha Shashti
worship, harathi and offerings. (November-December). The devotees of the
village congregate. Local Hindus participate in
SOURCE: Sri Khandavilli Venkatacharyulu, Pujari, the festival.
Cherukuvada.
Another festival celebrated in the village is
of Sri Venugopalaswamy Kalyanothsavam for 6
days from Chaitra Suddha Ekadasi (March-April).
5. Kallakuru-Situated at a distance of 4 miles
The devotees of the village congregate. Only
fmm Akividu Railway Station on Bheemavaram-
Hindus participate in the festival. The pujaris are
Gudivada branch line of the Southern Railway
Sarva Sri Srinivasula Gopalacharyulu, Bhaskara-
and 10 miles from Bheemavaram Railway Station.
charyulu, Srinivasacharyulu, Narasimhacharyulu,
and PandurangacharyuJu of Kasyapasa gotram
The total population of the village is 2,377
with hereditary rights and the chief patron is one
and it is made up of several sub-communities of
Sri Chakrapanirao.
ci}stc Hindus and Scheduled Castes (150). The
chief means of livelihood of the people are agri-
The pujari for Ramalingeswaraswamy is Aya-
culture and agricultural labour.
luri Anjaneyavaraprasada Rao, Brahmin of Kou-
ndinyasa gotram and the patron is one Sri Mamid-
The temple of Sri Vcnkateswaraswamy is the anna Veerraju, a Brahmin.
on Iy place of worship in this village.
SOURCE: Srj Mamidanna Veerraju, Karnam, See-
Sri Venkateswaraswamy festival is celebrated sali.
for 5 days from Vaisakha Suddha Purnima (April-
May). About 4CO Hindu devotees of the village
congregate. 7. Dirusumarru-Situated at a distance of 5 miles
from Bheemavaram Railway Station.
')OURCE : Statement of fairs and festivals furnished The total population of the village is 4,748
by Superintendent of Police, West Goda- and it is made up of several sub-communities of
vari. Caste Hindus; Sched'.Iled Castes (164); and Sche-
duled Tribes (13). The chief means of livelihood
of the people are agriculture and agricultural
6. Seesali-Situated at a distance of 6 miles from labour.
Bheemavaram, on the Bheemavaram-luvvala-
palem road· Subrahmanyaswamy Shashti is celebrated for
2 days from Margasira Suddha Shashti (Novcmber-
The total population of the village is 2,590 December). About 200 local Hindu residents
and it is made up of the following communities: participate in the.festival.
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Viswabrahmin, Padma-
sale, Vaisya, Gowd, Chakali, Mangali, Kapu, SOURCE: Statement of fairs and festivals furnished
etc.; Scheduled Castes (314); Scheduled Tribes by Superintendent of Police, West Goda-
(7); Muslims and Christians. The chief means uari.
of livelihood of the people are agriculture and
agricultural labour.
8. Yenamadurru-Situated about 4 miles from
The temples of Sri Ramalingeswaraswamy, Bheemavaram Railway Station.
 132

The total population of the village is 2,149 mosq ues and two churches are the places of wor-
and it is made up of several sub-communities of ship in the town.
Caste Hindus; Scheduled Castes (365) and Sche-
duled Tribes (13). The chief means of liveli- Temple of Bhimeswaraswamy is said to have
hood of the people are agriculture and agricul- been constructed by the Chalukya King. The
tural labour. Sivalingam is Said to be a swayambhu (self-mani-
fested). There is a mantapam in the temple and
Subrahmanyaswamy is worshipped in the vill- on one of the pillars of the mantaptlm there are
age. Sri Subrahmanyaswamy Shashti is celeb- some letters inscribed in Pali language.
rated for 2 days from Margasira Suddha Shashti
(November-December). About 300 Hindu devo- The Sivalingam in Gunupudi Someswara-
tees participate in the festival. swamy temple which is 5 feet in height is also said
to be a swayambhu Lingam. On the doors of thd
SOURCE: Statement of fairs and festivals furnished temple there is an inscription in Pali language.
by Superintendent of Police, West Goda-
vari.
In Ramalingeswara temple th:::re are the im-
ages of Sri Rama, Ganapathi, Surya and Parvathi
9. Bheemavaram-The taluk headquarters and a and the stone Sivalingam of Ramalingeswaraswamy.
railway station on Nidadavole-Narsapur broad In Subrahmanya temple there are the stone images
gauge line of the Southern Railway. It is connected of Sri Subrahmanya and Sri Parvathavardhini. III
by buses to Eluru, Gudivada, Narsapur and Vija- Thyagaraja Mandir there are the Marble images of
wada. The full name of the place as given in Sri Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha, Satrugna and Sita
inscriptions is Chalukya Bheemavaram. This was Devi. There is a stone im:lgc of the Swamy in
under the rule of Eastern Chalukyas in the 9th Kodandaramaswamy temple. The image of Ma-
century A. D. The name of Chalukya Bhima who vullamma is 5 feet in height.
ruled this part of the country in 890-918 A.D. is
preserved by this town Bheemavaram. Bhimeswa- Sivaratri Uthsavam is celebrated in Bhimes-
raswamy, was the favourite deity of the Challlkya wara, Someswara and in Ramalingewara temples
kings. The Chalukya Bhima constructed many for 4 days from Magha Bahula Ekadasi to Chathur-
temples to Bhimeswarswamy, the Bhimeswara tem- dasi (January-February). On Ekadasi day there is
ple in this town being one of them. Gllnllpudi Rudrabhislukam reciting mahanyasa mantrams,
which is included in Bheemavaram was famous in lakshapatripuja (puja with the bi/vam recltmg
those days as the centre for meeting of the Veera- thousand names of the Swamy for hundred times
saivas. It is also said that this town derives its to make one lakh and each tim~ a bi/vam for ev~rj
name as Bhimavaram after the epic hero Bhima. mantram is offered), end dl1lVajarohanam laksha-
Under the Mughals it appears to have been calleJ kumkumarchana (puja with kumkum (vermilion)
Mruthyunjanagar. reciting 1,000 names of the deity for hundr~d
times to mlke one lakh nllne,) to the Ammavaru.
The total population of the town is 43,821 On Magha Bahulu Chathurdasi (January-February)
and it is made up of the following communities: tInt is on Sivaratri day there is Rudrabhishekam,
Caste Hindus-Brahmin, Vaisya, Ksh.\triya (Raju), thiruveerothsavam and kalyanothsavam to the Swa·
Velaga, Kapu, Turupu Kapu etc.; Scheduled my. On the fourth d.lY there is rathothsavam and
Castes (3,010) etc.; Scheduled Tribes (582); Mus- on the fifth day theppa ufsavam (the boat f_;stival).
lims and Christians. The chief means of liveli- This festival is being celebrated from ancient
hood of the people are agriculture, agricultural timc:s and extends to some of the neighbouring
labour, and other traditional occupations. taluks. The trustees for Bhimeswara temple are
Sarvasri Ponna Satyanarayana Rao, Sunkara
Temples of Bhimeswaraswamy, lanardana- Musalaiah, Kotikalapudi Gavinda Rao, Tatavarthi
"wamy, Someswaraswamy, Anjaneyaswamy, Rama- V.::nkanna Gupta and Karumuri Venk'lteswara
lingeswaraswamy, Kodanda Rama·swamy, Subrah- Rao and the trustee;; for S.Jmeswaraswamy temple
manyeswaraswamy, Subbarayudu, Annapurna, vill- are S.lfvasri Jupudi Kesavarao (Z:lmindar), Nal-
age deities Adilakshmamma, Poleramma and Bhe- lam Somasundram ,and Ayyagari Ammiraiu. About
telamma, Saibaba, Thyagaraja Mandir_am, two 50,000 devotees, local and from the neighbouring
 133

taluks congregate. Only Hindus participate in persons congregate, Sweets, utensils, lanterns pic-
the festival. 'The pujari in Bhimesewara temple is tures photos and toys are brought and sold. Free
one Sri Kottalanka Veeravenkataiah of Bharadwa- fceding is arranged for the pilgrims by the trustees.
Dramas, Harikathas, and burrakathas afford enter-
jasa gotram and their relatives are the pujfJris in
tainment to the visitors. This is a notified festival
Someswara and Ramalingeswara temples with
hereditary rights. and the Police and Municipality help in the con-
duct of the festival.

A fair is held lTI connection with the festival ThY:1g~Haja Uthsavam is celebrated for 5 days
near Bhimeswara and Someswara temples for 5 from Pushya Bahula Panchami to Navami (December
days. It is being held from ancient times and is -January). This Uthsavam is being held for the
confined to the neighbouring taluks. About past 25 years. The devotees, local and from t~e
50,000 persons, local and from the neighbouring neighbouring villages, congregate. All commUlll-
vi llages, congregate. Utensils, sweets, Ian terns, ties participate in the festival. This is celebrated
Ayurvedic medicines, pictures, photos, mill-cloth in memory of Thyagaraja the famous devotee of
and toys of clay and wood are brought and sold. Rama and a singer. He praised and worshipped
There is a choultry for Someswara temple and the Lord with his songs. Pujas are performed to
free feeding is arranged for the pilgrims. Dra- Sri Rama with camphor and naivedyam is offered
mas and dances are enacted by Satyanarayana for 5 days. Talented musicians from Madras and
Natya MandalLand Venkateswara Natya MandaIi. other places are invited, and music performances,
In Someswara temple a conference on Veda sast- and Harik~thas are held which are attended to
ras is held on Asviyuja Suddha Purnima (September by thousands of people.
-October). About 200 pandits from various
places in Andhra Pradesh attend the conference. Aboll t 16 ye:ns ago the temple of Sri Rama
The meeting is held in the evening in Someswara was con;tructed in the railway colony with the
temple when the p:1ndits are welcomed and honou- help of d.)l1:ltions. Sri Rama Navami utsavam
red. The pandits attend the conference in the is celebrated for 10 days from Chaitra
morning and recite Vedas, and they are honoured Suddha Shashti to Purnima (March-April). On
by Sri Josyula Atchutharamaiah in Bhimeswara
the firs t d:lY there is dhwajarohanam, on the
temple and by Sri Ponn:1 Satyanarayana in Rama-
second kalyanothsvam of Sri Sita Rama, on the
lingeswara temple. Every day the Goddess Par-
third chakrasnanam and on the fourth the Lord is
vati is decorated as Mahishasuramardani, Raja-
taken but in a procession. There is free feeding
rajeswari, Annapurna and Saraswathi and the
on the last day. This festival is beip.g celebrated
boat festival is celebrated with music.
for the p~st 16 years and is confined to the
neighbouring villages. The devotees, local and
Sri Subrahm'lnya Shastj is celebrated every from the neighbouring villages, congregate.
year for 2 days from Margasira Suddha Shashti All communities participate in the festival· Pujari
(November-December). Rathayatra is celebrated is a Vyh.h3.nas:l, that i~, a sect of Vikhanasarishi,
on Sapthami day. Pujas and abhishekam are per- of Gouthamasa gutram with hereditary rights.
formed. Sri Ramalingeswaraswamy Kalyanam is
also celebrated on Sapthami day along with the A fair is held for a week with a congreati on
festival. This festival is being celebrat('d for the of about 1,000 people. Dramas and Harikathas
past 60 years and is confined to the neighbouring 'afford entertainment to the visitors·
villages. The trustee iq one Sri Gundu Narsim-
hamurthy. About 10,000 devotees, local and The village deity Mavullamma Uthsavam is
from the neighbouring villages, congregate. Only celebrated eve~y year for 15 days from Jaistha Sud-
Hindus participate in the festival. Pujari is a dha Padyami to Purnima (May-June). Every day
Brahmin with no hereditary rights. Prasadam is the vows arc discharged and on the Purnima day
distributed to all.
the deity is taken out in a procession. There are
no anin~:ll sacrifice.,. Pujari is a Chakali with
A fajr is held in connectiO:l with the festival hereditary rights.
for 2 days before the temple. It is being held
for the past 60 years. Every' day about 10,000 In Gunupudi ·Jataras fOi the village deities Adi-
 134

lakmshmamma and Poleramma are celebrated dur- his darshan to the devotees once in a year on
ing Sankranthi (January), Mahasivaratri day.

Sri Saibaba Utsavam is celebrated in Phal- Balayogi Uthsavam is celebrated for 2 days
gunam (February-March) and it is being celeb- from Magha Bahula Dwadasi (January-February).
rated for the past 10 years. On Mahasivaratri 9ay, the Balayogi gives darshan
to the devotees. The Yogi comes out of the cave
In Bhethala Mandir, pujas are performed and simply surveys the congregation. This festival
during Navaratri from Asviyuja Suddha Padyami to is being celebrated for the past 12 years and
Dasami (September-October). On Dasami day, is confined to some of the neighbouring
Bhethala is taken in a procession on gajavahanam Villages. About 10,000 devotees, local and from
(elephant carriage). Devotees, local and from the neighbouring villages, congregate. All commu-
neighbouring villages, congregate. nities participate in the festival. Pandals are
erected for the occasion.
SOURCE: 1. Sri G. Narasimha Sastri, B.A., B.L.,
Advocate, -Bheemavaram. .A::tajfis held in connection with the festival
2. Sri Nanduri Gunnewara Rao, B.A, near tife"Balayogi Ashram for 4 or 5 days. This
B,L., Advocate, Bheemavaram. is being held for the past 12 years. About 10,000
3. Sri Appaiah, B.A., B.Ed., Headmas- devotees local and from the neighbouring villages
ter, Bheemavaram. congregate. Sweets, glasses, lanterns, photos of
4. Sri D. W. Viswanathasastri, M. A. Balayogi, mill cloth and toys are brought and
B.Ed.. Lecturer in W. G. B. College, sold. There is free feeding. Mikes are arranged
Bheemavaram. and records are played.
5. Sr; Vadapalli Lakshmana Perumal,
Pujari, Kodandaramaswamy tem- Another saint by name Nagamuni of 14 years
ple, Bheemavaram. age who came here a year ago, is doing penance.
He too does not take anything. He gives his dar-
10. Garagaparru-Situated at a distance of 5 shan on Subrahmanyashasti day and on Sivaratri.
miles from the Bheemavaram Railway Station and The devotees name their children after the saints
5i miles from Bheemavaram by road. The village Balayogi and Naga muni in fulfilment of vows.
is said to have got the name Garagaparru after
Garaga Maharshi, a great saint who is believed to Gouramma Uthsavam is also celebrated every
have performed penance here. year. This is being celebrated for the past 50
years.
The total population of the village is 3,645
and it is madc up of the following communities: SOURCE: Sri Garimella Gangadharasastri, B. A.;
Caste Hindus, Kshatria, Kapu, Velama, Gowd, Telugu Pandit, Garagaparru.
Golla, Bhagavatulu; etc.; Scheduled Castes (172)-
Madiga, Mala; Scheduled Tribes (10); Muslims 11. Mypa-Situated at a distance of 4 miles from
and Christians. The chief means of livelihood of the Aravalli Railway Station on Nidadavole-Nar-
the people are agriculture and agricultural labour. sapur branch line and 8 miles from Bheemavaram.
The t.emples of Gouramma, Pallalamma, It is reported that some relics of the past consisting
Rama and a church are the places of worship in of big pots, 3' in height 5'-6" circumference and 3'
the village. Besides these, there are the Mutts of in thickness have been discovered at a depth of 6
Balayogi and Nagamuni on Bheemavaram-Tadepal- under fields in this village. It is believed that
ligudem bus route and on either side of the canal there may be many more such pots in the vicinity
that flows alongside the road there are the Bala- and it is fondly hoped that if the State Archaeo-
yogi and Nag~muni Teerthams. This canals has to logical Department conducts further excavations
be crossed by the devotees who want to visit the some historical facts may come to light revealing
mutt of Nagamuni. the past glory of this place.

One Balayogi who is doing penance for the It is said that there is scarcity of water in
last 12 years in a cave and who seldom takes food this village from olden days. This h:lu b~~n ironi-
and fruits and does not accept any offering, gives cally stated in the following sloka.
 135

".Jo~ /)0 3 ~0J-6! (6 ber-December). About 400 Hindu residents of

Endagande mahakshetre the village congregate.

SOURCE: St'2temem of fairs and festivals furnished

Mype snananiachareth by Superintendent of Police, West Goda-
vari.

