PRG.179 8 tN --750--
CHITTOOR,
CENSUS OF INDIA 1961 VOLUME II
ANDBRA. PRA.DESH
PART VII-B (3)
FAIRS A~D FESTIV
( 8. Chittoor District)
A.CHANDRASEKHAR OF THE INDIAN ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE Superintendent of Census Operations, Andhra Pradesh
Price: Rs. 6.80 p. or 15 Sh. II d. or $ 2.45 c. 1961 CENSUS PUBLICATIONS, ANDHRA PRADESH (All the Census Publications of this State bear Vol. No. II)
PART I-A (i) General Report (Chapters I to V)
PART I-A (ii) General Report (Chapters VI to IX)
PART I-A (iii) General Report (Chapters X to XII)
PART J-B Report on Vital Statistics and Fertility Survey
PART I-C Subsidi"ry Tables
PART II-A General Population Tables
PART JI-B (i) Economic Tables [B-1 to B-IVJ
PART II-B (ii) Economic Tables IB-V to B-IX]
PART II-C Cultural and Migration Tables
PART III 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 Monographs (46) PART VII-A (1) ) PART VII-A (2) f~ Handicrafts Survey Reports (Selected Crafts) PART VJI-A (3)
PART VII-B (1 to 20) Fairs and Festivals (Separate Book for each District)
PART VIII-A Administration Report-Enumeration ) (Not for sale) PART VIII-B Administration Report-Tabulation
PART IX State Atlas
PART X Special Report on Hyderabad City
District Census Handbooks (Separate Volume for each District) FOREWORD
Although since the beginning of history, foreign travellers and historians have recorded the rrinciraI marts and entrepots of commerce in India and have even mentioned important festivals and fairs and a rticles of special excellence available in them, no systematic regional inventory was attempted ur,til the time of Dr. Francis Buchanan-Hamilton in the beginning of the nineteenth century. One of the tasks set hefore him by a resolution of the Governor-General-in-Council in 1807 was "to examine with as much a:::curacy as local circumstances will admit": "an account of the various kinds and amount of goods ma nufactured in each district...... the ability of the country to produce the raw IT. aterials used in tl;em ... hew the necessary capital is procured, the situation of the artists and manufacturers, the mode of providin g 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 "ery thoroughly will appear from his statistical accounts of Mysore 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 stat istical accounts again in the last quarter of last century. For the purpose of notifying holidays in the East Indi a Company's Offices the Board in Calcutta had since 1799 been in the habit of "procuring an accurate Bengatee almanac properly authenticated by Brahmanical astronomy" from the Nabadwip Court (letter from Secrelaryof Board to Collector of Nadiya,5 July, 1799, No. 8217, W. W. Hunter's Unpublished BeBgalee MSS Records). Satis Chandra Vidyabhusan in his History of Indian LogiC wrote that "almanacs were prepared by the Pundit Samaj of Nabadwip 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 NabadlVipadhipaterall!tgya was accepted by all the landlords of Bengal". This Nabadwip Panjika which rema ined the standard almanac for Bengal continued in use throughout the first half of the nineteenth century and each issue contained a Jist 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 (l262 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 appea_ rance 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 Statistical 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 aJ.1 d festivals declined, although these occasions, divested of much of their glory; still continued to attract livestock, grain, trercbandise and handicrafts from far and near. The Imperial Gazetteers published 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 agricultural como modities of many religions and many cultures, crafts and motifs from far and near, of ideas and design, workman_ ship, excellence, and finish, of tools and appliances, of trends of the future and vanishing ~ractices of the past, of adaptability and local variation, of skill and imagination-declined with the punitive export policy of the East India Company and the unrestricted import of machine-made goods, so much so that at the close of the last cen tury fair~ and festivals were reduced to a matter of concern only for the Public Health Department. They were no longer regarded as important centres of trade and commerce, but were now from the Government point of ii
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 con tinued to maintain full lists of them in their local offices, a source which has so far remained unquarried.
Following the Census orerations of West Bengal in 1951, a slim volume, containing a list of fairs and festi vals arranged according to districts and their Police Stations, was brought out as part of the West Bengal scheme of Census publications. This list was mainly made up of information supplied by District Boards and Superinten dents of Police of di~tricts. The two lists were collated to make up a comprehensive list containing several colu mns: the name of the village arranged under its district and Police Station, with its Iursidiction List number, the name of the festival or fair by which it is commonly known in the locality, the English month of the ye ..,r 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 occasions. The Superintendent of Census Operations for West Bengal, who continued in an honorary capacity, was plied from time to time with requests to undertake an extensive survey of the subject 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 West Bengal are on their way to extinction on account of various forces working against them and a record 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 se~rching survey the interest that the publication had aroused.
A different approach suggested itself as the new task was viewed in terms of collection of extensive first band material on each fair and festival. It was necessary therefore, in the first place, to approach as many indivi duals 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 understa_ nding of a person of primary education 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 without 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 details 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 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. iii
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 respon 'sible reporting was the assurance that each piece of information would be fully acknowledged to the corn~spon dent 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 o~her special features, mainly based on Section A of the questionnaire.
(b) The second section was to contain all avaliable information on the festival itself, the worship of deities, particularly rituals and forms of worship. This would be based mainly on Section B of the question_ naire.
(c) The' third section, to be based on Section C of the questionnaire, would contain information about tbe fair and economic activity and amusement connected with the fair.
It will doubtless be a matter of great satisfaction to scholars that the scheme was very enthusiasticallY received by aU my colleagues when its outline together with the West Bengal questi.onnaire was circulated in February, 1960. My colleagues felt that the Census provided a unique opportunity 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 student of history much valuable insight into the organisation of markets.
The proposal to conduct this survey was accepted in the Second Conference of Census Superintendents 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 Srinagar in May and June 1%1. My colleagueS were able to report further progress at the Census Social Studies Camp held in December 1961, when several elabora tions of the original questionnaire and in investigational methodology were also discussed. It was further proposed to under take 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 excite his curiosity. First, they show what an extensive network of seasonal and perennial markets, village fairs still provide to native craftsmanship and industry. Sec ondly, they help to connect economic streams with social and religious movements. Thirdly, they suggest how:a succe ssion of small fairs in a time series culminate in a very big fair, almost always in the heart of a particular area. and how this big event gradually subsides through another time series of small fairs, so that an endless cycle of trade, social and religious intercourse is kept in motion. Fourthly, they insinuate a great deal about what Buchan an-Hamilton was charged to investigate a century and a half ago: "the situation of the artists and manufacturers, the mode of providing their goods, the usual rate of their labour, and any particular advantages they may enjoy: iv 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 l:J.l1cient and not so ancient trade routes in the cou-ntry, and, again, what Buchanan-Hamiltion was asked to investigate; "the nature of the conveyance 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 ackno'.vlcdge that the inspiration for of Andhra Pradesh. As part of the studies of 1961 attempting a survey of Fairs and Festivals of Andhra Census I am presently engaged in a survey of fairs and festivals of Andhra Pradesh for which detailed pradesh C3me from a note that the Registrar General and exhaustive information is being collected. The of India, Sri Asok Mitra, cjrculat~J on the efforts material so collected will be compiled and edited he made to bring out a compendium of Fairs and in a volume to be published by the Census Office. Festiva~s of "Vtst Ben~al, following on the 1951 In order to ob:ain a compl~to picture of festivals Census, and worship of Go~o and Godd::sscs all over Andhra Pradesh, it is imperative that we should obtain as detailed information as possible about all fairs and The Survey was somewhat ambitious in scope. festi\ als that are observed thrOL;gout the year in every H was proposed to make a complete and comprcher.sive village of Andhra Pradesh. I shall be much obliged collection of information on every f:;:ir and festival if you will be good enough to help me in the collec celebrated in all the villages and towns of the State. tion of information on festivals and worship of Gods The fairs and festivals celebrated by the community and Goddesses obs<;:rved throughout the year in your village/town in the questionnaire enclosed. in differelit areas truly reflect our culture, history and tradition. In the present tempo of change of the I trust you wiII agree that if we should succ ways and values oflife, several of the ancient institutions eed in obtaining full information for each and every and practices were fast disappearing or falling into village of Andhra Pradesh, I shall have prepared a disuse. Before man's memory would completely lose volume remarkable for its high degree of thorough ness and comprehensiveness. Such a volume will traces of these important links in the cultural history be of very great importance to many types of scho of the people, it was felt that it would greatly help if lars. But this aim cannot be achieved without your a record was made, to the extent possible, of all the help and co-operation. I am aware that you are fairs and festivals conducted even in the remotest already under heavy pressure of your own work and villages, forests or hills of the State and give whatever responsibilities. Nevertheless, I believe that you will not hesitate to undertake this burden in order account that could be obtained on their significance, to help me to obtain a full and truthful picture of the discriptiolls of the deities, the details of our own country. I shall gratefully acknowledge the ritual etc., connected with every festival. your honorary labour by keeping the information There could not be a more opportune occasion than permanently recorded under your name the Census to launch on a scheme such as this as the correspondent and shall be obliged if you will be good enough to send me your reply directly when it \vould be possible to reach the nooks and by post or through the Census enumerator who corners of the State through the Census Organisation. visits your house or Tahsildar of your taluk." A questionnaire was finalised in advance on the advice of the Registrar General. The questionnaire The enumerators were mostly village school forms (given as an Annexure to this preface) together teachers or in a few cases village officers. They had with an appeal which is reproduced below were local knowledge of the area they were covering. The distributed amongst the Census enumerators to be Census Charge Superintendents were requested to answered and returned. issue the fairs and festivals questionna ire to the enum erators at one of the training classes and collect them "I am sure you wll agree with me that there back at a subsequent training class or at the end of are big gaps in our knowledge of our own country. the enumeration period after the enumerators had It is a vast land with different regions, each having answered the questionnaires on the, basis of their peculiar customs and cultures which if studied personal knowledge and by local inquiries. The would reveal a more comprehensive picture of our ancient land. Coming to our own State, Andhra appeal was also addressed to various other authorities Pradesh, we must admit that half the State is not such as the Commissioner of Hindu Religious Endow fully conversant with the details of habits, customs ments Board, Municipal Commissioners, Executive and languages of the other half. Each bit has its Officers of Panchayat Boards etc. Lists of recognised own beauty and variety to reveal in the form of and scheduled fairs and festivals for which special hitherto unexplored knowledge to the other half. arrangements are made annually were also obtained from the District Collectors, District Superintendents It is my endeavour during the Census Qpe of Police and District Health Officers etc. A press rations of 1961 to study different aspects of the culture and civilisation of the people of the entire release was also issued announcing the scheme and State and publish in one common volume an inte appealing to all interested to send whatever infor_ grated account of what now forms the population mation they could. vi
The response was most encouraging. About No. 1 Srikakulam District 15,000 questionnaires were returned filled. The quality No. 2 Visakhapatnam District of the replies of course varied from 'excellen l' to 'indiff No. 3 East Godavari District erent' depending on the interest that the correspondent No. 4 West Godavari District himself haG in an enquiry of this nature. By and No. S Krishna District large ,:jerc \'.'as evidence of tLc consiJera ble trouble l'-~(). (l Guntur District that the Censlls enumsrator tOOK to ascertain first No. 7 Nellore District hand, n.e c1et:tils cf th fairs «nd festiyals in each No. 8 Chitto or District 'iljagc. ,\)1 this meant extra errort outside the normal No. 9 Cudc1apah Discri-:: Census ,;~,tics of the e]1UIl1Cralor~. I cannot certainly t..J o. 10 J~ ~1 ~11: L!~) ~i r Distril't -,.,' cl2.1n1 that I :~C surv;:y \yas c(_lnlrik;~e arld clH11prchcnsivc 1,0. I 1 1('..1fli.col L}is~ri('L in evcr" cL::,,:1. Ther~ may j"ns been sC\~ral fairs r<<,_). 12 r\1aht.11~n;_!gar ~~ f_)trict and f:~;ti'ia:s ti-,:,t e~capcd the nclicc o!' tbe 'cnunl~rator Nl1. 1"J r-~vderah8d Dis:ric~ or ~:'L,~it \\~ :l.'i! tLe jnfC' jrTI8ti0l1 Le \YDS c:b~e L_1 ~a1her l~o. l'-f l\lcdak Di:;;rict and ;"ri.:SCL~ :'(~~Y'!ly. C:'it it C[ln (,CTt~~ir,~;. b,~ c!ai1ned 1\ (). 15 1~iz-1nl3bad i) is: J ~I.:t ,hal ',\ L:l:c:cr i,,[oi'!!;:ltic;1 Ib\J: J'as b~~,l ~atL.:rcd at No. 1G A '_:1 ~~\ bad L·i~~r:l~'t tbe ~llrvc:,' \\,J:~ ~~L~i~enl;c ~l::(~ ~,~:'\:d ~,S ~t lr.:jtl'~ of No. 17 I;,-arin~11~~.;:ar Distril.:t kr:o'slcdgc ~l.l)out 1i~lje kl:O\\,ll t:J.:1"~5 i:l ;_L~ ~ir~ cf the l'~o. 1::; \\rard :'lgal Ci:,trict C01117:1UnilY. '[here ~~rt? inll~;t('cr:1};~': l'2!i~:C'us f\:~tjva]s No. ]9 I''Lb[i2~irnanl Distrj':t
C(_1:1:!(,C(Cc~ ',1 ith c\2rtai:1 Ccd:~ ~'~~'d Gc(~d,-~s~.:s urp~_fti ~·~8. 20 ~\ ~~; g :,_\~"'_L! ~t iJi:)~rict Cl.!I~',l' ~;~:l:.:(~~~cce in r;~!"t:c\_:~(lr ~'r~~~~; 11~'.1"': ~:. ~ r iivi .. tics in cOlnrTC'i"l:or~~ticn {if l',;,,:(');-;c81 ~l:'~: ~.:~('~'d~~ry In each "",1,,,,:<::, lie lll,:',_r :s a,r:1:',o-'j ta:uk herces; t:~~~'.: ~Ire i:l~.:r(:,i:~~'~ and ins:ilri:l';; 2l-n:cdotes '" /.t tk bl:;il1l'i;~f: I·e,'.; cc':;pe:i(:~,~'" of e:.)ch f con1ic~t'.:d \',ith va;-i('L;S 5\ain s 1110.1 T"'_'~lll~cd OL!f Llnd t[~it.i:~, a pic[.,_,riaI Ill.,j) i~;(i:,_'~u~rj; tL~ !(c(:Li~';1 (If the wh(~:e s{!madh;'s have C\lI1[lllli«J to l~e piac:.:s of\\r'15bip viJl3ge \\ L,_'fC a fa:r cr f2sti\'~~1 L; Lc!d, tI:c \'J~1_nJ.~ of and \encraticn to lLis ~~ay and l:~,d gre::tiy iniluc;1ecd the (:city ~iLl(t tl~l: ;)Cr!I_-l~: \_~C tll~' r.il' (q~ f~Sli\ ~J i~ sbo\\'n. the iif" of the people in c(rtr,in arcus: tl e L);y Thers 'The ~:crial :It'::-:l;~~r (If c~:ch \,~,~ c..._~\ ~reJ =~1 iL~ C0711- bad their 0\\ n kgencs ~Gd bcli"fs attached; a variety pcnLlinrn is ir:.dicatcd i;1 the n~.p fr~~r c~~s~.. f2ference. ~lnJ ri'l;,~ls (If of cDrictls intllec,tin;; w01'"bip rire prac It rnay, Lo\\t\'cr, be cautil_lncd '~:'")2.t E:IC } :'~tl:r~s given tis~d. Tile preser,t survey has belped to j::rcsent all on tbe map may not ex:::ct:y represent L,c actual these in the furm of a eomrcndium. deity cxis~ing in the V1.;~:ge. Tbe pl·:I1..lr:>~ .. ire only sym)Jo!;c, The filkd up questionnaires \;ere sorted out dist rict-wise and then taluk-wis,~. Rej.:cting those in which the information was either extremely scanty or The note cO\'ering .cac~ \:r~.c;e \Vill fir"t g;'"'e the insignificant, whatever informati011 that clluld be col location of the village, th.:: cL'n1l'ositi:.:m of [J,.':)uiatiol1, lected from othcr answers was compiled into a short and legend, if any, COI11:.:ctd \\ith the v;I::l£e, a list note or mOHograph for each village cr to\\'11. An of temples or other places of worship in the \illage and acknowledgement is made to the C,--llT,o,pondent or a description pf the deities anJ it then relates the source that provided the information at the end of the details of the fair and fes: iv;.il, if any celebra~ed in the compilation for each village. These compendia will village. It is not as though e:::,:h tel11lJk and deity will be presented in twenty volumes, one for each district. necessarily have a festival connected with it. Only These will form a part of the 1961 Census series of thos'e important festivals and fairs that are celebrated puhlications. All the Census publication series of by the community are therefore described. Andhra Pradesh State will bear a common Volume No. II (the All India Series being allotted Volume The dates of the festival in the compilation are No. J) and the Fairs and Festivals reports of this State mostly given in terms of Telugu calendar in vogue in will form Part VII-B of Volullle II, i. e., the Andhra the area, as recorded by the correspondents. The Pradesh series of Census publications. Part VII-B will Telugu calendar, as in Bengal, follows the lunar bear serial numbers within brackets which will corres month consisting of 30 lunar days, beginning on the ,ond to the location code number of the district cove day of the new moon. The following statement gives red by the volume. The location code numbers ado- the Telugu months and the corresponding pariod as ted for the districts are: per the English calendar. vii
LIST OF TELUGU MONTHS WITH THEIR 'Andhra Prabha' Weekly etc. The Research Assistant CORRESPONDING ENGLISH MONTHS also conducted local enquiries in a few cases.
1ELUGU MONTHS ENGLISH MONTHS I wish to record my thanks to' the host of Census enumerators for their fullest co-operation and the ChaU, a/:l f\;Iarch-April unstinted trouble taken by them in collecting the in I 'uisa/dlem April-May formation on the prescribed questionnaire purely as a Jil js;' ram May-June Jabour of love. 1 a iso wish to th311 k the various A 'Ji::'dlwfJ! June-July ot1;('r of11cials ard non-officials Sl:C;1 ~:s the Executive 5 r{/I'Gna III July-Auglht O["ic('[s of tbe temples etc" who a'sis(~d me in com 1 ;:hr ilre/,ad{;])1 or L/I(!dra A u g~lst -S,':~tt:';i ~ ber piling t]~c infonr!~\lion, I place ('n nerd the s( rvic.:s ,/,",'iicill Ci' AS\'l;r Septr:m bcr-Ckl"bcr of Sri T. V~\anlam, lAS" Dirccte'r cf C('l~St~S Cpera !\.",": r! /i i/;Olll Cct;,h:r- j\,;c\'cnlh,r tons.fcr l;is vall:a:--:2 SUf::!2.':i:01~S in hcin[,ipg (ut the vol "ft jJ',r.;a-:iranl ume lip-te-date a:ld in n1:i~,:ing it a cOJ~,~rehensiw one. j-" 'c;li.1'r[JJZ or P01isa I>:CCi:lte:·-:~, I; liar}, 1 a:~o pkce on record f11)' aprrr::ci~:ticll of hard znd .~ .- ,~,~:,",1: ;J}l J 21~ l:ary-F~('l~rl~nry S~ist~:ined, s('r\'i~cs (_)[ JllY [)Cpl~ty Su:;erintcndent 1'11:: 1!1;{.'1Il 1'( b 1 ary- J.' c:rch Sri, K.. FlirliSlllltl~,,:i1 Naicu, ~\l. ,\, fer helping lne in n~'i31i~in~ l h\.. c·tlcst1cn\n~'~\lr,~' ?nd Sri 1(- .\t the c:id ;._~f tile cor:;plJ;jt; .. !l cf cael1 di~lrlct tIle !\l8.d~:n\'a r:(_tO~ L\S" DC;~t.~lY [)irectc,r for [ ;i:,\\icg 31'" nr'rcndcd: helpi:1;; n:e i:1 flll::ilisi)~ g tb, n~on(1gr~!phs. The T3~)L!a::on Ofiicers, SriCl1, Purr~;c:l<1ndra R"1O, ]\i.A" (1) A cakr,(1ar of commOll f~Sliv:ds cckbr:ltcd LL. B., and Sri. V. iL\(;:'akris]~l',l, B. A" B. Com., in the district tC':!cth"r \, ith t',,'ir d.:'scr:ption, ha V~ b: :'1 l)~" a ;;)\ -,~ Ll~2 i '.1 ~")ring~ i1g O~lt this (2) A taluk-\':ise ,,::kl1~cLt of ::dl t::: hirs and \'olul}1e. I)r. T:·lii1~r.-,~:\,;ljjhula l·~od~t~lda R;1l~~talah, festivals, I'.i.A .. rh. 0" R~~:~:~l' [;1 1;';'-: T':l', ~\\ D:l~,1t'tn,c,\t and Dr. N. S~lbba RedcIiar, !lead of [:'\.: ('ami! D;;rarlmcnt (_~) A talllk-\vise list of markets a;,ci "hilndies, of Sri V ... ,.L1l:S',\ ar;.: Lnivtfsity '__:c,iic'g.::: and Professor and Ab(.~d Khlder, Head ()fth.:: Department d Chcmistry~ Sri Venkate~\\ an ;\rts C·:'llcgc. -1'jni]1::ti h:yc helped (~) A l11LlIlth·\\ise list of Liirs connected with the in JinaliO:llg the common fcs;ivajscLrT;~t<:d in lile dist festivals. This was culled out from the r;c!. ]\;V l'iT!cc Artist Sri tv1. Kris;;i1:1s\\amy a'"isteCl by taluk·'.\ise stat""mcnt of the fairs festi ~l11d the Ani'st DrafisJn211 Sc.n ;),ri M. j, Sa':;q, .1v1d. Yakub vals. Ali ~ll:J M. G_,\ inclas\\arny F The extraction of inf,)rmation from the filled in The publication of the volume is dclay~d parl·ly questionnaires was entrusted to Sri 1\1. K, Nagappa, fOf wClnt cf sunicient ,tall and partly due tC' delay in a retired District Registar, who had a special apt ;tude printing. Further, it \\ as found that originally in for the work, whom I selected in consultation with the formation was not recein:d fully for some important Commissioner of Hindu Religious Endowments Board places, The Tabulation Officers, Sri ell. purnachan and appointed as Research Assistant in my office. dra Rao and Sri V. Radhakrishna were deputed to Info:'mation was also gathered from other published colkct information on 1 irum~!la, the abode of Lord literature, district gazetteers, articles published in Venkateswara and somc important places ofreligious newspapers and journals such as 'Aradhana' and significance and thus the deficiency was made good. A. CHANDRA SEKHAR, Superintendent of Census Operations, Andhra Pradesh ANNEXURE FAIRS AI'~D FESTIVALS OF ANDHRA PRADESH Questionnaire Name of Vjl]a~.: : brief ucscription of the image. Is this a common Name of Firka : village deity or a persoilal or family deity? Is thc;re Name of Taluk : any temple or "Sthan" (Sacred abode) for the deity Name of District:- in the village? If so, give a description of the same. If the deity has no anthropomorphic1 or zoomorphic 2 A. The Village: image, then in what form is it worsbipped? What 1. Indicate the loci tion of the village and the other temple or places of worship are there in the chief means of commu:1ication \\ ith the village? Men the village? Do all communities have access to the tion the name of the nearest Railway Station and its temple? distance and also the motor or boat route and its 9. Is the festival observed in commemoration distance. Give distance by road from Taluk and Sub. of the birth or death anniversary of any saint or divisional Headquarters. 'pir'? Give a detailed report on the life and religious 2. Give an account of the history or legend, preachil1gs of the saint or the 'Pir', and also narrate should there be any, connected with the origin of the the history or any traditional story associated with his life. village. 3. What are the castes and classes that live in 10. From what date does the worship of the the village? What are the chief means of livelihood deity and the festival begin? For how many days of the various sections of the population? does it continue? When do the preparations for the festival begin? Mention if there is any special feature 4. Give details of places of common religious about the preparatory work of the festival. Give a worship? detailed chronological description date by date, of the method and procedure of the worship and ceremonies. 5. What is the religion which majority of the What is the chief characteristic of the entire ceremony? villagers profess? Are communal feasts, free kitchen (annasatra) and common distribution of 'prasad' organised during the B. The worship of deities and festivals in the vil festival? Jage and fairs in connection with them. 11. Are vows of offering made by peop!e to the (i) The Worship of deities & Festivals: deity in fulfilment of prayer answered? If so, what 6. Name of the festival, its occasion and the arc the things or objects that are usually offer ed and time. (Give the English as well as Telugu dates). dedicated as votive offerings? How and when are bird or animal sacrifices made? What part of the rituals 7. How ancient is the festival? If there is any do fhese sacrifices constitute? history or legend connected with this particular festi val, please narrate it. Is this festival a particular 12. To what class or caste do the principal patro festival of the particular village/area/caste/class and ns and followers of the deity and the festival belong? limited within its fold? Or, is this festival commonly Give the name of the sect ("Varna"), clan (" Gotra" t and universally held and observed throughout the and the hereditary title ("Padavi") of the pries entire district and region? ("Pujari',). 8. Is the festival connected with the won hip of 13. Do non-Hindus partiCIpate in the festival any deity? Mention the name of the deity with a associated with Hindu deities? Do the Hindus.. 1. Human form. 2 Animal form. lX participate in non-Hindu festivals? What is the extent (d) Medicine -Ayurvedic herbs, kaviraji, haki- of such participation? Are there any festivals celebrated mi, etC. in common by all castes and communities in the (e) Books and Pictures -What are the most village? common types of books and pictures that sell best? 14. Is there any congregation of "Sadhus" and saints of any particular religious sect on the occasion (f) Clothing materials-mill made, handloom of the festival? If so, why do they congregate? products, piece-clothes, readymade garments, 'lungis', sataranjas, mats, etc. 15. What is the general ritual of observation of religious festivals at home? Is fasting or feasting (g) Agricultural and artisanry implements--What or keeping awake in the night, sea or river-bath, etc., are the articles and implements? Are sales of observed on any particular festival days? cattle, goats, birds and other animals transa cted? (ii) The Fair: (h) Arts and crafts-Handloom products, cane 16. Where is the fair held? On how much land? and bamboo products, clay and wooden dolls, To whom does the land belong-to an individual owner, earthenware, basketry, etc. Which are the or is it dedicated land? Are taxes, rents, gifts, etc., places from where these articles of arts and collected from the fair and festival? At what time of crafts usually come for sale? Do the sellers the day or night is the fair usually held? Is there any come regularly every year? particular reason why the fair is held on this particular (i) Other miscellaneous articles. site? 21. What facilities are available for the boar 17. How ancient is the fair? For how many ding and lodging of pilgrims or visitors? Are there any days is it held? How many people attend? What are chou1tries? Are any special pandals erected? Is any public the main castes or classes from which the larges~ feeding organized? Do outside visitors and pilgrims stay number of people are drawn? Name the neighbouring for more than a day for the festival or fair? villages or unions from which people assemble? How many usually attend? What is the average ratio of 22. What are the principal arrangements for males and females who attend the fair? What are the catering recreation and amusement to the people com main conveyances b~ which the people and pilgrims ing to the fair? Give details of sports, sea-saw, travel to the fair? circus, magic, gambling, lottery, jataras, theatres, musical soirees, etc., that are organised in the fair. 18. From which places do the shop-keepers and What are the most common themes of the jatara and stallholders come? Do the same sellers come regularly theatres, etc.? Which parties come and from where do every year? What are the articles or commodities they come? Is there any dramatic or enterainment that are brought and sold most? party in the village itself? Give name and address of 19. How many shops, stalls, booths, etc., are the leader of the party. Is it possible to collect songs opened in the fair? How many sellers sit in the open and themes of the jatara and theatres? Do the same spac~s? What is the figure of hawkers and pedlars? parties come every year? How many people do see or hear and participate in all the amusements? 20. Of all the shops, stalls, booths and pedlars, how many sell: 23. Is it a necessary religious ritual to drink alcohol or any other intoxicant during the ceremonies (a) Foodstuffs-sweetmeats, fried chips and of worship and festival? other varieties of food. 24. Other remarks: Describe any other features. (b) Utensils-copper, brass, iron, glass, earthen ware, etc. Name of correspondent: (c) Stationery -lanterns, torchlights, looking Address: glasses, combs, and various other assorted Occupation: goods. Date of sending the reply: l"\""';___ 0 ~~ '-- ~O:J. -:~~-_, ~~~~:., ~~.:o,..·~, c;o<:~: ~-.:~:o"'\':-v -,,:,-~j o ""'" -5 ><_ • U cJ~V~~:~ ~ t..7~'oCS ~c;<~~·-:-'clt::.? 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IT _ '"' (9 • (... :· ... tlG, <7 tlC)'J"::;c r::oA~ 2;'j6c_:,~ ~6o is OJ'e5g);;$c:r-cu '-- lD. ,,!,,;:5l)~ O:l~~:';":, ~ot'\tO, S"e.l:) ~6o;:i ~0"?riSo~, o::'tl~~~(.-;; ~(;J o~;;)"~tr ~4?6wo{\' M M Q.._ g);),OSJ--j:,,·e? (;.;.)O:;;Ul :'iJ, ~O""\tm j~cor::i8'oo)? COJo6 oX ~O"'OS ~o6;;$:)oEl ~o~ ~~ ';:':;2r3(:2rr::i~ow ot. oJ • l;Jt"" ;;.:~~? l!7;5:,0e'-;e ~o N' ;..~tl~· C:eJ060jlO~, g)cTCS t9_:~~cW'~ ~~.jo~~? w;;,'i ;;S~~!;)~ 3~l"\)e§J- <:3 ~ o:x,~.,.oo~ ";5:;cl!J? OeJ0C)o'jIO~ ~iSd..w·? O'''''D,,060j;3"d5:l~~~CO, wCON"~ et::.J0~? N"~S~oeT~ ;J-o~~iS:>, l;;$ZYiSg);S,05J'o~~ 20. 7:.:r;;~ 0 6~~Ul, ~O,"\tO, S"t;o {Jt):)l"\)€§.P -:05aoiStio ~''Si)::il:'ti:£Oi:3'? l;:5~ ;S0;;S6ji:So ~~ f.)~)Owcu ~ M M eJ~d.;ya~ ~ §jOl!J .,.~:J ~~~i:J~~? w~oe,;oOSJ-? g);r.;5 rro6S z;):;;;...~o~~e:li;) ,:5.,....,j;;J"t):){\'~, g) j ;;J"t):)7)";) :';:;o5;s:'oE,? .,.i.3 5' ~8""~;;?~ ';:'06:fs:Jo El? . () (~) u:::T£~ ;$0':rc.:_i:),;0"=, '£OO)ow~ ~;$,JwCJ q~lS e~6 ;$O'CT'CJ. 23. ~0"".;5<\), 6~.J;;:5 ;:':o61J';:/.JeT ::S6go rr~ '" ~o 0::' <:;jeSs ;;xi:SJ ;;SQ"~0 7)"~ -:0g)oi$r::io ~&,i:?60 w\~(' (~) ~l~a>~CJ'I\· a_ ~.. eJeJ el e£i';,.,;56~""'? ~l6Qj. 24. 8.~:5 ;);)'dSJ"'a> , ~ ~6~ ~o~o-;J;;? g);,$ (~) ~~~-")""(j~~, ~oiS 0&. t5.;~.$iSu, ~!;;~6 ;;:i .:}0W. (~) :Oo~a>_~oioo.s6 :.:,~5;8)) ~C) O~;). C~) ~;S_ S"a>, ;;;~a>_~4l"6~oTi" ~~ S"cc., ;$~C)J ~~2r;;S{\' ~~~~~i3"00)? CHITTOOR DISTRIC r :z !: '8 :a ~ ~ go~ E-~ ..< ; 2 ~ U~ ~ ~ .:l ;!; g < IJJ I- 0 ~ (I :c ~ ::: 0:: U ..0 1M o - :i..." ~ .. g (I" ~ .J 0:: ... "~ % "Ii! ~ < ~ .. ~ < ,. I.) ~ ~ .J I- ,. <> ~ ~ M < ":! ~ '"~ I: 0 Q ~ .. < ~ Q ~ ~ < :t W ~ ~ g ~ 0 0 <> '"~ Q 5 i.l t; E 't :t ~ Cl ~ ~ ~ < ~ ~ ~ _, I.) g: - :! Z 0 ~ w~ .. ... ~ U IU ,. ... 'i: ~ e . I • I.)" < '" . ...lU ~ ~ >:'" l: "11 ~ "0 ~ 'g I ~ < ~ .J ... "~ .. ca:: ~ < ~ '" 3 ~ ~ .. Q ... 