PRO. 179.4 (N) o . 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
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 truthful picture of our own country. I give whatever account that could be obtained on their 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 the other half. Each bit has its own beauty Panchayat Boards etc. Lists of recognised and schedul 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 and large there was evidence of the considerable ed ill a volume to be published by the 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 taluk, 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
(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 such participation? Are there any festivals celebrated history or legend connected with this particular fes~ 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 (li) The Fair: 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 fair? 19. How many shops, stalls, booths, etc., a.re 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
,,'N 00
DISTRICT
N 16" _. ___ TAWK IIOVNOAlty
&.JIt8"-N C#tNT ... wrTH ~TION
""!.LAOES· fIlOII'UL.ATfON 1'.000 =--==--=RAIl.WA y .ItOAD OAVO~HO AJaOv ..
_ ....__ RAilWAY MrrR~ OAUO ..
- ___ NATPONIU. H«;JHWAYS
STATE HIOH'WA.,.. ==== 100,000
10,000 BAY OF ~-... H-f-- 25,000
:l1-;L---~ 5,000
,. "" ...... ''''''''' " eM ~ I)' tht. $uperiAHI'HMn& of c..n.... OperalOnl, "n4~,n Pnr.dlltSh, H,d~. 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 ILLUSTRATIONS
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.
® 'A,tUK ~~T£/U
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SRI RAMA MAA.Ai'JI GANGANAMMA H(; IIX[DDATE: SUARANMANYASWAMY NOV.DH VEMPADU SANKAJl.ACHARYA V£NUGOPALASWAMY A'fl.MH J~·FU PUNUKOlLU SRI tv.MA SRI RAMA J»4.fU P£OAPADU VENUGOPAL!lSWAMY JANARDANIISWN1Y tv.MALING£5WARA AP/l.M~r FU·IA.M SWAMY OCf·NO"i SOM£SWARASWAMY GONTHE.LAMMA MAHAU.KSHMAMMA AM· MAy AUG·S!' )"".1£0 AMRUTHA· CANGANAMMA VYNATH£YASWAMr SRI RAMA LJNGAMPETA A4JG·Stp J~N fEa ""'." MAlLlKMVUNASWAMY MAHISHASUAA JAtlU,lU MARDHANf AUG· sa RATNAlAMt1A BANES WAhAS WAM Y MAHALAK>H~IAMMA & NO fl)((O Ddf CEC·lIoN MADDIR.AVAMM,A NO I SRI RN1A KUNTHI DEVI tiS PAIDICHINTA KUNTHIOEVI ~,,~ A,,,, OOO&fll. PADU SE.,·OCT 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 lapudi road at a distance of 11 t miles from Eluru .. Nootaokka devatalu (hundred and one deities); but 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 so. The Pilgrim's route is such that the modern 2. Sri Adivi Somqsundara Rao, Kar 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 Parameswaraswamy (Siva) temple and to the north of which is Cina Vegi, and five Sri 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, Is on the southern side of the village near a tank Suddha Padyami (October-November) to Margastra surrounded by date trees. A high mound called Suddha Chathurdasi (November-December). Special Bhimalingam dibba is found on the east side of the village and a tank named Macalamma pujas are performed during these days. The 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 miles from Janampet, which is on the Eluru It 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, Scheduled etc.; 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 20 years ago some copper plates with inscriptions SOURCE: 1. Sri M. Satyanarayana Murty, Village 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 1470, the Muhammadans drew upon the ruins of which still survives."1 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 p chief of Rajahmundry, one Vidiadri, who was 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(:
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 themma Jatara is celebrated for 10 days in ASl'iyu SOURCE: 1. Sri Veer/a Subbaiah, Kothuru. 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.
(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 the name Dorasanipad u. 111 the village.
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 the village came into existence. The local devo K~laJi, Sale, Chakali, Mangali, Uppari, etc.; Sche 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
ker1 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 from out of sub- • • Q 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. :nms . The local Hindus congregate. Prasadam IS distributed to all. Dramas, Harikathas bhajans Nithya deepa, dhupa and naivedyams are perfor 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.