Korukallu nivasancha
13. Konithivada-Situ.lted at a distance of 6 miles
~~~~~ ~~6~l~ from Veeravasaram Railwav Station and 13 miles
Punarjanma navidya thee" from Bheemavaram. -

(He that takes a bath in Mypa and lives in This village which was originally under the
Korukollu attains moksham (salvation)-ironically Mogalturru Kings came to belong to Kakarlapudi
implying that the both are impracticable). Zamindari waen the village was given by way of
a gift in connection with a marital alliance bet-
The total population of the village is 745 and ween the two. Since then it was under Kakarla-
it is made up of the following communities: Caste pudi Zamindars till the abolition of the estates.
Hindus-Brahmin, Kalinga, Kshatria, Golla, Vad-
de, Kapu etc.; Scheduled Castes (36)-Adi Andh- The total population of the village is 4,429
ra; and Christians. The chief means of livelihood and it is made up of the following communities:
of the people are agriculture and agricultural Caste Hi;ldus-Brahmin, Velama, Vaisya, Ksha-
labour. tria (Raju) Telaga, Viswabrahmin, Vadrangi, Ku-
mmari, Settibalija; etc.; Scheduled Castes (231);
Temples of Sri Ramalingeswaraswamy and Muslims and Christians. The chief means of
Sri Rama and a church are the places of worship livelihood of the people are agriculture, agricul- .
in the villag~. The image of Sri Ramalingeswara- tural labour, trade and other traditional occupa-
swamy is in the form of a stone Sivalingam and tions.
in Ramaswamy temple the imag:; of Sri Rama is
of stone. The temple of Kanaka Durga with the image
of the deity in human form, the temple of Chan-
drasekhara with the irnage of the deity in the form
Sri Rama Kalyanam is celebrated for one
Of a stone Lingaro and the temple of Venugopala-
day on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April).
swamy are the places of worship in the village.
The celebration is confined to the vi.llage. Local
Hindus congregate.
Sri Kanakadurgamma Uthsavam is celebrated
for 16 days from laislha Suddha Dasami to laistha
SOURCE: Sri Chitli Venkata Subba Rao, Head- Bahula Dasami (May-June). Cocoanuts and sweet
master, Special Zilla Parish ad Elementary dishes are offerd to the deity. This festivaL is
School, Mypa. being celebrated for the past 100 years and is con-
fined to the vilLlge. The devotees of the village
congregate. All communities participate in the
U. Moganu-Situated at a distance of about 5 festival. Pujari is a Brahmin of Gouthamasa
miles from Bhe::mavaram Railway Station. gotram.

The total popUlation of the village is 4,976 and Sri VenugJp:t1aswamy Uthsavam is celebrated
it is made up of several sub~communities of caste for 7 days from Phalguna Suddha Dasami to Bahula
Hindus; Scheduled Castes (510); and Scheduled Padyami (February-Much). Every day pujas are
Tribes (14). The chief means of livelihood of the performed and naivedY~lfn, camphor are offered to
pc-ople are agriculture and agricultural labour. the Lord. The devotees local and from the neig-
hbouring villages congregate without any disti-
Subrahmanyaswamy is worshipped in the nction of caste or creed. Originally there was
village. Sri Subrahmanya Shashti is celebrated for Inam land of 16 acres for Siva temple. As this
2 days from Margasira Suddha Shashti (N:wem- is in ruin~, the;e 16 acres of Lmd are transferred
 136

to Sri Venugopalaswamy temple and the income certain. Before falling a prey to Ammavaru, he
derived from the 32 acres of land is being utilised wanted to try to put end to this inhuman practice
for celebrating the festival of Sri Venugopala- of human sacrifice and save the villagers. He went
swamy. Pujari is Vaishnava of Koundinyasa to her with a strong rope. Ammavaru commanded
gotram. Pandals are put up before the temple him to prostrate before her. But he pleaded
during the festival. Dramas and Harikathas afford ignorance and requested her to show what he had
entertainment to the visitors. to do. While showing him the process as to how
to prostrate, she bowed. When she bowed, the
SOURCE: Sri E. Satyanarayana, Raju Konithivada. Goundla began to beat her black and blue with
the rope he had brought. Ammavaru requested
him to stop beating promising that she would not
14. Rayakuduru- Situated at a distance of 3i kill the villagers thereafter. The Goundla, there-
miles from Veeravasaram Railway Station on Nida- upon, left her. He came back to the village and
davole-Narsapur branch line, 3 miles from Pala- narrated what had happened to the villagers.
cole-Pamarru road, 12 miles from Bheemavaram There was general relief.
and 26 miles from Narsapur. It is believed that
this village was ruled by Sri Krishnadevaraya. It Ammavari Teertham is celebrated for a day
is said that Krishnadevaraya camped here for on Jaistha Bahula Amavasya (May-June). In the
some time and the village was named after him as past a he-buffalo was sacrificed every year dur-
Royalakuduru, which in course of time became ing the festival. After sacrifice, the blood of it
Rayakud uru, Even now some places of this village was poured into an earthen plate and placed be-
are known as Thimmaraju Cheruvu, Divanam- fore the Ammavaru, locking the temple. But now
garvu and the places where elephants, horses were the animal sacri fice has been stopped and only
stabled there IS a pond called Kannekala cocoanuts are offered. This festival is of ancient
madugu. origin and is confined to the neighbouring villages.
The devotees local and from the neighbouring
The total population of the village is 6,06 2 villages congregate. All communities participate
and it is made up of the following communities: in the festival. Pujari is an Asadi with hereditary
Caste Hindus-Settibalija, etc.; Scheduled Castes rights.
(748); and Scheduled Tribes (33). The chief means
of livelihood of the people are agriculture and It is believed that there are 101 Sivalingams
agricultural labour. in this village site though th;::y ar~ not seen any-
where in the village.
The temples of Siva al'd Ammavaru are the
places of worship in the village. There are the SOURCE: Sri Gannamagadi Somaraju, Land Lord,
images of Mamullamma and Mahalakshmamma. Rayakuduru.
The Sivalingam in the temple of Siva is believed to
have been installed by Anjaneya. When Anj-
aneya who offered to bring the Sivalingam from 15. Veeravasaram-It is a railway station on
Kailas (abode of Siva) to enable Rama to instal Nidadavole-Narsapur branch line situated at a
the same on his way home to Ayodhya could not distance of 7 miles from Bhcemavaram.
come within the auspicious time fixed for instal-
lation of Sivalingam, Sri Rama installed another The total population of the village is 13,275
Lingam. As the Lingam which Anjaneya brought and it is made up of the following communitie,;:
could not be installed by Rama, Anjaneya himself Caste Hindus - Brahmin, Koppuvelama, Kala-
installed that Sivalingam in this village. This vanth, Vaisya, Telaga, Settibalija; etc.; Scheduled
Sivalingam is, however, not being worshipped. Castes (1,981)-Adi Andhra; Scheduled Tribes (48);
Muslims and Christians. The chief means of liveli-
In the hoary past there was a cruel deity, hood of the people are agriculture and ag:-icultu-
Mamullamma. As she was harassing the villagers ral labour.
and killing them, they prayed her not to kill all
of them by offering her one person every day to Temples of Sri Visweswaraswlmy, Kanaka-
which the Ammavaru agreed. One day a Gound- durg:!, Sita Ramaswamy, Sri Venugopalaswa'1iY,
la's turn came. He was desparate as death was Gogulamma, a m,)sque, a darga and a church are the
 137

places of worship in the village. The image of Sri festivals are being celebrat~d from ancient times
Visweswaraswamy is of stone of a height of 3 feet and are common to the district. The pujari of
and that of Sri Venugopalaswamy is also of stone Visweswaraswamy is one Sri Kodimanchi Appa
2 feet high, with a silver covering. The image of Rao, a Vydika Brahmin. The pujari of Sri Venu-
Sri Sita Ramaswamy is 3 feet high and of Gogu- gopalaswamy and Sita Ramaswamy is a Nambi-
lamma is 46 inches high. Acharyulu.

Gogulamma Teertham is celebrated for Once a Muslim king who ran away from the
7 days from Chaitra Suddha Purnima (March- battle field was chased by his enemies who cap-
April). There is no animal sacrifice. The deity is tured him at this place now known as Veerava-
worshipped and vows are discharged. This festival saram and cut off his head. The body fell here
is an ancient one and is confined to this and a few whereas the head fell in Penukonda. At the place
neighbouring villages. About 1,000 Hindu devotees where the body fell in Veeravasaram, was built a
of the village and of the neighbouring villages darga which is a famous one. The devotees, local
congregate. Pujari is a potter. Prasadam is distri- and from the neighbouring districts, congregate
bu ted to all. without any distinction of caste or creed. Hindus
call him as Peerlaswamy and the Muslims as
A fair is held in connection with the fes- Peerusaheb· The devotees name their children
tival for a week near the temple. It is being held after him. Near this darga is a pond known as
fr0111 ancient times. About 1,000 persons local Gurramguntacheruvu in the village. It is said
and from the neighbouring villages congregate.
that as a king came riding on a horse and the
Sweets, mirrors and combs, pictures, photos and
horse on which the king was riding died at this
earthen toys are brought and sold. Dramas, mer-
pond, it is called as Gurramguntacheruvu to keep
ry-go-rounds afford entertainment to the congre-
green in th e minds of the village the death of
gation.
the horse.
Sri Visweswaraswamy Kalyanam is celebrated Hindu devotees that congregate for Gogu-
on Margasira Suddha Triodasi (November-Decem- lamma festival pay a visit to the darga also.
ber). Sri Venugopalaswamy Kalyanam is celebra-
ted on Phalguna Suddha Ekadasi (February-March).
Sri Sita Ramaswamy Kalyanam is celebrated on SOURCE: Sri Peddada Narasimha Rao, Karnam,
Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). These Veeravasaram.
APPENDICES
 APPENDIX I
CALENDAR OF FESTIVALS COMMONLY OBSERVED IN WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT
Corresponding
S.No. Name of the festival Tidhi in Telugu month English month
1 2 3 4
HINDU FESTIVALS
Ugadi (Telugu New Year's Day) Chaitra Suddha Padyami March-April
2 Sri Rama Navam; Chaitra Suddha Navami March-April
3 Nagula Chaviti Sravana Suddha Chavili July-August
4 Varalakshmi Vratam 2nd Friday in Sravanam July-August
5 Sr.i Krishna Jayanthi Sravana Bahula Ashtami July-August
6 Vinayaka Chaviti Bhadrapada Suddha Chaviri August-September
7 M ahalaya Amavasya Bhadrapada A mavasya August-September
(New Moon Day)
8 Dasara Asviyuja Suddha Padyami to September-October
Dasami
9 Deepavali Asviyuja Bahula Chathurdasi to Septem ber-O ctober
Amavasya
10 Dhanalakshmipuja Asviyuja Bahula Amavasya Septem ber-October
11 Subrahmanya Shashti Margasira Suddha Shashti November-December
12 Sankranti Pushyam (Makara Sankramanam) 13th to 15th January
13 Bhishma Ekadasi M agha Suddha Ekadasi January-February
14 M aha Sivaratri M agha Bahula Chathurdasi January-February
15 Kamadahanam Phalguna Suddha Triodasi Fe bruary-March
16 Holi Phafguna Suddha Purnima February-March
MUSLIM FESTIVALS
I Ramzan (ld-ul-Fitr) 1st day of Shavval February-March
2 Bakrid 10th of Zilhaj April-May
3 Moharram 10th of Moharram May-June
4 Milad-un-Nabi 12th of Rabi-ul-Avval J uly-Augus t
5 Peer-e-Dastagiri 11th of Rabi-us-Sani Au gus t-Septem ber
6 Shab-e-Barat 11th of Shaban December-January
CHRISTIAN FESTIVALS
1 New Year's Day 1st January of every year
2 Good Friday On a Friday in April of every
year
3 Christmas 25th December of every year

NOTE :- In addition to the above festivals. the national festivals viz. (1) Republic Day (26th January) (2) Independence
Day (15th August) and (3) Gandhi Jayanthi (2nd October) are celebrated by all in West Godavari District.
[4] APPENDlX I

COMMON HINDU FESTIVALS common festival are getting the houses white
washed and providing every member of the family
1. Ugadi (Telugu New Year's Day) is celebra- with new clothing depending' upon the financial
ted on Chaitra Suddha Padyami (March-April) by means of the family.
every Hindu Andhra whether rich or poor. As
it is the supposed anniversary of the creation or All persons get up early in the morning,
the first day of the Satya-Yuga' , great sanctity is clean the houses, decorate the floor inside the
attached to this festival. This is a great day of house and in front with rangavalli (ornamental
joy and happiness, concord, affection and goodwill. lines, figures and designs drawn with chunam or
There is a belief that this day's happenings forbode rice flour), take oil bath and put on new clothes.
and colour the course of events in the entire year As this is an occasion for putting on new clothing,
ahead. People naturally like pleasant things to children of the poor families are the happiest at
happen to them on this day so that they may be the arrival of this festival. It need hardly be said
happy throughout the year. Hence they take care that Ugadi is the festival of villagers. The house-
to keep themselves and others in a happy mood wives in the villages get up early in the morning
on the Ugadi day. The child's demand, rea- and commence cooking sweets and side dishes.
sonable or unreasonable, is met though grudg- Festoons (usually made up of green mango leaves)
ingly lest the family should be burdened with a are tied to the front door and also to the other
weeping child throughout the year. Every effort doors inside. Besides bhakshyam or other sweets
is made to avoid tears and sad thoughts on this the special preparation called U gadi pacchadi or
day. A sincere attempt is made to maintain a chedu or gojju is tasted by everyone before taking
clean mind free from foul thoughts and ill-will the first morsel of the day. Generally it is a
towards others. semi-liquid preparation with new tamarind, fresh
water, jaggery or sugar and certain condiments,
The years in Telugu calendar are not mere the chief ingredient being fresh margosa flowers.
numbers like 1961, 1962 etc., with no significance Even the poorest man does not fail to take in a
and no end. They recur in a cycle of sixty few petals of margo sa t10wers with jaggery. The
years and the year's possibilities can be foreseen poorer class in the villages do not bother them-
with reference to its performance in the past selves with the several side dishes, which the
cycles. They have specific names indicating more fortunate upper classes can afford to have.
something pleasant (Subhakruthu), anger (KrodhiJ, The significance of taking in margo sa flowers,
disgrace, defeat or disappointment (Parabhava) , which are bitter, along with jaggery, which is
sweet is apparently to make people realise and
enmity (Virodhi) and so on. Why and how this
cycle and the names are fixed is a topic for reconcile to the fact that life is a mixture of
research for generations. Whatever be the indi- sorrows and joys. In some places vepaprasadam
cation of the name of the new year, it must be is served in hotels before serving the menu ordered.
properly invited and inaugurated. All that the
In towns and bigger places the day is of
people can do is to be happy and thankful to the
normal festivity and enjoyment till the evening.
Lord when a year like Subhakruthu arrives or be
But in the villages unceasing activity, mirth and
cautious and pray to the Lord for his protection
enjoyment are noticed. The feast is over earlier
when a year like Parabhava comes. than ten O'clock in the morning and men and
women commence their own sports, games and
Ugadi is also an occasion for the critical competitions. Whereas cards, cock fight compe-
appraisal of the achievements during the closing titions, aiming competition by hitting a dried
year. It is an occasion for the issue of special cocoanut hung from the branch of a tree from a
volumes of the periodicals, special messages from distance with stones are the pastimes of the men,
religious and political leaders and special radio the womenfolk use every minu te of the day for
programmes. All exultation pervades the occasion. indoor games and leisurely gossip on their new
The advance preparations for this most important clothing, the new bangles and the tiny jcweh.

Yu~a is an a~e, espec~ally a sub-division of the life of the Universe. The first is called Krita- Yuga (Satya-Yuga) to
which the Hmdus assign 1,728,000 years. The second called Treta-Yuga lasted about 1,296,000 years. The third
called Dwapara-Yuga lasted about 864,000 years. And the last in which we are living is called Kali- Yuga or the
Age of Misery. It is expected to last for about 432,000 year~.
 COMMON FESTIVALS [5]

Girls tie ropes to the branches of trees, nataka and Maharashtra Christians now that we
prepare swings and enjoy swinging to competi- are an independent nation with a National
tive heights. Young men perform the special Calendar of our own. Many Hindu shops begin
feat of pulling up and down the rope ladder tied their official New Year on this auspicious day.
to the branches of trees, while they themselves
keep swinging the ladder. These are rural
2. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated on Chaitra Sud-
en tertainmen ts.
dha Navami (March-April). Rama, the God-King
was born to Dasaratha, the King of Ayodhya on
Panchanga sravanam in the evening is
the ninth lunar day in the bright fortnight of the
universally observed by the rich and the poor
month of Chaitra (March-April) in the Punarvasu
alike in all towns and villages, Hindus gather in
lunar asterism. This festival is the anniversary
temples in towns and at the rachchakatta or rach-
of that auspicious day. Rama as an ideal son,
chabanda (the village community platform) or
the temple in the villages. The new panchangam Bharatha and Lakshmana as ideal brothers, Sita
(almanac) is worshipped and read by the village as an ideal wife are immortalised in the following
purohit. The general influence of the planets poem:
during the new year over the local gods, men,
cattle, crops, discases, etc., and on particular
individuals are given out by the purohit. The
presiding deities during the year over wind, rain, Ramuvanti koduku Bharatha sowmithrula vanti
crops, cattle health, etc., are also announced
together with the effects and the percentages of