0 ~ § > '"~ II: '" ~ ~ -!i '" .. '" , :c 0 " Q 0 ~ z i @®CV ~y t -< f- i II I II ! f- ~ .. '"0- -::c I: '3 U ;;; W I- I- < U I- (f) 0:: l- (f) (f) -Cl « 0:: , '"0 0 0 .... :r: < ~ « ~ D. « Cl 0 :::l U u.o~?~"''1'$ Ol CONTENTS Pages Foreword i-iv Preface v-xi Section I CHTTTOOR TALUK 1-13 II BANGARUPALEM TALUK 15-18 III PALAMANER TALUK 19-24 KUpPAM TALUK IV 25-32 V PUNGANUR TALUK 33-44 VI MADANAPALLE TALUK 45-55 VII VAYALPAD TALUK 57-62 VIn CHANDRAGTRI TALUK 63-101 IX KALAHASTI TALUK ]03-115 X SATYAVEDU TALUK 117-133 XI PUTTUR T ALUK 135-145 APPENDICES I Calender of Festivals and common Festivals observed in Chittoor District 147-165 II Statement of Fairs and Festivals [I-51 ] III List of Markets and Shandies [52-54] IV List of Fairs [55-571 MAPS Chittoor District Facing Contents Facing Page Chittoor Taluk 1 Bangarupalem Taluk 15 palamaner Taluk 19 Kuppam Taluk 25 punganur Taluk 33 Madanapalle Taluk 45 Vayalpad Taluk 57 Chandragiri Taluk 63 Kalahasti Taluk ]03 Satyavedu Taluk 117 Puttur Taluk 135 GLOSSARY [59-62] INDEX [63-66] ILLUSTRATIONS Plate Facing Page I Raja Mahal of Chandragiri Palace 68 II Ghat Road, Tirupati-Tirumalai 72-73 III Goddess Padmavathi, consort of Lord Venkateswara at Mangapuram Village 72-73 IV Panoramic view of first of the seven hills of TirumaJai 73 V The Vimanam (tower) over Anandanilayam 79 VI Lord Venkateswara 80-81 VII papanasanam waterfalls 84 VIII Vendiradham (silver car) in TirumaJai 90 IX Pushkarini (pond) in front of Govindarajaswami temple, Tirupati 91 CHIT'fOOR -fALUK INDEX fAIRS AND fESTIVALS Code number Name of Deity S.No. CHlTTOOR T ALUK and Name of Vjllage and Peflod or Fair or Festiv;JI CHlTIOOR DISTRlCf, A. P. (0 KOTHAKOTA KODANDA RAMASWAMY ",MR.APR 2 6 Mll£S 15 THENEPAUE CHINNAMMA 1 .• ;:_= NO FIXED DATE ===' N o 29 P£NUMURU JAGADGURU SANKARA " , 3J~" o CHARYULUAP/l..Io'AY 30 KAMACHENNAYYAPALLE VENIJGOPAlASWAMY· o jUtY·"UG CHITTOOR KODANDA P-AMASWAMY CHANDRAGIRI CD ""AR.MR 46 KUKKALAPALLE V!.~UPAKSHAMMA TALUK CD DE.C 'i~N 53 KAUJ 4VEOU ?ONNAMMA M"~_A?R 0\ 61 GANGADHARA ALLI Y£lLAMI.IA CD NELLORS DEC· ,'AN 1 63 VIN!AM SIUUEIWARASWAMY 0 J~;I-' jA'.:.;ARf @ 66 THUNGUNDRAM GANGAMMA 69 £LLAPAm VJRUrAJ{)HAMl.1A ® ,U,Y.AUG @ 70 AMBODHARAPALLE MARINA GANGAMI>IA MAR.ArR 71 MAHADEVAMANGALAM GANGM/.,'.. ~A @ ti() F/Xf.D DATE. @ 7Z BHAKARA NARASINGA KODANDA RAI.1AS'NAMr RAYANIPETA APfi.M~( KADAPALAMMA .UNE.·JULY GANGAMMA Mil_MAl MUTHYALANMA DEC-JAN BANGARUPALE'"" MUTHYAlAMMA IUD. SUB, TALUK Cie-JAN & JliNE_JUty @ 74 MUKKALATTlJRU GANGAMMA IJ~H TO ,aHjM.u",RY @ 73b ARATHILA Hlo DROWPADAhlMA . /'J.UTHUKIJRU FiB·I.VR 73, jAMBUGOLAMPAlLE Hlo DROWPADAMMA MIJTHUKUR M,I,y.JI)NE. @ 76 VEWKURU MIJTHYAlAMMA 80 NARIGAPALL£ MUTHYALAM/~A @ APR· MAY 011: JUNE·JUlY @ 84 MADHAVARAM GANGAIY1MA MAY·JUNE 87 YADAl1ARI VARADARAJASWAMY ® APR_MAY 96 KAMMAPALLE GANGAMMA @ APR. MAY @ 99 CHITTAPARA GANGAMMA MA~.APR 100 B4NDAPALLE GANGAMMA @ MAR.AFR @ 101 PAPASAMUDRAM @ 106 RAMAPURAM GANGAMMA MAA.APR III THALAl1BEDU DROWPADAMMA @ AUG-SU' 1/ 2 ANANTHAPUil.AM GANGAMI>IA ® Mn.J .... N! GANGAMMA : ..... y-JUNE '0' DHARMA RAJU TAMIL NAOU MAr )UNE @ 1/6 THIMM£PALLE GANGAMMA APR. r~;.y _ •• _ STATe eoUNOARY F~J::;'~ j l. Tl)£:u'r YAGNESWA~ASWAMY & GNANA _ TALt)I(SOIJNDARI' PRA;UNAMBA MJlIi.. APR J 170 KR!SHNAJA!1MAPURAH ViRUPAJ(SHJ.MM.4 @ [;E./Hf,'CAY ____ NATIONAL. HIGHWAY$ @ I IS MARAKALA WPPAM R=-NUKAtt.BA 1':;·J."'UA~l' STATE HICHWAY!; @ 1/9 .".JANGAf,1ANGAlAM NANG J."-'IAI'~GALAM/v1A ot P.ENU:(A:\~BA DEC· J,I.N ffi TALUX H£A/XIUAATCR$ @ l22a GOLLAMA0UGU Hlo I DE:S!t-j,&'{\A/v't/v1A MAI';D!KRISHNAPURAM p'l_ FE! (2) VIll"ACE WeTH :S£RIA~ NVMS,A ~"1Y~" I~_"t,_tI ~J~,--- ____ _ H ) S~~IQ Section I CHITTOOR TALUK 7fi} othakota-Situated on the 15th mile of Chitto or- stranger appeared in his dream and asked him h> sacri- C" Tirupati bus route to the east at a distance of fice his daughter, which he did. He could complete the 1 furlong from the motor road, I mile from Kothakota construction of tank only afterwards. Hence the ~irl is Railway Station and 15 miles from Chittoor. being worshipped as a deity. Chinnamma uthsavam is celebrated on a Friday in Eswara temple and Kodandarama temple with every month. It is an ancient festival of local signi His metal image are the places of worship in the ficance. All local communities participate. The vil village. lagers patronize the festival and share the expenditure of pooja. Prasadam is distributed to all. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for nine days from Chilitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Sap ram SOURce: Sri K. Gurunatha PilIai, Teacher, Thene Uthsavam, Hamsa vahanam, Naga vahanam, Hanu. palle. mad valtanam, Garuda valranam, Enugu va/lanam, Rathotltsavam, Aswa vahanam and pushpa pallaki are 3. Penumuru-Situated at a distance of 7 miles to the the important religious per,formances. Daily pooja is east of Puthalapattu Railway Station, 10 miles from :,:Jerformed. Cocoanuts and camphor are offered. It Pakala Railway junction, 14 miles to the south of Chi is being celebrated since 1909 and is @f local sign i ttoor and 30 miles to the North of Tirupati. ficanc;;. Kapus patronize the festival. All local com munities participate in it. There are inam lands and There were two banyan trees twisted with each funds. Pujari is a Brahmin. Prasadam is distributed other in this place. Hence it was called 'Penu Marri' to all. Gruel and jaggery syrup are distributed to the (penu-twist, Marri-banyan tree) which was corrupted poor. Sri Tiruchanur Subrahmanyachari celebrates into 'Penumuru·. 'Surya Prabha Uthsaram' during Ratha Sapthami on At a distance of 3 miles to the south of Penumuru Magha Suddha Saptami (January-Febroory ) at his there is a huge rock splinted into two. As two tigers own cost. fought there it is knowQ as 'puligundu' (Puli-tiger Shops are opened to sell foodstuffs, eatables, gulldu-rock). It is difficult to climb the rock. A fe': utensils, lanterns, books and photos, clothes and toys. people who climbed the rock in the past said that its top was spacious with a Koneru (tank), balls of in cense, huts and ashrams of rishis. A temple was con Pandaribhajans, kolatams, street dramas, Hari structed at the foot of the rock as there was a self kat/las, lottery and magic entertain nearly 15,000 manifested image of Lord Gunteeswara. Just opposite visitors. to this, there is a temple of Nandeeswara and a well. At a distance of 3 furlongs from the village there is SOURCB: Sri K. Raghunatha Pi/lcd, Kothakota. 'Anandashramam' founded by Anandaswamy. Daily he was delivering theosophical lectures between 16.00 and 2. Tbenepalle-Situated on the 13/6 mile of Chittoor 17.00 hours. In the Ashram there are' Dhyanalayam ' Cuddapah road. Puthalapattu on Villupuram-Reni_ (meditation hall) andPranavalayam. ' gunta railway line is the nearest railway station at a distance of 3 miles. Lord Gunteeswara Swamy Uthsacllm is celebrated in Pushy am (December-January). Preparations are Chinnamma is worshipped in the form of small made a week in advance and the temple is white stones on the village tank bund at a distance of 3 fur washed. The main image in the temple and the pro longs too the North. cession images are decorated well and the valzanams are cleaned. After the decoration of the deity, flowers, Chinnamma was a maid of Reddy community. fruits, cocoanuts and corbans are offered by the Three generations ago her father was engaged in constru devotees till 15.00 hrs. At 16.00 hours die procession ction of a tank but he could not embank the tank. A image is taken out in procession on a vahanam with 2 music. From Penumuru the procession image of Local Hindus congregate. A Kshatria of Atresa gotram Ramalingeswara Swamy is brought to the temple with with hereditary rights is the Pujari. Prasadam is dis music. Both the images meet near the temple and are tributed to all. placed in the temple. Afterwards the image of Rama Dhanurmasavratham, Ekadasivratlzam, Jagarana lingeswara Swamy is taken round the hill thrice on the and fasting are the domestic observances. vahanam and then taken back to Penumuru. This festival extends to the nearby villages also. Nearly SOURC.E: Sri K. Subrahmanya Pil/ai. Teacher, Zilla 2,000 devotees of this village and the nearby villages Parishad Elementary School, Cudya- congregate. nampalle. A fair is held in this connection near the 1!emple. 5. Chittoor--Situated at a distance of 100 miles from About 2,000 people of this and the nearby villages Madras. This is the district headquarters and a rail congregate. Eatables, utensils, lanterns, toilet goods, way station on Gudur-Katpadi line. Chitti Uru in pictures and photos are sold. Pandaribhajans, kirtha Telugu means a small village. It is also said that lias and music are the items of entertainment. Chittu means knowledge and Vru means village, i. e. , Chitturu is a village of knowledge. In the 3rd century Sankarachary~ Jayanthi is celebrated from Vaisa A. D. the district was a part of the Pallava Kingdom. klla Suddha Panchami (April-May) in Anandashramam Later Cholas ruled over the area for a long time. The for 3 days. Daily prayers are conducted. Vedas are reign of Cholas came to an end in the 13th century recited on all the three days before day-break. On the A. D. After them, Saluva kings and Yadavas ruled last day in the evening at 16.00 hours, the picture of over the area. At about 1324 A. D. the armits of Jagadguru Sankaracharya is taken out in procession in Allauddin Khilji conquered the territory. But the Delhi a palanquin accompanied by music. Previously Sri Sultan's reign did not lost long. When Harihara Anandaswamy was delivering lectures, every evening Bukkarayalu fouRded the Vijayanagar Kingdom the on philosophy and religion. Recitation of Bhagavadgita district came under his rule. was taking place once in two or three yean. and several sadhus were assembling. This festival.is confined to the From. 1646 the district was administered by the nearby villages. Donations are collected from the nei Nawabs of Golconda. Acting under the directions of ghbouring villagers in the form of cash and grain. the Golconda Nawabs, the Nizam of Cuedapak ruled Thousands of devotees local and from the neighbour over Madanapalle, Vayalpad and punganur taluks ing villages congregate. Prasadam is distributed to all. while the rest of the taiuks were under the Nawab of On the third day there is poor feeding. Arcot. SOURCE: Sri P. Chengalaruya Chari, Assistant After the fall of the Golconda· Kingdom, the Teacher, Zilla Parishad Elementary Carnatic Nawabs exercised authority over the district. School, Penumuru. Maharashtri.ans and later the ruler of Mysore, Hyder Ali, occupied the area for some time. In the Mysore wars Hyder Ali was defeated by the English and 4. Kamacheunayyapalle-Situated at a distance of 2 according to the peace treaty concluded at Sriranga miles and 5 furlongs from penumuru motor route,. ] 0 patnam the English gave away the taluks of Madana miles from puthalapattu Railway Station and 17 miles palli, Vayalpad and Chandragiri to the Nizam and the from Chitto or. rest of the taluks of the district to the Nawab of Arcot· Sri Venugopalaswamy temple with His wooden To meet the expenses on the British army the images in human form and Mutyalamma temple are Nizam handed over the district along with other the places of worship in the village. Rayalaseema districts to the English in 1801. The district in the present form with the taluks of Madana Sri Krishna Jayanti is celebrated for ten days palli, VayaJpad, punganur Palamaner, Chandragiri, from Sravana Balzula Ashtami ( July-August). Birth Kalahasti, Puttur and Chittoor came into being in day, Kalyanam, procession, Utla uthsavam, Vasantlza 1911. uthsavam and Thota ut/zsavam (garden procession) are the important items i. the celebration of the festi The temples of Rama, Eswara, Su brahmanyeswara val. It is being celebrated from 1944 and is confined to Swamy and Anjaneyaswamy with their images in this village. Sri D. Subbanaidu, a Kamma is the patron. human forms, Ramavilasa Sabha, Krishnavilasa Sabha, 3 9 mosques, Arcot Mission Church, Catholic Church and entertainment to the visitors. There is ppor feeding. _ 2 Protestant Churches are the places of wership in this town. There are small temples for Ankalamma, For the past 25 years uthsavam in Rama temple is Ponnamma and Vinayaka, etc. , in this place. being celebrated. Ramulavari uthsavam takes place for 12 days SOURCE: Sri K. Chandrasekhara Naidu, Village from Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). During Level Worker, Kukkalapalle. these 12 days the Lord is taken in procession around the town in vahanams like Suryaprabha, Chandrapra 7. Kalijavedu-Situated at a distance of 2 miles from .blza, Enugu (elephant), horse, Vyali, Hanuman, Garuda 6 3/8 milestone of Chittoor-Puttur road by Nandanur ( the sacred kite) ,etc. , and on the last day on Pushpa village road and 8 miles 3 furlongs from Chittoor. Pallaki. Cocoanuts, flowers and fruits are offered. It is being celebrated for the past 65 years. Thousands of The temples of village deities Satyamma and Hindu devotees of this village and the surrounding vill Ponnemma and Perumallaswamy are the places of ages within a radius of 5 miles congregate. Brahmins worship in the village. Ponnemma is being worshipped are the patrons and pujaris. Prasadam is distributed in humam form. Only Dhwajasthambham (flag-staff) to all. is there in Perumalla temple. A fair is held in this connection near the temple Ponnemma Tirunala is celebrated for a d~y in for the past 65 years. Thousands of people participate Chaitram (March-April). Fowls and goats are sacri-, in it. Eatables, pictures and photos, books, clothes and ficed. The devotees offer Pougali (cooked rice mixed toys are sold. There are 4 choultries, viz., Guruvappa with milk and sugar), worship the deity and sacrifice a Naidu satram, Mandaveedhi satram, Eswarunigudi fowl or goat after Taliga (Taliga means rice offering sa/ram and Kanyakaparameswari sa/ram. to an idol). It is an ancient festival of local signific~ anee. Only Hindu devotees participate. Pujari is a Mahasivarathri is celebrated on Magha Bahula Kamma. Chaturdasi (January-February) in Eswara temple. At the time of liquidation of their vows to .sOURCE: 1) Sri V. David Jesupadam, B.A., B.Ed., Perumallaswamy, devotees perform abhishekam with Science Assistant, B. Z. High School, milk; distributes pongali, sweets, such as sundalu and Chitloor. pattilu, sandal and betalleaves with areca nuts and lit the light with ghee on the Dhwajastambham. There 2) Places of Interest ill Andhra Pradesh is inam land of 1-40 acres to the temple of which 0-40 hy Information & .Public Relations acre is the nanjaland and 1-00 acre is the dry Jand. Department, Hyderabad. Pujari is a Brahmin. Harijans worship Gangamma in the form of stones 6. Kukkalapalle--Situated at a distance of 3 furlongs and it is confined to them. from the third mile stone of Chittoor-Palmaner road SOURCE: K. Narayana Swamy Pillai, Headmaster, and 3 1/2 miles from Chittoor Railway Station and P. S. Elementary SclIool, Vellkatapural11 town. t h/o Kalijavedu. Village deity Veerupakshamma temple, Gangamma temple and Rama temple are the places of worship in 8. Gangadhara Nellore-- Situated on the 'Chittoor this village. Puttur road at a distance of 6 1/4 miles from Chittoor Railway Station and town. It is named Gangadhara Veerupakshmma uthsal'am is celebrated for 15 Ncllore as River Neeva flows at a distance of 4 fur days in Pushyam (December-January), i. e., 15th to longs to the ,vest of this village. 20th December. Fowls and rams are sacrificed on a large scale when epidemics prevail in the village. The temple of village deity, Alii Yellamma, with White-washing, decoration of houses, fasting and Her stone image in human form with 4 hands \ holding ntfering pongali are the domestic observances. 1t iii of trisulam and serpent around Her neck, two Kodanda local significance. The villagers potronize the festival. Rama Swamy Blzr.janG }.[andl/"s ::ire the pl::lCes of wor All local communities participate. Dramas afford ship in the village. Daily puja is being performed in 4 Bhajana Mandirs. Dharmaraja ternple~ Daily puja is performed. The devotees celebrate on the last day 'Agnigunda pravesam' Alli Yellamma uthsavam is celebrated for four (entering the fire pit) to liquidate their vows .. Fasting days in Pusltyam (December--January), i.e. , from 13th is observed. The village leaders patronize the festival. to 16th January. Preparations are made 10 day~ in Local people of all castes take part in it. The deity owns advance. Aradhana of the deity is done on every Fri inam lands. Pujari is a Potter. day evening. They take bath in the local tank, observe Jagaram and fasting on the night of 12th January. SOURCR: Sri N. Muni Reddy, Village Level Worker, Coco.anuts, camphor, vermilion, saffron and flowers Vinjom, Gangadhara Nellore Block. are offered. Fowls are sacrificed in di8Charge of their vows. It is. an ancient festival of local significance. to. ThuBgundram-Situated at a distance of 4 furlongs Kapus are the trustees. All local communities partici from Avalkonda Road, 121/2 miles from Chittoor pate. Pujari is a Kapu with hereditary rights. Cooked Railway Station and 13 miles Chittoor town by road. rice is distributed as prasa"am. SOURCE: Sri K. Kumaraswamy Pilla;, /(arnam. Gangamma temple, church and a mosque are the· Gangadhara Nellore. places of worship in the village. 9~ Viajam-Situated on the 6th mile stone of Ganga Gangamma !atara is celebrated for 3 days in dhara Nellore-Agaram road at a distance of 12 miles Vaisaklzam (April-May), i.e., from 27th to 29th May. from Chitto or Railway Station and town and 4 miles Arrangements are made from the end of April. Clothes. by footpath from the 13th mile of Chittoor-puttur and corbans are offered and animals are sacrificed t(} road. It is believed that two Harijan brothers, Vin the deity. Oil bath, wea,ring new dress, feasting and jadu and Veeradu constructed two villages 'Vinjam' jagal"am are the domestic observances. It is being cele and Veeraka Nellore' respectively. brated with a belief that it will protect the vH1age from epidemics such as chicken pox and cholera. It is Sri Siddheswaraswamy temple with Sivalingam and being celebrated for the past 100 years and it is of loca~ Dharmaraja temple with wooden images in human form si,gnificance. The villagers patronize the festival. Only are the places of worship in the village. Near Siddhe local Hindus participate. Sri A. Mudaliar of Agumadi swara temple there are some broken images of Seeta gotram is the pujari with hereditary rights. There is. rama Swamy. There are manyam lands to the Lord fr:ee feeding. but temple is not yet constructed. SOURCP: Sri K. GnanesW(Jra Pillai, Kar1(am, Sri Siddheswaraswamy Giri pradakshinam and Thungundram. uthsal,am are celebrated on Kanumu after Sonkranti in Pushyam (December-January), Le., 15th January. Giri 11. EllapaUe--Situated at a distance of 2 miles from pradakslzinam (going round the hill) commences at Chittoor-Tiruttani trunk road, 8 miles from Rama 14-00 hours on that day. Abhishekam is performed and hair is offered in liquidation of their vows by puram Railway Station and 11 miles from Chittoor. devotees. Daily puja is performed besides. Special puja on Mondays, by the devotees. This is an ancient Virupakshamma temple to the west near the river festival of local significance. Karus patronize the with Her stone image in human form, Dharmaraja temple and Vighneswara temple are the places of wor festival. The Lord owns inarn lands. All local commun ities participate in it. Pujari is a Jangamdevara with ship in the village. hereditary rights. Prasadam is distributed to all. Virupakshamma uthsavam is celebrated for 3 days Maliasillaratri festival is celebrated in this temple in Sravanam (Juiy-August), i.e., on 15th, 16th and 17th of August, cocoanuts, fruits and camphor are offered. or Magha Bahufa Chaturdasi (January-February). The animals dedicated to the deity in liquidation of There is free feeding and Santarpana. Fasting and vows, are sold and the same amount is spent in the jagaram are the common domestic observances .. Rudra bhishekam is performed. Devotees from the nelghbou uthsavam. It is said that the deity revealed Her prese ring villages congregate. Dramas entertain the devotees. nce to the villagers on the river bank and asked them to celebrate Deeparadhana daily, perform pooja once Narration of Mahabharata is dooe for 15 days a week and uthsavam once a year for Her to safeguard dming Vaisakha (April-May) or !aishta (May-June) in the vWage. It is an ancient festival of local significance. 5 All local communities take part. Yadava (Golla) with GaHga jatara is celebrated once a year. Puja is hereditary rights is the pujari. performed on every Tuesday. Fowls and goats are sacrificed. It is an an('~ent festival of local ~ignificance. Dharmaraja uthsavam is celebrated for 20 da;,'<; in Kapus are the patro:~:., All local communities partici Ashadh1m (June-July). Arrangements are rna .1,. 10 pate. Pujari is Sri G,)vinda Murthy. da) s in advance. There is free feeding and socia! (,ryn no, cl;':; arranged. Prasad:J71 is distribukd to all. Recitation of f he Bharatam in Dharmaraja temple is done for 18 d~ys in Vaisakham (April-.i\,Ijay). SCi . CI: Sri P. Ramaiah Chetty, Vii!age LCl'cl Offerillgs are made in tr,e form of things ane! jewellery. Worker, Narasingarayanipet. Puja is performed on every Sunday. SOURCB: Sri K. Kandarami Pillai, Kamam, Maha 12. AmbodbarapalIe--Situated at a distance of I 1/2 devamangalam. miles from Chittoor-Avalakonda road, 8 miles from Ramapuram Railway Station and 13 1/2 miles from Chittoor. 14. Bhakaranarasingarayanipeta-Situated at a dis tance of 4 miles from the road and 10 miles from the Gurappaswarny temple is the place of worship. Ramapuram Railway Station. Gurappaswamy is worshipped in the form of Gariga. An image of Marana Gangamma is also worshipped Lord Veeranjaneya Kodandarama Swamy temple. but there is no temple. with His stone image, 7 1/2 ft. high and 4 1/2 ft. wide in human form and a BhajanQ Mandir are the places Marana Gangamma Gariga is celebrated on of the worship in the village. Chaitra PUl'11inl1 (March-April) for a day. Procession takes place. It is an ancient festival of local signi Kondanda Ramaswamy Pushapapallaki uthsOI'am ficance. Reddies are the patrons. All local Hindus is celebrated for 10 days in Vaisakham (April-May). It participate in it. is an ancient festival of local significance. Kshatriyas are the patrons. All local communities participate. A Vish Sri Rama Nm'ami is celebrated for ten days from navite Brahmin of Bharadwaja gotram is the pujari. ChtJ.itra Suddha Nal'ami (March-April) for the past 30 years with local congregation. Kamuni pandllga and Gangamma jatal'a are cele Gurappaswamy kolupulu are celebrated on a brated in Vaisakham (April-May) and Jaistham (May large scale once in five years. There is one sacred bult June) respectively. Fowls and goats are sacrificed dedicated to the deity. Three festivals are celebrated There is free feeding and social dinners are arranged: during the life time of the sacred bull. Clothes and Fasting and jagaram are observed domestically on silver anklets are offered to the sacred bull. The Ekadasi and Sivaratri, i. e., on Magha Bahula Chatur (January-February). patrons and pujaris are Kammas with hereditary dasi rights. Local Hindus congregate. There is free feeding Murthinayunipalle is the hamlet of this village. and prasadam is distributed to all. Mutyalamma image in human form is worshipped SOURCE: V. K. Sabhapathi, Headmaster, Sam i_ in a temple in this village. tlii Elementary Schoof, ,lmbodhara- palle. Mutyalamma uthsavam is celebrated for 5 days in Pushya11l (December-January), i. e., from 13th to 17th 13. Mahadevamangalam-Situated at a distance of one January. Cocoanuts and camphor are offered and mile from Chittoor-Avalakonda road, 10 miles from fowls and goats are sacrificed by the devotees to dis Ramapuram Railway Station and 11 miles from charge their vows on the last day before the temple. Chittoor. As ;vrahadeva Eswara temple is close to this Fasting and jagal'OIn are observed. It is an ancient village, it is named Mahadeva Mangalam. festival of local significance. Kammas patronize the festival. All local communities participate in it. A Kapu Eswara temple and Dharmaraja temple are the is the pujari. places of worship in the village. Ten images of the village deity Gangamma with four hands in human Ganga jatal'G is celebrated for 20 days in laistham form are also worshipped without any temple. (May-June), i. e., 20th May to 10th June. 8 It had puranic importance of being 'Malta Dwaram' seventh day, Vasanthothsavam on the ninth day and (main entrance) to the famous of Lord Varadaraja PushpapaUaki on the tenth day are the important swamy in Yadamari - MaTza Dwarmn was corrupted performances during these ten days. Fasting and into the present form in cource of time. jagaram are the domestic observances. On the ninth day during' Thirtha Vari' the disc of the Lord is Grama Devata Gangamma temple in a dilapidated washel! ;n the river. This is knowc as 'Chakra SlIollam' condition at a distance of one furlong to the west of (Chakram-disc, snanam-bath). During this time peopJe the village with Her image in human form and Sri believed to be possessed by evil <;pirits take a dip in the Rama temple are tbe places of worship in the village. river. Offerings are made in the form of coins and [lairs. ]t is an ancient festival and is widely known through Gangamma jatarQ is celebrated for two days in out the district and a few parts of Tamil Nadu. The Jaistham ( May-June). Arrangements are made a week deity owns ll1am lands. The patrons belong to all in advance. Offerings are made in the form of cash and communities. Thousands of Hindus participate. Pujari kind. Animals are sacrificed. A ram is sacrificed on the is a Vaikhanasa Brahmin, a learned scholar in Agama second day. Devotees discharge their vows. It is an Sliastra and is having hereditary rights. Prasadgm is ancient festival of local significance and is common distributed to all. There is free feeding only for Vaisyas throughout the district. Reddies patronize the festival. in their choultry. All local communities participate. Dhobies and potters are the fllljaris with hereditary rights. There is free 'Yeddulil ParusTra' or cattle fair is held iti this feeding. connection for 15 days. Thousands of people conJ:!;te gate. Animals are brought by the tradesmen of this . SoU{CH: Rri JJ. Krishna Reddy, Village Lel'eI • taluk. Foodstuffs, utensils, li.interns, books and pnotos, Wvrker, Zadamani, Block DCl'elopmenf hand loom clothes and toys are also sold. ~erry-go rounds and dramas entertain the visitors. There are Officer's Office. hotels in this village. During Ganga jatara intoxicants are used as a situated on Chittoor-Gudivattam 20. Yadamari-is custom. road at a distance of 6 miles from Chittoor to~n and Railway Station. It is said that Indra constructed this SOURCr: (1) Sri A. Srinivasa Varadacharlu, Village village and pamed· it as Indrapuri which gradually MunsijJ, Yadamari. changed into Vendamur, Vedamur and Yadamari. (2) Sri K. Sriramu/u, Teacher, Samithi Ele· The temples of Sri Kodanda Ramaswamy, Agas menIal,), School. theswarct Swamy, Anjaneyaswamy and Sri Varadaraja ·swamy with his stone image with 4 hands wearing 21. Kammapalle-Situated at a distance of 6 furlongs. sanku. dzakf([ and in ablzayalzasta posture with His from Chittoor-Tiruthani road and 7 miles from Chittoor consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi on either side are the places of worship in the village. Railway Station and town. Gangamma temple with her stone image is the It is stated in the PurallflS that the image was in place of worship in the village. stalled by [ndra. Anjanadri and Sobhanadri, two hills, ari! to the south-east of the temple. Varadarajaswamy Ganga jatara is celebrated fcr time days ill.' temple and Ekambareswaraswamy temple are con Vaisakham (April-May), i.e., from 20th May. Arran structed on other side of the confluence of the three gements are made ten days in advance. Cocoanuts,. rivers Savitri, Gayatri and Saraswathi (Triveni Sanga camphor and flowers are offered. Animals are sacrificed mam). on the last day. It is an ancient festival of local signifi cance and is common throughout the diqtrict. Kammas Sri Varadarajaswamy Bl'ahmothsal'am is celebrated patronize the festival. All local communities participate. 'for ten days in VaisakTtam (April-May). It commences PI'Gsadam is distributed to all. There is free feeding. ·on a day when the star is Mrugasira and ends on a day when the star is Hasta. DlnvajarohanG on the first day, SOURCE: Sri P. Ramaiah Chetf)" Village Lever Oaruda Seva on the fifth day, Rathothsaram on the Worker, Narasingarayallipeta. 22. Cbittapara- is 4 1/2 miles to the west of the 3rd Samudram Railway Station and 10 miles to the south mile st,one of Chittoor-Katpadi road and the nearest of Chittoor. Railway Station is Bommasamudram. As this village is Lord Rama temple with His picture, Vighncswara situated amidst the boulders and forest, it is called temple and Aadishakthi temple with Hcr painted 'Cllittapara' in Telugu. There is an ancient fort of the wooden image are the other places of worship in Na\vabs in this village. the viliage. The temples of Dllarmaraja, Vighneswara, Veer The village deity Aactishakthi or Virupatsl\amma anjal.eya with their stone images and Gangamma aradhana is celebrated on the third Tuesday in Chaitram temple with Her earthen image are the places of (March-April). Previously al'adhana was being celeb worship in the village. rated on Chaitra Suddha Purnima with much pomp Gangamma jatara is celebrated for 2 days in and show. In the night, procession was being held and ChaiN'am (March-April). Offerings are made in the animals were sacrificed before each house. The main form of lights, oil cups and kumbham. He-buffaloes aim of this festival is to promote unity among the are sacrificed. It is being celebrated from the origin villagers. Devotees liquidate their vows. Good of the village and is of local significance. The patrons quantity of flour, sarees, pongali and naivedyam belong to Reddy caste. Only local Hindus participate. are offered to the deity and animals and fowls are Prasadail1 is distributed to all. There is free feeding. sacrificed during the procession. This festival is of ancient origin and local significance. The village bead_ Garudothsavam and Dharmaraja Uthsaram are man and ryots are the chief patrons. But the pomp celebrated in Pushyam (December-January). and ceremony of the fes tival depend on the harvest. Only local Hindus participate in it. Pujaris are Van The same festival is celebrated in Bandaralle. niyas with hereditary rights enjoying the manyam lands. SOVt.( E: Sri G. Nanimlmlll Redd!'