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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 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 distance of one excavated on a hill near the village. It is believed a 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 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 from Eluru Railway Station and 24 miles from SOURCE: Sri S. B. Sundaram, Headmaster, Pancha 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 -. z' 'g :zo~ ~ j ~ ~ « I- ! 0:: ::.:: u if ! « ::::l I- .~ >...J til ... « « 11 o I- ii! ~ 1 o IIi ~ f i J: ::::l 0( ~ . U (I) g ~ 1 « . .. ~ II. 0 't e ~ ~ :;; « «w i ~ 0:: t I J 0:: ::> > > o x: ,; z ..; 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 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 rhe 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"~ of Sri Sita Ramaswamy was completed by Many samam kshetram nasthi 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 being in childbed. About 4 miles from the Veer a Veerabhadra samodevo nabhootho 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 ;$~ "tJ liJ'to ""d~o Lord Vishnu settled down there along with His e:l spouse Bhuneeladevi. Even today the image of pattase shoola paninam Jambavantha can be seen at the feet of the Lord Xe ~1:78 ;$ ~~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-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 that the pond wherein Gajendra was saved by ~::.$6'(rb ~~C'.sel el~esA.l 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 of the Lord. M agha Bahula Triodasi (J an uary-Fehru~ ry). 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 Potlamma are situated in Kotta Pattisam, hamlet in plements are brought and s~ld. Bha!ans, 1 of Gutala. musical performances, dramas, CIrCUS, swm~s, 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 . ._,... .~ • KOVVUR TALUK I ! ! ~ ,i l'.1 • ! *.I • :::> ".J J ,..« :::> ":::>z « I- 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 years and is of local significance. tayya, a Kamma, are the chief patrons. People, 3 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 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 sweets, pots, lanterns, mirrors, combs, pictures lhi Elementary School, A rikirevula. 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, Mala, etc.; Scheduled Tribes and Muslims. SOURCE: Sri Vagu Satyanarayana Paparao, Teacher, (20); 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 a mile, there is a statue known as 1 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, to some temples. The stone pillars, upon which 2i 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 in the sea at the spots where they are supposed to Padyami (March-April). On the night of the first 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: . Statement of 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) agricultural1abour. 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! \ 11 A gJ~ al.\\~~ i ~,2v" TADEPALLIGUDEM TALUK FAIRS AND FESTIVALS T ADEP ALLIGUDEM T ALUK WEST GODAVARI DISTRICT, A. P. KOVVUR TALUK \ " " '\. \ " ELURU TALUK " \ INDEX \ .~ (3) '\. KONORUPROlE. (ODE NUMBER " " 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. !!!!' A I) ANJI."'THA,Attf. StJ6RAl-iNLANYASWAMY NO ... ·O€' p~u01 a" AGRAHARAM \ ~~ a MAOANAGOPAtASWAMY APR·MAr I)ANDU GANGA ~HAYANI MUOUNURU (8y' • ISTH )}>IWAA1 , (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 Lrahmam and also a temple for the village deity jayawada-Waltair section of the Southern Rail~ 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 it few centuries. It was the centre of some officials Venugopalaswamy and 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. TANUKU TALUK Z.