yield of crops of different varieties. The func- thammulu, Seetha vanti bharya
tions in towns during the night are the proces-
sion of gods and kathakalakshepams in the usual
manner. But the enjoyment in the villages is
continuous and enthusiastic. Vasudha yendunu leru leranchu

The New Year Day has a special significance

for the village ryot. He inaugurates the annual
cultivation by ploughing five or nine rounds in Mundu yugarnbula purushuJu thalayupa valade
his fields either on the first day or on the day
said to be auspicious. At times this is prolonged
till Eruvaka Purnima i.e., Ashadha Suddha Purnima
(June-July). The yoke and the plough and the Areethi varu nadachukona valade."
bulls are worshipped after applying vibhuthi,
pasupu and kumkum., and a cocoanut is broken'
On this day Rama, His consort Sita, His
either at the house or in the field.
brothers Lakshmana, Bharatha, Satrughna and
His devoted Bhaktha Anjaneya are invoked.
The Christians observe this festival though
Sita and Rama are worshipped according to
not on elaborate scale, but as the beginning of a
prescribed rites. This is a common Hindu
New Year with which they are blessed by the Lord.
festival but celebrated chiefly by Brahmins,
The time honoured bhakshyam which their fore-
Vaisyas, and the well-to-do families amongst
fathers had that day is invariably there. In fact
there is a conviction gaining ground both among the Hindus in some places. Fast during the
the Catholics and the Protestants of the area day by several people and jagaram during the
that there is no need to attach importance to night by some are observed. In the temples of
First January as a New Year's Day, as it claims Sri Rama,pattabhishekam (coronation) of Sri Rama
no religious significance. It may be observed as is celebrated and his image or picture is taken
any other Indian does and all the functions of in procession in which all Hindus participate
thanks-giving for the closing year and prayers for in this district. It is not a sectarian festival
the New Year, etc., can as well he transferred to confined to only Vaishnavites. In the evenings
the Telugu New Year's Day by the Andhra, Kar- distrihution of panakam and panneram in Sri Rama
[6J APPENDIX I

temples and in the houses is common. Fans in order to establish santhi, saryam and ahimsa
made of palm leaves are distributed to Brahmins. (peace, truth, truth and non-violence).
On the next day i.e., on Dasami there is
annasantharpana in Sri Rama temples. In the 3. Nagulachavithi is observed either on Sravana
houses also feasts are arranged. In some centres Suddha Chavithi (July-August) or Kartika Suddha
the celebrations commence on Chaitra Suddha Chavithi (October-November). In this district it
Padyami and conclude with kalyanothsavam on is observed on the latter day. A person whose
Navami. In other places the festival commences father or mother or any other relation happens to
with kalyanothsavam on Navami and concludes on have died of snake-bite is specially instructed to
Purnima with car festival. There is not a Hindu perform this ceremony, part of which consists in
family that does not prepare panakam and vadapappu offering milk to snakes with the object of propi-
and that does not break a cocoanut either in Sri tiating them. The general observance of the
Rama or Hanuman temple. The poor get into a festival which is common to all caste Hindus,
mood of festivity and observe the festival with irrespective of social status is to observe the day
all solemnity and devotion. They attend the as a festive day, clean the residence, have oil
kalyanothsavam, procession and harikathas. In some bath, don new clothing, and worship the already
places there is free distribution of vadapappu and cleaned ant-hill. Generally each family has an
panakam on Ekadasi besides free feeding on a ant-hill which is being worshipped for years.
decent scale on Dwadasi. There will be huge Chalimidi, panakam and vadapappu are offered.
procession of the Lord in decorated vehicles or Miniature eyes and hoods of Nagendra made of
cars accompanied by music and fire works. silver are placed on the ant-hill and fresh cows milk
is poured into it after breaking cocoanuts. A bit of
Lord Rama was born on Chaitra Suddha earth from the ant-hill is applied to the ears of
Navami (March-April) and it is but appropriate children who complain of discharge of pus.
that His birthday is celebrated on that day. Great Although silver or gold images of nagas are wor-
significance is attached to Sita Rama Kalyanam shipped at home, the women invariably visit the
which is celebrated throughout the coastal dist- ant-hill for worship. Several women fast during
ricts with great pomp. Almost in every nook the day and take chalimidi, vadapappu, and panakam
and corner of these districts kalyanothsavam is in the night. This fast is followed by a feast on
celebrated for a period of nine days commencing the next day. Several social practices obtaining
from or concluding on Sri Rama Navami. Sita in Rayalaseema during this festival arl! conspi-
Rama Kalyanam is celebrated on His birth day cuously absent in the coastal districts.
because of the great significance behind the
marriage of Lord Rama and Sita. Just before 4. Varalakshmi Vratham is celebrated on a Friday
Ramavathar, force and violence ravaged the country in Sravanam (July-August) preferably on the Fri-
resulting in massacre and bloodshed. The destruc- day preceding the full moon day in Sravanam, for
tion of Karthaveeryarjuna, the hathya of Jamadagni general prosperity and for begetting worthy
by a power-blind king and the revenge of Jama- children. A Brahmin woman by name Padma-
dagni's son Parasurama, who massacred the kings' vathi residing in the Kosala Kingdom was very
lineage and the atrocities perpetrated by Ravana pious and dutiful to her husband; hospitable to
created terror in the minds of 'sadhus and saHanas' the sick, poor and the needy; Goddess Varala-
(peace loving and good na tured persons). They kshmi appeared before her in a dream and ordained
anxiously and fervently prayed for a Satwaguna her to observe Varalakshmi Vratham on the Friday
yutha sakthi to establish santhi (peace) by destroying preceding the full moon day in Sravanam (July-
the thamogunayutha rakshasa Ravana. Rajogunayutha August). Accordingly she performed the vratam
Janaka played his part in the noble task by giving obtaining the permission of the husband. The
Sita in marrage to Lord Rama who was an incar- muthaiduvas bathe in the nearby river, tank or well
nation of Vishnu and santhakaram (personifi- before sun rise clean the puja room, select a spot
cation of peace). But for this alliance of Rama for performing the vratam and smear it with cow
and Sita, the destruction of Ravana and the lamas dung. The spot is decorated with muggu (designs
could not have been achieved. Lord Rama exhi- with flour). In the centre one measure of rice is
bited his prowess by breaking Lord Siva's bow a poured and a kalasam is placed over it. A small
symbol of rajas O'~:s (combination of sa twa and bamboo mantapam is erected over the spot. Vara-
tamas). He then married Sita, the symbol of satwa lakshmi is invoked by chanting manframs and
 COMMON FESTlVALS [7]

worshipped with flowers. Nine kinds of naivedyam

are offered. The following dhyanam is chanted to Namasthe namasthe Mahesa."
propitiate the deity while performing the vratam: "~o:l'dD ~~.:>:r-o}odD ~;Sl:)roo}o~ ~~~
Ea ~
":;$03 ~.!~o ;S~f/:;$;$:)Co)J"O 1i;)i!S' S'o~ Sivaya Vishnurupaya Sivarupaya Vishnave
Q
Vande Lakshmeem Parasivamayeem suddha jamboo f/;S;$S ~~~d:Do ~~e.s:trS;;Sg ~~~d»O
~ ~

;$C"~o Sivasya hrudayam Vishnurvishnosya hrudayam

oS';Sg
sadabham
-a€'6J"ooSo !c6!;S;:5N"0 ;:5.s~w:tr6e:.s Sivaha
Thejorupam kanakavasanam swarnabhushojwa- ~O"' ~;S ~~ ~~"6;S ~~~d:D~~;S
f79oAo Yadha Siva mayo Vishnu reva Vishnumayassivaha
d:llO"oif~~ CS~~gclli 60"'~ ;$ !J
langeem ~(j)
ID~~~o Yadhantharam Namasyami thadhame Swasthi-
O'"~~o
Beejapuram kanaka kalasam hemapadmam
60"'N'0 rayushim" ,
dadhanam In the coastal districts of Andhra, this is
iiSJ'-N'.s0 ... ~ 0
;$5 ~ eoi\)~o ~~ observed only by a few families in towns and big
Ea
Manvam shakthim sakala jananeem Vishnu places.
;:r~o~ ;$0 ~~ 5. Sri Krishna Jayanti is celebrated on Sravana
Ii)

vamanka samstham". Bahula Ashtami and Nal'ami (July-August). The

They wear nine rounds of yeliow coloured first day is Lord Sri Krishna's birthday. Sri Maha
thread on their right wrists. In the evening Vishnu took this as his eighth incarnation of His
muthaiduvas (women in married status) are invited ten avatharas.
and harathi offered to them. Flowers and tham- According to the Bhagavalhapurana, Kamsa,
bulam are distributed. Vayanams are presented a demon vowed to kill all the children born of
to a Brahmin woman in a new winnow with fruits, his sister Devaki, because he was told that his
flowers, thambulam, dakshina, new clothes and destroyer would be born of her. Accordingly he
nine varieties of preparations at the rate of twelve imprisoned his sister Devaki and her husband
each. The festival is confined to Brahmins and Vasudeva and kept strict vigilance over them.
well-to-do Vaisyas. A few Veera Saiva and other When Krishna was born, Devaki immediately
non-Brahmin communities observe it as an annual after her accou chement fell asleep, and a general
festival on one Friday based on a different legend. torpor seized all the guards at the prison due to
The legend is that Veerasimha, the king of Maga- the spell known as Yoga maya 1 of Sri Krishna.
dha prayed Lord Siva to save his subjects from During her sleep her husband Vasudeva carried
epidemics and famine. Lord Siva appeared before away the new born baby from the prison where
him in a dream and advised him about the effici- it was born, to the house of Yasoda, the wife of
ency of Sravana Sukrm'ara vratam and ordained Nanda, on the otherside of the Yamuna, and
that the king, his queen, children and all the from there brought a female child which he placed
subjects should perform the vratam. Accordingly by the side of his sleeping wife. The serpent
they performed the vratam for the good of the king Vasuki followed Vasudeva across the Yamuna
kingdom. In some cases puja and naivedyam are spreading his hood over the infant God to protect
offered not to the kalasam at home but to the from the inclemency of the weather and it is said
Sivalingam in a temple. The following is the that the river made way at the place where Vasu-
dhyanam adopted by this group of worshippers: deva crossed it.
Sri Krishna was born in the night. The
general observance is to fast the whole day. His
N.amasthe namasthe Mahadeva Sambho decorated image or His picture is kept in a
<S;$:)'t, <S:5l't, ~;S~ '\ ~tlO~ cradle and worshipped indicating His birth.
-" __. ",-cL.
Namasthe namasthe prapannaikabandho Some worship the figure of his mother Devaki
CS~ ~ CS~~ 6~~t)!Joct sitting on a cot and feeding the baby. The next
Namasthe nama~he dayasarasindho evening there is a procession of the Lord and in

Yogamaya is personified delusion: the great illusory energy of Vishnu, by whom the whole world is deluded. In the
Markandeya purana she appears as Durga, but in Vishnu puranas Vaishnavi.
[8] APPENDIX I

every street there is a celebration of utlu i.e., Ganapati, worshipped Ganapati and recommenced
two verticle poles are erected on either side of a the war and achieved victory. Thus Vinayaka
road, a horizontal bamboo is tied across and a occupies a unique place and is the recipient of
pulley is fixed in the middle over which a rope is the first puja. Ganesa is represented as a short
passed. To one end of the rope a small bamboo fat figure of yellow or red colour having four
basket is tied and a cocoanut and a few rupees are hands and the head of an elephant with a single
placed in it. The basket is decorated all around tusk. He is the son of Parvati who is supposed
with coloured cloth and heads of maize. The to have formed him from the scurf of her body.
other end of the rope is pulled up and down There are many versions to account for the form-
tempting competitors to catch and take the ation of his head, one of which is that Siva beheaded
contents of the basket, which is called utti. As him for disobeying his orders but was requested
the competitors try to catch, the utti is pulled up to restore him to life, which was done only by the
and water thrown against their faces. This addition of a sleeping elephant's head. He is repre-
function is organised almost in every street of sented as riding a rat. He is the remover of .all
the town through which the procession of the vighnams (obstacles) and is one of the most popular
Lord is taken. Even in the towns, though all of Hindu deities. He is the patron of learning
the Hindus participate in the procession, only and is said to have written the Mahabharatha to the
the Vaishnavites and a few of the other Hindus dictation of the sage Vyasa. The Ganesa or Vinay-
fast. Even in the villages one or two members in aka Chathurdhi is observed in commemoration of
the Vaishnavite families fast and perform the the birth day of Ganesa. On all auspicious occa-
festival in their houses. In a few places, the sions Vinayaka is worshipped first. Lord Siva
Krishna temples are first washed with jaggery beheaded him for obstructing him from entering
water and then with plain water in the morning, the abode of Parvati. He, however, at the request
and the usual functions held only within the of Parvati restored Ganesa to life and granted him
temple. This festival is observed in the rural the privilege of first worship on all occasions.
areas on a moderate scale by Vaishnavites. The
other Hindus celebrate it in the temple of Lord Except the poor classes each house worships
Krishna, Sri Rama or Anjaneya. an earthen image of Lord Ganesa (Ganapati) in
their house. It is also a practice to have darsan
6. Vinayaka Chavithi is a common Hindu festival of at least 5 such images. Special prepartions
celebrated by the rich and the poor of the Hindu such as undra/lu, kudumulu that are supposed
community, the scale of celebrations depending to be the favourites of Ganesa are prepared and
on the social status of the family. This is offered. On a subsequent day that is suitable to each
celebrated on the fourth day of the waxing moon family the image is taken to a well, worshipped
in the month of Bhadrapadam (August-September). there and immersed in water. Implements are
cleaned and worshipped along with Ganesa. These
Ganesa is the Indian God of wisdom. All are decorated with dots of vibhuthi, pasupu and
sacrifices and religious ceremonies, all serious kumkum. Flowers and flower garlands are profusely
compositions in writing and all worldly affairs of used in the villages. The trader worsips his weights
importance are begun by pious Hindus with an and measures; the agriculturist his plough, scythe,
invocation to Ganesa. The name Ganesa is a spade, etc., the carpenter, the barber and other
word composed of isa, the governor, or leader, artisans the implements they generally use in their
and gana, a company (of deities). Lord Siva had professions. Weapons such as guns, daggers,
to fight against the Tripura Rakshasas (demons swords, etc., are also cleaned and decorated with
who had built three cities in the sky, air and on flowers, turmeric and kumkum and puja performed
earth) I and used the earth as· His ratham by burning incense. The festival is celebrated on
(chariot), mountain Meru as His horse, etc. a large scale for a period of 9 days in some towns
Under the presumption that Vinayaka was his son and villages. A painted image of Ganapati in
and he need not worship him before undertaking pleasing colours is kept under a decorated pandal
the war, he failed to fulfil his own boon and the and worshipped for nine days. Harikathas are arran-
result was that his ratham, the earth, went down to ged in the pandal. On ninth night the image is
pathala and the Lord recollecting his own boon to taken out in a procession accompanied with music

1 Kittel's Kannada - English Dictionary

 CQMMQ:N FS~TIVALS. [9]

and fire works to a river, tank or well. It is day of this fortnight are considered to be equal in
worshipped again and finally immersed in the water. merit to those performed in the sacred city Gaya.l
In cities and big towns each street or locality It is the special function of the nearest male
erects its own pandal and observes the festival. relative of the deceased to make offerings (pinda)
All Hindus avoid seeing the Moon that day to to the ancestors in both lines for three generations
safeguard themselves against unmerited accusa- back. By the act he establishes his claim to inher-
tions during the subsequent twelve months under itance. The fortnight is known as tarpanapaksha2
superstitious belief that it is the curse given by (the fortnight of offerings) and the ceremonies as
Ganesa to the Moon, that if anyone sees the Moon sraddha 3
on Vinayaka Chavithi, he would be a victim of
unmerited accusations. If by chance they see the In this district it is observed as an ordinary
Moon, they listen to the legend of Sathrajit in which festival by the Brahmin and Vaisya families. Offer-
Lord Krishna was subjected to an accusation for ing pindams to the souls of the departed ancestors
having seen the reflection of the Moon that day in are the functions of the day. Vaisyas also observe
a cup of milk. By so doing they are supposed to the festival in the same way. Some of the non-
be absolved of the evil consequences of seeing the Brahmins content themselves by gifting a day's
Moon. ration to a Brahmin in the name of the departed
ancestors.
7. MahaJaya Amavasya is celebrated on Bhadra-
paJa Bahula Amavasya (August-September). The Lingayats do not offer pindas as they do not be-
day of the New Moon in the month of Bhadrapadam lieve in a Pitruloka but only worship the departed
when the Sun is in the sign Virgo (Kanya) is elders, the male members represented by one kala-
known as Mahalaya Amavasya. This day of the sam and the female members represented by another,
conjunction of the Sun and the Moon is considered the former decorated with male dress and the latter
by all Hindus to be especially set apart for the with female dress in additon to saffron etc. Kalasam
making of oblations and performance of religious is a chembu (vessel of copper or brass or even earth)