. Village Lel'el Worker, Chittapara. - Lord Sitaramaswamy kalyanothsavam is celebrated on Pushya Suddha Purnima (December-January). This 23. Bandapalle- is situated at a distance of 5 miles s celebrated even twice or thrice a year according to to th ewest of 8 4/8 milestone of ChiHoor-Katpadi road. the will and pleasure of the village. The :villager5 A s there were rocks. hillocks and hills near the village. engage themselves in bhajans, kola tams and other acti It is called Bandapalle. vities throughout the day. During the month of Margasira (November-December) Srirama bhajans are Gangamma temple with Her earthen image in performed with 'Melukolupu'. human f('rm and Dharmaraju temple with the wooden images of Lord Krishna, Dharmaraja, Arjuna, Bhima, Dharmaraja Pattabhishekothsavam or Bharatlla Nakula, Sahadeva and Drowpadi are the places of Sra)'anam is celebrated in the end of Vaisaklzam (April worship in this village. May). Vanniyas are the pujaris with hereditary rights. G,llgamma jatal'a takes place for 2 days in SOURCE: Sri Vidwan P. Kanllayya Reddy, Telugu C1raitl'am (March-April) 'kumbha kudu' (cooked Pandit, Z. P. High School, Mon?ma Sa rice mixed with blood and 'pindi deepa/u' (lights mudram. prepared with flour) are offered. Animals are sacrificed. It is being ce·jcbrated from the origin of the village and 25. Ramapuram--is 15 miles from Chittoor. It is a is of local significance. Reddies are the patrons. The Railway Station. local Hindus participate. Pujari is a Vanniya. Prasa dam is distributed to all and there is free feeding. Sri Yegneswara Swamy temple with a Siva Lingam. During Siraratri and Mlikkoti Ekaciasi fasting. Sri Gangamma temple with the deity's head and Sri feasting and jaga raua are observed. . Rama temple are the places of worship in the village. SO'CRCB: Sri G. f'iarasimllU/u Redd)', Vi1!age Leve/' Ganga jatara is celebrated for one day in Chaitram Worker, Bandapalle. (March-April), i.e., on the third Tuesday in C/;aitram. It is an ancient festival of local significance and is com 24. Papa<;aTIludram--is two miles to the west of mon throughout the district. BaUjas pa tronize the Bombay-\Tadras trunk road, 5 miles from Bomma festival and Brahmins are the P?inl'is. Only local 10 Hindm1 participate. festival of local significance· and is common· thrbugh out the district. Kammas are the chief >patwns. All Navaratri kolupulu are celebrated for nine days locai cammunities participate. SOl'ReF < Sri V, Sanjeevi Naidu, Ramapuram. Gangamma Devatha temple, Gurappa temple and Bhajana Mandir are the places of worship· in the 26. Tbalambedu: - is 8 miles from Chitto or. village. Grlll1lG Devatlla Drowpathamma temple with Arathala Gangamma uths61vam is celebrated for 3 Her stone and wooden images, Perumalu .temple and days in Jaistham (May-June), i.e., 15th May. Fowls Sri Rama temple are the places of worship in the vill and goats are sacrificed. It is an ancient festival with age. Village deity Drowpathamma uthsavam is celebrat local significance. Kammas are the patrons. ; All ed for 20 days in Bhadrapadam (August-September). local communities participate. R~garding the origin of the uthsavam a story runs. Srirama uthsavam is celebrated on Clzaitra Suddha thus- One Sri Aadimoolam Achari, a Viswabrahmin Navami (March- April). A Dhobi with hereditary was longing very much for a son. He Visited many rights is the pujari for Gurappa temple. 'Fasting and places but in vain. He got vexed with life. Drowpa jagaram on Sivaratri, i.e., Magha Bahula Chat14rdasi thamma, consort of the Pandavas, appeared to ·him in (January-February) and on Ekadasi are the common the dream, asked him to construct a temple for domestic observances. Her and to celebrate uthsavam every year. Accordingly he constructed a temple and celebrated the uthsavam. SOURCE: Sri P. Romaiah Clietty, Village Level He had a male child that ear; from then the members Worker, Narasingarayanipet. of the same family are· performing the uthsavam. Other devotees also constructed mandapams and Kurchivedu--Hamlet of Anantapuram, i~ by the rest homes there. DhlVajaroltana and procession are side of Ramapuram-Narasingarayanipeta road at a celebrated on the first· and last days respectively. distance of 1 mile from Chittoor-Tiruthani road, 5 Devotees liquidate their vows. Fowls and animals are miles from Ramapuram Railway Station and 11 miles sacrificed. It is being celebrated for the past 100 years. from Chittoor. Local people irrespective of caste or creed partici pate. Pujaris are Viswabrahmins and have here Lord Sri Rama temple is the only place of \~'orship ditary rights, being the descendants of Aadimulam in the village. The idols of Dharmaraja and village Achary. Even now the local Viswabrhmins perform deity poleramma are being worshipped with no puja first during the lItlisavam. Prasadam is distributed temples. to all. Dharmarajulu utlzsavam is celebrated for 40 days during Vaisakltam (April-May) and !Jaistham (May. SOURU!: Sri Vijaya Rama Raju, Peyanapalle. June), i,e., from 1st May to 10th June. Prepara tions are made 10 days in advance. Cocoanuts, 27. Anantbapuram--is near the Chittoor-Tiru camphor and flowers are offered and animals are thani trunk road at a distance of 6 miles from sacrificed on the last day of the uthsavam. It is Ramapuram Railway Station and 10 miles from an ancient festival of local significance. Kammas Chittoor. As Veerralla Ananthappa Naidu constructed patronize the festival. All local communities partici this village, it is called 'Ananthapuram'. pate. Pf~iari is a Brahmin. There is free-feeding and pr8sadam is distributed to all. Gangamma, the village deity, is worshipped in the form of 'Gariga' a kind of gram. There is no ~OURC[: Sri P. Ramaiah Cheff)" Vi!/tlge Level temple. Worker,Narasillgayanip~t. Gangamma mhsal'am is celebrated for 3 days 28. Thimmapalle-is situated to the west of Madras 1n laistbam (May-June), i.e., from 15th May. Arrange Bangalore road at a distance of 1 1/4 miles, to the west ments are made 10 days in advance. It is an ancient of Bommasamudram Railway Station and 13 Jules to the north-east of Chittoor. ancient festival cO),lfined to the fourteen neighbouring· villages. The inam lands ded>icated' by the then Vighneswara temple, the sacred abode of Virupa zamindars are under the control, of the Hindu'. kshamma under a neem tree with garige (a pot), Religious a,nd Chartitable Endowments Board. The -)beli~k and images and Gangamma temple are the places ryots of the fourteeR villages share :the -expenditure of of worship in this village. Virupakshamma is the the festival. Devotees of aU communities from this and .:orrupted form of Virupaksha Swamy. the surrounding 14 villages congregate. Brahmins are the plljaris. Gangamma tirunala or Gangamma jatara is celebrated from VaisakTta Suddha Purnima for 3 dayS SOURCE: 1. SI;i M. Raghullatha Belldy, B. Thim..;, (April-May). The first day 'Garige' (a pot decorated mayapalle, B.O.Marll"ala Kuppam .. with margo sa leaves and flowers) is taken out in pro cession from Virupaksha temple and placed by the side 2. Sri K. Annamalai Pi1lai, Karnam. of Gangamma in the night. This is knowri as 'Chatu' (protection ceremony}. Gangabhavani is decorated, in 3. Sri, P. ,Veera Ra.giI (H't.J lu, Village.. the next morning. Uthsavams are celebrated for 2 days MUllsiJf, VenkatQ, _ "Lakshmamba before fullmoon day. Devotees liquidate their vows and puram. perfo:rm puja. Fruits, ,palaharam and ponga/i are offered to the deity and fowls and animals are sacrific 29. Krisbnajammapuram-Hamlet of Pasumand~, is' 1 ed. This is an ancient festival of local significance. 3t4th'mile to the West. of Ramapuram Ra-ilway Station. Villagers are the patrons. Only local Hindus participate Virupakshamma temple with Her stone image in it. Puja is shared by all Hindu castes. There is free is: the place of worship in the village. It was constructed feeding. by GoHa Krisbnridu: There is also one -'big anthiH in Virupakshamma -utl,savam is celebrated in the temple. \ Sravanam (July-August) and Magham (January-Fc " Virupakshamma pujalu are celebrated on, every bruary). Friday. AbhishekOlll and aradhalla are performed.! Gollapalle at a distance of 3 furlongs to the north Uthsavam is also celebrated twice or thrice a ,year.: of Ramapuram Railway Station and Venkata Laksh Deeparadhanais done and pongali is offered to the deity. mambapuram at a distance of 1 furlong to the East of It is being celebrated since the construction of the Ramapuram Railway Station are its hamlets. The temple. It is of local significance. WeB-to-do ryots are former village got its name as it was constructed by the patrons. All: local communities participate. Gollas and the latter acquired as it was constructed by Pr(lsadam is distributed to all. Venkatanaidu and Lakshmamma. SOUACE: 1. Sri Allnamalai Pillai, Karnam. Nagambika temple with a kalasam in Her name 2. Sri Veera Raghavlllu Reddy, Village; and Lord Kodanda Ramaswamy temple with His ][ltnSijf, KrislmajammlljJuram. picture are the places of worship in Gollapalle. Nagambika puja is celebrated on every Sunday, 30. Marakalakuppam-is 5 furlongs from the Banga~ Tuesday and Friday. Fowls and goats are sacrificed to lore-Madras road, 10 miles from VelUf, 13 1/2 miles the deity. This is of local significance. A Balija is the from Chittoor and 85 .miles from Madras. patron and pujari. There is no regular income for the temple. Vighneswara temple and the village de~;y Renukamba temple and a procession image. ~f Lord Yagneswara Swamy and Gnana Prasunamba , Pmlcltalolta' are the places of worship in the vill'lg~. temples constructed by the Cholas in Ramapuram are There is also a church. the places of worship. Lord Yagneswaraswamy paruyeta uthsavam is celebrated for a day on Chaitra Village deity Renukamba ulhsal'am is celebrated iri Suddha Purnima (March-April). Giri pradakshalla • Pushyam ' (December-January) during Sankranti. If ( circumbulation of the hill) and uthsavam are cele· it is not celebrated for any reason it is ceJebnited brated. In Kartikam (Octomber-November) Karlika during ,\-/aiwsiraratri, i. e., on Magha Bah!lia Deepadarsanot1'savam is celebrated on the Athikara Triodasi (January-February). The surrounding vill Gutta (a hillock ). Fireworks are displayed. This is an agers decorate the procession image, take it to their 12 r~spective villages and celebrate the procession of the In the evening, VasantllOtTrsavam takes place. Sugar, deity in their villages. In the morning of the festive day Jaggery and cooked Bengalgram are distributed to the ponga/i is offered to the deity and rams and he-goats assembled. pavadas (frocks) paitas ( half sarees ) and are sacrificed. In the midday' Kunchellu' takes place, ornaments are offered to the deity. Non-vegetarian i. e. , the bulls are decorated well and chased in the dinners are arranged. Occasionally the neighbouring streets. At 15.00 hours pal'uveta is celebrated. In a villagers take tl,e deity to their villages and celebwte selected spot, a ram or a he-goat is tied and shot with ut!zSOI'(IIJ/. puja and abhishekam are performed on a fun from a distance of one furlong approximately. every Friday. During the festive days pOllga/i is offered In the night Brahmotltsavam of the Ammavaru is cele and fowls and rams are sacrificed to the deity_ This is brated. This festival is confined to this and the of ancient origin and is confined to the neIghbouring neighbouring villages. villages. The .deity has manyam lands in seven vil lages. A Reddy is the trustee with hereditary rights. Daily PQoja is performed in Vighneswara temple. Several thousands of people of this and the neighbour ring villages congregate. A Brahmin is the pujari SGURC£: Sri K. Pitchandi, Teacher, P.S.E. School, with hereditary rights. Prasadam is distributed to all. Milrakaldkitppa1i1. Deeparadlwna and puja are offered daily in 31. Nangamangalam.-is very close to Bommasamudrain Mugapatlamma temple. Hundreds of people visit the Railway Station, 1 3/4 furlongs from the trunk road, temple on Tuesday and Friday. The FrIday in 9 miles from Raya Velnr, 14 miles from Chittoor and Ashadlwm (June-July) have special significance. Blind people come there even from Mysore and 'tamii 84 miles from Madras. Nadu. In Chaitram (March-April) the local Yadavas Nangamaiamma or Renukamba temple with Her celebrate Gariga uthsGl'am of the deity by collecting ;,onchaloha (5 metals) image in human form with donations for the welfare of their cattle. Gattgn is four hands is situated on a hiHock near the trunk road taken out in procession with the music of pamba (musi and by the side of Netham Village. There are three cal instrument) in the village. POllgali is offered and bouhlers. Underneath the boulders there is a cave with fowls and animals are sacrificed to the deity. Dinners the stone image of the deity. It is said that there is a are arranged in the cocoanut grove. cobn with seven. hoods. The deity is believed to be the saviour of the villages by the surrounding viJlagers. SOURCE: Sri N. P. Chenga Reddy, Teacher, Pan clwyat Samithi Elementary School, At a distance of one furlong to the North-East Nangamangalam. there is a Mugapatlamma temple in dilapidated con diticn. As the villagers are afraid of constructing a new 32. Gollamadugu-Hamlet of Mandikrishnapuram is 4 temrk: they are repairing it. Tn the temple there is a furlongs to the North-West of Bommasamudram, 1 huge anthill in which a big cobra is dwelling. He is the mile from 14th mile-stone of Chittoor-Veluru road, 2 fave _,rite deity of the blind. It is believed that many miles from Bommasamudram Railway Station and 14 blind people are' blessed with sight after performing miks from Chittoor. It is also called 'Gollamadugu'. pradakshinam round the temple for 21 (twenty one) Yadavas (Gollas) were chiefly depending upon goat ~aF and sheep rearing. They constructed houses and settled in this village by the side of a pond which was con Dharmaraja temple and bhajan(l mandirams are venient for water and fodder of their herds and named the ('~her places of worship. NangamangaJamma it 'Gol!a11ladugu' Golla means Yadava and 1I1adugu Urlls:n, am is celebrated for 3 days during Sankranti in means pond. Pus!J_ram (December-January). On the first day abhi slzekam is performed to the deity and the procession Desimaramma temple at a distance 3 furlongs to imafC: is brought out. Devotees liquidate their vows· the west of Mandikrishnapuram with her image in In t:,e evening, the deity is taken in procession to female form and Gangamma temple are the places of ~et~~:>'l11, Getralamatta and other villages and brought worship in the village. pac1: to Nangamangalam in the night. The next day morning, procession is taken out in the \Wage on a Desimaremma uths{[l'am is celebrated during car \\ ith prabhas richly decorated with flowers. During Malwsil'aratrii.e., Maglza Ball1lla C/zaturdasi January the prc>cession, each house performs 'Deeporodlzanu'. February for two days. Ponga!i is offered to the deity 13 (-'II the night of ~1I,fahasil'aratri and she is brought into is distributed to all. 'Kul1cha lu' is eelebrated in the the ,Wage. Vasantlzotlzsal'am is celebrated on thc noon of Malzasivaratri in which calves are decoratea, :-econd day and she is taken to the temple after offering left into the streets in competition and the best are FO/lgali. Animals are sacrificed to the deity in liquida awarded prizes. Paruveta and sports afford entertain ti(,ll of their vows"during VasanthotllSaV(lm. Decoration . ~ ment in the evening. The winners are also awarded (1\' cows, feasting and jagaram are observed dOl11csti- prizes. Kolatam, Harikatha and dramas entertain the -ca lIy. It is of ancient origin a'nd of local significance. visitors in the night. There is free feeding. T\'.~ villagers patronize the festival. Money for the uths(lvam is collectcd from the villagers according to SOURCE: Sri M. Raghunatha Reddy, S.G. Assistam. their capacity. Only local Hindus participate. Prasadam Gollamadugu. BANGARUPALEM ~r ALUK INDEX S NQ Code number Namt Qr D~',) and Nome of village I aflci PerJod of Fdlf or Fes{nal fAiRS AND F~Tr{ ALS 0) 6 IRAl~ V.EE~A8HADRASWAMr BANGARUPALEM I J~N. F~8 (3) 1/ PUUUR YENKATESvVAR 4SWAAAY IND. SUB. TALUK AUG IEP 1/ KAMINAYUr..IPALLf SAKTHI GANGAMMA CD MAA· APR CHITTOOR DISTRICT. A.P., (0 /] PUNY "'SA~UDR"M PfOAP.AMMA MAY· JUNE. Of JUNE... JULY 0 /I UTH ... R.J. 6RAHMANAPAI..t.E XRJSHNA P'fRUMAllMWAMY 15TH )ANUA~Y /9 PUnUA KODANDAPoAMASWAMY (0 tUNE· JULY /0 TAV"N,t,MPAlLE KODANDA/(AMASWAM'f CD MAY· JUNE. or JUNE· JUl r CHANDRAGIRI /1 OIGUVATADAKAR.., GANGAMMA 0 MAY· JUNE TALUK .. MOCfll MOGI(ESWA~ASWAMY 0 J"N~~Ea PEP..AKUR GOll ... "lltE GANGAM~A B " ~,r .. S COUAPA.La MAY dUN! CHITTOOR TALUK H N 11" ,,0 IS' I 15 T AUh(' eOUNDAIil Y - 5TA.,.~ HIGHWAYS TAMIL NADU = O'HER ROADS RlYE~ _____ ~~~ ___ ~ __J I ,9 OO'E -----___j f-=:::=~:======:::=:::;=~==---N. G SWAHl' --~ SectioD II BANGARUPALEM TALUK JJ rala or Avirala is at a distance of 11 miles from are erected for the occasion. The pilgrims stay fOI 2 to Puthalapattu by foot-path, 15 1/2 miles to the North 3 days. Bullock carts, cycles and motors are the chief East of Chittoor Railway Station and town and 22 means of conveyance. miles from Bangarupalem.It is said that Adisesha the ser pant king lived for some t.tme on the hill at this place and Lord Kodanda Rama Swamy uthsavam is cele hence it was called Ahirajagiri (Ahiraja means serpant brated in Vaisakham (April-May). This is of ancient king; gir; means hill) and gradually it became Irala. origin and is confined to nearby villages. Devotees of all castes of this and nearby villages congregate. Vaisyas patronize the festival and a committee supre Siva temple with his idol in the form of Lingam, vises. Th~ priest is a Brahmin. Lord Veerabhadra Swamy temple with his bronze and stone images in human form, Lord Kodanda Rarna SGURCE:- 1. Sri K. Venkatadtala Pillai, Teacher; Swamy temple with his bronze and stone images in P. S. Ele. School, Ira/a (E. 0) human form, Paletamma temple and Yellamma temple and mosques are the places of worship in this town.' 2. Sri V. Muni Ratnam, Karnam, Irala. Lord Veerabhadra Swamy Sivarathothsavam is 2. PulJuc-Situated is at a distance' of one mile from celebrated from Magha Bahula Cltaturdasi (January the bus route, 5 miles from Puthalapattu and 12 wiles February) for 15 days. Daily the deity is taken in pro from BangarupaJem. ; .. I cession. Rathothsavam (car-festival) and Pushpa Pallak; are celebrated. Kalyanam tmarriage) is per The temples of Lord Lakshmi Narayana Swamy formed. Devotees fulfil their vows. PushpaTJaramu!u with his bronze image in human' form, Sri Rama, (flower garlands) and small silver kavadis are offered. Eswara and Dharmaraja are the places of worship in this village. Lord Venkateswara, Lord Vighneswara and Pooja is performed, jagarana and fasting are obser village deities Gangamma, Yel1amma. Ankalamma, ved on .M altasivaratri day i. e., M aghfJ Baltula Cha KanikaJamma are also worshipped. turdasi (January-February) and feasts are arranged on Lord Venkateswara Swamy l1rahmothsavam is the next day. On Mahasivaratri day social dinners celebrated from Bhadrapada Suddha Saptami to are arranged. For the past 22 years this festival is Ekadasi (August-September)' for 5 days. Festival being celebrated and is confined to this and the nearby arrangements are made with the money coHected as villages. The devotees of Irala, Yerrampalle and donations from the villagers. Ratliothsavam (,car Morampal1e are the patrons. Nearly 5,000 people procession) is ce!ebrated. Devotees discharge their from nearby villages within a radius of 5 or 6 miles congregate near the temple. All communities take part vows. Domestically Gowri Vrolham. Sankranthi, Navarathri are the festiva1s telebrated by the local in the festival. Pujari is a Veerasaiva Jangam. people. Fasting and jagaram are observed on Siva Prasadam is distributed to all. ratri. For the past 70 years this fe,stival is being celebrated. But it is only oflocal significance. Social A cattle fair is being held in this connection for 15 dinners are arranged and prasadam is distributed ~O days for the past 22 years over an area of 4 acres near all. the temple and taxes are collected by the panchayat. Eatables, utensils, earthenware, lanterns, torches, Gangamma Jatara is celebrated in Chaitram mirrors, combs, Ayurvedic medicinens, photos, books, ( March-April ). Devotees liquidate their vows. clothes,bulls, cows and buffaloes, toys and fans are sold. Animals are sacrificed to the deity. This is of local Street dramas, Harikathas and merry-go-rounds are significance. Kapus are the patrons. Local Hindtl~ the items of entertainment. Dramas are arranged by congregate. The income of the temple is shared by the drama troupes of Kuppam, Kangudi etc. PandaJs Chemhadies, ld(!?ils and Brahmins. Chembadi ril"gs. 16 particular. All local communities participate in this the ben. Idiga conducts the sacrifice of the animal and Ittlisavam. tbe Brahmin performs p00ja. Every year utlzsar{/Iil lS celebrated to Dandu SOURCE;- Sri K. Krishuo pillai, Karnam, pullur. Maremma. Aradhana j, celebrated to llie (kit)' Pcdaramm:l on 3. Kamioayunipalle-Situated at a distance of 7 mites every Tuesday and Friday. from puthalpattu Railway Station, by foot path a~d cart route and 20 miles from Bangarupalem. IraJa-eM SOU,RCE;- Sri K. Subralzmanyam Pillai, Ktl rnam , toor'bUli route passes through this village. Pun),{1samudram. Gruma Shakthi ( village deity) Gangamm.a temple 5. Utbarabrabmanapalle- is situated at a distance Of with Her images in human Rama fo~. ~~ ~r1 6 furlongs to the North of the 7 1/4 mile stone of Mandiram are .the places of worshIp m this yllla~e. Chittoor-Argonda Road. It is said that 200 years back Yadavas, of whom Papanna was a leading figure Grama Shakthi Gangamma Jatara is celebrated were the only residents of this village. Hence this was in Chaitram (March-April) for 2 days. The images called Papanapal!e, which in course of time came to Pi q.~mm~ ~re w<:>rspippeQ. Pongafi is. offered. be known .as Bapanapalle and 13rahmanapalJe. pre Animals and fowls are sacrlficed befo,e the deity. Her viously it was in Chittoor taluk in which .there .was imagci are taken in procession. Taking bath in the river, another BrahmanapalJe to the South. To differentiate obscl."Yjn,g jag,clrana lind fasts ,are h~u.se?o!d obse:va these two this -was called Ul/IO/'O (North) Brahmana~ -tions of several local Hindus. Thls IS of anCIent pall~ . _origin and is of IOc;l1 signilicancc, Kapus and f(iiwmas are the patr~lH'. ~oca! people of all commu Sri Krishna Perumallu Swam} temple with a black _cities participate in thIs festIVal. potter~, W~sh.erm~n, stone image of Lord Sri Krishna playing a fiu.te, Pambalas and Chembodies are the 1':/j0I"1.') With His consorts, Satyabham8 .and RukmilJl 'in ,human #l~d,itary rights. Street .dramas and fancy dre~s~s are form, is the only place of worship in this vjJlage~ But ,the jtc.ms of entertainment. the temple is in a ruined s,tate. .'. ~U-RC.£:- Sri I:. K. MUlliratTlilom Reddy, Teacher, Lord Sri Krishna perumallu Swamy I'ari Sankran_ . : . p, S. Ele. School. Chinw Venkatampafle. thi ulhsoram is celebrated during SankrontM in Push yam (December-January, 15th January). Twice a day pooja is performed. Approximately an amount of 4. hllil~-asamudram - Situatd at a distance of 6 Rs. 300/- is spent for the occasion. For the past 10 miles .from Chittoor Railway StatiON and i 5 miles from years this festival is. being ceJebrated and is confined ~an_g~upalef!1 ' to this village onl», Local people of all communites take part in this festival. Plljari is Sri P. Rama]jnga. T4e image of Anjaneya Swam}, carved 011 a stone, iah, a Brahmin of Bhargavas gotram. Prasadam is. !lle head of the deity ,Pedaramma in ,human form in a distributed to all. ~~all ,temple, village deity Clla vidamma o.f Samtapalle, :D. stQne or ,image in .human form and in sitting SOURCE:- Sri K. Jayal'ama PiIlai, Karnom, Uthara -posture in a small temp,le and the wooden image of Bral!11lGnapalle. Rll~du Mareffima sltting on an idol of lion in a hut ~e :the places 0f worship. D-:ity Shakthiamma is also ,worlihlpped. 6. Puttur-Situated at a distance of one mile to Shakthiamma Arodfwlla takes place during the the South of the 8th mile stone of Chittoor-.Afagonda .tJright .fortnight of Jesllta (May-June), Devotees road and 7 miles-from Chittoor Road Railway,St~tion • ,lulfiH their vows, Sheep and fowls ~re sacrificed to ~be deity. This festival is being celebrated for the past The temples of Lord Vighneswara with JIis ,idol J\ or .4 generations and is chiefly confined to local and Kodanda RamasVo'ami. with .the idols of . Rama.."., llatfl~~IIS. There are no patrons and pujaries in Sita and Lakshmana are the places of wor~hip in .(his 17 village. There is also an idol of Sanjeevi Rama 9. Mogili -- is on the 115th mile stone of Swamy. Madras-Bomboy Grand Trunk Road at a distance of 5 miles from Bangarupalem and 18 miles from Chittoor Lord Kodanda Rama Swamy Brahmothsavam is Railway Station. >celebrated for 10 days in Ashadam (June-July) every " year. This is of ancient origin and is of local signi Regarding the origin of the village, the story goes. ficance; The villagers patronize the festival. Local that the idol of Lord Eswara was found in a pool Hindus only participate in this. surrounded by bushes of mogili (caldera) and heMce the village is named as Mogili. Ganga Jatara takes place in Jaishtam (May-June) occasionally. Sheep, goats and fowls are sacrificed to Devarakonda is a hill near Mogili. It is said that the deity. The villagers are the patrons. Local Lord Krishna was grazing the C0WS on this hill as a Hindus congregate. cow boy. There was not a drop of water in the vicinity and the cows were thirsty. Lord Krishna sought the SOURCE: Sri K. N. Damodara Pillai, Karnam, grace of Lord Siva for water to His herd. Siva Puttur. appeared and dug his trident into the ground. As He pulled out the trident a spring of pure and fresh water 7. TavanampalJe-- is at a distance of 8 miles 2 fur gushed out. Hence the spring goes by the name of longs from Chittoor and 13 miles from Bangarupalem. Trisoola Theertham. (Trisoola means trident and theertlzam means sacred spring ). The temples of Lord Kodanda Rama Swamy, Dharmaraja, Subrahmanyeswara, Bhaireswara and There is the tempJe of Mogileswara Swamy in the Muthyalamma with Her wooden image are the places village. It is on the bank of the above described Trisoola of worship in this village. All the temples have theertham. A perennial spring flows through the compound walls. mouth of NlJndi (a stone idol) situated in the same temple compound. The Lord is represented by a stone Gramadev ath ala utlzsavam is celebrated in Sivalingam. A stone inscription in the temple states Jaishtam (May-June) or Ashadam (June-July). On that the temple was built in 120 A. D. Tuesday and Friday pooja is performed in Muthyala. mma temple. Devotees fulfill their vows. For the Lord Mogileswaraswamy l'ari Brahmothsal'am past 3 or 4 generations this festival is being celebrated takes place from~Magha Suddha Dasami (January-Feb and it is of local significance. Local people of all ruary) for 10 days. Preparations are made 15 days in communities participate in this. advance. On M agha Suddha Chaturdasi jagaram (vigil) is observed and the deity is taken in procession on SOURCE: Sri K. Muniratnam, Karnam, Tavanam Nandi vai!anam and Vrishaba vahanam in the night pal/e. accompanied by display of fire works. Procession on Simha (lion) vahanam is held on the succeeding day. 8. Diguvatadakara-- is at a distance of 10 miles Kalyanothsavam (marriage ceremony), RatllOthsavam from Chittoor Railway Station and Chitto or (car festivel), Dopu uthsavam and Vasanthotlzsavam Arakonda bus route. are the other important rituals that take place. Devo. tees fulfill their vows. Men and women devotees Gangamma temple is the only place of worship In have their heads shaved in fulfilment of their vows at this village. this place. Hundreds of issueless women and persons supposed to have been possessed by evil spirits take Gangamma aradhana is celebrated for two days bath in the pushkarani and prostrate before the deity in Jaishtam (May-June). Devotees fulfill their vows. in the temple on the night of M ahasiraratri. Jagarmn He-buffaloes, sheep and fowls are sacrificed to the and fasting are observed by devotees. This is of ancient deity. This is of local significance and is confined to origin and is known in several places of the district. the Harijans. Harijans are the patrons. Only local The temple is under the supervision of Board of Trustees. Hindus congregate. Several thousands of people from other parts of the district congregate. Pujori is a Brahmin with heredi SOURCE: Sri K. MUllirathnam PiTlai, Karnam, tary rights. There is free [tCeding to the pilgrims and Eguvatadakara. Vaisyas are fed separately. 18 SOURCJ! : 1. Translation of an article from Andhra human form just before the festival. After the festivat Prablza Telugu daily dated 11.6.1961. it is immersed in water. 2. Sri V. Radlzakrisllna, Statistical Assis- Goddess Gangamma festival is celebrated for one tal1t. • day in laislztam (May-June). Birds, goats and buffa loes are sacrificed and silver ornaments and PongaU 10. Perakur Gollapalle (.1lias) Gollapalle--is at dis (sweet rice) are offered to the deity. tance of one mile to the Chittoor-Gudiyattam bus road and 8 miles from the CI1ittoor Railway Station. This festival is 100 years old and is confined to the Hindus of the neighbouring villages. The priest is Gangamma temple, which is at a distance of 2 Ganac!lGri of Golla community. furlongs to the west of the village and Rama temple are the place of worship in the village. SOURCE: Sri K. Ramakrishna Pillai, Headmaster, Zilla Parisllad Elementary Sc1100/, Golla The image of Gangamma is made with sand III palle. PALAMANER 'fALUK PUNGANUR TALUK FAIRS AND FESTIV ALS PALAMANER T ALUK CHlTTOOR DISTRICT, A. P. , MilES KllOMETEfI:S 1 4 " MYSORE STAT .NADU Cede number Ngme )(Oelty J No. .. o,.,d Ncme of Vtlillge (JrnJ I'eflod a( Fair Of fe~tl"'D' - ...... (3) 2 SirrfPAll.E GAI~GANlMA \ 15TH jJ.NUAAY .... " 3 LAKKANJ.PALlE V[NUCOt)AL~SWAMr .r-: 0 SEP -OCT "" '0 DfYADODOI I/[NUCOFAl,ASWAM'I' (3) f£ti·MAR ~I ~\ 12 GANGINATUNiPAH[ (hAa~P:JF,EM,... 1A 8 JANoFES A 8f.LVP/tLlE KAn ANA 'IE/JKATARAI'IiAN 5WAMY 0 " APlt·MAY ,_, KUVPAHE, (,01'1-1 ~I(PJ!HNASWAMY NO fIXED OATE PATH/KONeA El"iA'PyASVlAMY " )~N·H8 AND DANO"PAL[e lAII.~hM,~.;:r.:AY"SWAMr . 0 " f",.!E"'i.y,o.~WAMr n . StP·Der K U P P. A MIN D. SUB. 12 M£WMOYI ~k I "A}/IA J 0 MAA· APR I 'ALAMANE:~ liAS; v"w~:,vAAASWAMY G J~N. H:IJ TIIlIlPATH' GANGA,'y\,",A OR J M,.,,[MIv',J. APR· MAY )J KOlAMANA$MAI!E Al\iMIN~ (AI\'GAMMA , 0 JAN. FE,8 31 KVA./I'IAYI V"RAC,l,GA)"SWjl~r I, @ JUNE· JULY 19 6AIP •.I,GAf(jPALlE PJ;.DDAPi,;U GmGM,-1M,tI TALl'1( BOVNCAR1" @ ,3TH& ,,,rHJANUAi<.Y • J NEWPAlt A E5WM: .... G j~N' F~8 lf STAre Hf.OHWA'fS 51 KAD';PANATHAlt, N4jl'C(ir"DiYAS IA,''''I' @ ([B·MAR V[N~{C'f .;,~SWAMY OTHE~ ROADS 6J VE.\iY..ATA::'I{OKCtA @ JAN-f£8 TAI..UIt" HEADQUARTERS PADIGMAl PALAJ"IANER TALUK ~ettiP~lle - is 12 miles f:om pal~maner and 3. Devadoddi - is between the 30 4(8 and 33 1/8 .1.-.. 37 mlles from Kuppam RaIlway Statton. miles tones of Kuppam-Palamaner bus route. Ku ppam, at a distance of 30 miles, is the nearest Railway There is a stone image of Gangamma in a small Station. house. A picture of Sri Rama is being worshipped in a Blzajalla Mandir. Chandeswari Devi is also wor Sri VenugopaJaswamy temple with His stone shipped in the village. image in human form is the only place of worship in this village. Puja to Gangamma is pcrformd for a day in Pus/zyam (December-January) during Makara Sallkra Sri Venugopalaswamy uthsQ\,am is celebrated for three days from Phal"l1ll([ Suddlta PlIrnima (February· mal/am. Cocoanuts, fruits and ftow:rs are offered c~ and sheep are sacrificed. It is an ancient festival con March). ]t is being celebrated for the past 60 years fined to the village. Hindus are the patrons. Only and is limited to the village only. All communities local Hindus congregate. Dhobies are the plljaris. pafticipate in it. Patrons are Yadavas (Gollas) and Sri Ram(/ Navami on Clzaitra Suddha Nal'(/mi (Mar pujari is a Vaishnava. ch-April) and Sivaratri on "~lagha Balwla Chaturdasi SOUR(.B: Sri K. [{orlanda RaIl1Gc/zari, Kamam, (January-February) are the other festivals celebrated Bireddipalle. by the local people. Kapus are the patrons of Sri Rama temple. This festival is l'eing celebrated for the past 14 years. 4. Ganginayunipalle- is one mile from Kada panatham-Sankarayalupet road, 35 miles from Fruits, Cocoanuts and flowers are offered to Kuppmn Railway Station and Madanaplle. Chowdeswari Devi. Sivadwaja is the puJi1ri with hereditary rights. There is a small hut for Challapmemma who is the village deity. The 'head' of tb~ deity is SOURCE: Karnam Ranwppa, /{arnam, Lakkanapalli. worshipped. There is also Hanumanl ha Rayaswamy temple in the village. 2. Lakkanapalle - is 14 miles from Palamaner Ganga jatal'([ or Challapuremma jatara is and 37 miles from Kuppam Railway 5:tatiol1. There celebrated on a Wednesday after M aglza Suddlza is private bus conveyance on the Kadapanatham Purnima (JanUlry-February). Silver fangs and eyes are Punganur high road. offered to the deity in fulfilment oftllcir VO\vs. Jagarmn (keeping awake the whole night in prayer) is observed. Sri Venugopalaswamy temple with His image It is being celebrated for the past 60 years and is of carved on a stone in human form and Gangamma local significance. "addes afe the patrons. Loca) temple and a mosque are the places of worship in the Hindus congregate. Pujari belongs to Vadde commu village. nity. He enjoys hereditary rights. The festivll extends to Vaddeindla hamlet of Sri Venugopalaswamy lltlzwvam takes place for ten GanginayunipalJe. days from ASl'iyuja Suddha Padyami to Dasami (September-October). It is an ancient festival confined SOURCE: Sri S.K. Krishna Murthy, [[cadman, Gallgi to this village. Only Hindus participate in it. Pujari nayunipa lie. is Satani with hereditary rights. Prasadam is distri huted to all. 5. Belupalle--is one mile fr0m Chittoor-Kup pam road, 9 1/2 miles from Pabmaner, 34 miles SOURCE: Sri Karnam Ramappa, Karnam, Lakka/la from Chittoor Railway Station and 38 miles from palli. Kuppam Railway Station. 