·:'I('2 i . i . ~ ~ ~ I i ~ ~ i, ., ~ ~ 8$ Jr I w '~ ~ ~ ::J .J 0:: :J > > 0 !.:: I ,>0' ~ iJl C :::l \!) :i «.J w~ 0 "{ I- $ ~ > ~ 0 > i ~ ~ , ~";' " Oi ~ , ! ~ ~ 'l § ~ "~ ~ ~ " , ~ ~ ~ • : ~ ~ ~ ~ i ~ ~ ~ ~ " ~ " ~ S :l ~ • ~ ; n ~~ ,. ; :>._.:; >-~ ; ~: i .>~. <. ~i~~ i .. ~" ~~ 8~ ~:t n·~ i ~ ~§ ; z> ~~ .. .- ., ~~ ~;~~ i~ :! , !~- ~; . 3 ~l ~ .' ~ , < :' ~ " t ~ ~ ~ i ~ ~ ~ j 0 .: i ~ ~ ~ I ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ il <' -: ~ ;; i ~ i ':i I ~ -; ::: ~ '" " • 6) 000 00 0®O 0 0 00 @ 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 announcet 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. r ;70 .._';5 .1.;$ B;S • .ld: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 7 miles from Tadepalligudem Railway Station. 6:-~~::S ~!;$~o· :;)e$c;S:f)'j 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 vam on Phalguna Suddha Padyami. Abhishekams to kept awake meditating about the Lord. At mid~ 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 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 School, Kakula llIindalaparru. celebrated in the village. 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 miles from Relangi Railway Station 2t 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 Poleramma festival is celebrated for one day a church are the places of worship in the village. 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. that the Lingams were establi The puranic version is that tbis was constructed Kanyakapuranam 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 allp fights afford entertainment. eswarQm. 2. Sri Pisapati SubrahmanyasomayaJulu, Dauduganga and Katlamma Jatara is also Headmaster, Annavarappadu. NARSAPUR TALUK ~ ~ 0 ... .. IO! ;: ~ ,_ '" ! ~ ,_ ill \> '" Iw > ~ 0 ~ '"C> ~~ ... >' ~.~ ,,~ ! ,..m :a.~ ,,~ "'ij ~ ~ ~~- ,,~ ! ~~ li ~~ ~ ~:l! i ~~~i~· ~ ~~ 0, ~ it' it> ~~ i ,.i ~ ~ ~ ,..~ ~ ~ it l<~ it l! ~ E! ~~ j i ~~ h E~ E~ ~. <~ ;~ ~ ~~i 11 ~ ~.~ ~ ~! ~i ~ E • l:: 3: ~ ~ ;:, z i " ::l I~ Ii it i );1 ...... ~ ~ e '" ~ ~ j ~ i it! i § ~ ~ ! !'t ~" § ~ ~ ! ~" ... ~ ~ i ~ ~ -~ ~ l! :; :; ~ "=> ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ => i :; " ! ~ ::j ;!; " if ! "0 g ~ ~ "o ~'" 5 ~: :s: i ! ~ ~ i ~ a a a ~ ~ I \> ~ ! ~ ~ ~" ...... a ~ " ~ ~ " ~ -f ~ E .. ~ "0 i i:.t ;; ;; ail 3 ~ .. ~ "::; 0 I :! ~ '" " I ~ ~ 'Ii ~ ~ ~ ~ I " isz ~ ~ :r l! 0 0 i " 0 ~ ~ 0 I ~ " " ! ~ l!! ~ .. ~'" ~ " i v ~ " ~ i :s ~ ~ I.l: «5~ ~.Jon LLJ«i5 a.. l- e < « ai > 1: :J < l- (/) 8 I- Cl ~ u °ci .J:J~ ., ~z «15 ~II! ~ ..J8III < 2l:1.... « on < et: III S ~ l: ~ ). ~ .. 0:( ::J r.o ~ ~ -< • >~ < t E- ~ ~ ~ i « ...~ ~ . Q It ~ is et:~ ~ .. I 0:: '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. PalaeoIe (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 l~~:l:le) ~~6 swamy to the We~t, Durga (Mahishasuramardhani) to the north-west, Sesln and Brihaspathi to the Navaneela vidruma pravimala sthapitha 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 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 19. Navarasapuram-Situated at a distance of 4 there, imagining that the whole of the English 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 zC)~ ..,0 OJ ~ 0 ii ~ .. ;; t ::> '"j I 0 ...J r ~ ~ ~ « ! Eo-- < .... .,; I-~ .g -< a: to u OJ .':;:. ~ ., g i ~ :i ... ..!;; ~ .. ~ 0:: u .,.~ ~ iE ., ~ ~ i:! ~ ~ ::>:::.::: ~ ~~ ~ ~ 5! i ... 0 ::!'" ~ st: ~. _J:J ., ,. ~~ \!! ~ ~ ~ Q ~ ~ ~ ;0' ;c~ ! ~ I>: >: ~ ~ ! ~ • ~ ., !:; ::J ~ ~ 0 ~i 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 logical Department conducts further excavations yogi and Nag~muni Teerthams. This canals has to 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 6,062 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-September 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 ~ ":;$03 ~.!