ceremonies to the pitrus or the spirits of departed into which water is poured and a cocoanut or a
ancestors. The Ithihasa, a great authority on the ball of vibhuthi is placed at the top surrounded
religious rites of the Hindus, says that the moment by 5 betel leaves placed in a circle with the leaf
the Sun enters the sign Virgo (Kanya) the departed ends pointiqg upwards. The kalasam is mounted
manes leaving the world of Yama, the Destroyer, on a measured heap of rice and is decorated with
come down to the world of man and occupy the pasupu (turmeric), kumkum, flowers and new
houses of their descendants in the world. There- clothes) .
fore, the fortnight preceding the New Moon day of
the month of Kanya is considered as specially 8. Dasara is a festival of ten days from
sacred to the propitiation of the departed spirits. Asviyuja Suddha Padyami to Dasami (September-
The ceremonies performed in their honour each October).
-----------------------------
Every Hindu is enjoined to visit Gaya at least once in his life time to perform the funeral ceremonies of his ancestors
and to offer pindas in their honour.
2 Generally speaking the tarpana cannot be performed by a woman, by a man whose father is alive or by a Brahmin not
endowed with the sacred thread.
3 According to the Hindu belief of the future life there are two paths followed by souls of different states of development
according to their karma (actions). The saints who have fulfilled their karma travel by the Devayana, the way of the
Gods, through the rays of the Sun and never return to be reborn on earth. Ordinary ~ouls which have yet to finish the
cycle of transmigration, travel by the Del'ayalla of the seven planes, but they can only reach two, Svarloka, heaven
or Bhuvorioka, the astral plane, according to the life they have led in the world. The souls of ordinary mortals will,
it is believed, always remain tied to earth and eventually become evil spirits tormentin3 mankind, unless the sraddha
ceremonies are duly performed to help them on their way toYama. For the firstlOdays after death the ceremonies performed
by the relatives are to help the disembodied spirit to obtain a form or preta body, whic;l will carry it/on to its appointed
pilgrimage. This is supposed to be effected by the pillda offerings, the food presented to the spirit and by recitation
of appropriate mantras. When the preta body is fully formed on the tenth day it feeds on (he pinda and offerings of
milk. On the thirteenth d.:y after death the soul is equipped for its'solemn journey. There are twelve stages in the
pilgrimage, each stage taking a month to fulfil. Throughout the twelve months the relatives follow the departed spirit
with the sraddha ceremonies, sixteen in number performed at stated times to provide it with sustenance :!nd to prepare
it for the goal. When atlast it is reached the praIa body is dissolved. The soul now becomes a pitnl and assumes
another body adopted for enjoying heavenly enjoyment or for suffering the pains of hell. In this state it comes before the
judge, Yama, the Lord of Pitrus. When the souls have enjoyed their bliss or suffered their allotted punishment, they
are again reborn on earth to fulfil the remainder of their karma.
[ 101 . APPENDIX I

It is believed that it is the anniversary of the Dasami when Arjuna took up the bow and Lord
day when Bhagiratha 1 the ancestor of Sri Rama Rama rejoined Sita.'
brought down the river Ganga from heaven.
Dasahara means removal of ten sins (Dasa =ten In the district donning new clothes is a
i.e., ten sins and hara that which removes or ex- general cllstom. In the coastal districts of Andhra
piates). Dasara or Vijaya Dasami is perhaps a Pradesh the first nine days called Devi Navarath-
corrupt form of the word Dasahara. The legend rulu are dedicated to the worship of Durga.
has it that Brahma as the head of the Gods prayed Parvati Devi is believed to have assumed several
to the Goddess Durga for the protection of forms to save the world from rakshasas. She killed
Sri Rama and the destruction of Ravana, when Mahishasura as Mayadevi, Chanda and Munda as
both were engaged in a mortal combat. The Chamundi, Sumbha and Rakthabijasura as
Goddess answered the prayer on this day and Kalika Devi, Durga~Rakshasa as Durga,etc. During
Ravana was killed. A second tradition says these nine days the idol of Parvati in one of her
that Sri Rama after his wife Sita was abducted by incarnations both in Durga or Kali temples and
Ravana, came to know of the latter keeping her'l also in Kanyakaparmeswari temple is worshipped.
under the Asoka tree in Lanka (Ceylon), collected Harikathas, religious lectures are arranged in all
his army and started out to rescue her on this temples, particularly in the temples of Durga
day which ended successfully. Every Hindu Raja and Kanyakaparamesvari. On the sixth day all
consequently considered this day the most auspi- Brahmin and Vaisya families and a few non-Brah-
cious one for setting out to wage war. The whole min families perform Sar.aswathi puja. They
of the period of ten days beginning from the first place books before a picture or an idol of Saras-
day of the bright half of Asviyuja (September- wathi (the Goddess of learning) worship her and
October) is devoted to the worship of Durga in offer naivedyam. On the eighth day Durga puja or
South India. Durgashtami is celebrated. A few Shakteyas
worship Durg:1. On the ninth day the Brahmins
Vijaya Dasami is common to all Hindus perform puja to the family deities while the
irrespective of caste or status. Besides the usual Vaisyas worship weights and measures, etc. The
cleaning of residences, oil bath and wearing of new agriculturists and other artisans such as car-
clothes, the special function of the occasion is to penters, barbers etc., worship their implements.
go to the shami tree in the evening with music, The agriculturist for example worships his plough,
worship the shami tree and offer shami leaves to scythe, spade etc.; weapons such as guns, daggers,
friends, relatives and elders wishing them well swords, etc., are cleaned, decorated and puja per-
and asking for blessings. While offering the leaves formed. In the modern days, the motor vehicles
the higher classes pronounce the following sloka: are invariably washed, decorated with flowers,
tumeric and kumkum and puja performed by
burning incense.
Sharni shamayate papam
The navarathrulu are followed by Vijaya-
dasami on Dasami.
Shami shatru vinasanam In towns and big places and big villages
~61;S;;5S GSc;po-[) Bommalakoluvu for 10 days from Padyami to Dasami
el Q
Arjunasya dhanurdhari is a special feature in families that can afford it.
Bommalakoluvu is arranging toys and fancy goods,
pictures, artificial fruits in their natural colouFs
Ramasya priyadarshanam" in a galiery with miniature parks in which small
plants sprout up in sandy beds laid for the
meaning "shami destroys sin, extinguishes occasion. Every evening during the 10 days
enemies on that sacred day of Asviyuja Suddha friends are invited and offered fruits and
1 Vishnu becam.e incarnate in t~e person of ~he .sage Kapila for the destruction of the sixty. thousand wicked sons of
Sagara. Kaplla was engaged In deep meditatIon when the sons of king Sacrara who were in search of a horse intended
for the solemn sacrifice of Asvamedha arrived near him. They found the s~ge absorbed in deep contemplation and the
hors~ grazing nearby. Accusing him of having stolen it, they approached to kill him, when fire flashed from his eyes
and I~stantly re9uce~ .the wh~le army to ashes. In order to expiate their sin, purify their remains and secure
paradise for their spmts, Bhag~ratha, the great grand son of Sagara did penance and brought down Ganga from
heaven and led her from the Himalayas, where she had afightcd, to the sea, The som of Sagara were purified.
 COMMON -FESTIVALS [Ill

thambulam. The poorer section of society enjoy Yama is worshipped with lamps on 4.sviyuja
this koluvu by visiting the richer families. The Bahula Chathurdasi (September-October) with the
villagers go round about the towns and make it belief that the forefathers who suffer in hell get
a point to enjoy the sight one of the 10 days, released and sent to heaven.
generally on the 10th day, the day of common
festivity. These toys are preserved in separate Yet, the popular belief has grown very strong
boxes carefully during the year. They gradually that the celebrations mark the destruction of Nara-
increase year after year since at least one new kasura. Whatever it might be, Deepavali is one
toy is invariably added to the stock every year. of the very important festivals for Andhras.
This is taken as an opportunity to introduce to
the young boys and girls, the various Gods and
Being an occasion of rejoicing and welcom-
Goddesses, animals, birds and wild beasts, whose
ing the Lord, elders as well as youngsters of
figures are kept in the koluvu. This koluvu also
both sexes get up very early in the morning, take
includes Savithri puja by young girls who are
oil bath and celebrate the happy occasion with fire
supposed to get good husbands.
works.
9. Deepavall and 10. Dhanalakshmi Poj.
Prepartions for the festival are made welt in
advance. Daughters and sons-in-law are invited
Deepavali is also called Naraka Chathurdasi on this occasion. It is a period of festivity during
and is celebrated on Asviyuja Bahula Chathurdasi which special food prepartions are made. The
(September-October). Dhanalakshmi Puja comes younger girls of the family tease their brothers-in-
off on the next day. All Hindus believe that law and enjoy the fun. There is display of fire
Lord Krishna along with his consort Sathya- works during the nights. In towns and even some
bhama killed Narakasura and returned home early villages hundreds of lamps are lit on pials and
in the morning on this day, thus saving the world compound walls of their houses by the rich.
from the harassment of the rakshasa; This slaying A few families light extra lamps for 3 days after the
of rakshasa is an occasion for great jubilation and festival. The merchant class particularly the
is celebrated with a grand display of fire works Marwaris perform Dhanalakshmi puja on the
both in the morning and night. Lord Vishnu Amavasya night inviting friends and relatives.
trod Balichakravarthi to Pathalaloka in his fifth Marwaries worship Dhanalakshmi represented by a
incarnation as Vamana on this day. Sri Rama metal vessel made of copper, silver or gold with
returned to Ayodhya after killing Ravana and was yellow coloured cloth. There is a slit in the cloth
coronated on this day. This is believed to be the through which coins are inserted. The amount
only day on which the sufferers in hell (narakam) placed in thc vessel on this day is never utilised
can pray to Lord Yamadharmaraja for release. for any purpose. The vessel is worshipped along
It is also said to be the day on which Bhattivikra- with a heap of money that is collected from deb-
marka who has to his credit several super human tors etc. The vessel is profusely decorted with
achievements was crowned as the emperor of the flowers and costly jewels. The picture of Lakshmi
country with the blessings of his brother Bhatti. is worshipped in the business places. Fruits,
Puranas support the episode of Bali and the worship flowers and thambulam are distributed to the invi-
of Yama for naraka vimuklhi. The following tees. In some cases there is what is known as
slokam also lends support to the above belief: chadivimpulu, which is the presentation of a small
amount by the invitees as a good wish for the
"~~~rgo~ o§:.6~5 :S~S-c:rD
<:) next year's prosperous business.
Chathurdasyanthu yedeepan narakaya
lS~oaiS 11. Subrabmanya Sbasbti takes place on the
dadhanthicha sixth lunar day in the bright fortnight of Marga-
siram (Novem ber-Decem ber) . Subrahmanya swamy,
generally known as Kumaraswamy is the God
Thesham pithru gana svarge narakatswarga of war and the general of the army of the Gods.
He is the son of Siva and Durga, mounted on a
~~d.~1 peacock with its tail spread out, a bow and a spear
mapnuyuh" is in either of his hands and be is depicted to be
[12] APPENDIX' I

very handsome. It is said that woman who have As Sri Manohar Prabhakar has aptly des-
no male children especially propitiate him to cribed in his article in thc Deccan Chronicle
beget a son as handsome and as courageous as dated 19-1-1962, "It is in the real sense a festi-
Subrahmanya. val of the harvest. Every village flourishes with
heaps of corn, pots of milk, blossoming flowers,
fruits and vegetables. Every thing will be in
It is the celebration of the birth of Kumara-
plenty. One and all, boys and girls, men and
swamy to saVe Devas and Brahmins from the women, young and old, rich and poor, hail this
Da'nava Tarakasura, who had acquired such a
festival as the symbol of affluence with joy and
boon that none but the son of Lord Siva could exuberance." In this district ad vance prepara-
kill him. But insulted by her own father Daksha, tions are made for the festival. For this pedda
Parvati had burnt herself in the father's sacrifi- panduga (great festival) money is saved for
cial fire and was reborn as the daughter of llima- purchasing new clothes for married daughters
vantha. Lord Siva was doing severe penance and sons-in-law who are invariably invited.
and nobody could disturb His penance so that he Houses are white-washed a week in advance and
could marry Parva ti and beget thc saviour of the every morning muggulu (designs) on the floor with
world. Manmadha disturbed Siva's penance and corn flour are drawn and in the centre gurugulu
got .himself burnt to ashes. for the benefit of the (semi-cone shaped small blocks of cow dung) are
universe. Lord Siva married Parvati and the arranged artistically and decorated with pasupu,
hirth of Kumaraswamy was an event of great joy kumkum and flowers. These gurugulu are removed
to the whole universe. in the evening and preserved for the bhagi
mantalu when they are burnt on the first day
Subrahmanyeswara is believed to be the of Bhogi. On that day people get up early in the
snake God and the Lord of the Nagaloka. Several morning, take oil bath and sit chit-chatting by
Hindus worship the snake God during Subrah- the side of the bhagi mantalu a fire prepared with
manya Bhash!i, though the majority celebrate it logs of wood, the gurugu!u, combustible house-
during Nagula Chavithi. The Subrahmanyeswara hold refuse such as winnows, sieves etc., and
temple in Biccavol with an ant-hill and a live even some useful things which the youngsters
serpent is the centre of worship for many devo- manage to steal and toss them into the burning
tees. Thousands of people from far and near flames. It looks as if the bhagi mantalu have
visit the temple on Subrahmanya Shashti. Of late been intended to burn away all the unwanted
this festival has acquired prominence in the two material and thus relieve a congested house. In
Godavari districts and Krishna. The recent my- some places womenfolk and girls dance round
sterious incident of a serpent establishing itself the bhagi malltalu singing songs about Gods, spring
at Mallavaram near Pitapuram in East Godavari season and harvest.
District round a Sivalingam, has enhanced the
importance of the festival in that district. The In some families newly wedded girls worship
serpent is harmless, allows itself to be touched goddess Gowramma represented by a kalasam
and worshipped and remains with the Lingam (a small potwith a cocoanut placed on the top and
after observing regularly some daily routine. betel leaves arranged artistically in a circle all
round at the bottom). Flowers, fruits and
12. Sankranti-Makara Sankranti or Utta- sweets are offered and the kalasam is taken out
rayana Sankranti is the Sun's entrance into the in procession in the evening and cleaned in a
sign Capricornus (Makara), which is identified well, tank 'or river. Brahmim:, Vaisyas, Linga-
with the Uttarayana or return of the Sun to the yats and other rich non-Brahmins place pieces
north or to the winter solstice. The festival marks of sugar-cane and regipandlu (Zijiphus jujuba) and
the return of the Sun to the northern hemisphere. coins on the heads of children.
It is generally observed from 13th to 15th January
and also on the 16th in the coastal dis tricts of
One Sri Thummala Sitaramamurthichowdary
Andhra Pradesh. It is known as Pongal in Sou-
thern India and is dedicated to the glorification has very vividly told in the following pO.ems how
of agriculture. In the coastal districts of Andhra this mirthful festival is celebrated in the Andhra
Pradesh it is the most .important.,festival.· districts:
 COMMON 'FESTIVALS [l3]

"iix~~~e' l1"l"/\ ~/\iS ~~

Legatipalalo gragi magina theeya Yi gobbi sambarambemi ehatedinayaa
tS~::>R""o.)~ N"O~ <:S6e.~'
~d5:l ~;;;''y6 Wl\ ~dil:Soll)
danivigolpedu naandhri dharmabhiksha
theeya kappura bhogi payasarnbu

Yi ruehira payasarnbu lerni choopu

Chavuluru karivepa chivuraakutho

"-
gama gamalaadu pairavankaaya kura Telugu lejanta tholukaaruvalapu javulu

~~EI!lb ;:$oe,)el:)~ ~le ~N"0o- !)oct cTll§o~ s' ll~ rso lS"o e~~
'- "-
Tarunakustambaridala mythri mynaalka Vintalolikinchu kaliki Sankran thinitlu
lOS;;;''y~o.)~ iSs'Zr-e'rse,)~
thruppudulchedi nakkadosabajji Tenugudana mintaninta moorthibhavinche.
~ ~ii3o~ B'&~~D ~6l\iS
-D M "-

Krothabellapu thodikodalai maragina iJotS~.)iS~ sC~lljct ~s' dSJit

~ ~

Neladappinatti kodalichetha noka yatta

rnuduru gummadipandu mudurupulusu W/\ Z'"oKll ~e3 ~ 8j~
_"

bhogi pongali puja purthichese

1S~'BOiS ~rs.l ol'l~ ~~t\)
Q Q
Jidduderina vennalagadda perugu ~~Qo~~ ;S-O.)iS~ ~ OS l\;Je)""E)
Q e;>
Puttinintiki vachinatti koothu gulabi
i;3~(r f Z'~6D i;3iS!~tis
Garagarikajatu mungaru cherakurasamu M ("")

Chekkilla nokathalli chenakipunike

Santharinchi vindubhojanamuseya Q

Maaru vaddinchcdi maradali kengelu

Randu randani piliche Sankramana Lakshmi. pisiki valdane nokka penkebava

-.50/\ lc:m~Q;) o~ ;;5c;5J~~ l:l6.)~

Vangi mruggulu diddu vadhuvupai ncerchalle
Yi kodipandembu lemi cheppedinuyaa Kotl& W'~ Z'~o- K~~ ~K~
~ol<:S~~d5:l i"~S~ I);S.) gadiveedi chanu nokka gadusu magadu
Andhrajatheeya sowryabhi lipsa
~~~ ;S-O.)iS' l~~~ itrSdSJl'Ic:m K~iil
M Apudu vacchina priyuni soyagamu ganuchu
Yi rangavallikalemi thelpedinayaa
l:)e:D~ O'tsl'iS S'!32r ~C:5D i;3;;$:)o.)
eJJO
Q
Telugu naari kalaadhina buddhi Dalupu ehaatuna nokka paidali chemarche