20 Lord Kalyana Venkataramanaswamy in the form and gradually it became a vjJlage under the name Pa of Brindavana is worshipped in a temple in Patha thikonda (path; - cotton, konda - hill). It:' is also pane, a hamlet of this village. said that cotton was grown on a large scale on the hill and many traders were huying it from here. Hence it Lord Kalyana Venkataramanaswamy Rathothsa was called Pathikonda. I'am is celebrated for 5 days from Vaisakha Suddha Purnima (April-May). Arrangements are made 5 days Gangamma temple and Bhairavaswamy temple on in advance. Kalyanothsavam and Garudothsavam the hill with two stone images of the Lord in human are celebrated. Devotees fulfill their vows. It is form are the places of worship in this village. There is being celebrated for the past 40 years and is confined an inscription in Bhairavaswamy temple the language to this village and Pathapalle hamlet of this village. of which is unknown. This temple is under the supervision of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board. Sri G-. Bhairavaswamy uthsavam is celebrated for 3 days Rangaiah Setty, a Vaisya, is the patron. Only Hindus during Maha(}ivaratri i. e., from Magha Bahula take part in the uthsavam. Sri Rangacharyulu of Sana Triodasi to Amavasya (Januarey-February). On the vasa gotram is the pujari for the past several years. first day pujas are performed to the Lord; on the second day jatara is celebrated and on the third day SOURCE: Sri A. S. padmanabha Rao, Belupalle. procession is held. Fruits and flowers are offered to the Lord. The devotees take bath and observe fasting 6. Keelapalle - is 9 miles from palamaner and and jagarana. It is of ancient origin confined to the 34 miles from Chitto or Railway Station. It is said neighbouring villages. The patrons are Veerasaiva tbat there was a big bastion here long before this vill Lingayats, Vaisyas and Valmikies. The devotees from age was found. the neighbouring villages congregate without any dis tinction of caste or creed. Pujari is a Jangam of Gopalakrishna temple with the stone image of Nagudevivari gotram. Prasadam is distributed to all Krishna Brundavana in the crypt and the bronze pro and there is free feeding for about 1,000 people. cession image of Gopala Krishna Swamy along with Rukmini and Satyabhama on Garuda vahanam is the SOURCE: Sri N. Subramanyachary, Teacher, Z.P.E' place of worship. Grama DevatTza Gangamma repre School, Pathikonda. sented by a stone is worshipped. There is a Siva tem 8. Dandapalle - is 4 1/2 miles from palamaner. ple in a dilapidated condition with an installed Siva Chittoor is the nearest Railway Station. Dandudasari, Lingam. Gopala Krishna Swamy Garudothsa)'am is an inhabitant of this village, is believed to have sacrifi celebrated for 9 days. The devotees take bath and ced his life and his children to stop a breach in the tank observe fasting and ]agarana at homes. It is of an bund. So it was named after him as Dandapalle. cient origin and of local significance. The local Hindus congregate. Pujari is a Vaishnava Brahmin of There are the temples of Lakshminarayanaswamy of Arithi got ram with hercditary rights. and Anjaneyaswamy. Obuleswara hjJJ or Nara simbaswamy hill is 1 1/2 miles to the west of the Goats, fowls and sheep are sacrificed occasionally village. It is 1,000 feet high with a circumference of 6 to Gangamma. furlongs. It is said that the open space inside the hill Sri Rama Navami and Maharnal'ami are celebra was the place of penance for sages in ancient times. ted for 9 days and 3 days respectively. The entrance of this open space is at present covered by a big stone. The stone image of Anjaneyaswamy SOURCE: An Enumerator, Keelapalle. is on a 500 feet high hillock, 2 miles to the north of the village. A mandapam and a tank are there. 7. Pathikonda-is 8 miles from palamaner and 33 Lakshmi Narayanaswamy and Anjaneyaswamy miles from Chittoo!". The Madras-Bangalore trunk uthsavams are celebrated from Asviyuja Suddha road passes through this village. There is a big padyami to Dasami (September-October) for 10 days. hill near this village. It is said that in olden days cot· Abhishekam and puja are performed during nights, ton traders used to stay for 2 or 3 days near the hill on The~e are being celebrated from the origin of the their way. Some people constructed 2 or 3 houses at village. PllJaris are Brahmins. Prasadam is distri this place for selling the necessary goods to the traders buted to all the visitors. 21 Deeparadhana is arranged to Lord Narasimha Bangalore Trunk Road at a distance of 25 miles from swamy on the hill, on 3rd Saturday in Sravanam Chitto or Railway Station, 33 miles from Madanapalle (July-August). Pujaris perform puja and enjoy the and 47 miles from Kuppam. It was named Palamu revenue of illam lands of the temple. nneru as its tank was constructed during the reign of pallava kings. Abhishekam and puja are performed in Anjaneya swamy temple. Free feeding is arranged on Hanuman The temples of Kasivisweswaraswamy with His. Jayanti in March-April. There are inam lands to this image in human form, Rama with His picture, Grama temple. devat"lQ with the image of Maremma prepared during' the uthsavam in human form and decorated with je SOURCI: Sri K. Kothanda Rama Pillai, Teacher wellery and clothes, Eswara, Anjaneya, Venugopala Dandapalle. swamy, Kanyakaparameswari and Venkata Ramana are the places of worship in this village. 9. Melunioyi - is situated on the Madras-Bombay Sree Kasi Visweswara Brahmothsavam is celebra G.N.T. Road. It is one mile from the 27th mile stone of ted for twelve days from Magha Suddha Saptami to Chittoor-Madanapalle Road, 3 miles from palama Bahula Tadiya (January-February). Dhwajarohana, ner and 27 miles from Chittoor Railway Station. Suryaprabha, Chandraprabha, Vrushabha vahanam, Kodanda Rama Swamy Bhajana Mundir with Sesha vahanam, Nandi vahanam, Simha vahanam, procession images and Gramadevatha Muthyalamma Kalyanothsavam, Rathothsavam, Ravanabrahma va temple with Her image are the places of worship in the hanam, PuspapaUaki and Gurrapu vahanam are ce village. lebrated in these 12 days. Daily puja is performed. Fasting aud Jagaram are observed on holy days like Sri Rama Navami in Kodanda Ramaswamy Mukkoti and Sivaratri. It is being celebrated for the Mandir is celebrated for 5 days from Chaitra Suddha past 32 years and is confied to the village only. Sree Navami (March-April). Puja and abhishekam with Veera Raghavacharya and his brothers are the pujaris. jaggery water on the first day, procession on the All communities participate in the festival. second day, kalyanam on the third day, Puspapallaki seva on the fourth day and Deeparadhana on the Gangamma jatara is celebrated in Vaisakham fifth day are the items of celebration. There is free (April-May) i. e., from 15th or 20th May, for 3 or 4 teeding on the fifth day. Fasting and preparation of days. The deity's siraSSll (head) is taken out in pro pastries are domestic observances. It is being cele cession. Fowls are brought before the deity ahd taken brated for the past 20 years and is limited to this back, but are not sacrificed to the deity. Decoration village. Trustee belongs to Kapu community. Only of houses and going to the temple with lights are the Hindus take part in it. Pujari is a Brahmin. common domestic observances. It is an ancient festival confined to this and the neighboming villages. It is Vows are fulfilled to Gramadevatha by sacrificing celebrated by collecting donations from the villagers. fowls and animals. The villagers patronize the Five to six thousand pilgrims from the surrounding festival. This is confined to the local Hindus. Pujari villages within a radius of 20 to 30 miles come and belongs to Palle community with hereditary rights. take part in the festival. Fasting and preparation of pastries on Saturdays A fair is held in Gangamma TflOpU in front of its and festive days such as Deepal'ali, Sankranti, Siva temple. It is held for 3 days for the past 60 years with a ratri and Telugu Nell' Year's Day are the common c)ngregation of 5 to 6 thousand from this and the domestic observancecs. neighbouring villages within a radius of 20 to 30 miles. Businessmen cem:;: from the neighbouring villages. Two hundred shops are kept to sell food stuffs, uten Sou leE: 1. Sri C. Kuppa Swam)" Melumoyi. sils, lanterns, torch Ijghts,Ayurvedic medicines. book s 2. Sri S. Krislmamurthy Rao, Kamam, clotchs, agricultur~l implemen~s, baskets and fane; Melumoyi. goods, Dramas, CInemas, maglC, lotteries, merry-go round and street dramas entertain the visitcrs. 10. Palamaner - This is the Taluk headquarters, Sri Rama Navami is another festival celebrated town in Chittoor District. It is situated on the Madras·: for ten days from Cliaitra Sllddha Nal'a7l1i to Bahula 22 Tadiya (March-April). There is free feeding for visitors Kodanda Ramaswamy temple with a picture and on the last day. Sri Sivadwija Syamayya Gurukul Varada Rajaswamy temple on the bank of a river in of Vasista got ram is the pujari with hereditary rights. the midst of the tamarind grove with His black stone Dasara is celebrated from Asweeja Suddha Padyami image in human form with 4 hands and a crown on to Dasami (September-Octomber). his head are the places of worship in this place. This is an ancient temple with big stone walls carved out SOUR(l: I. Sri 'Vellatur Krislznamurty, Veera· beautifuJ)y. There are stone inscriptions in the ragharaiahpet. temple in an unknown language. It is said that this temple and Kurudumala Vighneswaraswamy temple in 2. Sri E. MUlli Subba Rao. Palamaller. Mysore State were built by a father and son respec tively. Pujas were performed· in ancient days with 11. Kolamanasapalle - is situated on the Palamaner great pomp. Once Kowndinya river over-flowed and Kuppam Road. It is 7 miles from palamaner by road the image of the Lord was turned down by the waters. and 31 miles from Chittoor Railway Station. This ]t is also said that at that time the Lord went to MIS a Zamindary village of Valmikies (Boyas). A Vedamur in Chittoor taluk and stayed there. Ratho small fort and the temple of Chalvarayaswamy of t hsarmn and pujas arc performed in Vedamur and the their times are still existing. devotees shout U Kurmayi Varada" at that time. The temple was in ruins. 15 years back a devotee from Arimanu Gangamma is worshipped in a temple in KaridyampaUe in Mysore State renovated this temple the form of Shakthi. Sri Bhusavitha Chalvaraya with the help of the villagers and a Vaishnava swamy temple with His black stone image in Brunda· Brahmin is appointed to perform caily puja. van is to the West of the fort. There is also a temple of Subrahmanyeswara Swamy. Varadarajaswamy u/hsaral1l is celebrated in Ashadam (June-Jnly). hfiaram is observed and Arimanu Gangamma jatara is cekbraiec.l for Harikathas are arranged. It is being celebrated for three days from Magha Suddha Pallchami (January the past 15 years. Kapus are the chief patrons. The February). Sirassu on the first day, .Totara on the devotees from the nearby villages congregate. pujari second day and ja/di on the third day are celebrated. is a Vaishnava on monthly salary. OfTeri ngs are made in the form of' DeeI'll' . It is being celebrated for the past 50 years with local significance. SOURCE: l. Sri G. Narayana Rao, Karnam All communities participate in the festival. Pujad is Kli I'm a)' i. a Rajaka (Dhobi). 2, Sri K. Rama Krishlla Pill ai, Teacher, Chalvarayaswamy uthsavam is celebrated for ten Kurmayi. days from Chaitra Suddha Nal'ami to Bahula Tadiya ( March--April). It is 30 years old and is confined to this village. The temple owns 77 acres of illam land. 13. BaipagaripaUe - is on the 7th mile stone of Palegam Sri Ramadasappanayak. of Valmiki commu· palamaner-Gudiyatham Road. It is 18 miles from nity is the chief patron. Nearly 1,000 local Hindus Gudiyatham Railway Station. copgregate. A Vaishnava Brahmin of Kousika gOiram is the pujari and is having hereditary rights. There is Peddapuli Gangamma temple with Her stone image. Hotels and a few shops ilre opened temporarily for tlt~ occasion. Peddapuli Gangamma jatara is celebrated for two days during Sankranti in Pushyam (December SOURCE: 1. Sri C. A. Osman Khan, Teacher, January) i. e., 13th and 14th of January. Fowls, Kolamanasapalle. goats and sheep are sacrificed after offering ponga/i to the deity. It is an ancient festival and is limited to 2. Sri K. Venkata Ramaiah, Head the local Hindu devotees. Rajaka (Dhobhi) is the master, Kolamanasapalle. pujari. 12. Kurmayi - is at a distance of 3 miles from SOURCE: Sri B. Somasllndaram Naidu, Mandipet palamaner-Gudiyatham Road. Kotur. 23 14. Nellipatla - is situated on the Palamaner Keelamma chel'uvu after Keelamma, daughter of Kuppam Road. ft is 14 miles from Palamaner. the king. The king wanted his name and fame to remain eternally and as such he named this village as Eswara temple with Sivalingam and a mosque are Venkatagirikota after his own headquarter's town. he places of worship in the village. There were Taluk Office, Treasury and Magistrate Court during the British rule but later they were transferred to Eswara tirllna! a is celebrated for 5 days from Kuppilm. Hagha Bahllla Trioda5i (January-February). Fast ing. Jagaram and feastings are the domestic observances. Lord Venugopalaswamy temple to the south Of It is confined to all communities of this and the neigh the village with the image of Srikrishna in human form bouring villages. The villagers are the patrons. All playing a flute, t\vo Siva temples constructed by Ven commllnities p:lrticipate. There is free feeding. katagiri Raja on the Northern bund of the tank with Sil'clingal1l and Nmldi. Anjaneyaswamy temple and a Ganga Jatara is celebrated on .Jaistita Baitula Mosque are the places of worship in the village. Triodasi (]\;Iay-June) for one day. People of all com munities participate. Lord Venugopalaswamy Bralllllothsavam is cele brated from Magha Suddha Nal'allli to Bahula SOU,iiCE: Sri G. Ganapathy Red,(l', Headmaster, Tadiya (January-February) for 10 days. There are Nel/ipa/la. Ankurarpanam and DIIlt'ajarohallam in the morning on the first d8y and Hams(/l'alial1vllisavam in the 15. Kadapanatham - is at a dist2.l1ce of 30 miles night; in the morning ufhsavams and Sllryaprabha, from Kuppam Railway Station. Kadapanatham is Hanumant/w llthsal'am or Challdraprabha, Sesha· condectcd with Madanapalle by bus. Madanapalle ::ahanotllsal'am, Kalyallothsal'am. Garudothsavam Road is the nearest Railway Station. and Gajavahanothsal'am in the evening are celebrated on the second, third, fourth and sixth days respectively. Sri Nalagondraya Swamis formless stone image is There is radhothsavam in the morning and dopo wor,hipped in the village. thsavam in the evening on the seventh day. There is an uthsavam in the morning and Deepolhsal'om and Sri Nalagondrayaswamy Rathotitsal'am is celeb ChitragojJuram in the night on the eighth day. There rated for eight days from PhalgullQ Suddha Asthami to are Vas(/lItofhSGl'am in the morning and Aluthya/ a Pumima (February-March). It is 70 years old confi pallaki and Sayanollisal'am in the night on the ninth ned to this and the neighbouring villages. Only Hin day; and on the last day i.e., on tenth, there is dus congregate. A Vaishnava is the pujad. Dwadasaharathulu. It is of ancient origin confined to this and the neighbouring villages. Every year there is SOURCE: Sri S. Se.'.hagiri R(/o, Karnam, K(/dapa a sanction of Rs. 1, I 00/- from the Government towards natham. the celebration of this !lthsal'am. Nearly 50,000 devotees from the neighbouring villages within a radius 16. Venkatagirikota - is on Chittoor-Kuppam of 50 miles congregate without any caste distinction. Road, at a distance of 22 miles from Kuppam Railway I'ujaris are Brahmins v, ith hereditary rights. During Station and 25 miles from Palamaner. It is said that Rathothsavam, the pujaris of Tirupati temple also this village was ruled by the king of Venkatagiri. He come to take part in it. constructed forts in 7 rows around this town to protect it from enemies. During his time, the town was very A cattle fair is held in this connection near the prosperous. The town was so rich that the streets, temple. Estables, utensils; lanterns, mirrors and nafyamantapas, and forts were washed with kasthul'i combs, Ayurvedic medicines, pictures and photos, (musk) and decorated with pearls and Makara Thora clothes, agricultural implements and toys are sold in llams (festoons of cloth supported on poles with the about 20 shops opened temporarily. Bulls are also sold heads of crocodiles at the ends). Even now the relicS in the fair and prizes are awarded for the best ones. of the focts are seen. There is a big tank by the side of the village. The stones and rocks used in constru There is free feeding for 4 d.1ys for the pilgrims. cting the bUild of the tank wac lifted by elephants. Even now the tree to which the elephants were tied is Dramas, music and cinemas 8fford entertainment seen in the middle of the tank. The tank is called to the visitors. 24 Mahasil'uratri is celebrated in the Siva temple on SOURCE: Sri V. Parasuramaiah Chefty, Teacher ... MaglIa Bahula Chathurdasi (January-February). Padigalakuppam. Fasting and Jagarana are observed. Pujari is Sri Somasundaraiah, a Brahmin. 18. Ramakuppam - is 3 miles from the 14 3/8 mile stone of Kuppam-Chittoor Road, 17 miles from SOURCE: 1. Sri C. Narayana Rao, Village Karnam, Kuppam Railway Station, 34 miles from palamaner. Venkatagirikota. 59 miles from Chittoor and 67 mile from Chandragiri. 2. Sri K. Nagaraja Rao, Teacher, Zilla Kasi Visweswaraswamy temple with the images Parish ad Middle School, Venkatagiri of five metals (viz., copper, brass, tin, lead and iron) kota. and Sivalingam, Rama temple and Vinayaka temple 3. Sri J. V. Sadhuvaiah, Teacher, Venka are the places of worship in the village. There is a tagirikota. mosque for Muslims. 17. Padigalakuppam - is one furlong from Chitto or Sri Kasi Visweswaraswamy uthsavam is celebrated Kuppam Road. It is said that in the bygone days for ten days in Cilaitram (March-April). Vows are there were millioneers in this place. In Telugu they are fulfilled. Fasting and feasting are observed domesti called Koteeswarulu or (~~§ ;$,:trlO~ i\'i ~(f) 'Kotiki- cally. Panakam and soaked green-gramdal are offered padagalethinavaru'. So this village got the name to the deity. It is an ancient festival of local CPadigalakuppam' . significance. People of all the local communities participate. Pujari is a :_Brahmin with here Village deity Gangamma symbolised in a stone is ditary rights. Prasadam is distributed to all the worshipped in a temple. Basaveswaraswamy is also devotees. Bhajans entertain the devotees. There is worshipped by the villagers. a free feeding. Sri Basaveswaraswamy tltlisavam is celebrated on SOURCE: 1. Sri D. Kriohna Murthy Roo, Teacher, Magna Bahula Chathurdasi (January-February) for Zilla Parishad Middle School, one day. It is being celebrated from the origin of the Kuppam. village and is of lo('al significance. Local Hindus congregate. Balija of Chedulla gotram is the pujari 2. Sri G. V. Venkatesan, Teacher, Mitta with hereditary rights. There is free feeding. palli, Ramakuppam (P.O.) Sheep and fowls are sacrificed to the village deity 3. Sri P.l.KesaJ'alReddi; Teacher, P. S. E. Gangamma. A Washerman is the pujari. School, Ramakuppam. KUPPAM rr ALUK a: w z « ::; « .J « 0. oJ « z -.. I .~ I I.~ I~ l ~ , l .. l: _ ~ ~ ~ -s~ ,~.E <: >->: 3 t ,_ .. ~ ~ ~~. ~. ~. ~<_ '~~0 :>~.~~ ~ .:i. ~~ j ~~ $ 1:1 j i~ ~~ '()~ ~~ _g ~~~l:~ ~~ '" ~ ~~ ~~ ~~~~ ~.~~ i 3:; t. ~~ ~« ~~ r§. E~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~ ~~t~ ~ ~~ ~l t :~ S· ~ • ..; ~~ ~~i~~ ~ < ..... ~;: ::.:: n lJ a::~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ § i ~ ~ ~~ t:l ~ :J 0': Q ~a....., '" _ 0 ~ .. ~ :: ~ ~ ~a ~~ ~ ~ :> ~ ~~ ;t5 ~ " > -' ~ ~ ~~ ~ o ii ~ ~ ~ IQ ;::: ~ <{ '-' ~ ~ ~ ~ 0 !- o ~g_ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~(3 ~~ ~ " ~ < Till • )( if! 0.. llJ ai Q ~ 0.. ~ ~ :l :::'"",:j :;t ~ ;::I If) 0 ~ ~ ~<: '"0 ;:: "'~ II : "" :5 ~ ~ :> ~ ~~" § :'J ~E ~ Ci ~ ~ '" ~ I L~: ~'"~ :j<: ii ~... It - '" '" " ~ 0 ~ 3 ~ ~ ~ "0 "0 t :> :> u " ~ ~ " ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ " "5 iil ;'i l: ~"' ':;( " ~ 6i ~ <5 '"Co'" ;z <, i~ '" '" 1:1 2: :3 z "0 ~ ~ ;;! ":< v~ ~ ::s " ~ ~ ~ OJ ~ g '" 15 iii ;:j u~ 0 ;5 ~ ;:; ~ ~ ~ ~ " " "N " l " _ ~ 1; " " '" _ ~ ~ , ::! ;;: [;; ~ g :;: ;;: " ::: - :: -" ®@®@@@@ I ~ eee GG 88GG@@ -- I ------~ :: O! ------~-.. ------Section IV KUPPAM TALUK .. ~ -;:/' ~J edduru--i~ 3 miles fron~ the motor route, 8 miles of alJ communities congr~gate. 'lhtmnissmen come 1J from Man Kuppam RaJlway Station and 12 miles from other districts such as Selam and North Arcot. from Kuppam. It is connected to Bendana Kuppam, Three hundred temporary sl10ps are opened. Eatables, Konerukuppam and Pokaraband:l villages. utensils, lanterns,~ Chowdeswari Devatlzaradlzana is celebrated for SOLRCE: 1) Sri K. G. Vellkatagiri, President, one day during Dasara, i.e., Asvija Suddlza Dasami Rallabild~tguj'u. ( September-October). The deity is decorated and is takel~ in procession. Devotees fulfil their vows by 2) Sri B. Abllleppa, Village lH~{ilSiff, offermg fruits, camphor and sheep. It is of local Rallabuduguru. significance. All communities participate in th.:: utlzsa vam. A Brahmin is the plljari with hereditary rights. 3. Kenamanipalle--is 3 mib from KLlppam Raiiway Prasadam is distributed to all. Station by cart route. 1t is named -Kcnamanipalle' SOUf-tCE: Sri G. Dharma Raj, Teacher, Konent owing to the mounds or. either side of the villac-eo kuppalll. (kanuma means pass ). Sri Srinivasa temple with his bronze image in 2. RaUabuduguru--is situated at a distance of 10 human form and Kasi Visweswara Swamy temple are miles from Kuppam and 80 miles from Madanapalle. the places of worship in the village. The archway of This village is connected by bus to Kuppam and the entrance of the temple is a beautiful piece of sculp": Chittoor. ture. Venkata Ramana Swamy temple and Kodanda Srinivasa Swamy brahmothsavam is celebrated for Ramaswamy temple with the stone images and Grama ten days from Phalguna Bahula Padyami to Dasami devatha Gangamma temple are the places of worship (February-March). procession on vahanams and car in the village. festival are celebrated daily during this period. Jaga Venkata Ramaswamy and Kodanda Ramaswamy ram, fasting and taking bath in river are the domestic uthsavam is celebrated for fifteen days in Phalgunam observances. Vows are fulfilled by taking part in the ( March-April). This uthsavam is called 'Parusha' uthsavam and offering jewellery. It is SO ye8.rs old with in these areas. Arrangements are made ten days in local significance. Pujari is a Brahmin. There is free advance. It is about 100 years old and is confined to feeding during uthsavam days and prasadam is distri this and neighbouring villages. Brahmins with heredi_ buted to the devotees throughout the year. tary rights are the patrons. Only Hindus take part in this utlzravam. Nearly ten thousand devotees attend Kasi Visweswaraswamy Jayanthi is celebrated for the uthsavam. five days from Vaisakha SrlddiIa Panchami to Navami (April-May). It is being celebrated for the past 60 A fair is held for 15 days in an area ofa half acre. years and is of local significance. Pujari is a Brahmin. It is about 100 years old. Nearly ten thousand people Prasadam is distributed to all. 26 SOURCE': 1) Sri M. Muni Raju, Headmaster, Z.P. Veerabhadra Swamy five metalled image of 2 feet Ele. School, Kal'amaTapalle. height on Gurrapu vahanam are being worshipped in three separate temples. 2) Sri V. Narasaiah, President, Kava malapalle. Veerabhadra Swamy uthsavam is celebrated for 2 days according to the convenience of the villagers. 4. Kenchanabalia-is one mile from Vijalapuram Samaradhana and agnigunda pravesam (entering the motor road and 14 miles from Kuppam Railway fire pit) are celebrated. Pongali (boiled rice mixed with Station. milk and sugar) is offered to the deity. It is an ancient festival of local significance. The villagers Tirupathy Gangamma temple with Her image pain patronage the festival. All local communities take ted in colours in the form of Shaktlti is the only place part in it. Pujaris are Lingayats enjoying the inam of worship in this village. lands. Tirupathy Gangamma uthsavam is celebrated for Vows are fulfilled by offering fowls, goats and 3 days in Vaisakham (April-May). Offerings are made sheep to the deities Chowdeswaramrna, Peddepalamrna, in the form of silver eyes, plates and umbrellas. It is Plagurnaremma and Maremma. Yadavas (Golla), 30 years old and is confined to this and the!neighbour Valmikis and Brahmins are the pujaris to Marernrna, ing villages. Rajakas (Dhobis) are the patrons. Only Peddepalamma and Chowdeswaramrna, respectively. Hindus take part in it. Nearly fifteen hundred devo tees congregate. Dhobi is the pujari. SOURCE: Sri G. Muni Ratnam Cheffy, Karlagada. A fair is held for three days in this connection for 7. Yamaganipalle-is 4 miles to the north of Kuppam tae past 20 years. Foodstuffs,eatables, untensils, books, Railway Station. pictures and clothes ars sold. Dharmaraja temple with stone and panchaloha SOUllCB: Sri P. Ramachandra Rao, Karnam, (five metal) procession images of Droupathi (wife of Kanchanaba/ia. the pandavas) in human form and wooden image of Dharmaraja in human form, Bhajan Mandirs, Venka teswara temple, Vamappa temple, Gangamma temple 5. Kolamadugu-is 10 miles from Kuppam Railway and Pedda Muneeswara temple are the places of wor Station and motor road. ship in the Village. Non-Hindus and Harijans have no entrance into the temple. The stone idol of Sri Veerabhadraswamy is being worshipped in a temple which was constructed by the Droupathi Agnigundam or Dharmaraja Parasa Pokanati Jangams. or Mahabharata M ahothsavam is celebrated for 20 days from Vaisakha Suddha Panchami (April-May) to Sri Veerabhadraswamy Brahmothsavam is celebra Bahula Ashtami. From the Vaisakha SuddhaPanchami ted for five days in Magham (January-February). Fasting bnd Jagaram on Sivaratri are domestically to Bahula Ashtami Ankurarpal1a (~05Q~C.JEO) and observed. It is 15 years old with local significance. Dhwajarohana (c:5~~o'~D), Udanka Charitra (&GO~ People of Pokanati Jangam community are the ~e~~)and Bhutaraju Charitra(~eiS)}Chandra Vamsa patrons. All eommunities participate in it. vali(;:)o'i";) f).Yayati Charitra('~B6).Santana charitra SOURCE: Sri R. P. Muni Ganganna, Redlapalle. ('i"oiS:6~06)),Bheeshma Pratijna(;)~e:»Dhritarashtra Pandava Vidurothpathi( ~~o"C;;;/!J,pandava Kowra (l. Klulagatta-is 6 miles from Kuppam Railway vula Jananam (e:l:6:6o), Pandava Kowravula Balya Station and town and 60 miles from Chittoor. One Kreedalu (O"e)g ~) ,g~~~8:l;S, ~\O"o~~), Arjuna thirthayathra (b1:S Krishna Rayabharam is enacted and a ram is sacrificed -\ 0.) (3, eJ~ '" before the stone image of Ilavantha, The parson who ~~~) nnd Subhadra kalyanam (~e,~g~O) Raja- plays 'Bothalla' (a musical instrument) wears the gutS suyayagam (~e=;i."'d5J cJSjo,,,\O), and Droupathi mana of the sacrificed animal goes round the temple in samroksfzana (;:D-o~ ;;io:5 &..~), Arjuna tlwpassll, violent laughter, becomes unconscious and gains cons ciousness after applying' bhandaru' (turmeric offered (;5~;;i).J)' Keechaka \'a dha,(:S :;5), Uthara Gograhanam to the deity) to this body. At a distance of 120 yards (~~ 6.')"\X:;Pi6o), Rathothsavam (526.J;;;O) and to the east of the temple there is a plot called 'Kuruk Parllvetlw (Arula thriputta), Krishna Rayabharam shetra' in the name of the great battlefield of the ,( CJbo:b2,J'6 0) Lord Krishna as an ambassador and Ilavan- Mahabharata. On the eighteenth day, an earthen image of Duryodhana is placed there behind a small thabali (sacrifice of Ilavantha), Duryodhana Gadha earthen pot with the mixture of turmeric, vermilion yudham (mace combat between Bheema and Duryo and lime water representing blood in the right thigh of dhana) and Agnigundam (~(\~ l\:JO~O} Pachigariga, it. After the destruction of the Kouravas, Dhuryo "(;;:5iXM),Dharmaraja Pattabhishekam (coronation of dhana hides in a pond. Lord Krishna and Pandavas Dharmaraja), Thilatarpanam (~~e'w'..)~o)and Pongali go there and Bheema invites him for a combat. He eomes out and Dharmaraja requests him to rule the (§:r'>Ol'\{') are the rituals of the festival in chronological country forgetting the past. But Dhuryodhana rejects order. On the first day Gowds perform Dhwajarohalla his offer and invites Bheema for a combat. The ironi (.::s,SIE"0';r..;5)or Kodi Kattuta (~Q $~!;))- They reside cal conversation between the two entertains the congre in the temple for 18 days wearing turmeric coloured gation. In the end according to the signs of Lord Krishna, Bheema strikes the right thigh of the earthen -clothes and Kankanams ($'OSEO~al), As they do not image of Dhuryodhana with the mace and the blood eat the food prepared by women during that period the like liquid flows out. The person playing the role of Devasthanam arranges boarding facilities for them. Dhuryodhana looses consciousness and fall on the Lectures on Mahabharata are delivered daily from 12 ground immediately after Bheema delivers a blow on l100n to 5 p.m. c€Jvering the epic from Uddanka chari the right thigh of the image. He regains his senses fra to the coronation of Dharmaraja. On the 9th day, only after applying the 'Bhandam'. After the combat, 10 carts load of rice and other preparations are collec persons carrying the images of Droupathi, Arjuna and ted from the households and brought near the temple. Bheemasena trample the earthen images Qf Dhuryo The carts are decorated well plantain trees and leaves. dhana under their feet. Droupathi dresses her hair Two actors converse the dialogues of Baka, the with the blood of Dhuryodhana and fulfils her vow· Rakshasa and Bheema the brother of Dharmaraja and Thus the day's function ends at 1 p.m, and the pujaris drive the carts yelling and shouting. Afterwards and a few other persons holding swords and wearing Bheema kills Bakasura, a social dinner is arranged for margosa leaves take bath in seven wells and return to approximately 2,000 people of all communities. On the temple at 7 p.m. Then a fire pit is prepared with a ,the 10th day Droupathi kalyanam is celebrated as cart load of fuel. Those who take bath in the seven declared in the sastras by the purohits. Devotees offer wells and 'gariga pujari' who observes fast on that presentations. On the 13th day Yagna is performed day relaxing on a dharbhasana (bed of sacrificial grass) in commemoration of the great Rajasuya Yaga per and those who do not take food prepared by the formed by Dharmaraja. Cocoanuts, plantains and women walk on the fire thrice. The gariga pujari tambulam (arecanut and betel leaves) ~are distributed wearing turmeric clothes and carrying 'ganga' (small and fire works are displayed. On the 14th dav a big earthen pot richly decorated with flowers) on hi~ head tree is erected and the play of Arjuna acquiring the dances on the fire without holding the pot. This , Pasupatha' (a weapon) from Lord Siva after his celebration attracts approximately 25,000 devotees. On penance under the tree is enacted, Functions are the last day Dharmaraja Pattabhishekam (corona~ion -celebrated on the 16th day in commemoration of the ceremony of Dharmaraja) is celebrated and tarpanam Agllathavasa (living incogni to) of the Pandavas in the (offering gingelly + water to the departed souls) is Court of Virata, the king of Vidharbha and the defeat offered to the Kouravas. In every house of the village of Duryodhana in the hands of Arjuna. Persons fowls are sacrificed and pongali is offered to the playing the roles of Arjuna and Uthara (the son of household deity. Foodstuffs, clothes and naivedyam Virata) go round the temple in a cart. This is called are offered and on the 17th day rams are sacrificed and Rathothsal'am (car festival). After this, rcattle are bali is scattered on the boundaries of the village. For decorated and paruveta is celebreated. The next day the past two to three centuries this is being celebrated 28 and it extends to the surrounding 70 villages. Vanne 8. Chinnagollapalle-is one mile from Gudupalle 'kula Kshatriyas or the pallevaru patronize and the Railway Station and 8 miles from Kuppam by road. festival is conducted under the supervision of Gowds· The pujal'is and the patrons tour the surrounding Gangadhara Paral11eswara Swamy temple with places with the deity's image to collect donations for Sivalingam, the idol of the parvathi and procession the festival. Besides this, customary fines are collected images and Grama Devatha Gangamma teH1;11e are the in the temple from the women that left their husbands places of worship in the village. or begot children without marriage and from those who had their food from a low caste house or who Gangadhara Parameswara Swamy tlthsC/vam is were beaten with a shoe. Such people pay fines in the celebrated for 9 days from Chaitram (March-April). temple, take thirtham and once again become _eligible Cocoanuts, fruits and flow.;:rs are offered by devotees to be a member of the society. Approximately 25,000 in liquidation of their vows. Devotees take bath in people irrespective of caste and creed from the surroun river 'pasc'!imavaliilli' with the belief that it washes off ding villages within a radius of forty to fifty miles their sins. The river flows by the side of the temple. come and take part in it. Vannias of Jambu Maharshi Fasting, feasting and jagaram are the domestic obser gotra are the pujaris with hereditary rights. vances. It is being celebrated for the past 4 years and confined to this and neighbouring villages. The patrons About one hundred petty shops are arranged for belong to Kapu, Veerasaiva and Brahmin communities. the occasion. Lectures on Mahabharata during the day Nearly four thousand Hindu devotees partidpate in it. time, street dramas in the night, swinging boards and Pujari is a Veerasaiva Lingayat of Aradhya gotra11l. magic afford entertainment to the congregation. FOr Prasadam is distributed to all. the first seventeen days dramas relating to Mahabha rata ar.:: ena;;ted in the night. On the night of the A fair is held in this connection in an area of 5 combat between Dhuryodhana and Bheema, Haris_ acres. Nearly four thousand peopk of this and the chandra ch~ritra, etc., are played besides Mahabharata. neighbouring villages take part in it. A few shops are Pandals are eracted near the ~tel1lple and the pilgrims opened temporarily to sell eatables, foodstuffs, 'utensils, stay there for 10 days. The villages provide them with torchlights and toys. Pandals are erected and santar food according to their capacity though a few hotels pana (free feeding) takes place. are arranged for the occasion. Harikatha and street dramas entertain the visitors. Chowdeswari tempJe and Venugopala Swamy temple, Sri Rama Bhajana Mandlr, Nalla Gangamma SOURCE: Sri K. V. Sreenivasa Murty, Village temple and Thimmaraya Swamy temple are the places MunsijJ, Ontipalle. of worship in Papannur, Peddabadanavada, Kamma guttapalle and Adavibadanavada hamlets respectively. 