~o ;S~f/:;$;$:)Co)J"O 1i;)i!S' S'o~ Sivaya Vishnurupaya Sivarupaya Vishnave Q f/;S;$S ~~~d:Do ~~e.s:trS;;Sg ~~~d»O Vande Lakshmeem Parasivamayeem suddha jamboo ~ ~ ;$C"~o Sivasya hrudayam Vishnurvishnosya hrudayam sadabham oS';Sg -a€'6J"ooSo !c6!;S;:5N"0 ;:5.s~w:tr6e:.s Sivaha Thejorupam kanakavasanam swarnabhushojwa ~O"' ~;S ~~ ~~"6;S ~~~d:D~~;S f79oAo Yadha Siva mayo Vishnu reva Vishnumayassivaha d:llO"oif~~ CS~~gclli 60"'~ ;$ !J langeem ~(j) ID~~~o Yadhantharam Namasyami thadhame Swasthi Beejapuram kanaka kalasam hemapadmam O'"~~o 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 ~~ Ii) 5. Sri Krishna Jayanti is celebrated on Sravana 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 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 Bhagiratha1 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 Q 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 eJJO l:)e:D~ O'tsl'iS S'!32r ~C:5D i;3;;$:)o.) Q Telugu naari kalaadhina buddhi Dalupu ehaatuna nokka paidali chemarche ~~6 ~~a-~O'K ~lo:5.r>eo£ ~& Kol\73~ Q Madhura madhuranuraga samrajya pccthi Yi gangireddu vademi palkcdinayaa ;;$:)~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~·· (Uttarayanam vach- _. Q 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. Mahasivaratri2 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 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 3 Moharram -"The name of the first month who was made to prostrate blind-folded. Ibrahim 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 Shiahs in commemoration of the martyrdom of Allah-ho-Akbar (with the name of God who is great) 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 horsemen and one hundred foot-soldiers. But tructed on a raised platform on the western out 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 Karbala found his progress arrested by a force of their breakfast, as a mark of respect to Ismail 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. He asked his followers that those who wished to eved that the deer in the forest stands on one leg 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 namaz. extreme cases men may combine together and was deeply engaged in 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. Thefatihahs concludes thus: '0 God, grant the the twelfth day of the month Rabi-ul-Avval (August 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 dard is that of a hand placed on a pole. This is her milk and when he grew up he was tending the emblematic of the five members (the Prophet Him sheep along with the son of Halima. Even as a self, Ali, Fatimsan 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 1 st 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 (24) -o ~ '0 '0"" ~~" z-0'0 rJ N [25] 'en "'::1 "'0 J:O._bile 8::0 _I'< "'0 <.J'- ...lfe0'" ~ .g "0 ", ~2 0'0 Z~ <'I "" - (26] {27) too t on 0:::: ::l "0 ""'-0 en] °O/)~ c'" C._ e:.= cu..o... 8:t 8:t -~~ -d _d ~co~ "'0u·_ co;u·- 0 u C ~"O 0 ..... 05=':: 3i ....l~ ....l..::.;;: :t t '";:l0) t o..c .- u '"> ~~ S'" o~ '" ~ ~ ...... '"'"' ~ c ~ ;:l ~ c: ;:. '" til C t;'" "0 C 0. .:"0 ]~ 0 ._ coj ~ Urn 0 :t~ C on '":::: '":::l ::t "':0 ...:0 _·0 ~.- ?J:§ u.~ u·_OJ'biJ 0- 0- 0- ....l1:: ....l~ ~~ t I I '-'.0 ~I E ~ :::l :::l ...... 14-0 .... r.f.l~>. n '-' ()"Ooro, ~.-;:::I'" ~ 2 ~·c o..~ ::::l "0::0 C/l,- ( <", , <', t'-l ('l t28] -o -.... '" .....:6 ~:§1 j~ [29] '";::l _'0 oj'_ o.!:!l 0- .....:I~ Vl,.., ~ ~ ,.., ""'o N .5 >.~ g:::;'O<1)~~ 0.58 ;:l,.., '-lJ" E o <;),.., [30] o 00 ,..; .1. E -"0 .., 000" ~~ [31] "">. ",.0 CIS .. 