~~6 ~~a-~O'K ~lo:5.r>eo£ ~&

Kol\73~
Q
Madhura madhuranuraga samrajya pccthi
Yi gangireddu vademi palkcdinayaa
;;$:)~t\);;5~ a~t\)
Q

maruguvadda Tcnugu maa tatheta Jagamu koluvunde makaradhwajamlllu netti."

[14] APPENDIX I

Sankranti is a happy contrast to the rainy village pipers and drummers, the budabukkalas, the
Sravanam and Bhadrapadam, the damp Asviyujam sathani dasaris singing bhajan kirtans, komma dasarsi,
and the cold and unhealthy Kartikam. The fes- the jangams with their conches and bells and
tival is a spontaneous manifestation of the gangireddus (decorated bullocks) and beggars with
people's urge for gaiety and mirth. With the monkeys etc., ali parade the streets. In fact
prospects of a bountiful harvest, the faces of the these people are seen all through the month prece-
ryots in the village brighten. One hears their happy ding this festival. Bunches of marigolds in their
whistles in the fields. The harvesting ushers a rich colours strewn all round enhance the beauty
period of festivity. The womenfolk get busy fill- of the festive celebrations. The farmer has inva-
ing the granaries; cleaning and white washing their riably to feed the dhobi, barber, paleru (the culti-
houses and making preparations for the festival. vator of his fields), the blacksmith, the carpenter,
•• ~ _.
c;CI'c~)£ao .sw..)OQ ~Ot.Xl~··
Q
(Uttarayanam vach- the family servant and the common hereditary
chindi vurettuko) U ttarayana has come, village servants of all types.
hang yourself is said by persons to their
coevals in a joccular way. The implication is In villages the story of Gajendro moksham
that during the six months of Dakshinayanam the from Bhagavata purana is recited for 30 days be-
gates of Vaikuntam (the abode of Lord Vishnu) fore Sankranti i.e., Dhanurmasam. The villagers
are closed and therefore those that die during believe that this parayanam and the darshan
this period have absolutely no chance of entering of Lord Vishnu on the concluding day will
Vaikuntam. On the commencement of Utta- ensure salvation. During this month, just
rayanam the gates of Vaikuntam are flung open and before going to bed, the elders repeat the
hence it is worthwhile to hang oneself to death famous verse in Gajendra moksham ending with
so as to ensure entrance into Vaikuntam. It is
because of this that Bhishma, who had a fatal
blow in the battle field waited till Uttarayana
Rave Eswara Kavave varada samrakshinchu
Punyakalam since he had acquired the power to die
whenever he desired. Bommalakoluvu commences fS~iJ~~
in the evening. During this festival toys, fancy bhadratmaka "
goods, pictures, artificial fruits in their natural co-
lours are arranged in a gallery. Miniature parks in The third day is Kanuma, and on this day
sandy beds arc laid out as additional attraction.
work is suspended and no journeys are under-
These toys are preserved in separate boxes care-
taken.
fully during the year. They gradually increase
year after year since at least one new toy is
invariably added to the stock every year. Friends
and relatives are invited to attend the koluvu
Kanumanadu kaki yaina bayata velladu" mean-
where they are offered fruits and Ihambulam.
ing even a crow does not stir out on Kanuma.
This festival affords a good opportunity to teach
The non-vegetarians enjoy a good feast and re-
young boys and girls, about various Gods and
vel in drinking, cock fights, ram fights, wrestling
Goddesses, animals, birds and wild beasts
and running races for bulls in competitions.
with the help of models kept in the koluvu.
This koluvu also includes Savithri puja by
Mukkanuma celebrations taking place on the
young girls who are supposed to get good
fourth day are of special significance to the
husbands. The family deities are worshipped and
coastal districts. Gopuja i.e., worship of cows
offered fruits, cocoanuts and naivedyams. Besides
and bulls is an important function of the day.
their family deities Lingayats worship a trident,
The story behind this is that Lord Siva took
the weapon of Lord Siva on this occasion.
Basava as his vahanam (vehicle). One day the Lord
ordered Basava to announce to the world that
everyone should take oil bath every day and food
The second day is Sankranti also called
once a month. Inadvertantly, Basava announced
Pedda Panduga. The streets are thronged by persons that everyone should take food every day and oil
of lower strata of society in their new attire going bath once a month. When Lord Siva came to
from door to door expecting doles and alms. The know of it he grew angry and cursed that Basava
 COMMON FESTIVALS [15J

should go down to earth and commence ploughing After his defeat by Arjuna he waited till Magha
the fields from Eruvaka punnama i.e., Ashadha Sud- Suddha Ekadasi and died on this day after the
dha Purnima (June-July) and help the people in Makara Sankramanam called uttarayana punya kalam.
producing enough of food by Sankranti every year. Brahmins observe fasting, perform puja to Bhishma
As a mark of gratitude and thanks giving, the and break their fast on Dwadasi with parani, a
cows and bulls are bathed and decorated on this feast. Certain families invite a Brahmin and
day; payasam is given to them and in the evening hear the story of Bhishma's life and give him a
they are taken out in a procession. day's ration. The festival is observed in this
district even in villages by a few educated
13. Bhishma Ekadasi is celebrated by a very families.
few Brahmins on Magha Suddha Ekadasi (January-
February). 14. Mahasivaratri 2 falls on the fourteenth
day of the waning moon in the end of Magham
It has its source in the primitive institutions (January-February). This in the estimation of
of the Hindus, of which the worship of the pitrus, the followers of Siva is the most sacred of all
the patriarchs or progenitors, the Diti manes their observances, expiating all sins and securing
constituted an important element. This day is the attainment of all desires during life and union
dedicated to Bhishma,l the son of Ganga, the with Siva or final emancipation after death. The
great uncle of Pandava and Kaurava princes. He ceremony is said to have been enjoined by Siva
was killed in the course of the great war between himself who declared to his wife Vma that the
the Pandavas and the Kauravas, and dying child- fourteenth day of the dark half of Magham, if ob-
less left no descendant in the direct line on whom served in honour of Him should be destructive of
it was incumbent to offer him funeral honours. the consequences of all sins and should confer final
In order to supply this defect persons in general liberation. The three essential observances on
are enjoined to make libations of water on this this day are fasting during the whole tidhi or lunar
day to his spirit and to offer him sesamum seeds day, holding a vigil and worShipping the Lingam
and boiled rice. The act expiates the sin of a during the night. After bathing in the morning
whole year. One of its peculiarities is that it is the worshipper recites his sankalpa or pledges him-
to be observed by persons of all the four original self to celebrate the worship. He then recites
castes. The intention of the rite as now under- special mantras (holy texts) and offers an arghya
stood is expressed in the mantras uttered at the (oblation) after which he goes through the matrika-
time of presenting the offerings: '1 present this nyasa a set of gesticulations accompanied by short
water to the childless hero Bhishma. May prayers. The repetition of nyasa (i.e., touching
Bhishma, the son of Santhanu, the speaker of parts of the body while repeating certain mantras)
truth, the subjugator of his passions obtain by this accompanies every offering made to the Linga;
water the oblations due by sons and grand sons.' they are fruits, flowers and incense and lights
Bhishma was a great general and philosopher. Devotion to truth and duty. self-restraint and self sacrifice. were all
illustrated by him throughout his bng life in a manner almost unparalleled in the history of India. His father fcll in
love with the daughter of a fisherman. who would not give her in marriage till he was assured of her is~ue from the
king succeeding to the kingdom. Bhishma having come to know of his father's attachment for the girl went to her
father and not only renounced his own claim to the throne. but by taking a vow of life long celibacy cut off his line of
offspring, saying that even dying childless he would attain heaven. So firm was his attachment to the vow that when on his
step-brothcr's death no male child was left in the family and he was earnestly solicited by even his step-mother to marry
and rule the kingdom, he replied, 'I can renounce the empire of heaven, but truth I shall never renounce' Lying on
his death-bed in the battle field of Kurukshethra he gave advice to the Pandavas upon duties of kings, philosophical
and social problems and upon questions of polity, of the art of war, the means of attaining salvation. etc.
2 We dive into tt:: ethical, metaphysical and allegorical lesson and import of the Mahasivaratri-Vrata. It will 110t be
out of place for us to begin with a bird's eye glance into the historical incident associated with this great Vrata. It is
briefly as follows:
A hunter at Kasi goes into the forest on hunting and on his way back sinks into deep sleep (owing to sheer physical
exhaustion) under a tree and wakes there from to find the Sun has set already. In tense and awe-inspiring darkness
envelopes the whole forest, no ray of light enters it to pierce the darkness and show him his way home; but the forest
night is vigorously alive and resounds with the roarings of lions, tigers and other wild quadrupeds. It is impossible
to think of returning home and he therefore decides to ascend the tree and pass the night on that brittle perch, which
however unsafe, seemed safer at any rate than terra firma. Fortunately for him five happy coincidences combine for
his happiness and they are-(l) that it is Mahasivaratri night, (2) that it is a Bilwa tree which he has climbed, (3) that
an ancient Sivalinga is just below him, (4) that owing to his having come out early at mOf!l and stayeQ out all the time,
he has not eaten eVen a single morsel of food and (5) that it b<eing the Sasil'lltu (dewy season) the Bilwa kaves which
arc wetted by the seasonal dew (and which owing to his frequent changing of his uncomfortable posture) <ire displaced
from their setting, fall continually all the night through on the Sivaiinga beneath.
[16] APPENDIX I

and the like during the whole ~erernony. The Linga fruits, panakam and panneram which they take as
is to be propitiated with different articles in each prasadam, observe jagarana (keeping awake the
watch of the night, on which the vigil is held. whole night) attend thepurana kalakshepam,Harika-
In the first it is to be bathed with milk. Incense, thas or dramas with a theme of Siva. The next
fruits, flowers and articles of food, as boiled rice moring they break their fast after a bath and puja
and some times even dressed flesh, are offered with During the second day also they desist from sleep.
the repetition of mantras. In the second it is One general practice is that this festival is obse-
bathed with curds. In the third the bathing is rved not at their residence but at holy place or
performed with ghee. In the fourth watch the place of Siva pilgrimage such as Srisailam and
Linga is bathed with honey. Brahmins are entert- Mahanandi etc., and at times hundreds of miles
ained and presents are made to them. Women away from home with the belief that these places
as well as men perform this vrata. are further sanctified during the period by the
presence of devathas that visit the centres to wor-
All Hindus except Vaishnavites observe this ship the presiding deity though invisible.
festival. There is not much difference in the
observance by the several sub-communities that 15. Kamadahanam and 16. Holi-These festivals
observe it. On Magha Bahula Chathurdasi (January- are practically unkown in this district, though
February), devotees fast the whole day, go to Siva they are very common in Rayalaseema and Telan-
temple for abhishekam, worship and offer cocoanuts, gana and celebrated on a hrge scale. A few

In other words the hunter has unwittingly fulfilled an the requirements of the Mahasivaratri-Vrata including the
fasting the all night vigil and the Bilwarchana (worship with Bilwa leaves) and Lo! and behold. We find Bhagwan
Sri Sh~nkara pouring forth His grace on the hunter purging him of all his innumerable sins and giving him salvation.
The story is a long and beautiful one, pathetic in its setting and soul stirring in its description. This bare skeleton
summary of it will, however, suffice for our present purpose.
Let us now proceed to a brief study of the inner, spiritual, allegorical and symbolical significance of this Mahavrata.
But in order to unravel and understand its inner s~cret it is necessary that we should analyse the compound word
"Sivaratri-Vrata" into its three component parts, i.e., Ratri, Siva, Vrata of each separately and then synthesise them
again together. Along therewith, we shall of course have also to consider the :sadhana (means required) for and the
phal (the result) of the Vrata.
That changeless being in whom all the world rests is Siva or He who destroys all evils, ignorance and Sorrows is the
blissful one. He is omnipresent, omniscient and omnipotent. Ratri is to give and means that which gives peace and hap-
piness. In the present instance ratri does not mean ,physical night but symbolises the withdrawing by the Sadhaka (aspirant)
on the ladder of spiritual progw;s of all his sense, his mind and his intellect-nay, his whole being away-from all the
follies and the distractions, the ~nares and the delusions of the mere sensual world around him and his in-drawing of
himself into the supreme self wlthm.
The idea behind the vigil prescribed is thus not mechanical one of physical awakeness but of our keeping constant
and vigilant watch ov.er ourselves (i. e., our misleading mind and straying senses) and oUf keeping absolutely and
vigilantly awake and alive to the paramathmathathwa (the inner reality, the supreme self within) which we generally
sleep over or are not fully alive and awake to.
Upavasa does not mean mere physical fasting. It also means turning our senses and mind away from their Bahir-
mukha-vriththi (i.e., their external sense-ward tendency) and making them Antharmukha (turned inwards i.e., towards
the supreme soul within), we really perform or, in other words, dwell spiritually and intellectually-God-ward.
Upavasas thus involve not a mere physical fasting but also the mental turning of ourselves towards God.
Amavasya grammatically means dwelling, i.e., dwelling of the Sun and Moon together. On the spiritual plane
however, the Sun and the Moon symbolise the paramatma and thejivatma (the universal soul and the individual soul)
respectively. Amavasya means the samadhi-yoga stage wherein the jiva has become one with the paramatma and there
i~ the actual experience of absolute Monism, oneness of God, the individual soul and the whole universe. Krishna
Chathllrdasi night is prescribed because the jiva has withdrawn himself into the Lord but is not yet so completely
absorbed and merged as to lose his individual consciousness where no furth~r sadhana is left or ever pos~ible. This
is the SlIbha muhoortha (the auspicious moment) for Sivopasana which can lead us to Amavasya or the
Samadhiyoga,
To sum up, recapitulate and conclude, tho hunter of the narrative. there is jiva (the individual Soul) who goes out
on his incessant quest after sensual enjoyments but, tired and sick and sore and disgusted with his unending travel and
vain search for re.al and lasting happiness through sense enjoyments, falls asleep to them or withdraws himself from them,
fasts absolutely (I.e., sh.uns sensuality materialism and bestiality altogether) wakes up to realise the character of forest
darkness of Agnana (Ignorance) which envelopes him on all sides, seeks protection therefrom and its terrors by
climbing the tree of Jnanasadhana, keeps vigil all through, i.e., is always on his guard against succumbing any more
to the sn~res and tempta~ions of the flesh a~d senses and performs perpetual puja [Worship .of Sh:a the
Antharyaml, Lord of the Ulliverse and thereby attams the oneness with God consciously or unconSCIOusly IS the
one ultimate inner wish of and heart's inner most deSire of every jiva (individual soul) in the whole universe]. Such
are the allegorical lessons of Mahasivaratri.
(Article in Bhavan's journal, March 4 1962 on Mabasivaratri and its significance by H. H. Sri Bharathee
Krishna theertha of Puri) .
 COM.MQN F,ESTIVAL.S [11J