9. Ontipalle-is 2 furlongs from Gundupalle Railway On Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April) an Station and 7 miles from Kuppam. idol of Rama is taken out in procession in Yamagani palle and peddabadanivada. The ido! of Sri Rallu Gangamamba Devi repre sented in human form is worshipped in a temple. Every Tuesday sheep and goats are sacrificed to Nalla Gangamma in Kammanaguttapalle and once a Sri Rallu Gangamamba partlsha is celebrated for year Ganga jatara and Pedda Munippa Devara are 13 or 14 days from C/zaitra Suddha Triodasi (March celebrated. All local communities participate in them. April). 'Pachi gerige' and 'agnigundam' are the two items of parusha-uthsavam celebrated 011 the 11th or SOCFi.CE: 1) Sri S. K. Sundaram, Teacher, Z. P. 12th day. A hundi is kept to receive the offerings in Elementary School, Yamaganipalle. cash and kind. Animal sacrifice is stopped. It is being celebrated for the past 40 years and is confined to this 2) Sri Venkataswami Gowr/, S., President, and the neighbouring villages. The managing trustee Yamaganipall e. belongs to Vysya community. The Hindu religious and Charitable Endowments Board supervises the 3) Sri Narayanaiafl, K., Karnam, Yam a festival. All communities participate in the uthsavam. ganipalle. People from 15 to 20 nearby villages congregate fo r 29 the first 7 days. Nine to ten thousand people congre 11. Settypalle-is situated close to the third mile gate during the next 6 or 7 days of the uthsavam· stone of Kuppam-Palmaner road at a distance of 3 Twenty thousand devotees congregate on the day of miles from Kuppam Railway Station and town. 'pachigerige' and 'agnigundam' celebrations. The present pujari belongs to a Vannia community and is The tcmpies of Sri Venugop:lla Swamy with Brin serving for the past 15 years. There is free f;:eding in davanam, Grama Devatha Challapuremma with Her connection with the uthsavam. image and Basavanca are the places of worship in the village. A fair is held in this connection in an area of 20 acres belonging to the trustee's family. It is held Sri Venugopala Swamy Bl'ahmolhsavam is celebrated throughout the day. A cattle fair is arranged in the for ten days from Chaitl'a Suddha Padrami (March-April). Arrangements are made one in la~t 7 days with a congregation of nine to ten thousand mo~th people. People of this and the neighbouring villages advance. Ankurarpanam, dhwujal'ohana, kalyanoth gather for both the fairs. Shop-keepers come from a savam, rathothsavam and dllOPU are the important distance cf 20 miles. Nearly 150 shops are kept items of the uthsavam. It is being celebrated for the temporarily. Foodstuffs and eatables, utensils, torch past 5 years and is confined to this and the neighbou lights and lanterns, medicines, books and pictures, ring villages. Brahmins are the patrons. Two thousand clothes and agricultural implements and cattle are sold. devotees of all communities of this and the nearby Dramas, harikathas and lotteries are the items of villages participate. Pujari is appointed only on festiVe entertainment. Pandals are erected. There is poor occasions. jaggery water and vadapappu are distri feeding for a few days. buted as prasadam. SOURCE: Sri K.v. Subboyyan, Ontipalle. A fair is held in this connection for eight days. Nearly 2,000 people of this and the neighbouring villages congregate. Fifty shops with eatables, utensils, 10. Cheekatipalle-i~ 2 miles from Gudupalle Rail lanterns and torchlights, mirrors and combs, books and way Station and 7 miles from Kuppam. pictures, and toys are arranged besides 20 street haw kers. The temple of Rama with His picture, Krishna and Thimmarayaswamy with His image are the places of There are hotels. PandaIs are also erected. Radio, worship in the village. bhajans, harikathas and dramas afford entertain ments to the visitors. Sri Rama uthsovam is celebrated on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April) for one day. pujas are Challapuremma Ganga jatara celebrated for one day performed and offerings are made according to the on Chaitra Suddha Padyami (March-April). Vows are capacity of the devotees. Fire works are displayed and liquidated by devotees by offering silver jewellery. He an idol of Rama is taken out in procession in the buffaloes, fowls and goats are sacrificed. This jatara evening. This is of ancient origin with only local signi is of about 125 years old with local significance. ficance. Hindus are the patrons. Only local Hindus participate. Pujarappa of Boya community with All local communities participate in the festival. Boya got ram is the Pujari. Pujari is a Vaishnava. There is free feeding on a limi ted scale. SOURC.E: 1) Sri P.R. Krishna Reddy, Teacher, Z.P. Ele. School, Kanamanapalle. Sri Krishna Jayanti is celebrated for one day on Sravana Bahu/a Ashtami (July-August). This is also an 2) Sri L.Nageswarlu,President, Settypalle. ancient festival of local significance. Rajappa is the chief patron. Vaishnava is the pujari. Thimmaraya Kanchibandarlapalle is the hamlet of tbis village. iwamy aradhana is celebrated on the above two festive Situated at a distance of 1 1/2 miles to the west of days. Kuppam-Palmaner road and 4 miles from Kuppam. Gangamma jatara is celebrated by all the local communities. A temple of 20' x 20' stone walls of the viUage deity, Sallapuremma and the temple of Gangamma are SOURCE: An Enutnerator. the places of worship in the viUage. Sallapuremma uthsavam is celebrated for 8 days 13. Kuppam - is the taluk headquarters. It is a in Jaishtam (May-June). Arrangements are made one railway staion on Madras-Bangalore Railway line. It month in advance. Pachigarige agnigttndam are the is connected to Chittoor and SeIam by bus. important items of the uthsavam. Fowls and animals are sacrificed to the deity. This is of ancient origin and There is Someswaraswamy temple with aSivalingam. is confined to the neighbouring villages. Vadde Boyalu The stone idols ofGanapathi, Parvathi, Dakshinamurty, patronizes the festival. Nearly 2,000 Hindu devotees Vishnu, Brahma and the nine planets were also installed from the neighbouring villages congregate. A Vadde in the temple. The temples of Anjaneya Swamy, Tiru Boya is the pujari with hereditary rights. pathy Gangamma and Subramanyaswamy are the other places of worship in this village. A fair is held in this connection near the temple in an area of 4 acres for 8 days. This is of ancient origin Someswara Swamy brahmothsavam is celebrated and 2,000 people from the surrounding villages con for nine days from Magha Suddha Dasami (January gregate. Approximately 30 shops to sell food-stuffs, February). Daily puja is performed. Puja is also perfor utensils, lanterns, tourchs, books, pictures and clothes med on every Monday of Kartika (October-November) are opened temporarily.Dramas and harikathas are the and on Sivaratri, i.e., Magha Bahula Chaturdasi items of entertainment to the visitors. (January-February).Fasting and jagaram on Sivara tri are the domestic observances. It is 40 years old with 12. Beggilapalle-is 3 furlongs from the 3rd mile local significance. The devotees patronize the festival. stone of Kuppam-Palmaner road and 3 miles from Local people of all communities congregate. Pujari is a Kuppam Railway Station and town. Brahmin of Vasista gotram. There is free feeding. Village deity Maremma temple with her stone SOURCE: 1) Sri K. N. Vellkatrama Chetty, Trustee. image Bhajana Mandir, Basaveswara temple and Someswara Swamy Temple, Kuppam. Rama temple with His stone image are the places of worship in the village. 2) Sr; S. V. Muni Venkata Ramaiah, Teacher, Z.P.Ele. School, Kuppam. Maremma uthsavam is celebrated for nine days in Chait ram (March-April) or Vaisakham (April-May). 14. Gundlasagaram-is 1 1/2 miles from Kuppam Deity, Dandu Gangamma, is worshipped in this (procession on swan), Sesha Vahanothsavam, (proce village. 'ssion on snake) and chitra gopurothsavam (.:J~'~~s' ~.J;;s~)on Ashthami, Mandahasothsavam (:5:lo~ ~~ Dandu Gangamma festival is celebrated for twelve days in Pltalgunam (February-March) by the local 4.J;;S~ )and Pushpa Vimanothsavam(~;5.:J ;)oSJ'~~.J~~) people. on Narami, common procession during day time and .simh a Vahanothsavam (procession on)ion) in the night SOURCE: District Health Officer, Chitto or . of Dasami, Vasanthothsavam (holi) Mandahasothsa vam and Pallaki uthsavam (procession on palanquin) 16. Pedagopanapalle-is 2 miles from Kuppam Rail on Ekadasi procession agnigundam (fire.pit) pachi way Station and 1 mile from Kuppam town. ,gariga(:Jw;;, xax)and Aswa vahanothsavam (procession The idols of Marer.'lma, Tollamma, Yellamma and on horse) on Dwadasi and Abhishekam,(~4}~.:l.~:5:l:l)pra Muttumaremma made of bronze and in human form .kasothsal'am(;5)~~~.);):5:l:l)and sayanothsavam «(~ are worshipped in the village. ~~~;;:5:l:l)on Triodasi are celebrated. Of all these, Maremma Jatara is celebrated in Vahakham ratllOthsavam, dopu, agnigundam and pachigariga ( April-May) for 11 days. Fowls, sheep and goats are are the important items of celebration. During sacrificed. Fasting and jagaram are the common dopothsavam fire works are displayed. Devotees liqui domestic observances. It is being celebratgd for the date their vows. Cocoanuts, Pongali and Pindi Deepa past 20 to 22 years and is of local significance. People .mulu (wicks lighted in small oil-cups of flour) are of all communities participate in it. Pujari belongs to offered to the deity. For the past 75 years this is being Vennia community with hereditary rights. ·celebrated and it extends to several parts of this state, Mysore and Madras States. The daily expenditure of Kamuni panduga lHoli) in Magham (February the festival is borne individually by the leading persons -March) Sendraya Swamy pandllga in Bhadrapadam of this village and the surrounding villages. Approxi (August-September) Tollamma panduga in Chaitram mately 20,000 people of this and other states take part (March-April) Mallamma panduga in Chaitra~n in the uthsavam. Dasari Kapus of Thammandra ( March-April) and Thimmaraya Swamy panduga III .gotram are the plljaris. Prasadam is distributed Bhadrapadam (August-September) are the other festi to all. vals celebrated by the local people. For the past 8 years a cattle fair is held in this SOl..iRCE: Sri Vengappa Chinna Swamy, President, -connection in an area of 10 acres near the temple for Pedda Gopanapalle. 12 days. Eatables, utensils, torches, toilets goods, pictures, cloth and ready made dresses are also :sold. Cattle are brought from distance parts of 17. Gonugur - is 4 furlongs from Kuppam-Krishna the country and no tax is collected from the tradesmen giri road. Kuppam is the nearest railway station. by the Panchayat. Dramas, harikathas, merry-go rounds and display of fire- works are the items of Prasanna Veera Bhadra Swamy temple with the entertainment. Pandals are erected for the occasion. images of Vinayaka, Basweswara, Someswara an~ Local rich people arrange free feeding to those who Dwarapalaka ( door-keepers) besides a Sivalingam IS bring cattle for 6 days and distribute panakam (jaggery the place of worship in the village. water), Sri prasanna Veera Bhadra Swamy lIthsavam is SOURCE: 1) Sri D. Venkatesam, President, GlIndla celebrated for ten days in Vaisakham (April-May), Sagaram Panchayat. i.e., from 20th April to 29th April. Aradhana, Sant arpana and feastings are celebrated. Feet, crown, 2) Sri S. Viswa Natham, Teacher, Vibhuthipattelu (sectarian lines drawn on forehead by Lakshmipalem. the Saivites) and eyes of silver are offered by the dev otees in fulfilment of their vows. It is onocal significa nce. Saivas are the patrons. PlIjari is having heredi 15. Kamatamur-is situated one mile from Kuppam tary rights. Arrangements for meals are made to the town. 32 pilgrims by the local people. Harikathas entertain the in the village. Basaveswara is being worshipped in the visitors. form of a bull. The temples were constructed during the period of Kangundi zamindars. SOURCE: Sri B. MZlIli Swamy, Pesident, Gonugur. Sri Malleswara Swamy and Sri Basaveswara Swamy Parusha is celebrated for three days during 18. Kangundi - is situa ted close to 7th mile stone of Mahasivaratri from Magha Bahula Chaturdasi Kuppam-Vijalapuram road at a distance of 7 miles (January-February). It is of ancient origin' with local from Vijalapuram. The nearest railway station is significance. This was being celebrated by the zam-· Kuppam. This was the capital of Kangundi zamindars indars in their time. The villagers at present patronize 160 years back. This village was built in the 1 Ith the festival. All the local communities participate in it. century A. D. by Kambi Naya, the founder of the Brahmis are the pujaris. Samaradhana (poor feeding) Kangundi zamindars. He came to this place for hunting is arranged for the pilgrims. and found the hillock suitable for constructing a fort. Kangi, an Yenadi woman showed the path to climb Sri Kalika Devi Uthsavam on Chaitra Suddha the hill and Kambi Naya built a fort with seven walls. Padyami (March-April) KrishllaJayanthi on Sravana A village was built at the foot of the hillock and was Bahula Ashtami in Venugopala Swamy temple, Rama named Kangundi as a mark of gratitude to the Yenadi uthsavam on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April) woman. Later the zamindars found the place inconven are the other festivals celebrated by the people of the ient and settled at Kuppam. This capital ofa Kingdom village. Vadapappu and panakam (jaggery water), with 2,000 houses dwindled in due course to 100 houses are offered to the idol of Lord Rama. Street Dramas and a few huts. entertain the devotees during nights. P ongali is offered and goats and fowls are sacrificed to the village deities Sri Malleswara Swamy temple on the hill, Basa and Kalika. All communities participate in every veswara Swamy temple in the fort and Kalika temple festival. outside the fort, Venugopala Swamy temple, Sri Vir upaskeswara Swamy temple, Grama Devathas' temples and Sri Basaveswara temple are the places of worship SovaCE: Sri P. V. Gopal Pillai, Teacher, Kangundi. PUNGANUR 'fALUK Q ;: "" o'-> o I: eee®@®®@@@@®®®®®®@@ ,_ £ I: I: ?;-~ >- "";: '" ~ ~ ~ g :; ':2 ':( 3:: 1: 1: Z X '0 ~ I: Q "-< ;:l ~ 0 '< ..J <' ~ :) z ":r: <{ ~ '" ~ Q I: z ~ I:"" '" ... "( Z ~ ~ .:: ~ s: ~ \tl !Ii ~ ::j z a z j . '"~ :2 '" "-< x :;:'" "' '"Z \:J W "" "" '" a '" ?; :! ~ ~ ~ ~ j; 'i! .Q < '"~ !!, '0 ::t 0 0: ~ ;; I:"'""" z "" E ~ ~ z '" i 0 "I:'" 3 ..,z '"0 i ! ~ ~ I: o .0 l? v ~ '" '" IGGGGGG d. > W .J ..J ~ 0-« Z o" ~ ~ 111 Section V PUNGANUR TALUK ~t1 ootupalle-is 5 miles from Kalikiri Railway Sta Viswanatha Swamy with His stone idol brought from C"" tion on Pakala-Dharmavaram railway line and is Benaras (Kasi) and Panchaloha (five metal) procession situated on the 28th mile stone of Tirupati-MadanapaIJe images. Mallikarjuna in a big cave with His stone image road. and Lord Rama are the places of worship in the village. There are two banyan trees in the compound of the Mallikarjuna Swamy temple with His stone Siva- Kasi Viswauatha temple. 1ingam is the only place of worship in this village. Kasi Viswanatha uthsavam is celebrated from Mallikarjuna Swamy Tirunala is celebrated for Magha Bahula Chaturdasi (January-February) for 10 two days during Sivarafri, i.e., on Magha Bhahula days. Puja is performed daily both in the morning Chaturdasi and Amavasya (January-February). The and evening. The villagers invite their kith and kin. devotees observe fast on Chaturdasi and jagaram dur This is of ancient origin with local significance. Local ing the night and take bath early· in the morning of people of all communities participate in it. Pujaris in Amavasya. It is being celebrated for the past 90 years all the temples enjoy hereditary rights. and is extended to the neighbouring villages. The patrons and pujaris belong to Ekela community. All A few shops of eatables, utensils, lanterns, toilet communities participate in it. Dramas, lottery and goods and pictures, toys are arranged by the IDea music are the items of entertainment to the visitors. businessmen. SOURCE: K,K. Pillai, Vootupalle. SOURCE: Sri C. Venkataramanayya, Karnam, Pala manda. 2. Chiotamakulapalle-is 2 furlongs from the 6}4 mile stone of Punganur-Tirupati road. Thippasamu 4. Kambhamvaripalle--is situated at a distance of 8 dram is the nearest railway station. miles from Kalikiri Railway Station and 28 miles from Kadiri Narasimha Swamy temple and Ramaswamy punganur. temple are the places of worship in the village. Sri Anjaneya Swamy temple, four Boyakonda Kadiri Narasimhaswamy uthsavam is celebrated on Gangamma temples and 4 Rama Bhajana Mandirs are Phalguna Suddha Purnima (February-March) for a the places of worship in the village. Village deity day. It is being celebrated for the past 15 years. It is Gangamma is symbolised by an earthen image prepa of local significance. Only local Hindus participate. red in human form and decorated with silver head and A Brahmin is the pujori. A few shops are kept by the hands. It is worshipped during the festival days, businessmen of the neighbouring villages on the night Ganga jatara is celebrated on the Sunday before of the uthsavam. Streetidramas afford entertainment Ugadi. Aradhana with puja articles is performed by to the visitors. the devotees. The devotees fulfill their vows. He-: SOURCE: Sri K. Ramalingappa, Karn am, Chintama buffaloes, fowls and goats are sacrificed to the deity. kulapalle. It is an ancient festival of local significance. The chief patrons belong to Kapu, Balija, GoundIa, Golla and Kurava communities. Only local Hindus partici 3. Palamaocla-is by the side ofPunganur-Kovvurroad pate in it. Pujari is a potter, with hereditary rights. at a distance of 36 miles from Madanapalle 38 miles from punganur and 43 miles from Chittoor. Kalikiri SOURe.: An Enumerator. is the nearest Railway Station. S. Kaodur-is situated between SomaIa and Kalikiri The temple of Anjaneya Swamy with His stone on punganur-Cuddapah bus route at a distance of 7 image, Nallamma with Her stone idol, Lord Kasi miles to the south of Kalikiri Railway Station. 34 As it is situated in a ditch-like valley (kandakam) the village headman ascends the nearby platform. He it goes by the present name. Historically this was challenges the congregation to hew the Ganga Pothu adjoined to Cuddapah, one of the Ceded districts, but with minimum strokes. Having accepted the challenge, was later transferred to Chittoor district. It is also said if any person fails, he is beaten as it is believed to be that the Gurram Konda Nawab, a vassal of the Nizam, an ill-omen. He-buffaloes and rams are sacrificed was ruling over the place. Due to communal riots a before the deity on 'Goru Kambham' (a long knife to few Hindus sought shelter in this valley and formed a sacrifice the animals easily). A Mala (Asadi) brings village. cooked rice mixes it in the blood and fills it in the winnows. The Ganachari (one who heaved the Ganga The temples of Paletamma, with Her stone image, Pothu) takes the winnows and scatters the rice in the Kasi Visweswara Swamy, Kodanda Rama Swamy, village yelling 'Bali', 'BaU' 'Bali' while a few people Venu Gopala Swamy, Kanyaka Parameswari, Amritha follow him with swords. All the time his wife decora Kantheswara and a Mosque are the places of worship ting herself with saffron and vermilion lies before the in this village. deity and prays for the life of her husband. One who scatteres the 'Bali' is looked after as a hero as it is Kanduru Ganga jatara or Nadiveedi Ganga believed that the evil spirits kill him sometimes. Re jatara is celebrated for 3 days from the preceding marriage of the Ganachari is celebrated with his wife. Sunday of Ugadi (Chaitra Suddha Padya»}i) (March Non-vegetarian feast takes place till Monday evening. April). Preparations are made one month in advance. In the evening 'Kumbhakudu' mixed with toddy is Houses are white-washed and decorated with muggll1u eaten by the Ganachari while the 'Asadi' (priest at a (decorative lines drawn with lime or colour powders). village deity) (a man who attends ensure of the rituals Pandals are erected and festoons are tied. Each house at village deity's jatara) utters abusive language. takes keeninterest in collecting the necessary goods. On Kumbhakudu is cooked on a Sunday and poured before the night of Sunday an earthen idol of the deity is pre. the deity. After K.lmbhakudu the deity is immersed pared in human form and silver head. A big pandal in the water at 9-00 p.m. The head of the 'Gangapothu' is erected with a crept, in the middle of the street. The and the other heads of the sacrificed animals are Vurapothu also called Ganga Pothu. ( He-buffalo placed before the deity and a lamp is lit on it. Devotees dedicated to the deity) is taken from house to house fulfill their vows. Animals are sacrificed and cocoanuts for three days before the jatara begins. Each house are offered. Intoxicants are used a custom. This is of holder pours a pot-full of water on its head, decorates ancient origin and is confined to the surrounding it with turmeric and vermilion, gives a rupee and some villages within a radius of 15 miles. Dhobis and grain to the Madiga who follows it shouting 'Kilili/o' Potters are the patrons. Nearly 5,000 Hindus of this (~D~e'). Then the he-buffalo is brought to the temple and the surrounding villages congregate. Potters and and tied along with other 10-15 he-buffaloes and rams Dhobis are the pujaris with hereditary rights. before the deity reaches the pandal. The Potter's house is believed to be the birth place of Gangamma and A fair is held in this connection for 3 days. Eat Dhobi's house to be the mother-in-Iaw's house. ables, utensils, lanterns, toilet goods, pictures, Besthas and Edigas are her close relatives. So the deity agricultural implements, toys, etc., are sold. Bhajan is decorated well in the Potter's house on a Sunday and parties of the Gollas, swing boards, lottory .and street taken to the Dhobhi's house with the music of pipes dramas entertain the visitors. Temporary. hotels are and tom tom where tali (a small piece of gold tied by arranged. the bridegroom at the marriage ceremony to the neck of the bride) is tied to the deity by a Dhobi. In the Paletamma tirunala is celebrated on a Sunday in mean time Edigas send pots of toddy to the Besthas Sravanam (July-August). and a feast follows. After the feast the deity is placed in the panda I. Nadiveedi Ganga, Paletamma, Maremma SOURCE: 1. Sri K. Krishna Reddy, Teacher, P. S. Ankalamma, Boyikonda Ganga, Nalla Gangamma, Elementary School, Kandur. Peddapalle Gangamma and Tirupati Gangamma are said to be Kinswomen. The village headmen enters 2. Sri P. Kesavulu, Headmaster. P. S. the village with music. Meanwhile a few beautifully Elementary School, Kandur. decorated women join the procession carrying 10 or 15 lamps on their heads in the plate. This is a pleasant 6. Ammagaripalle - is by the side of KaIIur sight to see. The lamps are placed before the deity and pnnganur road at a distance of 27 miles from Punganur, 35 35 miles from Chittoor and 42 miles from Madanapa A few shops, with foodstuffs, eatables, utensils, lie. The nearest railway station is pulicherla. lanterns and books are kept. Ko/atams, street dramas, bhajans, etc. entertain the visitors. The temples of Sri Rama with His five metalled :I mage, Anjaneya Swamy with His stone image, Chadumu Ammavari tirunala on Ugadi i.e., Yellamma with Her five metalled image and two Rama Chaitra Suddha Padyami ( March-April) for one day temples with the pictures of Rama are the places of and Sri Rama Navami on Chaitra Suddha Navami worship in the village. ( March-April) for nine days are the other festivals celebrated by the local people. Harikatha is arranged Ganga jatara is celebrated for 3 days in Va; during Sri Rama Navami. ,sakham ( April-May). Puja and aradhana are perfor med by the pujari once a week. Goats and fowls are SOURCE: 1. Sri S. P. Ramachandra Reddy, Karnam. '-sacrificed by the devotees to fulfil their vows. It is an Errathivaripalle. ancient festival of local significance. People of all --communities participate in it. Pujari is appointed by 8. Booragamanda - is 2 miles from Punganur-Tir the villagers. Prasadam is distributed to all. The upati motor road, 10 miles from Pulicherlr Railway ·-devotees from the neighbouring villages stay in their Station and 32 miles from Punganur by road. friends' and relatives' houses during jatara. Social -dinners are arranged. Sri Prasanna Lakshmi Venkateswara Swamy temple with His image and Anjaneya Swamy temple in A few shops are kept with foodstuffs, utensils, the same compound are the places of worship in the lanterns, books and pictures, cattle and toys. Street village. ·dramas and Veedhibhagavatham entertain the visitors. Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Brahmothsa Pusuvula panduga in pushy am (December-Jan vam is celebrated for 10 days from Phalguna Suddha uary) Deepava!i in Karthikam (October-November), Ekadasi (February-March). Dhwajarohanam is cel Sivaratri on Magha Bahula Chaturdasi (January ebrated on the first day. Kalyanothsavam, Rathothsa February), Molakala purnima in Jaishtam (May vam are the other important items of the uthsavam. It June) and Ugadi or Telugu New Years Day on Chaitra is being celebrated for the past 150 years and is of local Suddha Padyami (March-April) are the other fes significance. Kapus are the chief patrons. Local people tivals celebrated by the local people. participate in it. A Vaighanasa Brahmin of Gowtha masa gofram is the pujari with hereditary rights . .SQURCE: Sri Krishna Reddy, Karnam, Aammagari palle. Jatara is being celebrated for the past 250 years with the congregation of 2,000 Hindus. 7. Errathivaripalle -is 2 miles from Sodam and 10/2 miles from Pulicherla Railway Station. SOURCE: Sri l. L. Narayana Rao, Karnam, Boo. ragamanda. Chadumu Ammavari temple, Sallapuramma temple. and two Ramaswamy temples are:the places of 9. Sandramakulapalle - is I 1/4 miles from the 150th worship in the village. mile stone of Madras-Bombay Grant Trunk road 12 miles from punganur and 15 miles from Madanapalle Sallapuramma jatara is celebrated for a day on Railway Station. Magha Suddha Purnima (January-February). Pro- . cession takes place. Bonams are offered and animals Sri Rania temple with His image ia human form are sacrificed bp the devotees at 3-00 p.m. that day. and Veerabhadra Swamy temple wirh His image in It is celebrated in an area of 0-25 cents which belongs human form are the places of worship in the village. to the deity. It is an ancient festival and is confined to this 'and the neighbouring villages. Nearly 500 dev Veerabhadra Swamy tirunal a is celebrated for two otees of a!l communities participate. Pujari belongs to days on Phalguna Suddha Purnima and Bahula Vad:;e community, with hereditary rights. Prasadam Ekpdasi (February-March). It is limited to this is distributed to all. Dinners are arranged and pandals village only. People of all communities participate in are erected. it. Pujari belongs to Ekkdu caste. The selection of 36 pU.1ari is done in a strange way. After the death of the (April-May). Arrangements are made one day ill! pujari, his heirs go to the temple on an auspicious day advance. The procession image of the deity is taken and stand in front of the deity whh fruits and flowers. out in procession. Deeparadhana is paerformed by Devara Eddu' (the bull dedicated to the Lord) selects litting the lights around the temple. Fowls, goats and the pujari by eating the fruits of a particular person. sheep are sacrificed on the midnight of Purnima. There is free feeding besides social dinners. Intoxicants are used as they consider them to be the 'Devi theertham'. Ir is confiined to the local Ridus. RatllOthsaram is celebrated for one day on only. Edigas are the patrons. Pujari is a Br ahmin with Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). All local hereditary rights. communities participate in it. SOURCE: Sri S. V. Subba Rao, Kamam, Bodiva ri-- SOURCE: Sri K. Venkata Rao, Kamam, Cha palle. ndramakulapall e. 12. Somal a - is 13 miles from Kalikiri Railway 10. Thimmanayunipalle - is at a distance of 16 Station. miles from P.ulicherla Railway Station and 23 miles from punganur. An idol of Lord Siva is worshipped in the village .. , Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple with His stone Eswara Swamy festival is celebrated for one day' image in Human form and Malleswara Swamy temple in laishtam (May-June) with local congregation. with stone image and Sri Rama temple are the places of worship in the village. SOURCE: Superintendent of Police, Chittoor. Sri Venkateswara Swamy Garudothsavam is cel· ebrated for a day during Mukkoti Ekadasi, i.e., on 13. Chembakur - is 2 miles from Mysore State M argasira Suddha Ekadasi (November-December). border, 12 miles to the south of Madanapalle, 15 miles. Daily deeparadhana is performed. It is being celebra to the west of punganur and 20 miles from Madanapa ted for the past 20 years. It is of local significance. All He Road Railway Station. local people participate in it. Pujari belongs to Ediga community. Ghattu Venkata Ramana Swamy temple, Kodanda Rama Swamy temple and Rama Bhajana Mandir are Abhisheka Naivedyams are performed by the the places of worship in the village. All the iodals are pujari during Sivaratri, i.e., on Magna Banula Cha in human form. There are self manifested stone images turdasi (January-February) on Sri Malleswara Swamy of Lord Ghattu Venkataramana Swamy at a distance temple, There is 50 cents of wet land as many am. to of one mile and these are said to be the original the temple. images. It is said that these are similar to that of Venkata Ramana Swamy in Tirupati. SOURCE:- Sri G. Rajamma, Teacher, P.S. Element ary School, Th!mmtJntJyunipalle. Ghattu Venkata Ramana Swamy uthsavam is celebrated for three days in Phalgunam (February 11. Bodevaripalle - is situated between Punganur March) beginning from the day when the star is and MadanapaUe on the 147/4 mile of Madras Hastha. Procession on vahanams is celebrated every Bombay trunk road at a distance of~1/2 miles from day both in the morning and evening. pujas and Punganur and 16 miles from Madanapalle Railway Kainkaryams ( dedications) are performed to the Station. deity during the uthsavam days, after performing puja to those self-manifested images. Garudothsavam is an Chowdeswari Devi temple with Her stone image important function in which the Lord is decorated in human form, Chenna Raya Swamy temple and very attractively. The Garuda (the sacred kite) Chandramouleswara Swamy temple are the places of circumambulates thrice over the Lord that day in the worship in the village. sky after Sun rise. Theru ( ear festival) is celebrated on the next day. Cocoanuts are offered. It is being Chowdeswari Devi deeparadTtana is ceiebrated celebrated for the past 20 years and is confiined to this annually for a day on Vaisakna Suddha Purnima and the neighbouring villages. Patrons belong to- 37 Brahmin, Vaisya and Sudra communities. One thous lway Station. This village was founded nearly 100 and devotees from the surrounding villages congregate. years back. A cattle fair is held for 7 days. There are t,vo tempks in th~ villege. Ramakoti Srpta!zaJ}] is cclebrated for seven days in Kartheekam (October-November) in Sri Rama GralJ1adcr::t];u D":~~L:i Gf~l\[:alTIn~a ter..