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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 Chanting of God's ing from killing any Bhagavannamasan names creatures keerthanam 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 A sweet preparation Ankurarpana Inauguration of a celeb Burelu ration Chakra Discus, the weapon of Annasantarpana Free feeding _ usually Lord Vishnu meant for the poor A kind of ritual in the Aradhana Special worship Chakrasthanam; 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 Vow, adhering to a par Deeksha 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 ter offering to deity A Hindu sect worship 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 test God. regarding him Puranams 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 Tirunala Fair; celebration of a 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 Taluk Page Taluk Page Name of village Name of village or town No. or town No. (3) (1) (2) (2) (3) (1) 44 Gajjaram Kovvur Narsapur 121 15 Abbirajupalem Galayagudem Eluru hi 0 Doddipatla Eluru 16 Narsapur 115 Gangannagudem h/o Achanta Gudigunta Eluru 26 35 AgadalJanka Ganapavaram Polavaram Aitampudi Tanuku 98 73 93 Ganapavaram TadepaJligudem .. Ajjaram Tanuku Bheemavaram 134 Bheemavaram 130 Garagaparru Akividu Eluru 8 7 Gogunta Amruthalingampeta Eluru Narsapur 123 67 Gondi Ananthapalle TadepaJligudem .. Kovvur 50 Gopalapuram Tanuku 102 Kovvur 63 Aravilli Gopavaram 47 Kovvur 61 Arikirevula Kovvur Gowripalle h!o Kovvur 63 Mallavaram Atlapadu Kovvur 49 91 Gowripatnam Attili Tanuku Kovvur 43 Guddigudem Eluru 14 Gudivakalanka Tanuku 92 TadepaJligudem .. 72 Gummampadu Badampudi Narsapur 120 32 Gumparru Bodarala Chintalapudi 25 Gundugolanu Eluru Bapirajugudem Eluru Polavaram 41 37 Gutala Bayyanagudem Polavaram 105 Bhatlamogutur Tanuku 132 Eluru 6 Bheemavaram Bheemavaram Jagannadhapuram 29 Tadepalligudem .. 69 Borrampalem Chintalapudi Jagannadhapuram 62 Eluru 23 Brahmanagudem Kovvur Jajulakunta Eluru 14 Kovvur 58 JaJipudi ChagaJlu Polavaram 36 Kovvur 61 Jangareddigudem Chandravaram hlo Tanuku 103 Juttiga Mallavaram Chintalapudi 30 Eluru 15 J eelakarragudem hi 0 Chataparru Guntupalle Bheemavaram 130 Cherukuvada 53 Kovvur Eluru 23 Chikkala Kaikaram Tanuku 80 Tadepalligudem .. 73 Chitakapadu Kakaramilli Narsapur 122 Tanuku 94 Chinchinada Kakaraparru 21 Tanuku 93 China pothepalle Eluru Kakula Illindalaparru Chintalapudi 27 Tanuku 77 Chintalapudi Kaldari Kovvur 52 Bheemavaram 131 Chinnayagudem Kallakuru Chintalapudi 32 Kama varapukota Tanuku 78 Dendulur Eluru 25 Kanuru Agraharam Tanuku 10~ Narsapur 118 Kantheru Deva 49 Tadepalligudem .. 70 Devarapalle Kovvur Kasba Pentapadu Kovvur 48 Tadedalligudem .. 69 Dharmavaram Kasipadu Bheemavaram 131 Tanuku 98 Dirusumarru Kavalipuram Kovvur 48 Eluru 9 Dommeru Kavagunta 21 Tanuku 96 Dorasanipadu Eluru KhandavaJli 83 Narsapur 119 Tanuku Kodamanchili Duvva 18 EJuru 21 Dwaraka Thirumala Eluru Kodigudem Eluru 22 Kommara North 22 Kommara South Eluru Eluru 2 Narsapur 122 Kondalaraopalem Elamanchili Polavaram 35 10 Konadrukota Eluru Eluru TadepaJligudem .. 68 29 Kondruprole Fpigunta Chintalapudi [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 Narsapur 111 Machapuri Penakametta Kovvur 48 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 Markondapadu Kovvur 62 36 Ponangi Eluru Maruter Tanuku 106 13 Pragadavaram Chintalapudi Mogalturru Narsapur 128 31 Prakkilanka hi 0 Kovvur 44 Mogallu Bheemavaram 135 Tallapudi Mudicherla Chintalapudi 32 Pulapalle Narsapur III Mudunuru Tadepalligudem .. 69 Pulla Eluru 24 Muggulla Tadepalligudem .. :4 Mukkamala Tanuku .. 95 Punukollu Eluru 6 Mupparru Eluru 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 Vaddiparru Narsapur 120 somaraju IIIindalaparru Tanuku 99 Vadluru Tanuku 82 Surampudi Tanuku 98 Valluru 74 Suryaraopalem Tanuku 82 Tadepalligudem .. Vanampalli hi 0 Tanuku 106 Tadikalapudi Chintalapudi 33 Neggipudi Tadimalla Kovvur 54 Varighedu Tanuku 90 Thadiparru Tanuku 79 Vasanthavada II Eluru 8 Taduvoi Polavaram 35 Veeravasaram Bheemavaram 136 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 Narsapnr Thirumalapuram Kovvur 51 Vemavaram 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 , cows' ear cow's ear ~6:] S. No. 13- 7 [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