Agnikulakshatrias celebrate this festival on Phal- new clothes and each member in the well-to·do
guna Suddha Purnima (February-March) by burning families distributes among the poor I! measures
an effigy of Kama or Manmatha .in their locality. of wheat or rice or cholam to enable the poor also
This is followed by vasanthothsavam on the next to participate' ill the common namaz. They go
day. The Marwari merchants celebrate HoE as a for the namaz to Idgah (open place where -a wall is
day of festival with feasts. constructed on a raised platform on the western
outskirts of the village or town). One distingui-
COMMON MUSLIM FESTIVALS shing feature at the time of namaz is that the rich
and the poor stand together in a row shedding the
1. Ramzan is observed during the ninth cloak of social status. When the Muslims in a
month of Muslim year viz, Ramzan (January- village are too few to form a congregation or poor
February). Prophet Mohammad, while he was and lack in culture to have an ldgah to conduct
doing penance in Gha-e-Hira (a cave) in Mecca namaz at their own place, they go to the neigh-
at his fortieth year is believed to have acquired bouring village and join the congregational namaz.
Quran sent by Allah through Gabriel. The observ- The fast is not sometimes observed by those who
ance of this month is one of the five cardinal lllay have to attend to the daily duties in the
practices in Islam and express commands regard- office, field, or shop, etc., though their non-obser-
ing it arc given in the Quran. vance of roza is sinful in the eyes of the shariyat
(religious law). But the namaz at the ldgah is
Throughout the month Muslims commence seldom missed by anyone. The procession to
their fast at 4-30 a.m., every day and break it only Idgah is by one route and they return by another, so
after sunset. In the large towns of this district that the beggars that line up the route on both
these timings are indicated for the convenience of sides might have the benefit of the charity of the
the public by a siren or fire crackers. In certain rich.
towns and big villages of this district where the
Muslim population is considerable, one or more 2. Bakrid (The cow feast) is also called ld-e-
groups of Muslims go round the stree}s and lanes Qurban (the feast of sacrifice) and Id-ul-Kabir or
singing in praise of the Prophet thus waking up Bari Id (the great feast). It is celebrated on the
the Muslims by 4 O'clock in the morning, so that tenth day of Zilhaz (April-May) and it is part of
they may take their food before the scheduled time. the rites of the Mecca pilgrimage. It is observed
This appears to be the duty of some poor Muslims in all parts of Islam, both as a day of sacrifice and
for which they are remunerated either in cash or as a great festival. It is founded on command in
kind. All luxuries and also such habits as the Quran, Chapter XXII, verses 33-38. Two of
smoking, chewing and snuffing are avoided during the verses are:
this period and a complete fast during day time
is observed. The observance of fast is so strict "Ye may obtain advantages from the cattle upto
the set time for slaying them; then the place for
that during that period some orthodox Muslims sacrificing them is at the ancient house. By no
do not even i>wallow their own saliva. During means call their flesh reach unto God. neither
their blood; but piety on your part reacheth Him.
the nights Moulvies deliver lectures on Islam. Thus hath He subjected them to you that ye mag-
In addition to Isha (the night prayer) additional nify God for His guidance; moreover announce
glad tidings to those who do good deeds,"l
prayer namely ta-ra-vih (20 rakaths) is offered and
a part of the Holy Book (Quran) is recited. On The legend goes that before the birth of
badirath or the best night (shab-e-khader) which Prophet Mohammad, there was Ibrahim (Abraham)
falls On the 26th or 27th day according as the a prophet who condemned polytheism and animal
mOllth consists of 29 or 30 days recitation of the sacrifice before images. It is he that constructed
Holy Book is completed. On badirath all keep Kaba. He beheaded the minor idols secretly,
awake till 4 a.m., when the reading of Quran will placed the sword in the hand of the presiding
be completed and sweets are distributed. The deity and proclaimed that the crime was commi-
fast is broken in the night at home by some and tted by the deity itself. The enraged mob threw
with a common dinner from a common plate in him into the fire but the angels and God saved
the mosque by several. The last day is khuthba him. God commanded that he should sacrifice
day i.e., 1st day of Shal'val on which the observance his only SOil Ismail, begot at the ripe age of
culminates with great pomp and show. All wear eighty. Though Satan tried to dissuade him,
1 E. Denison Ross. An Alphabetical list of the Feasts and Holidays of the HJndus and Mulummadans (Calcutta: 1914). p.l02
 [18] APPENDIX

Ibrahim, executed the Lord's command. However, For the sllbsequent four days three takbirs
it was only a test and his son was restored to are recited after every namaz (prayer) in H.is
life. An orthodox version is that God desired praise for the m.ercy shown in restoring Ismail to
Ibrahim to sacrifice to him the best he loved. The life. Rich persons give alms to the poor.
best he loved was his youngest son Ismail or Ishmail
who was made to prostrate blind-folded. Ibrahim 3 Moharram -"The name of the first month
of the Muslim year is also the name given to the
with his eyes covered, repeating the word, Bismillahi first ten days of the month observed by the
Allah-ho-Akbar (with the name of God who is great) Shiahs in commemoration of the martyrdom of
Hussain, the second son of Fatimah, the Prophet's
drew the sword across his neck. In the mean- daughter by Ali. A short account of this tragic
while, however, the archangel Gabriel, snatching event is necessary to understand the quaint cere-
monies which are observed on this festival.
Ismail from underneath the blade, substituted a Yazid, who succeeded his father Muawiyah in the
broad-tailed sheep in his stead. Ibrahim unfold- year 60 A.H., waS a drunkard and a debauchee.
The people of Kufah, which was the home of
ing his eyes observed to his surprise and joy the theologians and priests in those days, was scanda-
sheep slain and his son standing behind. God lized and he in return treated them with much
contempt. At this time Hussain was residing at
ordained that a cow (or a bull) or a sheep or a Mecca. He had never taken the oath of alle-
goat be sacrificed in his place. Animal sacrifice giance to Muawiyah or to Yazid, and so now the
people of Kufah begged him to come and promis-
appears to have come into vogue from then. ed to espouse his cause if only he would prono-
unce the deposition of Yazid and take away the
Caliphate from the house of Umayyah. The
In commemoration of this sacrifice Bakrid is friends of Hussain in vain urged that the people
observed on the tenth day in the Muslim month of Kufah were a fickle lot and that they could, if
they wished, revolt against Yazid without his
of Zilhaj (April-May). On that day the Muslims help. Hussain accepted the call and started for
go to Jdgah (an open place where a wall is cons- Kufah with his family and a small escort of
tructed on a raised platform on the western out- horsemen and one hundred foot-soldiers. But
meanwhile Yazid sent the Governor of Basrah to
skirts of the village or town), without having obstruct the way and Hussain on the plains of
their breakfast, as a mark of respect to Ismail Karbala found his progress arrested by a force of
3,000 men. The people of Kufah gave no aid.
and offer their namaz (prayer). It is beli- Submission or death was the alternative for him.
eved that the deer in the forest stands on one leg He asked his followers that those who wished to
go, could do so. But they refused to leave him say-
without even feeding its young one till the namaz ing what excuse they would .give to his grand-
is over. Therefore, the namaz is performed early father on the day of judgment, if they abandoned
him? One by one the little band fell, and
even before tak.ing break.fast. Within three days, at last Hussain and his little son, a mere infant
the head of the family takes a sheep or a cow or a alone remained. Hussain sat on the ground:
Not one of the enemies seemed to dare touch him.
goa t and turning its head towards Mecca, says He took the little lad up in his arms; a chance
arrow pierced the child's ear and he died at once.
"In the name of the great God verily my Hussain placed the corpse on the ground saying
prayers, my sacrifice, my life, my death, belong to "we come from God and we return to Him. 0 God
God, the Lord of the worlds. He has no partner; give me strength to bear these misfortunes," When
that is what I am bidden; for I am first of those as he stooped to drink, an arrow struck Him in tb~
who are resigned. "And then he slays the ani- mouth. Encouraged by this, the enemy rushed on
mal. The flesh of the animal is divided into three him and sPt:edily put an end to his life. The plain
portions, one-third being given to relations, one- of Karbala IS now a place of sacred pilgrimage to
third to the poor and the remaining third Shiahs, and the sad event which took place there
reserved for the family. It is considered highly is kept alive in their memories by the annual cele-
meritorious to sacrifice one animal for each mem- bration of the Moharram."2
ber of the family, but as that would involve an
expenditure few could bear, it is allowable to Hus~ain's brother Hassan was beheaded while he
sacrifice one victim for the household. In was deeply engaged in namaz.
extreme cases men may combine together and
make one sacrifice for all, but the number of
persons so combining must not exceed seventy. Strictly speaking this is no occasion for festi-
Some authorities limit the number to seven."l vityand joy. In fact several pious Shiah and Sunni
Muslims observe fast, recite the Quran at home
The skin of the sacrificed animal should be during the ten days and the tenth day is observed
sold and the money thus got distributed among as ashurah (mourning day). It is the Muslim belief
the poor. Quite apart from its religious ceremo- that the future khiamath (destruction of the world)
nies, the festival is observed as a great occasion will be on a Friday of this ten days period of
of rejoicing. Chappaties (wheat bread), sweets Moharram. The Shiahs, a sub-community of
and bowls of khima are the only preparations for Islam, observe this as an occasion of immense pain
the dinner. Rice is not cooked generally. and sorrow. They weep and wail beating their
Presentations are made to the youngsters. breasts during these ten days. Cots are upturned,
1 E. Denison Ross, op. cit., p.IO}
2 Ibid., pp. 106-107
 COM\10N FESTIVALS [ 19]

mats are wound up and the bare floor is made the The buthi (curd and cooked rice with cORdi-
sleeping place during the peLod. They wear only ments) brought from home is offered as fatihahs at
black clothes. Th;:;y perambulate thc streets the river and distributed in small quantities to as
with a flag expressing their sorrow, recounting the many of those assembled as possible. After the
Hctivitics of the departed heroes Hassan and iml11er,ion ceremony, the a/ams are wrapped in
Hussain and colling out their names. The highly cloth and kept in ashur khanahs for 3 days. Though
orthodox Shiahs condemn even the processions. non-vegetarian food is prohibited for 3 days, it is
They consider the two heroes equal to Prophet ob~erved for a day except by the Shiahs. Sherbath
Himself. is generally distributed. After the third day the
"Some days previous to the [,slival, the imal11bara alams are taken home and kept in safe custody
(house of the Imam) also called. as/lllr khanah for the n~xt Moh'lrram.
(ten day house) is prepared. As soon as the new
moon appears, the p~ople gather together in the
various imambaras and offer fatihahs over some 4. Milad-un-Nabi is observed by all Muslims on
sherbet or some sugar in the name of Hussain. the twelfth day of the month Rabi-ul-Avval (August-
Thefatihahs concludes thus: '0 God, grant the
reward of this to the soul of Hussain.' The September), in commemoration of the death of
sherba(h and sugar are then distnbuted. The Prophet Mohammad.
illlambara is generally a temporary structure or
some large hall fitted up for the occasion .... The
{Iiams or standards which are commonly made of
The story goes that, being an orphan, Moha-
copper and brass though occasionally of gold or mmad was fed by HaJima, a poor woman, with
silver, are placed against the walls. The usual stan- her milk and when he grew up he was tending the
dard is that of a hand placed on a pole. This is
emblematic of the five members (the Prophet Him- sheep along with the son of Halima. Even as a
self, Ali, Fatim<!h, H<;.'>san and Hussain) who com- baby he refused the milk from the right breast of
pos,~ the family of the Prophet, and is the special
standard of the Shiahs."l Halima which he left it to her son. One day
Gabriel cut the chest of Mohammad, washed the
For th:: first six days nothing elsc takes place. heart wi th sacred water and prepared him to be a
From seventh to ninth day they are taken out Prophet and a reformer of the world. He perfor~
in procession in the streets. Fires are kindled in med penance and got Quran from God through
open spaces and the people both old and young Gabriel. He preached that Almighty was one and
fence across the fire and jump abollt calling OLlt as a consequence had to escape from Mecca to
"Hussain! Hassan!" The three days are enjoyed Madina, where he acquired 330 disciples in the
with fcill cy dresses of tigers, b;:!a rs etc., and first instance. He spread his Gospel, gradually
mimicry. Both Hindus and Muslims go to the regained Mecca and passed a way in the year 1775
imambara for offering fatihahs to alams. On the on the twelfth day of Rabi-ul-Avval. On this day
evening before the tenth day which according to food is cooked and after fatihahs have been read
the Muslim mode of computing time is the tenth over it, it is distributed to the poor. Both in
night, alt the taziyahs and the alams are taken out private houses and mosques, meetings are held at
in procession. It is a scene of great confusion, which the story of the birth, mirades and death of
for mell and boys. disguised in all sorts of quaint the Prophet are reci ted. They keep awake through-
get up run about fencing and jumping. At a out the night and namaz is performed. Quran
convenient hour in the night of the ninth day is recited in mosques during which period the
burning cinders are levelled in the pit ill front of moustache (often a single hair of it and a piece
the as/lUI' khallah and devotees both Muslims and of black blanket) are removed slowly from the box
Hindus, a few holding alams walk across the fire. in which they are preserved and are shown to the
Whatever the principle might be, the influence of gathering by the Qazi. This is done only in big
the ten days observance of Dasara with fire walking towns. Relatives are entertained to a good
in several places is seen in the ten days' obser- feast. This festival is, however, not observed in
nces of Moharram. It is the carnival of the lower rural parts in this district. Even in towns it is
class Muslims and Hindus. On the following day observed by a limited number of families which
after fatihahs are read, the taziyahs and a/ams are are pious or rich or educated.
taken away to the nearby river, tank or a well
outside the town. There the immersion ceremony 5. Peer-e-Dastagiri is celebrated on the ele-
takes place, which is washing the peerlu in water ventll day of the fourth month i.e., Rabi~us-Sani
and removing them from the poles on which they (August-September) by the Sunnies in honour of
were kept mounted from the first day of the festival. the saint Abdul Khadar leelani or Geelani. His
E. Denison Ross, op. cit., pp. 107-108
(20) APPENDIX 1