~l-:Jc L,:n a Bhajalla Alandir hy the looal Vaisya committc,~. The field at a distance of 2 miles to the village with Eer word'Rama' is r"cited withul1t any interruption for s~or.e image. Th, s.:('o~,-::~ :s !_c~:~:·:-,c.~:~=',',·~ra lcl1';;le. seven days. Lord's picture is taken oui in proceo:sion believed to have been C(,j:~;:'uct('d by Cholo kings '.j(ll on the eighth day a1~d the Vaisya women and men the sculpture(l images of Vighneswara, Nanci. Parvati engage themselves in kula tams and blwjal1s respectiv and ESW~lra. TbT: are 3 stone images and a ~'O'le eJy. There is frec fe~'c1;ng f;:,r aJl. Bandamma tem is dllH"njastGl1lblwlIl to the east of the kmpk. It is s:l;d celebrated twice or thrice a year and also whenever that these deiti~s are protccti!lg the hidden treCl:'" r~ of epidemics brea k out in the villa?c. ancient times. The dci1y 0\,'"n5 illam lanGs and l'::jari comes her.:: on evcry Friday fre'TIl a village at a disl~~l~C~ SODRC1!: Sri K. Ramaclwndra Rao, Teacher, Z. P. of 4 miles and performs puja. Bandemma temple with Middle School, C'lambakur. Her image of panchalohas (five metals) with 4 hands and Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy temple are the r!aces 14. Kagathi - Is 3 miles to the north of punganur of worship in Gajjalavaripalle, a hamlet of Knppalle. Chowdepalli road, 8 miles from punganur. Bandcmma Uthsavam is celebrated in Gajjalavari The temple of the village deity Gangamma with palle for 3 days in Chaitram (March-April), i.e., from Her images and Sri Rama temple with the silver imageS 15th to 18th March. Deeparadlzana is an important of Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana are the places of function in which the villagers go to the temple accom_ worship in the village. panied by local music, dance and far.cy dresses while When there is good harvest, Ganga jatara is the devotees carry lights prepared with dung. This celebrated for a day on a Sunday or Thursday in procession takes 5 hours to reach the temple, i. e., upto Sravanam (July-August). Animals are sacrificed and 12 O'clock in the mid-night. Pujas and bhaians are cocoanuts are offered. The villagers invite their performed upto 3 O'clock. Afterwards sheep and goats. friends and relatives. It is an ancient festival confined are sacrificed and tusks and eyes and 'Nosta Pattelu' to this village. Ryots of all communities patronize the (lines on forehead) of silver are offered to the deity in festival. Four hundred devotees of all communities liquidation of their vows. Fasting and jagaram are participate. observed on the day of deeparadhana. Ratltothsavam (car festival) is celebrated during day time. It is being Gangamma Jatara and Sri Rama Navami for celebrated for the parst 22 years and is confined to this. ten days from Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April) and the surrounding villages. Yelama Reddis patro are the other fesivals celebrated in this village. nize the festival. Nearly 1,000 devotees of all commu nities participate in it. Pujari is a Uppara appointed SOURCE: Karnam, Kagathi. by the trustee. 15. Chowdepalle - Is 22 miles from Kalikiri Rail Bandemma Uthsavam is also celebrated for a day way Station. in the village proper on Vaisakha Suddha Purnima (April-May). Preparations are made 2 days in advance. An idol of Lord Siva is worshipped in the village. Rathothsavam (car festival) is celebrated during day It Eswara Swamy festival is celebrated for a day in time. is 70 years old and is confined to this and the Chaitram ( March-April) with a congregation of 1,000 neighbouring villages. Lights, panakam and challa local Hindus. muddalu (cooked millet balls) are offered to the deity by the neighbouring villages. Nearly 800 devotees of . SOURCE: Superintendent of Police, Chittoor. all communities participate. Pujari belong to Uppara caste with hereditary rights. 16. KappaUe - Is adjacent to the 13/4 mile stone on Ramasamudram - Madanapalle road, 15 miles from SOURCE: 1. Sri P. Nagaratnam, Teacher, Z. P. Ele•. punganur and 23 miles from MadanapaUe Road Rai- School, Koppa lle. 38 2. Sri H. Srinivasa Rao, Kamam, Kap Gramadevatha Pa talamma Uthsavam is celebrated palle. on the night of Ugadi, i. e., on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). 17. Bheemaganipalle-Is 1/2 mile from the 143rd mile stone of Chittoor-Madanapalle road. SOURCE: Sri K, L. Venkatramana Rao, Village Munsiff, Katip eri, An idol of Lord Bheemeswara was installed 156 years back and a village constructed later was named 19. Mangalam - Is at a distance of one mile from after Him. But in inscriptions it is stated as 'Bheema Punganur by footpath and 2 miles by motor and 22 puram'. mile from Madanapalle Road Railway Station. Bheemeswara temple with atone Sivalingam and Gangamma temple with Her image in human from the image of 'Gnanaprasunamba', his consort and and Basaveswara temple are the places of worship in Nachamma temple on the outskirts of the village are the village. the places of worship in the village. Gangamma Utlzsavam is celebrated for two days Bheemeswara Swamy Rathothsavam is celebrated on the Tuesday and Wednesday Ugadi, i.e., in Phal for eight days from Jaishta Suddha Ashtami to gunam (February-March). The deity is decorated and Purnima (May-June). Abhishekam is performed by taken out in procession on the night of Tuesday while devotees in liquidation of their vows on Sivaratri, i. e.' the Agadies sing in praise of the deity. Animals are Magha Bahula Chaturdasi (January-February). Daily sacrificed du puja to fulfil their vows. It extends to the puja and s!Jecial pujas on Mondays in Karthikam neighbouring villages such as Punganur, Yativakili, (October - November), Vijaya Dasami on Asvija Gangapalle,Krishnapuram, KrishnamareddypaIJe etc. Suddha Dasami (September-October) and Sivaratri on Nearly 7 to 8 hundred devotees of all communities Magha Bahula Chaturdasi (January-February) are participate. Yadava (Golla) is the pujari with heredi~ performed to the deity. It is being celebrated for the tary rights. past 130 years with local significance. Punganur Zamindays of Veerasaiva community patronize the A few shops are kept with eatables foodstuffs, festival. Local Hindus participate in it. A Brahmin etc. Kolatams and ballads are the items of entertain ()f Viswamitra gotram is the pujari with hereditary ment. rights. SOURCE: Sri B. Sreenivasa Sarma, Headmaster, Z.P. Elementary School, Mangalam. SOURCE: Sri Sreekanta Sarma, Teacher, Bheema ganipalle. 20. Laddigam-Kalikiri is the nearest Railway Sta~ tion to this place (about 28 miles). 18. Katiperi--Is 2 miles to the north of Punganur ChowdepaUe road, 5 miles from Punganur by road and A stone idol of Lord Neela Kantheswara Swamy 24 miles from C.T.M. Railway Line. is worship in the vilIa£e. A festival is celebrated in His honour for day on Maglla Bahula Chaturdasi (Janu~ The temples of Gramadevatha Patalamma with ary-February) and it is a local significance. Her stone image, Venkateswara, Rama and Siva are the places of worship in the village. Gangamma is also worshipped with no temple. SOURCE: Tahsildar, Punganur. Ganga Jatara is celebrated on Tuesday and Wed 21. Charala-Is close to the 3rd mile stone of Chow nesday for two days in Jaishtam (May-June) when depalle-Palmaner road and 13 miles from Punganur. there is good harvest. Cocoanuts and fruits are offered Kalikiri is the nearest Railway Station. , and animals are sacrificed to the deity. The deity is taken out in procession. It is an ancient festival of Kasi Visweswara Swamy temple on a hillock at a local significance. Local ryots patronize the festival. distance of one furlong to the north of the village, Nearly 3 to 4 hundred local devotees of all communi Parvathi Devi temple and Sri Rama temple are the ties participate. A few shops are kept by the villagers. places of woraship in the village. 39 Sri Kasi Visweswara Swamy Rathasapthami is the stones and it is said that there is a treasure hidden -.:elebrated for a day on Magha Sudd1'a Sapthami under this also. 'Oanuray-Pebruary). Daily puja, adhishekam and uthsavams on holy days such as Sivaratri, Sri Rama Chenna Raya Swamy puja is celebrated on Satur Navami, Dasara, etc., are the important religious days in Saravanam (July-August). Brahmins patronise performances. Utla Uthsavam is celebrated by the festival. It is confined to the surrounding villages. 3-00 p. m. on Krishnashtami (July-August). The There are inam lands to the temple. Srivaishnava is Ii dole is decorated and taken out in procession on the pujari with hereditary rights. Nandi vahanam during the night and the procession is continued till the next morning. Flowers, plantains Narasimhaswamy festival is celebrated on Pha/gu .and cocoanuts are offered. Local Hindus participate. na Suddha Purnima (February-March). Brahmins are A Saivite of Kousika gotram is the pujari with heredi the patrons and a Srivaishnava is the pujari with tary rights. There is poor feeding. Kolatams and hereditary rights. ballads entertain the visitors. Chowdeswaramrr:: puja is celebrated on feseive days. Vows are fulfilled. Brahmins are the patrons. Sri Chowdeswari Ammavari Jatara is celebrated The deity owns inam lands. A Saivite Brahmin, with for a day when the village tank Is filled with water. hereditary rights, is the pujari enjoying inam lands. It is confined to this and the neighbouring village. SOURC.E: Sri K. Sreenivasa Pillai, Teacher, Z. P. E . .SOURCf: SriK. Kannaiah, Teacher, P.-S. Elementry School, Kotturu. School, Charala. 24. Ramasamudram-Is 10 miles from Punganur. 22. Avulapalle-Is 21 miles from Kalikiri Railway Punganur-Srinivasapuram road passes through this Station. village. Lord Venkataramana Swamy is worshipped in The fort constructed by Akkaraya and Bukkaraya this village. to the west of the village is in dilapidated condition now. Lord Venkataramana Swamy Uthsavam is celebrated for a day in Pushy am (December-Januray). This is of Janardhana Swamy temple with His image local significance. About 1,000 Hindus congregate. resembling Lord Venkateswara of Tirupati, Eswara temple with His Sivalingam, Durgalamma temple to SOURCE: Sri K. Kannaia/z, Teacher, P. S. Elemelltry the west and a Mosque are the places of worship in the School, Charala. village. Janardhana Swamy Uthsavam is celebrated for 23. Elavanellore-Is 2 furlongs from the 13th mile stone of Pungallur-Srinivasapuram trunk road. 4 days in Pushyam (December-January). i. e., from 18th to 21st December. The Lord's idol is decorated Chowdeswari temple with Her image in human and taken out in procession. Cocoanuts, camphor form and Sri Narasimha Swamy temple are the places and flowers are offered to the deity. Kapus patronize of worship in the village. Sri Chennaraya Swamy the festival. Local people congregate and a Srivaish temple in Kotturu, is very close to this village. His nava of Vasishta got ram with hereditary rights is the stone image is of 4 feet high with four hands holding pujari. Sankhu (Conch) and Chakra (disk) in two hands. The temple is believed to have been constructed by the Kasi Visweswara Swamy Uthsavam is celebrated Chola kings, but it is in dilapidated condition at for 6 days in Pl!algunam (February-March), i. e., from 20th to 25th March. puja once a week in Phalgunam present. (February-March) is performed to the deity. There are two big stones to the north-east of the A few shops are kept wiih eatables and foodstuffs village wIth illegible inscription in Sanskrit. It is said during the uthsavam. that there is a hidden treasure under these stones and anyone who reads the inscription will die. There is Gramadevatlza Durgalamma is worshipped in the also one Stupa (Pillar) with its broken top in front of form of Shakthi with the belief that epidemics such as 40 cholera, smallpox, etc., do not break out in the village. Veera Saivas are the pujaris and patrons for Kasj: The deity is decorated and taken out in procession. Visweswara Swamy POllgali (boiled rice mixed with milk and jaggery) is effcred oCl'asionally. SOURCE: C. Subrahmanyaiah, Karnam, A1ugaradi- SOCRCE: 1. Sri P. Raglwllathaiah, Teacher, Z. P. 26. PungGnur - Js situated at a di,~a.1Cl of 18 High School, Ramasallludram. miles hom Falmaner, 23 mises from ],\'ladanapalle Road Railway Slation and 45 miles from Chittoor. V. p. 2. Sri Siva Ralllaiah, Teac/zc:', Z. The Indian beach (Pongania glabra) tree grow here in E!ementry Sclioo,I, Ramasa/lluc/ram. abundencc and they are called 'Pungamaram' in Ta mil. Hence the village got the name. It is said that 25. Tvloogav"di - Is situated on Punganur-Srini as the sage Parasurama did renance here this place was vas:.ltJur:llTI bus route at a distance of 27 miles from the known as 'ParaSllra1Jlaksh~tram' in ancient timeso taluk hcad-q uraiers, punganur. The nearest railway Another version is that a woman by name pun gamma st..ttion is l\1adanapalle Road. Yaddanapalle, Gundla constructed a tank ncar the place but its' bund was pall.: , Yerraj)alle, Gollapalle and Kottur are its ham breaching year aftcr year. She voluntarily sacrificed lets. herself by thro\ving herself in the tank and the breach stopped. Her image was installed on the bund, wor It is said that Gundlapalle got its name as it is shipped annually and the village is believed to have been constructed between rocks (Gundlu). Duo to the renamed after her. Though thc village is thrfatened with inhabitation of the Gollas the village is called Gollpa the breach of the bund, there is a strong belief that as lie. Yerrapalle was named after Yerrappa, a generous long as the influence of Pungall1l11a continued, there is and wealthy man of the viJ:age. no apprehension of the village being washed away. Pungamma and the other three sisters Rangal11l11a, The temples of Lord Pundeeswara Swamy with His Tekkemma and Subbamma were reported for truthful self manifested stone Sivalingam, Kapileswara Swamy, ness There are two more tanks in the names of Ran Kasiviswanatha Swamy Veerabhadhra Swamy, Venu gamma and Subbamma in this place. gupala Swamy, Gangamma in Yerrapalle with Her image in human form are the places of worship in this village. The temple of Sugalun Gangamma with a proces sion image, the temple of Pungamma on pun gamma Lord Pundceswara Swamy Sivarathrothsavam is tank bund with Her stone image in human form the celebrated for seven days from Maglla Bahula Dwa temples of Siva, Sri Rama, Anjaneya, Lord Vishnu' dasi (lanuary-Febeuary to Phalguna Suddha Vidiya Lord Kalyana Venkateswara, Manikya Varadaraj~ (February-March). Dhwajarohanam, ankurarpanam, Swamy, Someswara Swamy, Kodanda Rama Swamy, kalyanam, dopu (robbing of the deity's oranaments), Parasurama and Kasi Visweswara, four mosques and vasanthothsavam (Holi and abhishekam) and s-aya a church are the places of worship in this village. The nothsavam are the functions in chronological order. image of Venkateswara is in human form and that of Devotees fulfil their vows. Flowers, fruits, patram Someswara is in the form of a Sivalingam. The image (leaves used in worship) and tlzoyam (water) are offered of Parasurama is 6 feet high and well carved. Kasi to the deity. For the past 55 years this is being celeb Visweswara is in the form of a Sivalingam which is be rated and is confined to the surrounding villages. Mu lieved to have been brought from Kasi (Benaras). gavadi villagers are the chief patrons and trustees Annapurnadevi's stone image is in human form;: appointed by the temple committee. Devotees of all Within the compound of the tempie there is a small castes participate in it. Pujari is a Brahmin of Bha temple for Veeranjaneya, an Aswathakatta with radhwaja gotram with hereditary rights. Prasadam is the 'Ravi' tree. The issueless woman install distributed to all. There is free feeding. Nagas (cobras) on stone slabs, keep them on the pial and worship them. When rains fail 'Kumbhabhi A Muslim saint gandham and meravani, i. e., shekam' (bathing the lingam with potfulls of procession are celebrated in memory of Sikindarva/i in water) is performed to the lingam. If the lingam is Gollapalle in the month of_Shabban ~January·Fe submerged in the abhishekam water, it is an indication bruary). This is being celebrated for the past 20 years that they would have tankful of water. Otherwise and is confined to the nearby vi1Iages. Devotees of all there would be no supply of water to the tank. It i&. communities congregate. the experience of the ryots, that the tank is invari ably 41 filled when the lingam is submerged in the abhishekam 'garigalu' are offered to the deity by those who have water. There is a koneru (pond with rivetment of chi taken a vow to that effect. The bearers of the gari selled stones) by the side of the temple and the carvings galu change their dress, i. e,. males as females and on the stones are very attractive. There are four domes females and as males. The jatara is celebrated for of black stone OIl the four sides of the tank. It is said the last 350 years and attracts people from the neigh that the great sage Koundinya did penance at this bhouring villages. The Lingayat Zamindars of Pun place. The temple was constructed 400 years back. ganur are the patrons. Nearly 10,000 Hindus of all The Vinayaka temple on the tank bund and the Cha castes of this and the neighbouring villages congregate. mundeswari temple to the east of the town are other Ramayya and 9 other Gollas are the pujaris. places of worship in this village. A fair is held for two days in connection with the Ganga .latara is an important annual festival of jatara in the land of Zaminder for last 100 years with a the place. Ids also known as Suguturu Gangamma congregation of a bout 10,000 from the neighbouring fafara, because, the deity, which was the family God villages. Sweetmeats, utensils of earth and metal, glass of the Zamindars ofSugutur, was brought and installed ware, indigenous medicines, novels, cinema books, pic by the Jagirdars of Sugutur when they shifted their tures of Gods, mill cloth and readymade clothes. headquarters to this place from Sugutur. Gangamma agricultural implements of iron and wood, toys earth was the daughter of a teacher, who was a very orthodox and wood from Vellore of Tamilnadu State are sold. Brahmin. A Madiga (Harijan) became his student There are choltries in which lodging alone is available claiming that he was a Brahmin and received good for a nighto. Cinemas, circus, magic afford entertain education. In the end the teacher gave away his daugh ment to the visitors. ter to him in marriage and kept him in his own house. After some time the boy's mother, who went about in Sri Varadaraja Swamy car festival is celebrated search of him, came to the village and recognised him. annually. It is said that when Parasurama was doing He got her head shaved, gave her a red saree, smeared penance here, Lord Vardaraja Swamy appeared before l'ibhuthi (sacred ash) to her forehead and admitted her him and desired him to instal Him there and constrUCt into the family. He asked her to pretend to be dumb a residence for him. Accordingly Parasurama invited and told through out that she was dumb. One day Vaighanasa Maharshi, installed the Lord there and na while enjoying a good feast, to which she was not used, med the place Punganapuri (prosperous town). It is said &he forgot herself in great joy and in order to express hat Janmejaya, a descedant of the Pandavas repaired her joy and surprise about the dishes she addressed ihe dilapidated temple during his time. Subsequently him 'Ori I Kadiriga'. The poor Bhahmin girl under Krishnama Naidu, the Eekila Dora arranged for the stood the situation and her fallen stale, went to her regular worship at the temple. After he left for Conjee father and asked for the remedy for a great pollution varam, Chikkarayalu, the ancestor of the present Zam in the idiomatic tern 'Kukkamuttina Kunda nemiche indars, took up the management and arranged for the pavalenu' How to purify the pot touched by a dog). naivedyam of one putti or 160 seers rice every day and Without knowing the actual circumstances the father its distridution as prasadam. He inaugurated the ;mnua 1 answered that fire was the last purifire. She imme car festival. It is an ancient festival confined at present diately locked herself in the house, after sending out to this place. The Zamindars of punganur are the pat all her children and burnt her~elf to death by setting rons of the festival. Hindus of locality congregate. The fire to the house. Soon after she was seen among the pujaris are Vaighanas of Bharadwajasa gotram with branches of a margosa tree by her husband, who be hereditary rights. came infuriated and tried to pull down the tree. She cursed him to be born as a hebuffalo and his mother Sri Kalyana Venkateswara Tirunala is celebrated a sheep to be sacrificed to her year after year. Thus for one day one Phalguna Suddha Purnima (February the jatara came to be celebrated for two days on the March). Sri Someswara Swamy Tirunala is celebrated Tuesday and Wednesday immediatly preceding the for a day on Chaitra Suddha Purnima (March-April). Telugu New Year's Day in Phalguna Bahulam. After Lingayat Zamindars of punganur are the patrons of ten day's preparation, the idol is kept in a small wooden these festivul also. The pujaris are of Kasyapa gotram car, taken round the village and established finally in with hereditary rights. a place. A he-buffalo is sacrificed before establishing the idol and fowls ~ goats and sheep are offered after The cattle fair is an annual occurence for 15 days wards during worship. On the evening of second day from Vaisaklza Bakula Padyami (April-May). Cattle 42 from defferent places are brought for sale and the fair abhishekams, astatharpms and ut/zsavam. Devotees is held in the open field to the west of the town. The take bath in the pushkarini and observe fasting and highest bidder of the year collects the tolls on the cattle jagaranay. Feasts are arranged during Brahmothsavam. and the income is used for the maintenance of the fair. It is being celebrated from the times of Chola kings There will be small shops selling eatable, fruits and and devotees from all parts of the district such as ironware. The well to do of the place feed the poorer Kothakota, Kondayyagaripalle, Sivapuram, Irika class and the others have the facility of hotels during Nel1ore, Bathalapuram, Thurlapalli, Kelanthi, Rayal the fortnight. The agricultural and veterinary depart pet, pedda Alasapuram, Burravaripalli, Maremepalli, ment do propaganda work on the occasion. Petty Bandlapalle, Punganur, Anguthosapalle, Manchineeka dance troupes and merry-go rounds afford entertain palli, etc., come and take part in the celebrations. Sr ment to the visitors. Raja Veera Basava Chikkanaya Yesonantha Bahaddur of punganur patronizes the festival. . Nearly 10,000 SOURCE: 1. Sri G. V. Narayana Rao, Teacher. Hindus congregate. Pujari is a Brahmin of Goutha 2. Sri M. Satyanarayan Raju, Clerk, masa gotram with hereditary rights. A few shops are Forest Range Office. kept temporarily to sell foodstuffs and eatables, lan terns, torches, books and fancy goods such as 3. Sri D. K, Joseph, Teacher, S. & P. High ribbons, toys, etc. Dramas, magic and lottery entertain School. the visitors. 4. Sri E. Rami Reddy, Clerk, Panchayal Office. SOURCE: Sri K. Krishna Murthy, Teacher, Nekkondi. 5. Sri R. L. Moortlzy Rao, Teacher, Z. P. 28. Karas9napalle -About 6 miles from Punganur. High School. Lord Harakeswara Swamy is being worshipped in the 6. Sri R. Jayaraj Swamy, Teacher, Z. P. from of a stone Sivalingam. High School, Punganur. Harakeswara Swamy festival is celebrated for 5 days 27. Nekkondi-Is 4 miles from the Chittoor-Madana from Magha Bahula Chaturdasi (January-February) pane trunk rood and 5 miles to tne east of punganur. with 2,500 local congregation. Sri Agastheswara Swamy on a hill with the self SOUl\n: Tahsildar, panganur. manifested stone Siva lingam and Sri Prasanna parvati Devi image in human form, Sri Kasivisweswaraswamy 29. Peddavelagaturu-Is about 7 miles from punganur temple with His consort Sri Annapurna Devi, Veera and 15 miles from Palamner. bhadra Swamy' temple with His consort Sri Bhadra Kali Devi are the places of worship in the village. It Varadaraja Swamy temple with His image in the is believed that the idol of Lord Agastheswara Swamy form of Vishnu, Siva temple with the stone Sivalingam was installed by Agasthya Maharshi and the temple and Gangamma temple are the places of worship in the was constructed by the Chola kings. It is believed village. Maremma, Malleswara Swamy are the other that the self-manifested Sir n 1iT:gm;; is growing at the deities worshipped in the village. rate of a paddy-grain every year. Lord Malleswara Swamy temple on a hillock at a dis Sri Agastheswara Swamy Mahasivaratri Vthsavam tance of one mile from the village. There is a koneru ss celebrated for ten days from Magha Bahula Ashtami (sacred pond) near the temple with the images of Akkv (January-February) to Phalguna Suddha Vidiya garlu, the Davaganyas (nymphs)' About 20 yards from (February-March). Dhwajarohanam and uthsavam on the koneru there is Venkateswara temple with a koneru the first day. Nityaradhana, Rudrabhishekam and behind it. About 30 yards koneru there is a Vishnu tem uthsavam on she second day. Rudrabhishekam and ple in a dilapidated condition. On the banks of koneru aradhana on the third and fourth days, Rudrabhishe_ there are two ancient banyan trees and two choultries. kam with ntahanyasapuvraka Rudrabhishekam on the In the past tirunala uthsavam of Lord Malleswara was fifth day, Birudu, Kalyanam (marriage) and pocession being celobrated with much pomp. When rains fail and on Nandi (bull) on the sixth day, Brahmothsavam on drought threatens, the people, perform' samprokshana' the sevenht iay, Doptt on the eighth day, DhwG_Jaroha (consecration) to the Lord with 101 potsful of water. nam on the ninth day and 'pavalimpuseva' on the tenth The water stands in the temple but the Lord's idol never ay are celebrated. Vows are discharged in the form of drowns completely and it is said that the very night there 43 "'would be heavy down pour of rain. On the same day Obuleswara Swamy jatara is celebrated for two .uthsavam is celebrated in the village and dinners and days in Ashadham (June-July), i. e., on 17th and 18th free feeding are arranged. Dramas and magic afford June in front of the temple. Puja is performed on the entertaiment to the visitors. first day. There is free feeding on the second day. It is being celebrated for the past 80 years and is confined Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 9 days from to this and the surrounding villages such as Kurappal Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Devotees ful Ie, Othanapalle, Nidigunta, etc. Kapus patronize the fil their vows silver ornaments, namams (the upright festival. Nearly 500 devotees congregate. An old marks worn on the forehead by Vaishnavites) and cash member of the Kapu commtmity performs puja on that ara of-fared to the deity. Fasting is observed on Sri day. A few shops are kept. Kolatams and street dramas Rama Navami and dinners are arranged domestically entertain the visitors. on the next day. This is being celebrated for the past 75 years with local significance. Local agriculturists SO[JIlCE: Sri K. Subbaraju, Teacher, Bommaraju -collect grain and cash to meet the expenditure of the palle festival from all the local people. Local people of all 'Communities congregete. Vaishnavas are the pujaris. 32. Kotbapalle- Is 3 miles from Palamner. There is poor feeding. Family deity Buruju Gangamma temple on a ram - Gangamma Jatara is celebrated for the past 30 part with Her image in female form is the place of years, Procession is held in the night and animals are worship in the village. Bata Gangamma is also wor sacrificed. This is of local significance. Dhobis are the shipped at a distance of 2 furlongs from the village. pujaris Pongali is offered to Buruju Gangamma during SOURCE: Sri K. Krishna Moortlry, Karnam, Peddave Sankranti for a day, i. e., in Pushyam (December-Ja lagattttu. nuary). She is'the family deity of Buruju Reddis. Goats are sacrificed and pastry is offered. The deity ·30. Chalamangalam - Is 2 miles from Palakasi and is taken out in procession during night. This is 12 miles from Punganur. confined to this and the neighbouring villages within a radius of one mile. Reddis are the patrons. Devotees Someswara Swamy temple with His stone Siva_ of this and the neighbouring villages within a lingam and the stone image of Parvathi and Rama, radius of one mile congregate. All communities Bhajana Mandir with His picture are the places of participate. Idols of the village deities Gangamma, ship in the village. Bata Gangamma and Kunta Gangamma are taken in procession with torches and fire works. Sri Someswara Swamy Ratlwthsavam is celebrated for 7 days from Vaisakha Suddha Navami to Purnima Sri Rama Navami is celebrated from Chaitra Su (April-May). It is being celebrated for the past 30 ddha Navami to Chaitra Suddha Pumima (March years and is of local significance. All communities April). Procession takes place. Harikalha entertains patronize and participate in the festival. A Brahmin the visitors. of Bbargavasa gotram with hereditary rights is the pujari. SOURCE: Sri K. Sankarappa Chelly, Teacher. Kothapalle Sri Rama Navami is celebrated on Cliaitra Suddha Narami (March-April). 33. Keelapatla-is 4 1/2 miles from Palamaner and 2S miles from Chittor by bus. It is said that Keelapatta SOURcr: Sri V. M. Venkata Ramanaiah, Chala nam was its original name. mangal am. Sri Koneti Rama Swamy temple with His consort 31. Bommarajupalle-Is 12 miles from Punganur and Sri Alivelu Manga Thayaru is the ancient place of wor 30 miles from MadanapaUe Road Railway Station. ship in the village. The installed image of the Lord is similar to that of Venkateswara Swamy in Tirupati. Obuleswara Swamy temple with a rock and Krish There are some inscriptions on the temple wallas in an na Swamv temple are the places of worship. illegible language. It is believed that Sri Koneti Rama I 44 Swamy was installed by Bhrugu Maharshi and the tees of all communities participate. Vadda Boyadui- temple was reconstructed by Janamejaya. an inhabitant of the neighbouring village is the pujol" t Koneti Rama Swamy Brahmotllsavam is celebra Souao: Karnam, Pasupatnam. ted for eight days from Vaisakha Suddha Ashtami to Purnima (April- May). Arrangements arc made 10 36. JangaJapalle - a hamlet of of Gandrajupalle, is_ days in advance. The deity is taken out in procession 1 1/2 miles from Punganur on Punganur- Ramasamud on different l'a/tanams by different castes during the ram bus route. festival. Kalyallothsal'am and rat!Iothsal'am on Purnima are important. Devotees of this and the As the Jangams constructed the village it goes by neighbouring villages congregate. The festival was the present name. The place is also known as Hanu being patronized by the punganur Zamindars. But mantharayani Dinne as the temple of Anjaneya Swamy this is under the supervision of Endowments Board for is constructed in recent times. the past 8 years. The temple o',vns 90 acres of nanja Thirty years back Sri Muni Venkatappa, a native rmja land which was sold by the pujaris. The illam of punganur of Balija community came and settled land is given to the pujari to perform puja, etc. A here. At that time the local Anjaneya temple was in Vaighanasa Brahmin with hereditary rights is the a dilapidated condition. That place was full of ant pUjari. There is free feeding. hills, serpents and wild bushes. He took much pains SOURCE: Sri A. Subrahmanya Pillai, Teachel', P.S. to clear them with the;heJp of the villagers. He repaired Elementary School, Keelapatla. the temple and constructed an Ashram with Jeeva Sa madhi (under-ground chamber). He performed penance 34. Gundugallu - Is 2 miles from Punganur-Kadapa in it for some time and it is said that he had the natham road, 3 miles from Gandrajupalle Trunk Road darshan of Anjaneya. He acquired the title 'Sadguru' and 10 miles from Punganur. and wrote Sri Ramamrutam narrrating the greatness of the Lord and the attempts made to develop the temple. Kodanda Rama Swamy temple with His stone He gives herbs and ayurvedic medicines to the sick. The image is the place of worship in the village. temple is surrounded by an enclosure with ravi and neem trees and a pial. The devotees installed the images Kodanda Rama Swamy Ratltothsavam is celebra of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita in this temple. ted for 11 days from Vaisakha Suddha Panchami to Purnima (April-May). Daily puja is performed and Sri Rama Navami Uthsavam is celebrated for 5 naivedym is offered. It is being celebrated for the days from Chaitra Suddlza Sapthami to Ekadasi past 20 years with local significance. The villagers (March-April). Ankurarpana on Saptham i, Dhwaja patronize the festival. The deity owns inarn lands. rohan on Ashtami, Kalyanothsavam on Navami, All local communities participate. A Brahmin is the Rathothsavam on Dasami and Dopohthsavam on pujari with hereditary rights. A few shops are kept Ekadasi are the functions. Vasanthothsavam is celeb with eatables and foodstuffs. rated on Dwadasi. Uthsavam is celebrated on every Purnima. There are 12 or 13 members in the Ashram. SOURCE: D. N. Roo, V. M., Gundupalle. Each member shares the expenditure in turn. Bhajan is performed by the devotees. Every Sunday abhishekam 35: Pasupathur-Is 10 miles from Punganur-Kadapa and puja are performed by the devotees. Devotees natham road and 3 miles from GundrajupaUe Trunk fulfil their vows. Cocoanuts are offered and puja and Road. abhishekam are performed. This is being celebrated for the past 25 years and is confined to the neighbou Sallapuri Gangamma represented by a stone idol ring villages and Mysore State. Only Hindus from is worshipepped in this village. the surrounding villages and Mysore State come and attend the uthsavam. Pujori is a Brahmin. There is Sallapuri Gangamma Jatara is celebrated for a free feeding. A few sadhus congregate during the day on Magha Suddha Purnima (January-February). uthsavam. Harikathas are arranged. Animals are sacrificed after the performance of puja. It is being celebrated for the past 4 years. It is confined SOURCE: Sri K. papaiah, Headmaster, S.Z.P. High: to this and the neighbouring villages. Nearly 200 devo- School, Marlapalle. MADANAPALIAE T ALUK ~-~~------z :! g zO::o ~ zO:: S; , \ >- n I!< ..:: ~ ,.. ,_ 0 ::[. >- ~ ~~~ >- ~ >- " '" >- ,_ :;;~ ...:;;~ ~ ~ i ",,' ~ .~ ~ ,_ :;; o:~ ~~ ~ :;; ~~ ~~ ~~ ~ ~ ~ \1 ;; Q ,..~ ~' ~~ C5 ~ 'f( ..Z i~ ,...; ~2 ~ :;; ~ :r "J (t I- ~ ~~ "'~ ~ ~i ",,,- ",3, ! ~ ~li ~~ <: ~ ~ Cl "", ~~ ~ ~" ,_ ~r ~ 2: ~~ ~ ~ \1 "0 .z :a ~ :::1 ~ "" ~ .. ~ :: ::: ~ 2: ~ ii: ~ ~ 2: '"'( .. UJ" :;;"" <0- ~ ..~ ~O~~ ~ ~ ~ S >,_ <: <: ~ E ~ ~ ~ :::1 ~ ~ ~ ~ '"Cl ~ ;:: l: '"2: Z " :r ~ ~ ~ t:3 2: ~ ~ ~::; ~ :z: ta ~ E ~l: '".. l(J ....'" l: <:> ~ "" ..... 0 0 l: 0 ~ .. "" ~ <: ~ I: :z 2: 31 2: ::;: ~ ::l .J ~ n: ::l Z ~ ':;: 'e' « Cl Z ~ ::l CL Section VI MADANAPALLE TALUK patrons and the Balijas are the followers. Nearly 2,000 ~ompalle- Is situated 1,900 feet above the sea level people of all communities of this and the surrounding cf'Y at a distance of 4 miles from Mulakalacheruvu 7 villages and other districts like Anantapur, Cuddapah Railway Station and 30 miles from Madanapalle. and Korai of Mysore State congregate there. Balijas are the pujaris with hereditary rights. The ancient fort walls of ihe Palegars stand on the hillock. A fair is held in connection with the festival under the tamarind grove near the temple and tax is collected The temples of Chennakesava Swamy, Chandra from the tradesmen who come from several parts of the mouleswara Swamy, Mallikharjuna Swamy, Sri Rama district. Appoximately 2,000 people participate in this. Swamy and mosques are the places of worship in this Eatables, utensils, earthenware, toilet goods, mirro~s village. Lord Chennakesava Swamy temple is believed and combs, books and pictures, handloom and mIll to have been constructed during the reign of Sri Krishna cloth and agricultural implements are sold. Dramas. Devaraya of Vijayanagaram. This is rich with sculptu. cinemas, circus, lottery and gambling are the items of ral beauties and artistic excellence. The frescoes on the entertainment. Pilgrims stay there for 5 or 6 days. There ceiling and the temple paintings are some of the finest are choultries and hotels. preserved examples of ancient Indian architecture. The stone pillar at the entrance of the temple is one of the Lord Sri Rama Swamy Rathothsavam takes place highest in India. Once Lord Munroe, the then Gover from Chaitra Suddha Navami to Bahula Panchami nor of Madras, desired to remove it to Madras but due (March-April) for 12 days.Rathothsavam (car festival) to reasons unknown it was not done. Later Dr. James is celebrated. Devotees fulfil their vows. Cocoanuts and Cousins, the great Irish poet and the adviser on art to incense are offered. Bhajans and puja are performed at the Government of Travancore, rreserved the copies of homes. For the past 100 years this festival is being cele the paintings of this temple in the Art Gallery of the brated and is confined to this village only. The villagers Travancore palace. This is recognised as a tourist centre patronize the festival and local people of all communi by the Central Government. Goddess Kota Chowdes ties take part in it. Pujari is a Brahmin of Srivatsa got wari temple with Her stone image in human form is ram with hereditary rights. another place of worship in this place. SOURCf: 1) Sri V. Lakshmipathi Rao, Kama}]], Som Goddess Kota Chowdeswari Tirunala is celebrated palle. once in a few years for 10 days according to the coven_ ience of the villagers and availability of water. Hance 2) Sri K. Ramakrishna Reddy, Village there is no fixed date for its celebration. Jyothi and Headman, Sompalle. Baliharanam are the chief rituvls. Brahmins carry the Jyothi. An animal is sacrificed firist, by the Nandava 2. Kotala - Is situated in Madanapalle Taluk of rika Brahmins and the blood is mixed in the naivedyam Chitto or District. Mulakalacheruvu at a distance of which is to be consumed by their disciples, the Thogatas. 13 miles is the nearest Railway Station. Once a year on Vaisakha Suddha Purnima (April-May) a procession is held. Devotees keep fulfilling their vows Lord Venkataramana Swamy ftstival is celebraeed throughout the year. Hair of the head is offered and in Vaisakham (April-May) for 10 days. This is ofJocaJ sheep and goats are sacrificed to the deity. In every significance. Nearly 2,000 people of all communities house animals are sacrificed and muddalv (morsels of of this village participate in this. food) are offered to the deity after the tirulla!a for 15 days. Intoxicants are taken freely. For the past one SOURCE: Superintendent of police, Chittoor. century or more this festival is being celebrated and is confined to the surrounding 7 villages. Nandavarika 3. Papepalle - Is situated at adistance of (ne mile from Brahmins and Kapus of Kanugonda family are the chief ~e 14/3 milestone of Galiveedu-Gurramkonda road. 46 25 miles from Kurabalakota Railway Staion and 36 festival. A Yadava is the pujari with hereditary rights. miles from MadanapaUe by road. A cattle fair known as poleramma Pasuvala Paru Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple with the sha is held in this connection for 10 days. Taxes are stone and wooden images of Narasimha (Man-lion), not collected. Nearly 5,000 people of this and the three procession imrges of panchaloha, the idols of neighbouring villages congregate. Eatables, utensils, 'Sudarsana' (Lordvishnu's weapon, the wheel) is the earthenware, toilet goods, books, handloom only place of worship in this village. Lord Siva temple and mill cloth, agricultural implements, cattle and toys with His idol in the form of Sil'alingam is in a dilapi· of various type are sold. Dramas, circus, bhajans, dated condition. One furlong to the north of Lakshmi kolatam, merry-go-rounds, magic, ctc., are the items Narasimha Swamy temple there is a koneru known as of entertainment. There are choultries and hotels. 'Bandapaina Koneru'. There is an image of Nulla Pandals are erected and social dinners are arranged. Gangamma in the middle of the Village. Pilgrims stay there for more than 2 days. Lord Lakshmi Narsimha Swamy RatllOthsava11l is Urus-E-Sheriff - Hazarath MouIa-Ali Mushkal -celebrated from Phalguna Suddlw Dlt'adasi to Bahula Kusharadhi Yellahu An Hul takes place in the memory Shashti (Fedruary.-March) for 10 days. Devotees fulfil of Hazarath Sayyasha Yadulla Mahammed Hussaine their vows. This is being celebrated for the past 3 cen on MoulakaPahad, He wasa native ofCuddapah. He turies~and is of local significance. The E,ldowment De performed pen ace on the hillock. Urus celebrated for partment patr~nizes the festival and the trustees super~ 3 days in Shabban (Junuary-February) after the tlrus vise it. There is a sanction of Rs. 143.68 from the in Cuddapah. Cocanuts, incenc;: and jaggery are offl!red. revenue of the village towards the celebration of the puja is performed on every Friday. This is being cele uthsavam. Oi1ly local Hindus participate in this. PI/jari brated for the past 2 years and is confined to the nearby is a Srivaishnava Brahmin. villages within a radius of 40 miles. Hazarath Peeran Sahib of Cuddapah is the patron and supervisor. Nearly The village deity Nalla Gangamma is worshipped 3,000 people ofal! communities participate. Muslims in Magham (January-February) prior to Mahasil'aratri. forming a majority participate in the festival. Prasadam Devotees fulfil their vows. Coca nuts are offered to Her. is distributed to all and there is free feding. SOURCE: Sri N. R. Venkataramana Rno. Karnam, A fair is held in this connection with a few shops. Papepal!e. Nathe (Bhajana) and music parties afford entertainm ent to the vis tors. 4. Kalicherla - Is at a distance of 21 miles from Kura balakota Railway Staion and 30 miles from Madana Lord pattabhi Rama Swamy Tirunala is celebrated palle. from Vaisakha Suddha Navami for 10 days (April May), Sita Rama Swamy Kalyanothsavam (marriage PoJeramma temple with Her stone image in human ceremony) is the chief ritual. This is being celecrated form, Lord pattabhi Rama Swamy temple with His for the past 70 years. stone image in human form anj M aulali tomb on the nearby hillock known as Moulali Pahad are the places SOURCE: 1) Sri B. Rangappa, Village Mu 11 sijf, of worship in this village. Eswara temple with His idol Kalicherla. in the form of Sivalingam and Anjaneya Swalpy temple are other places of worship in this place. 2) Sri S.A. Badusha, Teacher, Kalicherla. Village deity poleramma Tirunala is celebrated from 3) Sri Syeed Mahaboob, Headmaster, Chaitra SuddhaPurnima to Balzula Vidiya (March P. S. Urdu Elementary School, Kali~ April) for 3 days. Preparations are made 15 days in ad cherla. vance. Tirunala bandlu (carts decorated with festoons, etc.) are taken round the temple. Devotees fulfil their 4) Sri V. Ramachalldra Rao, Hedmaster, vows. For the past 150 years this festival is being celebra P. S.· Elemantary School, Batavari ted and is confined to the surrounding villages within a Kothnpalle. radius of 20 miles. Kapus are the patrons. Approxima tely 5,000 people of all castes of this and the surrounding 5) Sri K. Venkata Swamy, Headmaster, villages within a radius of 20 miles participate in this P. S. Elementary School, Kalicherla· 47 6) Srj B. Reddappa, K. M., Kalicherla. Swamy were residing here in the beginning, this village goes by the name Tamballapalle. 7) Sri Habeeb Khan, Asst. Teacher, Kalicherla. Lord Mallikharjuna Swamy temple (on the Malliah Konda alias Indra Keeladri Parvatham) with His 5. Veligallu-Is at a distance of 14 miles from Kuru image in the form of Sivalingam, Lord Kodanda Rama chalakota Railway Station, 16 miles from Vayalpadu Swamy temple and Goddess Gangamma's temple are Railway Station and 22 miles from Madanapalle. the places of worship in this place. Village deity I\faddimani Gangamma temple and Lord Mallikharjuna Swamy Sivarathrofhsavam is Rama temples in Kothavandlapalle, Papathathagari celebrated for 10 days from Magha Bahula Triodasi paIle, Kudumulavandlapalle and Bandaneedapalle are (January-February). The next day after Sivaratri the places of worship. The above four are the hamlets childless women worship the Lord far children. After of this village. begetting children they fulfil their vows by performing the tonsure c.::remany cf the child - puttu vendrukalu Village deity Maddimani Gangamma Tirunala is at the temple and 'chevulu kuttuta' (ear boring). celebrated for 3 days on Vaisakha Bahula Padyami, Fasting, jagaram and feasts are observed during Vidiya and Tadiya (April-May). Devotees fulfil Sivaratri and on all Mondays in Karthikam (October their vows. HOllam, sarees, blouses. pasupu (turmeric), November). This is being celebrated since the origin coconuts and camphor are offered. He kumkwn, of the temple and is extended Mysore and Tumilnadu buffaloes, sheep and goats are sacrificed to the deity States also. The villagers patronize the fastivaI. on the second night. Flowers are also offered. Nearly 10, 000 devotees fl0m distant parts of this Sta te Muddala panduga is celebrated 8 days prior to the and Mysore and Tamilnadu States congregate. Only Tirunala. Animals are sacrificed to the deity and a Hindus participate in this festival. trustee is clected by the villagers for the occasion· During Ugadi on Chaitra Suddha Padyami (March A cattle fair is held in an area of 10 acres. Taxes April) and Malzasivaratri on Magha Bahula Triodasi are collected. Nearly J 0,000 people take part in it. ( January-Fabruary) the deity is taken in procession Traders from Tirupati, Kadiri, M adanapalle, (Meravani) to Kothavandlapalle and other villages. Cuddapah and Rayachoti establish their shops for 10 This is of ancient origin and is confined to the neigh days. Eatables, utensils of brass, bronze aluminium bouring villages. Kapus are the chief patrons. Nearly and stainless steel, lanterns, toilet goods, etc., are sold. 500 to 600 people of this and the nearby villages Dramas, circus, gambling, lottery, magic, etc., are the attend the festival. Only Hindus take part in this. items of entertainment. Pandals are erected for the Pujari is a Yad:l\:a. occasion and the visitors stay there for 4 to 5 days. \ There are hotels. A fair is held near the temple with a few shot'S during the night of Vidiya and the day of Tadiya. SOURCE: Sri P. Chengal Rao, K. M., Tamballapalle. Nearly 500 to 600 people participate in this. Eatables, utensils, lanterns, mirrors, combs, pictures and agri 7. Kosuvaripalle-Is situated at a distance of II cultural implements, clothes and toys are sold. miles from Kurabalakota Railway Station and 19 miles to the north-west of Madanapalle. SOU,{CE: J) Sri K. R. Himalllsab, Teacher, P. S. Elementary School, Veligallu. The temples of Lord Venkataramana Swamy with His 6 feet stone image in human form and 31/2 feet 2) Sri A. Subba Rao, K. M., Veligallu. stone image of His consort Padmavati. Devi, Lord Someswara Swamy with His stone idol in the form of 3) Sri Konkala Ram a linga Reddy, V.M., Veligallu, Sivalingam, Goddess Tirumala Devi, Sri Rama wilh His pictures and Nela Mallikharjuna Swumy are th~ 4) Sri N. S. Prakasa Rao, Teacher, places of worship in this village. Veligallu. Lord Venkataramana Swamy Rathotlzsavam is 6. Tamballapalle-Is 13 miles from Kuruchalakota celebrated from M agha Suddha Dasami to Bahula Railway Station and 22 miles from Madanapalle. As Chaviti (January-February) for 10 days. DlVajaro the Tambalas, the pujaris of Lord Mallikbarjuna hana and Hammwdvahanum on Dasami, Simha (lion 48 vahanam on Ekadasi, Sesha (serpent) vahanam on A fair is held in this connection in an area of ? Dwadasi, Surya Prabha on Triodasi, Mohini Uthsa acres near the temple. Lottery, gambling and magic; vam and Gaja (elephant) vahanam on Chaturdasi, are the items of entertainment. Special pandals are kalyanothsavam (marriage) and Garudothsavam erected for the occasion and there is free feeding. (procession on Garuda) on Purnima, Brahma Ratham (car festival) on Bahula Padyami, Paruveta uthsavam Ramulavari Uthsavam (fair of Lord Rama) is." on Bahula Vidiya, Vasanthothsava1l1 (Holi) and celebrated in Yenamareddigaripalle a hamlet, on DhwajavarohanG on Bahula Tadiya and Sayanofhsa Cliaitra Suddha Navami (March-April) for a day. The vam on Charit; are the chief rituals of the festival. procession of the picture of the Lord is held. Puja Anna santharpana and fasting are the domestic and bhajan are performed. Harikathas are arranged. observances during rathothsal'am. This is of ancient Weekly puja and bhajan also take place. For the past origin and is confined to a few neighbouring villages. 20 years this is being celebrated and is confined to this. Kapus are the chief patrons. Devotees of all castes village only. The villagers collect donations and from nearby villages take part in it. PlIjari is a Sri celebrate the festival. Local people of all castes, Vaishnavite of Vadhulasa goo·am on monthly pay. congregate. Their is no pujari. Each house performs puja a day. Vara (weekly) puja is performed in Sri Rama temple and Nela Mallikharjuna Swamy temple. There Weekly puja and hhajan are performed in the is no puja to Lord Someswara Swamy. Vara puja is temple of Rama in Boya papannagaripalle, a halmet also celebrated in Tirumala Devi temple. of this village. SOUR' E: 1) Sri T. Narayalla Reddy, Teacher, 1) Sri S. Venkata Reddy, Trustee, Vell Lepurikota. ka(aramana Swamy Temple, Kosu varipalle. 2) Sri K. Bhaskara Naidu, Teacher P. S. Elementary School, Maddinayuni 2) Sri S. Venkataramana Reddy l Village Munsiff, Kosuvaripal/e. palle. 9. Mulakalacheruvu-Is a Railway Station on Dhar 8. Maddinayunipalle-Is two miles from Bathala mavaram-Pakala Railway line at a distance of 26 miles puram Railway Station and 25 miles from Madana from Madanapalle. palle. Lord Kanugondraya Swamy temple on Kanu Lord Sangameswara Swamy temple with His gonda, a nearby hillock, with the idol of Kanugonde idol in the form of Sivalingam, Lord Rama temple of swara in the form of Sivalingam, DlVarapalakula Yenamareddigaripalle (hamlet) with His picture and Devasthanam at the foot of the hillock with the Lord Rama temple of Utchuvandlapalle (hamlet) are images of Lord Siva in the form of Sivalingam and the places of worship. His consort parvati installed on the crypt and Lord Eswara temple in the village with the images of Lord Lord Sangameswara Swamy Mahasivarathrothsa Eswara and Goddess Chowdeswari in human form are vam is celebrated from Magha Bahula Ekadasi to the places of worship in this village. There is an image Amavasya (January-February) for 5 days. Devotees of Anjaneya Swamy carved on a boulder besides the fulfil their vows by offering sodamlu (boelisks) and images of Naga installed near the Dwarapalakula Nagupamulu (cobras made of meta) to the deity and temple. There is a temple of Kanyakala Ammavaru by dragging the panakam bandlu (containing pots of with a stone in Her name at the foot of the hill. There jaggery water). Jagaram and fasting are observed. is a cave in the temple. It is believed that in the This festival is being celebrated for the past 80 years ancient times the great sage Kanva Maharshi had and is confined to the surrounding villages also. performed penance in the~cave. There is a stone in· Brahmins are the trustees and the villagers are the scription before the deepa sthambham (pillar) of the followers. Though there is manyam land of 10 acres, temple, the language of which is illegible. there is neither a pujari nor regular puja. Nearly 1,000 devotees of all communities of this and the Lord Kanugondeswara Swamy MaTza Sil'arathro hamlets of this village congregate. tl!saFam is celebrated on Mag/ta Bahula Cltaturdasi 49 (January-February) for a day. Abhishekom and Lord Eswara Swamy Rathothsavam takes place orchana are performed. Devotees fulfill their vows· from Magha Bah:ula Triodasi to Palguna Suddha Cocoanuts, panakam (jaggery water) and palaharam Chaviti (January-February - February-March) for are offered to the deity. This festival is confined 7 days. Devotees fulfil their vows. This is of ancient chiefly to this village and Kadirinathuni Kota and to origin confined to the nearby villages also. The the surrounding villages within a radius of 15 miles. villagers patronize the festival. Only Hindus from The villagers of Mulkala Cheruvu and Kadirinathuni this the nearby villages co r gregate. There is no Kota are the patrons. Yadavas are the pujaris with pi/jari. hereditary rights. Palaharam is distributed to the devotees who observe fasting during Mahasivaratri Sot'ReE: J) Sri E. Sivarama Reddy, Village Munsiff, Pattemvandlapalle, day. ll. T. Sadam-Is at a distance of 2 miles from the A fair is held in connection with the festival in borders of Mysore State, 20 miles from Bathulapuram the open space at the foot of the hillock with a few Railway Station and 34 miles from Madanapalle. shops. Bhajan and kolatams are the items of enter_ tainment. The next day after Mahasivaratri, i.e., on In bygone days Palegars dedicated many jagirs to Parana day, free feeding is arranged for nearly 1,000 Lord Sangameswara Swamy of this place and appoint people. ed pujaris to perform puja known as chaduvulu. The pujaris, therefore, came to be known as the 'Chadu Lord Eswara and Chamundeswari Uthsavam is vulavaru'. As 'Chaduvulavaru' constructed this celebrated from Bhadrapada Suddha Padyami to village it was called Chaduvuru which in due course Dasami (August-September) for 10 days. Akhandams corrupted into Chadumu and later it was called are lit in the temple. puja is performed in the night. T. Sadam as it was nearer to Tummaragunta. Devotees fulfil their vows. The Thogatas observe 'Noti Beegamulu' (locking the mouth) during puja Lord Sangameswara Swamy temple, situated at and remove them after the puja. On Bhadrapada the confluence of the Papagni and Chitravati, with the Suddha Dasami animals are sacrificed. Akhandams image, in the form of Sivalingam. Lord Chennake are lit, puja is performed 'Bommala koluvu' (arrang swara Swamy temple, Anjaneya Swamy temple, Lord ing the dolls in rows) is arranged and panakam Garilingeswara Swamy temple and Goddess Chowde (jaggery water) and Panyaram (green gram split) are swari Devi temple are the places of worship in this distributed to all. This is an ancient festival with place. Lord Sangameswara Swamy temple is more local significance. Kapus and Brahmins are the ancient and sacred than all other temples. patrons of Eswara and Chowdeswari respectively Local people of all castes participate in the festival' Regarding the history of the temple a legand goes Brahmins and Thogatas are the pujaris for Lord thus: In ancient times Parasurama, after killing the Eswara and Goddess Chowdeswari respectively, with Kshatrias 21 times installed several Sivalingams to hereditary rights. avert the 'Dosha' (sin). The Sivalingom of this place is believed to be one such. The Papagni river SOURCE: 1) Sri P. A. Rachappa, Village Munsiff flowing from south to east and the Chitravati river Mulakalacheruvu. ' flowing from west meet here. As the deity is installed at the Sangam (confluence). He is cal1ed Sangameswara 2) Sri V. Subba Rao, K. M., Mulakala Swamy. This temple was constructed more than cheruvu. 100 years back. 10. Pattemvandlapalle-This is on the borders of Lord Sangameswara Swamy Rathothsavam takes Anantapur and Mysore State at a distance of 13 miles place from Magha Bahula Navami (January-February) from Mulakalacheruvu Railway Station and 39 miles to Phalguna Suddha Vidiya (February-March) fOr from Madanapalle via Kandukuru. 9 days. Ankurarpana, dhwajarohana, vrishabha (bull) vahana, Sesha (serpent) rahana, aswa (horse) Lord Eswara Swamy temple with His black stone vohana, kalyana uthsavam (marriage), rafhothsa_ idol in the form of a Sivalingam is the only place of ram (car festival), dopothsavam and thirtha vasi are worship in this place. the chief rituals celebrated in chronological order, 50 Devotees fulfil their vows. Flowers, fruits, cocoanuts Ghattu. and naivedyams are offered to the deity. River-bath, wearing new and clean clothes, performing abhishe Prior to the British rule this was held by the kam to the Lord, fast, jagaram and feasts are the Palegars. The hillock is believed to be the abode of domestic observances. This festival is being celebrated Bhrigu Maharshi. As jaggery is supplied in large quan for the past 500 to 600 years and is very widely tities from this village it came to be known as Bellam known. Local people patronize the festival and ghatiu (Bel1am-jaggery). Seetlzaplzalams (custard Government also gives some grant. Local people and apples) are exported from here to the Northern India in nearby villagers congregate. Pujari is a Brahmin of the season and so this is also called Secthaphalagattu, Kasyapasa gotra for the past 15 to 20 years, enjoying the l11anyam lands. On the day of lathothsavam Lord Venkataramana Swamy temple with His there is free feeding. Dramas and music parties enter black stone image in human form, Enugu Mallamma tain the vidtors. temple, tbe tombs of Hazarat Syed Hyder Shah VaH and his disciple peershavali and a mosque are the SOU1< CE: Sri N. Lakshmi Narasimha Sarma, places of worship in this village. The local belief is Teacher, Chenl1arayan ipa II e, T. S adam. that the village is guarded on four directions by Lord Venkateswara, Enugu Mallamma, Hyder Shah Vali 12. Beerangi-Is 21/2 miles from the borders of and Peer Shavali from epidemics and natural mishaps· Mysore State, 12 miles from Bathulapuram Railway Station and 25 miles from Madanapalle. Lord Venkatramana Swamy Vari Rathothsavam is celebrated from Vaisakha Bahula Dasami (April The temples of Eswara, Chcnnakesava Swamy, May) to leslzta Suddlta r"diya (May-June) for 9 Rama and the village deity, Renuka Paranjyothi days. This is confined to the nearby villages and Ammavaru otherwise known as Yellamma and Mysore State. Brahmins are the patrons. Nearly Beerangamma represented by a stone are the places of 4,000 devotees of this and the nearby villages and a worship in this village. In the year 1936 some betelnut few parts of Mysore State take part in it. Only Hindus merchants constructed a small temple for Renuka participate in it. But Muslims too contribute for the Paranjyothi as ordained by Her in a drellm for their festival. Pujari is a Vaishnavite. Panakal1l and cart prosperity. Later the temple was developed by the loads of rice are distributed by tbe ryots occasionally. villagers. A fair is held around the temple for 10 days. The village (kity Rcnuka paranjyothi Uthsavam Tax is collected. Nearly 4,000 people take part in it· is celebrated from Jaisltta Suddha Pumima to Bahu/a Eatables, utensils, torches, toilet goods, books and Chaviti (June-July) for 6 days. Devotees fulfil their pictures of Gods, clothes, agricultural implements, vows. Silver eye-brows, limes and sarees are offered cattle, cumblies, bamboo articles, toys and baskets to the deity, Goats, sheep and fowls are sacrificed. brought from Mysore State are sold. Harikat/zas, This is being celebrated since 1936 and is confined to bhajans, lotteries, gambling, dramas, etc., are the the nearby villages also. The villagers patronize the items of er,tertainment. A pandal is erected and free festival. Nearly 10,000 devotees of this village and feeding is arranged for Brahmins and Vaisyas. Bus from several parts of ill..: taluk congregate. Only and cart are the chief means of conveyance. Hindus participate in it. Pujari is a Brahmin. Generally devotees of all communities fulfil their A cattle fair is held in this connection and tax is vows to Hazarath Syed Hyder Shavali by performing collected. Nearly 10,000 people from nearby villages puja to his tomb. congregate. Eatables, utensils, torches, toilet goods, books and cattle are sold. Occasionally dramas and SOURCE: Sri. G. M. HaneeJ, Headmaster, Z. P. circus afford entertainment to the visitors. Hotels Urdu Schoal, Ghattu. provide boarding facilities. 1.4. Mudivedu - Is 4 miles from Kurabala Kota SOURCE: Sri K. Venugopala Rao, Village Karnam, Railway Station and 12 miles from Madanapalle by Beerangi. bus. 13. GhaUu-Is at a di~tance of 18 miles from Mada Mudivedu is the corrupted name of 'Mudima napalle. The nearest railway station is Kuml11anal1 dugu'. 51 Buruju Gangamma in the lcc::d fort with a stone 15. Chinnathippasamudram - IS 1/2 miL; flom the In her nam~, Anjaneya Swamy temple, Gangamma Railway Station, 5 miles from Vayalpad and 8 mile" otherwise knowl1 as Dandu Maremma temple with Her from Madanapalle. 1 1/2 feet high panclza/oha image in human form at a distance of 1/4 furlllr.g to 11~e west of the village are Lord Malieswara Swamy represented by a Sira the places of wors:.ip in this plac~. There is also a lingam located in the grove of Malrcddy is wor mosque in the village. shipped. It is believed that the I ingalll w~,s installed by Chola Kinfs. Buruju Gang:lmma Tirunala takes place on Vai saklra Suddlta Purnima (April-May) for a night acco Lord Malleswara Swamy Sivaratlirol1zsal'anJ is rding to the convenience of the villagers. Cocoanuts celebrated all Maglza Bahula Cliatllrdasi (January and incense areolT<.:red to the deity. This is of ancient February) for a day. Procession of the deity is hdd origin with only local signif:cance. The villagers patr on Deuara Eddl/Ttl (the bdls dedicated to the Lord) onize the festi,a1. Local people of all communities accompanied by music. Panchamrutha <7bhishekam take part in the celebration. Village deity Gangamma. (i.e., giving bath to the deity with (1) ,vater. (2) milk', (Dandu Maremmal Tifuna/a is celebrated on Phalgllna (3) ghee, (4) curds ad (5) honey), is p(rfcrmed and Suddha Pallchami and Shaslzti (February-March) coconuts are offered. This is of ancient origin con for two days. The deity is taken in procession on fined to the surroundings villages within a raLiius of 20 miles. 