tomb stands at Baghdad and is visited by Sunni COMMON CHRISTIAN FESTIVALS

MUslims and some non-Muslims as well. This is an
occasion of his birth day celebration. In his name a 1. The New Year's Day - The first of January
green flag is taken in procession to the accompani- is celebrated as the New Year's Day by all Chris-
ment of music and is finally erected on a platform tians. Celebrations commence an hour or two
specially constructed for the purpose in places before the actual birth of the New Year. Between
where the Sunnies are in a majority. In other places 10 and 11 0' clock on the night of the 31 st Decem~
the flag is fixed on a margosa tree near the en- ber of the preceding year there is the 'Watch
trance to the place. This is done with the belief Night' service in churches. The function commen-
that a flag of Peer-e-Dastagiri who was a great ces with the distribution of sweets to the assem-
saint wo uld protect the place warding off all bly. A speech is delivered about the closing year.
epidemics and foul play of Satan. Just as in Exactly at 12 O'clock in the midnight a speech is
Mohrram it is a very happy occasion though for delivered ushering in the New Year. Songs about
a single night. In the rural parts of this district the coming year, about the glory of God, in praise
it is an interesting sight to witness a vast crowd of Christ and prayer for His blessings are sung
of Hindus with a handful of Muslims moving individually and in chorus. At about 00-30 hours,
together in a procession with the green flag flying the function concludes by a service and mutual
above and music playing in the front,practically the exchange of greetings for the New Year by those
entire cost being contributed by the leading Hindu assembled there. At 5-30 hou1'3, in the morning
community of the village concerned. In towns, of the New Year's Day each famiiy conducts ser-
a few orthodox Muslims who are educated com- vice in the house. Prayers are offered for the
mence 10 days earlier reading the life and other benefits 9f the previous year and for blessings in
holy books on Islam and conclude the festival the ensuing year. After bath and wearing of
with poor feeding on a small scale whether there new clothes, greeting cards, gifts and sweets are
is a procession or not. Several miracles are distributed to friends and relatives. Church
attributed to the credit of the great saint. At service between 9 and 11 a.m., is attended by all.
the earlier stages of his life he converted u gang Dedication of the Biblical names by the pastor to
of robbers by telling them how much of money he the new born babies and special prayers for the
had with him and where he had kept it. When extensioll of the Kingdom of Christ brings the
the robbers qnestioned him why he revealed the function to a close.
fact while there was an opportunity to save his
money, he replied that normally it was a great At home each family exhibits the greetings
sin to utter a lie and that it would be a greater and gifts such as toys, clothing, sweets, etc.,
one in his case, as he had promised his mother, at received from friends and relatives on a table in
the time of leave taking and receiving her blessings, the well decorated hall of the house cleaned and
not to utter a lie. The gang of robbers reformed decorated. The d2Y is one of rejoicing with
themselves and became a group of his disciples. choice sweetmeats and non-vegetarian dishes for
dinner.
In this district the festival is more conspicuous
in villages than in towns. Besides contributing one-tenth of a month's
income to the Church by all devoted Christians,
6. Shab-e-Barat or Night of Record-This fes- special olIerings nre made to the Church for the
etiv 1 is held on the night of the fourteenth of the extention of the kingdom of Jesus Christ i.e., for
eighth month i.e., Shahan (December-January) the mission of converting others into Christianity.
and it is believed that the duties of the men for the The exchange of greetings is not confined to
ensuing year are recorded. The whole night is Christians alone. It is extended to all classes of
spent either in prayer or in recitation of Quran educated people. The Christians distribute sweets
in' a happy and pleasant mood with illumination to all their Hindu and Muslim friends in the
and display of fire works. We find in these locality.
celebra tions the influence of Deepa vali celebrations
conducted by the Hindus with great mirth and For the recently converted uneducated Hari-
joy, lavishly indulging in fire works. This is a jans of the country side, the New Year's Day has
common festival among Muslims though the cele- no special significance, unless the concerned
bration is confined to a few rich and educated pastor undertakes to hold the function of dedi-
Muslims of town~. cating Diblical n,~l11e" to tbe converts here and
 'COMMON FESTlVALS [21]

there during the close of the year. Illspite of elders observe the fast very strictly and engage
these celebrations, Christians do not attach much themselves in prayers. On friday Church service
religious importance to this New Year's Day. is conducted from 11.00 hours to 16.00 hours,
There is a convention gaining ground both among when only seven persons speak, the significance
the Catholic" and Protestants that there is no being that the Lord spoke only seven words from
need to attach importance to 1st Janu3TY as a the cross before His death. Each speech is pre-
New Year's Day. It may be observed as any ceded and followed by a prayer. No true Christian
other Indian does, as the first day of the official fails to observe fast at least on that day. The
calendar year. Along with the preparation and Sunday following is Easter. Early in the morning
enjoyment of the time honoured bhakshyam from at 5.00 hours all the members of the church start
the days of forefathers, all the functions of in procession from the church to an open space
thanks giving for the closing year and prayers preferably a grove. There they sing in praise of
for the new year etc., can as well be trans- the Lord after which there is a sermon by a learned
ferred to the Telugu New Year's Day by the preacher. By 7.00 hours they return home and
Andhra, Karnataka and Maharashtra Christians get ready to attend the church by 9.00 hours.
now that we are an Independent Nation with a Roman Catholics, however, do not go in procession
na tional calendar of our own, but attend their respective churches, have service
from 3 to 4 p.m., as Jesus is believed to have been
2. Good Friday - Jesus Christ was crucified in crucified at 3.00 p.m. They observe jagarana on
Jerusalem by the Jews on Friday and Good Friday the night of Saturday previous to the Easter
is celebrated to commemorate the day. It is a Sunday which they call "Easter Vigil". Imme-
part of the celebration of the Easter and comes diately after the service in the church, 'Lord's
immediately before the Easter Sunday, Easter supper' is observed by those who believe in the
being the most joyous of Christian festivals resurrection of Jesus Christ. Bread and diluted
observed annually throughout Christendom in wine in little quantities representing the flesh and
commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ blood of Jesus are taken by Christians. New born
on the first Sunday after the full moon following babies are brought to the Church and christened
the vernal equinox. 1 Though Easter Sunday is with Biblical names by the pastor. Nominally
the central point in the observance of the events the members of the Christian family are baptised
connected with Christ's death on a Friday and as a token of rebirth, affirming their belief in
His resurrection on a Sunday, the ideal Easter Christ. This is done by immersing the Christian
season extends from Ash Wednesday, the first day in the water and taking him out by the pastor or
of Lent to Whit Sunday which commemorates the some other church authority chanting hymns.
day of Pentecost. This period of the Easter cycle This is the practice with the majority of the
may be divided into 3 periods (1) the prepara- protestants who immerse the new con:vert not
tory fast of the forty days of Lent; (2) the fifteen particularly in sacred or holy water as John, the
days beginning with the Sunday before and ending Baptist baptbed for the first time in the waters of
with the Sunday after Easter during which the the River Jordon. It signifies a spiritual turning
ceremonies of the holy week and the services of away from sins and the entry into a new and purer
the Octave of Easter are observed; (3) the Octave life. A few of the protestants and all the Catho-
of Easter during which the newly baptised wear lics sprinkle holy water on the new converts
their white garments and for the paschal season before Baptism, after saying prayers over the
beginning at Easter and lasting till Whit Sunday. water before it is sprinkled. Feasts are held and
In this district fasting is observed for a week consumed in every house with friends and
commencing from the 4th day preceding Good relatives.
Friday upto Easter i.e., the Sunday after Good
Friday. This period is known as "Lamentation 3. Christmas is the birth day celebration of
period" or "Passion week." The religious minded Jesus Christ. Though 25th is the birthday of
Easter: The day the Christians celebrate Christ's rising from the dead is called Easter, It always comes otf on a
Sunday falling either in March or in April. The date depends on wh~n the Moon appears in full in thosc months.
However, it can never be earlier than March, 22nd nor laler than Apfll, 25th.
To many, Easter means the coming of spring. In ihis seasun trees give out new leaves; st:eds that have rested in the
ground all winter send up leaves and flowers; moth:> coale oat of th;:ir cocoons, birds build nests and lay eggs, For
hundreds of years, eggs have signified the awakening of life in spring. Christians colour Easter eggs and give them to
their friends as a way of saybg 'Spring is here.'-The Goldell Book of Encyclopaedia - Book V. p, 443 by Bertha
Moris Parker
 [22] APPENDIX I

Jesus, the celebrations commence on the night of bulb;. Gifts and greetings received from friends
23rd December with the Christmas Candle Light- and relatives are conspicuously exhibited on the
ing Service. The evening of 24th is called the 'Chris t111as tree.'
Christmas Eve and special prayers and services are
held in churches. In order to keep the children The Roman Catholics do not have the 'Christ-
awake on the night of the 24th: the parents tc 11 mas tree' but exhibit in a 'crib' ( a small hut-like
them that Christmas Father visits them with pre- erection) the articles of presentations, the statues
sents. This Christmas Father or Santa Claus is of Babe Jesus, Mother Mary and foster father
an imaginary person with a white flowing beard Joseph. Some figures of animals representing the
and a red snow suit believed to [ill the children's stable are also kept to indicate the actllal place of
stockings with Christmas presents by night. Th~ the birth of Lord Jesus.
children generally fall asleep by mid-night of th~
Christmas Eve, then the parents keep presents Christmas is a common festival for all Chris-
like sweets, baloons, toys etc., in stockings and tians in this district, wh~ther rich or poor, in
keep them under their beds or on the tables. In town Oi village. The well-to-do in the towns
the morning the children are told that Christmas celebrate the festival in the manner detailed above.
Father had come and left them presents. Even in Even the poor on account of the close association
the church the eldest member is dressed like the with the rest in the town observe it with equal
Christmas Father and is made to wander about in zeal, though they cannot afford the costly dinners
the congregation, distributing sweets etc., to the or exchange of sweets. The 'Christmas tree' is a
children from the stockings hung to a bamboo luxury for them. For the uneducated Harij~ln
stick on his shoulder. On the night of 24th Decem- converts of the village Christmas is, perhaps, a
ber the members of the church specially youngsters festival. Rich fe:lsts of the year are held though
go around the town in groups singing Christmas they are not advanced enough to conceive the
carolls to wake up the Christians and inviting them idea of a 'Christmas father' or a 'Christmas tree.'
to church for the important celebration on 25th But the missionaries and the loc3.1 pastors are
morning. Some of the Christian families receive innovatlllg several method" of conversion on the
such parties and offer them sweets and cakes. After Christmas Day. Proc~ssions singing songs in
the service in the church on the morning of the 25th Telugu, door to door personal invitation to one
they return home and spend the day in merriment and all of the place to participate in the process-
exchanging greetings and inviting friends and ion, enacting dramas of the life and teachings of
relatives to participate in the Christmas dinner. several of the Christian s'!ints and arranging
The well-to-do protestants prepare the 'Christmas burrakathas and even harikathas about the saints
tree' with canes and bamboos and decorate it with are resorted to to support their mission. This is
coloured paper, candles and a variety of coloured conspicuously seen in the villages.

Bibliography: E. Denison Ross. An Alphabetical List of the Feasts alld Holidays of rhe Hindlis alld Muhammadans,
(Calcutta: 1914)
APPENDIX II
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 GLOSSARY

Abhishekam Religious rite of pour- Arghya Oblation

ing or sprinkling sac-
red waters on the im- Ashramam; Ashram Hermitage
age of a deity
Asvamedha Horse sacrifice
Abhaya hast am Raised right palm of
Attil/u Mother-in-Iaw's house
deities representing
the protection-afford- Avathar Incarnation
ing attitude in a pos-
ture of reassurance
Bairagis .. , Ascetics
Agadtha Moat
Bandaru Margosa leaves offered
Agarbathies Incense sticks with turmeric and ver-
milion
Agraharam A village given as a do-
nation to Brahmins Bata Pathway
Ahimsa Non-violence, refrain-
Bhagavannamasan- Chanting of God's
ing from killing any
keerthanam names
creatures

Akhanda varthideepam ••• Incessant burning of Bhajans Singing in chorus in

light praise of God

Akasa deeparadhana Offering of burning Bhaktas Devotees

lights in a temple
Bhakti Devotion to God, loyal-
Akhandhothsavam Doing festival conti- ty, faith
nuously
Bheri Drum.
A lams Standards which are
commonly made of Bhogams; Bhogamulu Rituals with pomp or
copper and brass, special offerings
though occasionally of
gold and silver Bi/vam A sacred tree (aegle
marmelos)
Ammavaru Female deity

Ankurarpana Burelu A sweet preparation

Inauguration of a celeb-
ration
Chakra Discus, the weapon of
Annasantarpana Free feeding _ usually Lord Vishnu
meant for the poor

Aradhana Chakrasthanam; A kind of ritual in the

Special worship
chakrasnanam festival
Aramams Buddhist halls of wor-
ship Chakra teer/ham Taking the chakram (disc
of Lord Vishnu) to a
Archaka One who conducts the well or pond for wash-
worship, a miuistrant ing in the waters
 [76]

Chalimidi; A preparation of soak- Fateha Offerings in the name of

Chalipindi ed rice with jaggery God or a saint

Chalivendra Place where cool water Gaja vahanam Elephant vehicle

is supplied on the road
side for drinking dur- Garagalu Lights taken in proces-
ing summer sion during Jataras of
village deities
Chaluvachapparam A kind of palanquin for
procession Garagautsavam Celebration connected
with Jataras

Darshan Audience Garelu A fried preparation with

black gram dhal
Devas; Celestial beings
Devathas Garigalu Earthen images

Dalldakam Verse in praise of a Garudavahanam Vehicle in the name of

God or Goddess sacred kite, Garuda

Daityas Sons of Diti and Kas- Geethaparayanam Reci ting Bhagvadgeetha

yapa Prajapati, ene-
mies of Devas Ghadiyas A measure of time (se-
ven ghadiyas-3 hours)
Darbha A species of sacred
grass used for religi- Gopujamahothsavam Celebration conne cted
ous rites with worship of cow

Dargah; Darga ... Place of religious im- Gorakshanasala Place where cows are
portance for Muslim;; cared for
generally having a
tomb Gotram Clan

Guru Acharya, revered pre-

Deeksha Vow, adhering to a par-
ceptor; teacher
ticular discipline
Gurukulam School or class con-
Deeparadhana Burning of oil lamps ducted by a religious
before the deity preacher

Devasthanam Temple
Harathi Wave offering generally
Dhwajarohana Inauguration of the fes- with lighted camphor
tival (flag hoisting) or wick dipped in ghee

Dhwajasthambham Pillar in front of the Harikathas Legends of exploits of

temple Gods or heroes related
with singing, music
Dibbi Hundi and dance

Harinamasankeerthanam Chanting the names of

Ekaham Singing bhajans or other Lord Vishnu
poems in praise of
God continuously for Jagarana Keeping awake the
24 hours i.e., one day whole night (pernocta-
and night tion)
 [77)

Jayanthi; Jayanti Birthday celebration Lingam Phallus

Jatara Fair having religious Mahant Head of religious ins-

importance titution

Jwalathoranam A special function Maharishi Great sage

where the deity is taken
out in procession ro- Mandapam; mantapam A small room with pil-
und the temple thrice lars and roof all of
and later under a fes- stone; a structure for
toon suspended across placing an idol
the main entrance to
the open space in front Mahima Power
of the temple
Mandiram Temple like erection

Kalakshepam Pastime Manasaputra Son born of desire alo-

ne
Kesakhandana Tonsure ceremony
Mantram; Mantra Incantation or spell. In
Kalayanamahotsavam Marriage ceremony Sanskrit and other
languages derived from
Kalyanamantapam Wedding hall it, it also denotes
hymn, sacred text or
Karpura harathi ... Wave offering with li- mystical verse
ghted camphor
Mukha mantapam Entrance hall, front
Kathakalakshepam Pastime with listening hall
to stories relating to
God Muthaiduva Woman in married
status
Kalnam Dowry
Mutt Place of residence of
Kalyanam Marriage fakirs, bairagies, and
other religious mendi-
Kolatams A dance to the beat of cants of this descrip-
short sticks held in the tion. A religions inis-
hands titution with authority
over a sect.
Kola Dibba A mound in the fort
Nadiveedhi Theertham ... Festival in the middle
Kshetram A holy place, land of the main street
Kumhham Heap of cooked rice Nagas Cobras
Kumkum Vermilion Nagendra King of serpents

Naivedyam Offering in kind made

Lakshakumkum ar- Worship with vermilion
to God and consumed
chana one lakh times
later
Lakshapatri puja Worshipping with one Namasankeerthanas Songs in praise of God
lakh hi/va leaves
Namaz Prayer
Lalithasahasrana- Worship chanting 1,000
mam names of Goddess La- Nandi Sacred Bull, vehicle of
litha Lord Siva
 [78]

Neerajanams Wave-offering with ligh- Pulihora A preparation of rice,

ted camphor tamarind juice etc.

Nitya deepa dhoopa Daily offerings in kind Purohit Priest for the commu-
naivedyam; Nitya nai- and burning of oil nity or a village
vedya deeparadhana lamps
Purnima Full moon day
Nithya Vedaparayanam ... Recitin~ of Vedas daily
Pushkarini Sacred pond

Paksham Fortnight Puspayagam Worship with many

kinds of flowers
Palaharam Eatables

Panakam Jaggery solution taste- Rakshasas Demons, evil-minded

fully spiced strong beings similar
to Asuras who are en-
Panchanga sravanam Listening to the reading emies of the God
of almanac
Rama mandiram ... A small place where
Panduga Festival Lord Rama is prayed
Panneram Soaked green gram dhal, Rathothsavam Car festival, chariot
salted and spiced procession
Panuvattam Pedestal on which a Ravikalu Upper garments worn
Sivalingam stands by Indian ladies; blou-
ses
Pasupu Turmeric
Rishis Sages
Pindam Food presented at a
sraddha to the spirit Rudrabhishekam Abhishekam to Lord
Siva reciting rudras
Probha A long vertically pro-
a special composition
jected stand conically
shaped at the top Cove-
red with a designed Sadhus Those who have reno-
cloth unced the world and
its concerns
Prabhalabandlu .•• Carts with mounted
prabhas Sahasrakamalapooja Worship with thousand
lotus flowers
Prabhathaseva Early morning worship
Sahasranamarchana Worship by uttering
Prarthanas Prayers in chorus thousand names of
God or Goddess
Prasadam Eatables distributed af-
Saivism A Hindu sect worship-
ter offering to deity
ping Siva as the supre-
Pujari Priest, one who con- . me God
ducts worship, a mini-
strant Saivites Those belonging to a
Hindu sect worship-
PUja Worship ping Siva as the grea-
Puranams test God. regarding him
Stories relating to God
as the source and es-
or epics
sence of the universe
 ~ 79]

Saivaradhana Cult of worship of Lord Suryanam ask arams Salutations to Sun-God

Siva
Swayambhu Self-manifested
Sakthi Female deity in an awe-
inspirng form; Parvati Teertham Sacred water; celebra-
the consort of Lord tion of festival
Siva
Thambulam The whole apparatus of
Samajam Society betel i.e., leaf, nut,
chunam and spicery in
S amaradhanas Free feeding the manner the Indians
take it; generally betel
Sami tree A kind of tree connec- leaves and arecanuts
ted with epics (proso-
pis spicigera) Theppa utsavam ... Boat procession

Sulatheertham Worship of the sacred Thiruveerothsavam A special worhip

javelin Fair; celebration of a
Tirunala
festival
Sanku Conch
Trisulam Trident
Samhanam Progeny
Tufasi The holy basil (ocymum
Sanyasi One who has renounced sanctum)
the world and its con-
cerns Upanayanam Thread marriage
Uregimpu Procession
Sapthaham A seven days celebra-
tion with continuous Uthsava vigraham Idol meant for festivals
pujas, bhajans and se- and processions
veral other rituals
Vadapappu Soaked green gram dhal
Sathi Woman entering her
h'lsband's funeral pyre Vadibiyyamu Rice and raw turmeric
placed at one end of
Sesha Serpent the sari presented to a
daughter of the family
Seshavahanam Serpent vehicle
by her parents or bro-
Seva Worship thers

Silaphalakam Stone plate usually bea- Vahanam Vehicle

ring an inscription
Vaishnavites Those belonging to Hin-
Sivalayam Temple dedicated to du sect regarding Vi-
Lord Siva shnu as the supreme
being
Skandapurana Epic on Lord Subrah-
mayaswamy Varaha Four rupees

Stupa Pillar Vasanthostavam Sprinkling of coloured

water
Sudarsanam Name of the Disc (Vish-
nu's weapon) Vedas Scripture - it is in four
volumes - Rig Veda,
Sundarakanda parayanam Recitation of Sundar- Yajur Veda, Sama
akanda from Rama- Veda and Atharvana
yana Veda
 [~Ol

Vedaparayana Reciting of Vedas Vi I'ah am Marriage

Vedasastras Books on philosophy Vratham; Vratha ... Vow or worship in ful-

filment of a vow
Veerasaivas Saivites who would end
their life, if by any
accident they lose the Yagam; Yaga; Yagna Sacrifice, a religious
Ungam given by guru ceremony accompa-
nied by oblations
Vibhudi or Vibhuthi Sacred ash
Yala Sacrificial animal
Vigrahas; Vigraham Idols

Vimanam Aerial chariot, or tower Yoga A special power attain-

of a temple ed through penance

Viniyogam Distribution; utili sa tion Yogi One who attained spe-

cial powers through
Visesha seva Special worship penance
 IND EX

Name of village Taluk Page

Name of village Taluk Page No.
No. or town
or town
(2) (3)
(3) (1)
(1) (2)
Kovvur 44
121 Gajjaram
Abbirajupalem Narsapur Eluru 15
hi 0 Doddipatla Galayagudem
Eluru 16
Narsapur 115 Gangannagudem h/o
Achanta Gudigunta
Eluru 26 35
AgadalJanka Ganapavaram Polavaram
Aitampudi Tanuku 98 73
Ganapavaram TadepaJligudem ..
Ajjaram Tanuku 93 134
130 Garagaparru Bheemavaram
Akividu Bheemavaram 8
Gogunta Eluru
Eluru 7
Amruthalingampeta Narsapur 123
TadepaJligudem .. 67 Gondi 50
Ananthapalle Kovvur
102 Gopalapuram 63
Aravilli Tanuku Kovvur
Gopavaram 61
Kovvur 47 Kovvur
Arikirevula Gowripalle h!o
Kovvur 63 Mallavaram
Atlapadu Kovvur 49
Tanuku 91 Gowripatnam 43
Attili Kovvur
Guddigudem 14
Eluru
Gudivakalanka 92
Tanuku
TadepaJligudem .. 72 Gummampadu
Badampudi Narsapur 120
Chintalapudi 32 Gumparru
Bodarala Eluru 25
Eluru Gundugolanu
Bapirajugudem Polavaram 41
Polavaram 37 Gutala
Bayyanagudem
Tanuku 105
Bhatlamogutur 6
Bheemavaram 132 Eluru
Bheemavaram Jagannadhapuram
Chintalapudi 29 Tadepalligudem .. 69
Borrampalem Jagannadhapuram
Kovvur 62 Eluru 23
Brahmanagudem Jajulakunta
Eluru 14
Kovvur 58 JaJipudi
ChagaJlu Polavaram 36
Kovvur 61 Jangareddigudem
Chandravaram hlo Tanuku 103
Mallavaram Juttiga 30
Chintalapudi
Eluru 15 J eelakarragudem hi 0
Chataparru Guntupalle
Bheemavaram 130
Cherukuvada
Kovvur 53 23
Chikkala Eluru
Tanuku 80 Kaikaram
Chitakapadu Tadepalligudem .. 73
122 Kakaramilli 94
Chinchinada Narsapur Tanuku
Kakaraparru
Eluru 21 Tanuku 93
China pothepall e Kakula Illindalaparru
Chintalapudi 27 Tanuku 77
Chintalapudi Kaldari
Kovvur 52 Bheemavaram 131
Chinnayagudem Kallakuru
Chintalapudi 32
Kama varapukota
Eluru 25 Tanuku 78
Dendulur Kanuru Agraharam
118 Tanuku 10~
Narsapur Kantheru
Deva Tadepalligudem .. 70
Kovvur 49
Devarapalle Kasba Pentapadu
Kovvur 48 Tadedalligudem .. 69
Dharmavaram Kasipadu
Bheemavaram 131 Tanuku 98
Dirusumarru Kavalipuram
Kovvur 48 Eluru 9
Dommeru Kavagunta
Eluru 21 Tanuku 96
Dorasanipadu KhandavaJli
Tanuku 83 Narsapur 119
Duvva Kodamanchili
Eluru 18 EJuru 21
Dwaraka Thirumala Kodigudem
Eluru 22
Kommara North
Kommara South Eluru 22
122 Eluru 2
Narsapur Kondalaraopalem
Elamanchili Polavaram 35
Eluru 10 Konadrukota
Eluru TadepaJligudem .. 68
Chintalapudi 29 Kondruprole
Fpigunta
 [82]

Name of village Taluk Page Name of vilJage Taluk Page

or town or town No.

(1) (2) (3) (1) (2) (3)

Konithivada Bheemavaram 135 Paidichintapadu Eluru 26
Korumamidi Kovvur 53 Paidiparru Tanuku 88
Korupalle Kovvur 66 Palacole Narsapur 112
Kothagudem Eluru 24 Paluru Tanuku 101
Kothapalle Eluru 22 Pamulaparru Bheemavaram 129
Kothuru Eluru 12 Pangidigudem Eluru 17
Kovvur Kovvur 59 Parimpudi Polavaram 37
Krishnapuram Chintalapudi 28 Pasalapudi Tanuku 81
Kumaradevam Kovvur 47 Pasivedala Kovvur 60
Kurukuru Kovvur 52 Pattisam or Pattsachala Polavaram 38
Kshetram
Lakshmaneswaram Narsapur 127 Peda Nindrakolanu Tadepalligudem .. 72
Linganaboyinacherla Narsapur 127 Pedapadu Eluru 7
Lingapalem Chintalapudi 31 Pedavegi Eluru 3
Peddevam Kovvur 46
Machapuri Narsapur 111 Kovvur 48
Penakametta
Madduru Kovvur 61
Pendyala Kovvur 65
Madepalle Eluru 13
Madhavaram Tadepalligudem .. 68 Penumantra Tanuku 103
Medinaraopalem Eluru 16 Pentapadu Agraharam TadepaJligudem .. 69
Makkinavarigudem Chintalapudi 28 Penugonda Tanuku 107
Malakapalle Kovvur 45 Penurnanchili Narsapur 119
Malleswaram Tanuku lOll Peravali Tanuku 95
Mallipudi Tanuku 99 Pippara Tadepalligl.ldem .. 74
Manchili Tanuku 100 Pittala Vemavaram Tanuku 108
Mandapaka Tanuku 88 Polamuru Tanuku 102
Marellamudi Tadepalligudcm .. 67 Polasanipalle Eluru 24
Polavaram Polavaram 36
Markondapadu Kovvur 62
Ponangi Eluru 13
Maruter Tanuku 106
Pragadavaram Chintalapudi 31
Mogalturru Narsapur 128
Mogallu Bheemavaram 135 Prakkilanka hi 0 Kovvur 44
Tallapudi
Mudicherla Chintalapudi 32
Pulapalle Narsapur III
Mudunuru Tadepalligudem .. 69
Pulla Eluru 24
Muggulla Tadepalligudem .. :4
Mukkamala Tanuku .. 95 Punukollu Eluru 6
Mupparru
Muthanaveedu
Eluru
Eluru .
"
-<le; ,
5 'Recherla Chintalapudi 27
Mypa Bheertlavaram .. 134 Rajavaram Kovvur 51
Rajupoth~palle Chintalapudi 30
Nadipudi Narsapuf, 118
Rallakunt'a - Eluru 22
Ravurupadu Kovvur 46
Nadupalle Eluru
Rayakudurif Bheemavaram 136
Naguladevunipadu hi 0 Eluru 16
Sanigudem Rayanllapalem Eluru 3
Nallajarla Tadepalligudem .. 67
Nandigudem Kovvur 43
SakalakothapalJe Eluru
Narasimhapuram Eluru 17 9
Sanivarapupeta Eluru 1U
Narsapur Narsapur 123 Satyavaram Tanuku 106
Navarasapuram Narsapur 123
Nelamuru Tanuku Satyavolu Eluru 9
105
Seesali Bheemavaram 131
Nidadavole Kovvur 54 Settipeta Kovvur 63
Singanamuppavaram Kovvur 62
N. Rameswaram Tanuku 100 Singavaram h/o Eluru 6
Nyayampalle Eluru J Jagannadhapuram
Singavaram Kovvur 65
Padamara Vipparru Tadepalligudem .. 71 Sivadevuni ChikkaJa Narsapur III
 [83]

Name of village Taluk Page Name of village Taluk Page

or town No. or town No.

(I) (2) (3) (I ) (2) (3)

Sivapuram hi 0 Chintalapudi 27 Urlagudem Chintalapudi 31
Endapalle
Skinnerapuram Tanuku 101
99 Vaddiparru Narsapur 120
somaraju IIIindalaparru Tanuku
98 Vadluru Tanuku 82
Surampudi Tanuku
Tanuku 82 Valluru Tadepalligudem .. 74
Suryaraopalem
Vanampalli hi 0 Tanuku 106
Tadikalapudi Chintalapudi 33 Neggipudi
Tadimalla Kovvur 54 Varighedu Tanuku 90
Thadiparru Tanuku 79 Vasanthavada II Eluru 8
35 Veeravasaram Bheemavaram 136
Taduvoi Polavaram
Tanuku Tanuku 87 Vegavaram Eluru 15
Teeparru Tanuku 78 Vegeswarapuram Kovvur 45
Teetali Tanuku 85 Velagadurru Tanuku 79
Thimmarajupalem Kovvur 54 Velivennu Tanuku 77
Thirumalampalem Eluru 17 Velpuru Tanuku 92
Thirumalapuram Kovvur 51 Vemavaram Narsapnr 114
Thurpu Vipparu Tanuku 97 Vempa Narsapur 112
Vempadu Eluru 6
Tyajampudi Kovvur 52
Vijayarai Eluru 2
Unagatla Kovvur 57
Undi Bhimavaram 129 Yadavole Kovvur 50
Undrajavaram Tanuku 80 Yenamadurru Bheemavaram 131
Unikili Tanuku 102 Yenuguvanilanka Narsapur 122
 ERRATA

Page Col. Line For Read

No. No.
\1 ) (2) (3) (4) (5)

11 1 :7 -to Ellore siege to Ellore

12 9 from bJttom Samarodhana Samaradhana

35 2 21 Konadrukota Kondrukota

36 2 17 frem bottom Kshtria Kshatria

38 7 Pattaschala Pattasachala

39 5 awe-inspring awe-inspiring

39 1 4 from bottom l5 /5~ ~ l515~~

39 2 10 .s~Q~ .s~3~

53 Kurumamidi Korumamidi

54 2 Nidadav('a Nidadavole
3 from bottom

54 2' 2 frum bottom at

85 2 5 Incription Inscription

86 2 20 Ever Every

97 8 erected erected

104 15 from bottom Lakshaptri Lakshapatri

114 2 from bottom Vemaram Vemavaram

121 <: from bottom begining beginning

125 2 21 from bottom Bramhothsavam Brahmothsavam

132 2 1 & 2 from bottom Bhetelamma Bbetalamma

133 2 :'] fro:1 1: ottom Kalyanothsvam Kalyanothsavam

l33j S. No. 53-5 1 and 2 Sudduha Suddha

[411 S. No. 23-10 Mavillamma Mavullamma

[48] S. No. 10-10 3 for 5 for 5 days from Phal-

[50) S. No.5 - 4 4 sawmy swamy kalyanothsavams

S.NJ.6-4 2 sawmy swamy

[511 S. No.8 -10 5 Pothuvaru Pothuraju

[54) S. No. 22-10 3 MummaJamma Tummalamma

 ERRATA (Contd.)

Sl. Co). Line For Read

No. No.
(1) (2) (3) (4) (5)

{55) S. No. 26-10 10 lit 11 on Deepavali in Karthikam

S. No. 27-10 2&3 Umamaheswaraswamy Umamalleswaraswamy

rS6] S. No. 29-10 1&2 Navararatrulu Navaratrulu

S. No. 30- 3 7 Reanlgi Relangi

S. No. 30-10 1 Pailamma Paillamma

[57J S. No. 40- 3 6 an on

[59J S. No. 46- 2 1 to 4 Vanampalli Vanampalle

hj 0 Negagipudi hj 0 Neggipudi

~6:] S. No. 13- 7 , cows' ear cow's ear

[701 6 1 com combs

5 13 Vanamulamma Vanumulamma

[72J 1 5 Ravarupadu Ravurupadu

[77] 4 13 & 14 religions religious institution

bottom inistitution

(79] 2 7 & 8 from bottom Subrahmayaswamy Subrahmanyaswamy

[81 ] 4 2 from botto'm Konadrukota Kondrukota

[82] 4 10 Pattsachala Pattasachala