'Pothularaju rahanGlIl' and Currapu (horse) vahanam· Devotees fulfil their vows. Silver eyes and umbrellas, SOURer: Sri D. Venktaralllana Rao. /{amam, cart loads of rice and panakall1, cocoanuts and incense Chinnathippa Sanwdram. are offered to the deity. He-buffaloes sheep, goats and fowls are sacrificed to the deity. Well decorated bul 16. KothavaripaUe - Is 2 furlongs from Lachan:ddy Cheruvu, 3 miles from Madanapalle via Lachar<:ddi lock carts arc taL~n 11l procession. Procession of the cheruvll on Madanapalle-Chembakur ks route and deity is held L'l1 {he second night with great pomp displaying fire w('rks, while the villagers carry the 10 miks from Madanapalle road railwny Station. petromax lights on their heads. This is of ancient Lord NarasiI}lha Swamy temple with His imag~ i.> origin, but confined to the nearby villages. Hindus the only place of worship in this village. arc the patrons and the village committee snpcni<;es the festival. Nearly 4 to 5 thousand people of this Lord Narasimha Swamy Tirllnala takeS place: on Pha/<7U1lG Suddha Purnima (February-;,larch) for a village and the nearby villages congregate. Aii com <> munities rarticipale in the festival. Pujaris are day i:1 accordance with the well known Tirllna/a of Yadayas. Pailaka11l and palllH'ralll (soaked gr"engram Kadiri in Anantapur district. Devotees fulfll their vows. (131 are distributed to all. Larg~ quantity of pallakam is offer~d to the deity. The deity is taken in procession. The oubiJers visit A fair is heJd for 2 days near Gangamma telnple this place with 'Nanyalu' and 'Devara Bijdulu'. ThiS fIllm ancient times. N"early 4,000 people p, rticipJ!e is being celebrated for the past 100 y~ars 3) Sri. C. lv1:lI1islVtflny Naidu, Teacher. SOl'RCE: Miss Kamala, J., Teacher, Kt),ha:'al"ipa,!le. Primary School. Ml[(li\'ed~l. Reddivaripalle - Is on Madanapalle-Nimnnnapall~ road, 6 miles 5 furlongs from MadanapaHc and 8 milc~ 52 from Vayalpad Railway Station. Since Reddis are congregation. There is poor feeding in the Batcha predominant in this village, goes by the name Seetaramaiah Setty Dharama Satram (choultry). ReddivaripalJe. Devotees fulfil their vows to Sri Veeranjaneya Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple with His image Swamy by offering hair and performing puja with resembling that of Tirupati is the only place of wor leaves and pradakshinoms. ship in this village. But the idol is not as high as that of the one at Tirupati. SOURCl:: Sri K. R. Bhujanga Rao, Landholder,.. Kurabalakota. Lord Venkateswara Swamy Tirunala is celebrated in Jaislztam (May-June) between May 16th and 20th 18. Thettu - Is situated near the 162nd milestone of for 3 days. Preparations are made 8 days in advance. Madras-Bombay G.N.T. road in the Horsely valley at a distance of 3 miles from the motor route, 4 miles For the past 55 years this is being celebrated and from Kurabalakota Railway Station and 11 miles from is confined to this village only. The temple committee Madanapalle. consisting of 5 members elected by the villagers patros Lord Venugopala Swamy temple with His image nizes and supervises the festival. All the villagers and Goddess Paleti Gangamma temple are the places share the expenditure. Local people of all communi of worship in this village. Lord Venugopala Swamy ties participate in this festival. Pujari is a Sri temple is considered to be the second sacred place in vaishnava Brahmin of Parankusa gotram with here this _district. It is also said that the images of the ditary rights enjoying the many am land. On the last Lord were found in the Bahuda river and were instal-· day of this festival there is free feeding to all. led by Akrura Maharshi. It is said that this temple was constructed 200 years back. There is a koneru' SOU8.CB: Sri 0 M. R. Vidya Sagar, Headm aster, near the temple by name Bahuda koneru. But the Reddivaripalle. temple and the koneru are in a dilapidated condition' 17. Kurabalakota - Is a railway station on Dharma Lord Venugopala Swamy Brahmothsavam is cele varam- Pakala railway line, 1 1/2 miles from Madras brated on Chaitra Ba/z:t!a Amzvasya (March-April) Bombay G.N. T. road and 8 miles from Madanapalle. for a day. Aradhana is performed. Rathothsavam and Brahma Garudothsavam are the other items of There was a villages called Karlagallu to the south uthsavam. On Mukkoti Ekadasi, i.e., Pushya Suddha of the present village. But in 1717 A. D. Nekhunam Ekadasi (December-January) fasting, jagarana and Khan of Karupet constructed this village. river-bath are observed by devotees. Harikathas are arranged. For the past two centuries this is being The temples of Lord Kodanda Rama Swamy, celebrated and is confioned to this village only. The Veerajaneya Swamy in the premises ofKodanda Rama Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board Swamy, Lord Chandra Mouleeswara Swamy, Goddess patronizes the festival and the temple Managing Tru# Kanyaka Parameswari, Chowdeswari, Maremma, stee supervises it. The temple had a few acres of' Yellamma and mosques are the places of worship in manyam land. Only local Hindus participate in this. this village. Pujari is a Vaishnavite Brahmin with hereditary rights. Lord Kodanda Ramaswamy Brahmo thsavam is The Rishi Yaney School which is an english celebrated from Chaitra Suddha Sapthami to Bahula medium residential institition run on the model of' Padyami (March-April) for 10 days. On the day when Shantiniketian is situated in this village. Sri J. Kishna the star is Chitra, Hamsa vahanam (procession on murthi, a plilosopher known aU-over the world is the a swan dol) takes -place. Kalynothsavam (marriage) founder of this institution. garudothsavam and Brahma Rathothsavam (car festi": val) are the other items of the uthsavam. Devotees fulfil SOUR.CE: Ramachandra Reddy, Village Munsi//,. their vows. This festival is of local significance. The Thettu .. hereditary patron and trustee is Sri K. R. Bhujanga Rao, a Brahmin. Only local Hindus participate in 19. Penchupadu - Is c]ose to the 7/2 mile stone of this. Pujari is a Srivaishnava Brahmin of Harithasa Madanapalle - Chembakur road and 15 miles from gotram. Occasionally circus and dramas entertain the Madanapalle road Railway Station. 53 Lord Chennakesava Swamy temple is the only place The stone idols of Gangamma and Satyamma, in an of worship in this place. open place to the south of this village, are also wor shipped. Lord Chennakesava Swamy Uthsavam takes place for three days from Molakala Purnima i. e., Vaisakha Ganga Jatara is celebrated for 3 daysin Jaisiltam Suddha Purnima to Bahufa. Vidiya (April-May). (May-June) according to the convenience of the villa Local people of all communities participate in this. gers, once in 3 or 5 years. An image of Gangama is Pujari is a Sri Vaishnava Brahmin. prepared in the form of Ammavaru (Shakthi) and decorated with ornaments and clothes for the occasion. S')ullCE: Sri S. Venkataramana, Teacher, P. S. Animals and he-goats are sacrificed to the deity. The Elementary School, Penclzupadu. deity is decorated with flowers also. This is celebrated for the welfare of the village. This is of ancie·nt or 20. MadanapaUe - Is the taluk headquarters and igin with only local significance. The villagers are divisional headquarters town in Chittoor district. It the patrons. Only local Hindus participate in it. is 8 miles away from Madanapalle Road Railway Sta Pujari~ are potters, Washermen and Ahadis; but gener tion on the Pakala-Dharmavaram line. The town is ally potters perform the puja. connected with Punganur, Vayalpad, Kadiri and Mysore by major roads. Madana paBe is Lord Chennakeswara Swamy Rathothsavam is 2,331 ft. above mean sea level. The climate is ex celebrated during Dasara, i. e., Asvija Suddha ceedingly pleasant. The town is famous for its medi_ Padyami to Dasami (September-October) according to cal institutions such as Rajakumari Amrit Kaur T. B. the convenilmce of the villagers once in 3 or 5 years. Hospital, Mary Loti Lyles Hospital which is associated Only the local Hindus take part in it. with the name of Dr. Annie Besant. The T. B. Sana torium at Arogyavaram, 4 miles from Madanapalle is SOURCE: Sri B. Gangappa, Headmaster, P. S. Elem a nry important medical institution. entary School, Mushtur. There are the temples of Prasanna Venkateswara, 22. Kondamarri - Is 2 1/2 miles from Pungallur Someswara, Anjaneya, Kanyaka Parameswari and Kallur motor route and 20 miles from Kalikiri Rail Vighneswara for Hindus and mosques and churches for way Station. Muslims and Christians respectively in this town. Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Sawmy temple on a Daily puja is performed in all the temples. Pra hillock with His self-manifested stone image in the sanna Venkateswara Swamy Rathothsavam is celebra_ form of a plantain bud which is said to be growing ted for 9 days from Vaisakha Suddha Navami(April year by year and Rajanala Banda Anjaneya Swamy May). Someswaraswamy Pushpa Pallaki Uthsavam image carved out on a big rock and installed by the is celebrated for a day on Magha BallUla Chaturdasi. elders are the places of worship in this village. Local Hindus take part in these celebrations. Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Uthsavam is SOURCf: 1. Sri V. Lakshminarayana Sarma, He celebrated on all Saturdays during Sravana Suddha admaster, P. S. Elementary School, Padyami to Bahula Amavasya (July-August). This is Madanapalle. concluded by 'Putta Tirunala' (Putta-anthiIl) on the last Saturday and Sunday. Devotees fulfil their vows. 2. Sri K, Sreenivasuiu, Madanapalle. Dhoopa, deepa, nail'edyam, eyes and fangs of precious metals are offered to the deity. Devotees perform 21. Mushtur - Is on the banks of river Bahuda at a puja and feed the poor. This festival is being celebrated distance of 6 m.iles from Vayalpad Railway Station by for the past 500 years. Previously there used to be a bus and 10 miles from Madanapalle. temple committee. At present the villagers and chiefly the Yadavas patronize the festival. Nearly 5,000 devo As this village is surrounded by the groves of tees congregate. 'Mushti' (Bot-Strycnos nux vomica) it goes by the pre sent name. Sri Rajanala Banda Anjaneya Swamy is also a famous deity. Several people take an oath to prove Lord Chennakeswara Swamy temple and Namaj their truthfulness before the deity instead of going to Katta (mosque) are the pi aces of worship in this village. the courts for the settlement of their disputes. It iii 54 be!ieved that the family of one who swears falsely would . Gundalamma temple with a stone image of the Cease to exist further (Vamsa Nasanam). deIty, Chowdeswari temple of Balinayanipalle, with Her 1 1}2 feet Panchaloha image in human form Lord E S:>lJ&C : Sri Kalle Srillil'asa Moorthy, Kondamani. Kadiri Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy temple Of' Verri varipalle and Lord Rama temple of Singarayyagari 23. Agraharam - Is 5 miles from Chintaparthi Rail palle with the picture of the Lord are the places of way Station and 14 miles from Madanapalle, 12 miles worshir· by motor road upto Nimmanapalle and 2 miles by foot-path from there. Gundalamma Uthsavam is celebrated on Jaishta As the majority of the population are Brahmins, Suddha Pumima (May-June) for a day. Sarees, coco this village is called Agraharam. Lord Kodanda Rama nuts and fruits are offered to the deity. Fireworks are Swamy temple with His image, village deity Ja1a Gan displayed. This is of local significance. Hindus are the -gamma temple with Her image in human form, Pole patrons. Only local Hindus participate in this. PUjars ramma temple and Mattigud1a Kesava Swamy temple are Vella Kapus of Yellavakatta gotram. are the places of worship in this village. Chowdeswari Jyothi Uthsavam begins on the first Lord Kodanda Rama Swamy Uthsavam is celebra Friday of Chait ram (March-April) and continues for ted from Vaisakha Suddha Triodasi to Bahula Cha two succeeding days. Devotees from Ba1inayunipalle viti (April-May) for 7 days. Cocoanuts are offered to fulfil their vows. He goats and rams are sacrificed to the deity. Devotees take bath in the Bahuda river on the deity. Deepal'adhana is performed. The image was Ekadasi and Ratha Sapthami i. e., Magha Suddha installed here 15 years back in the name of Chow_ Saptham; (January-February). This festival is being deswari Devi of Nandavaram in Kurnool district. celebrated for the past 30 years and is confined to this Since then this festival is being celebrated and is con and the nearby villages. The villagers patronize the fined to the nearby 20 villages. Thogata Veera Ksha festival. Devotees of this village and the nearby villa triya Sangham patronizes the festival. Nearly 2,000 ges congregate. Fujari is a Brahmin. There is free people congregate. Thogatas form a majority among feeding for 2 days on Vaisoklta Suddha Purnima and the visitors. Only Hindus participate in it. A Thogata Bahula Fadyami. Panda1s are erected. Veera Kshatriya is the pujari with hereditary rights. During Mahasivaratri i. e., Magha Balzula Tri A fair is held in the bazaar before the temple for odasi (January-February) Mattigud1a Kesava Swamy 3 days. It is being held for the past 15 years. Nearly Uthsavam is celebrated and cocoanuts are offered. 2,000 people and a few business men from places with~ in a radius of 10 miles congregate there. Eatables, Fowls and goats are sacrificed to Jala Gangamma utensils, brassware, crockery, lanterns, toilet goods, during Ugadi, i.e., Chaitra Suddha Padyami (March pictures and toys and bangles are sold in the April). This is of ancient origin with local signifi fair. kolatams, bhajans, music parties and bller; cance. There is some inarn land to the deity. The vadyams (a sort of drums,) etc., are the items of enter Yadavas are the patrons and pujaris. tainment. Poleramma is the family deity of Yellam Kapus. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated on Chaitra Goats and fowls are sacrificed to Her on Vaisakha Suddha Navami and Dasami (March-April) for two Suddha Purnima (April-May). Yellam Kapus are the days in Singarayyagaripalle. The temple was con patrons and Pujaris. structed 30 years back. The picture of the Lord is taken in procession in a palanquin. Silver umbrellas SOURCE: Sri Lakshmi Narayanaiah, Karnam, Agra· and sugar are offered to the deity. 14 years back. Sri hOram. Chenna Kesavaiah Setty of Banga10re city got a son 24. Vengamvaripalle - Is 3 miles from Nimmana after taking a vow to celebrate Sri Rama Nal'ami paIle, 7 miles from Chintaparthy Railway Station by Uthsavam to the Lord. So he dedicated the picture of foot-path and 14 miles from Madanapalle. _ Lord Rama to the temple besides sending Rs. 25/ every year to meet the expenditure of tirunaia. This BalinayunipaIle, Veruvaripalle and Singarayya festival is being celebrated for the past 14 years and is garipalle are the hamlets of this village. confined to the locality. Valmikis are chief patrons- 55 Nearly 1,000 local Hindus participate in it, Valmikis 2) Sri M. Ratnavelu, Headma~ler, P. S. forming a majority. A Valmiki is the pujari for the Elementary School, Balinapmipalle. past 30 years. 64 seers of rice is cooked for the Devara Eddula Vandlu. Pandari Bhajans and kolatam8 afford entertainment to the congregation. 3) Sri C. Rami Reddy, Village Afunsiff, Vengamvaripalle. :SOURCE: 1) Sri P. V. Ramachandra Rao, Teacher, P. S. Elementary School, Vengamvari palle. VAYALPAD TALUK FAIRS AND FESTIVALS VAYALPAD TALUK ClllTTOOR DISTRICT. A. P. to MILO 10 11 ,. RAYACHOTI TALUK CUDDAPAH DISTRICT ;~- TALU CUCDAPAH asTRICT CHANDRAGI~I TALUK MADANAPAlLE TALUK PUNGANUR TALUK ,,' IJ 0' IlO' INDEX ,- Code numbel N~me of Deity S N. _nd N,me of Villaee Ind PeflC)(} of Fair or Festival (j) 11 KALAKADA SIDDHfSWAllASWAMY J'-N-H.I 45 TARIGONDA SIDOHfSWAAASWAMY CD Jm-IU 46 VAYALPAO SI!IRAMA 0 N""'. ~p~ 50 CHINTAPAATHI GVNTI GANGIoMMA CD F£&.MAA 53 VITTALAM ViTHALfSWARASWAMY CD M"Y-JLiNE 57 MARRIPADU VEfRASHAORASW AM Y CD J~-ff.' CD 61 MANCHIJRU ANANTAPIJIVoMMA @ 76 GUNDLOOR MlJlASTANAMMA F£!.II'IAR JUNE-JutY "os' @ 66 GIJTTAPAlEM MAlLESWARASWAMY @ 102 TAlUPUlA GUNDAlA MALlESWARPSWAMY JAN-FES JAN-ft.! (J) 68 KALIKIRI NARASIMHASWAMY @ 112 NERASYW SIDDH£5WARPSWAMY JUNE .JULT JAN-HIS @ 72 II1ED/KURTHI LAKSHMI NARAYANPSWAMY @ I2Z TSATTEVARlPAlE,'A 6ANO,~KCNDA S/DDHfSWAAA- SWAMY )'W_FE.8 ,,0 Section VII VAYALPAD TALUK is celebrated during .M aklza naksitatra1ll (star). Ara alakada-Is 12 miles from Kalikiri Railway l dhana and agama puja are performed according to . Station. Panclwratra tradition. Hair is offered by the devotees in fulfilment of their vows. The devotees take bath in Lord Siddheswara Swamy is being worshipped III two ponds near Sri Visweswara temple. It is an the form of a Siralingam. ancient festival and is of local significaI·lce. A trustee Mahasil'al'Otri festival is celebrated for 10 days is appointed by the Commissioner, Hindu Religious and from Maglla Bahula Chaturdasi (January-February) Charitable Endowments. People of all castes partici with 5,000 local congregation. pate. A Srivaishnava Brahmin of Kasyapa got ram with hereditary rights is the pltjari. Prasadam is distributed SOURCE: Superintendent of Police, Chittoor. to all. 2. Tarigonda alias Talakona-Is situated at a Hajarath Syed Khaja Peer Mastan Vali Ums is distance of 27 miles from Pulicherla Railway Station. celebrated for 4 days in December-January, i. e., from Junuary 13th to 16th. It is celebrated in memory of There is a temple of Siddheswara Swamy with a Syed Khaja Peer Mastan Vali. stone Sil'alingam in this village. SOURCl: Sri S. Chinna Swam)" Executive Ojfi( er, Mahasivaratri festival is celebrated for three days Vayalpad. from~Magha~Bahllla Chaturdasi (January-February). This is all ancient festival of local importance. Nearly 4. Chintaparthi-Is one raile frem Chintaparlhi 5,000 people from local and surrounding villages come Railway Station and 6 miles from Vaya1rad. It is on and take pnrt in it. Tirupati-Madanapalle roao and Dharmavaram-Pakala railway line. SOURCE: An Enumerator. Gunti Gangamma temple with Her avve Inspiring 3. Vayalpad--It is the taluk headquarters in Chittoor image of7 feet height, carved on boulder in the Bahuda District. It is 56 miles from Chittoor and is connected river in human form, Ahobales\\'ara temple on the by bus and train to other important towns in the hillock, Chennakeswara Swamy temple, Kal1yakapara district. meswari t~mp!e, Eswari temple and a mosque are the places of worship in the village. It is said that tt.e Valmikipuram is the other name of this village. boulder on which Gangamma is carved came roUing River Bahuda flows very close to this village and it is in the flood waters of the B:lhuc1a 100 years back a:1d said that Valmiki Maharshi's ashram was by the side stopped here. The images of Gangan~ma "v<:re carved of the river in ancient times. and a temple was constructed witb the proc':~sion images of tbe deity. Sri Pattabhi Ramaswamy temple with the images of Rama. Lakshmana, Bharata, Satrughna, Sceta Devi and Anjaneya and Sri Kasi Visweswara Swamy temple Gunti Gangamma Jatara is celebrated for 2 days witb a stone Sira/illgam and a mosque are the p~aces on PhaTgull<7 Suddha Sapthami ~,nJ Ashtallli :)-:c:~'rl!ary of worship in the village. There are two konerlu Marc;l) In an area of one acre. D,~C0ratcd carts are (sacred r'Jnds) aod a choultry near the temple of taken in procession. Ponga!i, b,;r and carts decorated Visweswara. with challdilli ar~ ofi:::;ed one; ani:l1uls arc ~acriEced in discb2rging their vows. r asting amI jagarana nre Sri pattabhi Ramaswamy Rathothsavam is cele_ observed by :1 few at their h(ns~s. It is an ancient breatd for 8 days from Chaitra Suddha Shashti to festival and is conflned to this and the ll;2jghbouring Triodasi (March-April). Rathothsavam (car fastival) villages within a radius of 6 miles, There are mGll)'am 58 lands. Kapus patronize the festival. . Nearly 5,000 taken back soon after the uthsavam is over. Co devotees of all communities from the nearby villages coanuts, camphor, flowers and plantains are offered to participate. A Balija is the pujari with hereditary the deity during the procession by the villagers. It is rights. an ancient festival and is confined to the nearby villages. Kapus patronize the festival. About 400 A fair is held for two days from ancient times devotees of all communities from the surrounding with the congregation of local people and the neigh villages participate. There is free feeding and bouring villagers. Businessmen come from Vayalpad, prasadam is distributed to all. A few shops are kept Kalikiri, Paler, Madanapalle, etc. Eatables, utensils, for a day to sell foodstuffs. books and clothes, mats, toys, etc., are sold. Merry-go-round, carts decorated with chandini, Daily puja is performed in Sri Rama temple. procession, pandari bhajans and the recitation of stories by the Ashadis are the important items of SOURCE: Sri C. Balaiah, Teacher, P. S. Elementary entertainment. A Vaisya family arranges free feeding School, VittaTam. to the visitors. 6. Marripad-Is 6 1/2 miles from Vayalpad Railway Sivaratri festival in Ahobileswara Swamy temple is Station and town, 4 miles by bus and 2 1/2 miles by celebrated for a week from Mahasivaratri, i.e., Magha walk. Bahula Chaturdasi (January-February). Puja is performed to the Lord on the hillock. Every Saturday Veerabhadra temple to the north and His stone Devi puja is performed in Eswari temple. This is of image constructed on a flat stone, Chennaraya temple, ancient origin and is of local significance. Brahmins Rama temple, Yellamma temple and a mosque are the and Potters are the pujaris for Ahobaleswara and places of worship in the village. Eswari temples respectively. Veerabhadra Uthsal'am is celebrated for two days SOURCE: 1) Sri G. Changaiah, Second Assistant, during Mahasivaratri, i.e., on Magha BahulaTriodasi Z. P. Middle School, Chintaparthi. and Chaturdasi (January-February). Arrangements are made 3 days in advance. The idol is taken out in 2) Sri L. Reddamma, Headmaster, Pan procession. The devotees offer cocoanuts, camphor, chayat Elementary School, Chinta fruits and flowers in fulfilment of their vows. It is an parthi. ancient festival and is confined to the village. Gold smiths are the patrons. Only local Hindus congregate. 3) Sri C. Obul Reddy, Chintaparthi. Pujari is a Goldsmith with hereditary rights. 5. Vittalam - Is situated close to the Chittoor SOURCE: Sri P. Krisltnama Raju, Headmaster, Tirupati road at a distance of 2 3/4 miles from Samithi Higher Elementry School, Marri' Vayalpad and the motor road. The village got its pad. name Vittalam by the local Vittaleswara Swamy temple. 7. Manchuru-ls 3 miles from Gundaboyanipalle on Madanapalle-Tirupati road, 5 miles from Kalikiri The temples of Rama, Gramadevatlza and Vita. Railway Station on Pakala-Dharmavaram line and leswara Swamy are the places of worship in the village. 4 miles from Vayalpad. Vittaleswara Swamy temple is said to have been constructed by Krishna Devaraya. But the temple The temples of Ananthapuramma with Her image garbhalayam (sanctum sanctorum), galigopuram in human form, Anjaneya, Someswara Swamy and (tower) and the compound wall are in a dilapidated Sri Rama are the places of worship in the village. condition. After dilapidation of the temple the three procession images are kept in the Kodanda Rama Ananthapuramma Dhinnemeeda Tirunala is cele Swamy temple of Vayalpad. They are of gold colour. brated for two days on Phalguna Suddha Sapthami and Ashtami (February - March). Animals are Vittaleswara Swamy Uthsauam is celebrated on an sacrificed to the deity. Devotees liquidate their vows. auspicious day in Jaishtam (May-June). The proces For the past 10 years it is being celebrated and is sion images which are in Kodanda Rama Swamy limited to this village. Kamma community patronize temple of Vayalpad are brought into the procession and the festival. All local communities participate. 59 Ganga fatara is celebrated in the middle of the Paletamma Tirunala is celebrated from 13th to street for two days from faishta Suddha Purnima 31 st January (Pushy am) . The devotees sacrifice an (May-June). It is an ancient festival and is extended imals to liquidate their vows. to the neighbouring villages such as Kalikiri, Vayalpad ,etc. Nearly 2,000 devotees congregate. Sankranti is celebrated with much pomp. Cows, oxen, etc., are decorated, worshipped and fed with A few shops are kept in this connection with foo('_ herbs. They are taken to an open area and scattered stuffs, utensils, lanterns, books and fancy goods. fyoti, by frightening them with drums. Whoever tames the kolatams, veerajadalu and lotteries are the items of wildest of th<: cattle is honoured and garlanded by the entertainment. audience. Anjaneya (Tirunala) fair is celebrated for two days SOURCE: Sri G. Govirlda Swamy, Teacher, K. Bari on Magha Bahula Triodasi and Chaturdasi (January nepalle of Guttapalayam. February) Cocoanuts are offered. Fasting, jagaram are observed domestically. Gollas (Yadavas) are the 9. Kalikiri - Is situated on the Madanapalle-Tiru patrons and pujaris. pati bus road at a distance of 13 miles from Vayalpad and 22 miles from Chitto or. SOURCE: 1) Sri N. Narayana Reddy, Headmas ter, Panchayat Samithi Elementary Yellamma temple with Her stone image and Nara School, Kothamanchuru. simha Swamy temple are the places of worship in the village. 2) Smt. R. Vimala Devi, Second Assis tant, Panchayat Samithi Elementary Narasimha Swamy festival is celebrated for one School, Manchuru. day in Ashadham (June-July), i.e., on 10th June. It is of ancient origin with local significance. Hindus are the patrons and all communities participate in it. 8. Guttapalem-Is 4 miles from Kalikiri to the West of Kalikirt-punganur trunk road. From the road one Yellamma festival is celebrated for 3 days in "Should walk one mile on Urollamma tank-bund to Sravanam (July-August), i.e., from 17th July. It is an reach this village. ancient festival. Hindus patronize the festival. Nearly 10,000 devotees of all communities participate. Malleswara temple with His stone Sivalingam at a distance of one mile to the East of the village, pale A cattle fair is held for 15 days by the Panchayat tamma temple to the north. Bhajan mandir and a in an area of 11 acres of patta land belonging to Sri mosque are the places of worship in the village. N. C. Ramireddy. It is being celebrated for the past 20 paletamma is the family deity of Yekulanayaka years. Nearly 5,000 people of all communities from community. this and neighbouring taluks and districts such as Pun ganur, Rayachoti, Chandragiri, Anantapur, etc., part Malleswara Tirunala is celebrated for a day during icipate. Sale and purchase of nearly 16,000 cattle takes Mahasivaratri, i.e., on Magha Bahula Chaturdasi. place in the fair. The devotees take oil-bath and observe jagaram and fasting. The deity is taken in procession into the cave, SOURCE: Sri P. Eswaraiah, Executive Officer, 'paola konda' which is to the south of the village in Kalikiri. the reserved forest. Issueless women prostrate in rows with wet clothes on the ground in front of the Lord 10- Medikurthi - Is 2 miles from Cuddapah-Pungan from morning till evening with the belief that they will ur Highway road, 5 miles from Kalikiri and 12 miles be blessed with children. Devotees take bath in the from Vayalpad. water flowing at the Lord's feet and cook their food in the valley. For the past one century the festival is Originally it was called "Oudum Buraguchha being celebrated. It is confined to this and the nearby puram" and Narayanapura Agraharam. In due course villages. Yekulanayakulu and Kapus are the patrons. of time it was called "Mediguthi" due to the presence All communities participate in it. Yadavas are the of a number of Medi trees (ficus glomerata). This was pujaris. There is poor feeding. later corrupted into Medikurthi. 60 Lord Lakshmi Narayana Swamy temple with His 11 ..Gundlur - Is 8 miles from Kalikiri Railway Sta stone image in human form pointing a finger towords tion and 14 miles from Vayalpad. It is by the side of· Himself, village deity Mahishasura Mardhani temple Somala-Rayachoti road. on the banks of Bahuda river, Siva temple; Sri Rama temple and a mosque are the places of worship in the Sri Chennakesava Swamy temple, Gramadevatha village. Mulastanamma temple and a mosque are the places of' worship in the village. Lord Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Bra/zmothsavam takes place for 9 days from Vaisakha Suddha Chatur Mulastanamma Jatara is celebrated for two days dasi to Bahul a Saptlzami (April-May). Devotees in Aslzadam (June-July). Animals are sacrificed. Houses fulfil their vows. Procession of the Lord is taken out are decorated, fasting is observed and vows are fulfilled and coconuts, camphor. flowers, tambulam (betel nuts by the devotees. It is being celebrated for the past two and leaves), etc., are offered before each house. Devo centuries and is confined to this and the neighbouring tees take bath in the river in Magham (January-Feb villages within a radius of 10 miles. About 10,000 ruary) and Vaisakham (April-May) months. During devotees of all communities from the surrounding vil Vijaya Dasami and Ugadi on Asvija Suddha lages congregate. Dasami (September-Octorber) and Chaitra Suddha Padyami (March-April) Uthsavams are celebrated Chennakesava Swamy Uthsavam is celebrated in according to pancharatragamam of Sri Vaishnava Jaishtam (May-June). A Brahmin is the pujari. tradition. Daily pujas are performed. This is of ancient origin with local significance. Pujaris are the patrons. SOURCE: Sri V. Vellkataiall, Teacher, GUlldlur. There are manyam lands for each temple. Local pe ople of all communities congregate. Pujaris are Bra hmins of Bharadwaja goo·am. 12. Talupula - Is 9 miles from piler on piler-Yalla manda road. There is a stone called Gangarayi in the centre of the village. Gangamma Jatara is celebrated for 3 It is said that during the British rule there was a days. Devotees fulfil their vows. After performing great d::ll1ger from the pirates who were looting the puja with cocoanuts, camphor, flowers, plantains, etc., towns and villages in the Eastern coast. So the Gov animals are sacrificed. Intoxicants are used as a custom. ernment encouraged the persons who could try to stop This is of ancient origin and is confined to the surrou the pirates. At that time this was a forest area. The nding villages. Donations are collected from the 'pala Ekiri' tribe of Benares came here, cut down the villagers to meet the expenses. Nearly 10,OGO Hindus forest, constructed a fort on the high land and shoul from the neighbouring villages come and take part dered the responsibility of safeguarding the place. in it. They had arranged gigantic bronze doors 'ta!up.tlu' (in Telugu) to the fort. The atmospheric vibrations A fair is held in this connection near the Gan caused by shutting the doors were so strong that the garayl. Eatables, utensils, torchlights, toilet goods, bells in the temple of Goddess Kamaksbi in Kanchi Ayurvedic medicines. pictures. books, clothes, were ringing. Hence this village got its name Talu agricultural implements, toys and other goods are sold. pula (doors). Display of fire-works, magic, lottery, music and dramas are th"" items of entertainment. Besides the choultry. a Yet ,mother local beliefis that Lord Mallikharjuna pandal is erected temporarily for the occasion. of Srisailam in Kurnool district and Lord Venka teswara of Tirum::t1a formefly were in the Nallamalai Balija Settis and Thogata Settis perform blzajan Hills. A clash occurreu between them regarding re near Rama temple in the night in praise of Mahisha ligious customs and the latter in anger settled on the sura Mardhani. A person possessed by the Goddess Seshachala turning his back towards west not to see goes round the temple, bathes in the river, swallows the former. Venkateswara decided Cuddapah as the margosa leaves, burns camphor and reveals the resent threshold and Talupula as the doors to His abode. happenings and future possibilities to the people who He d~clared that the "Havis' (an oblation of ghee are Her followers. offered through the sacrificial fire) of the entire region should go to Him. Strangely enough even to this day SOUIlCE: Sri Y. Sankara Narayana, Medikurtlri. the ghee of this region is not good in taste; as it 61 belongs to the Lord. So this place goes by the name dramas, bllrrakatlias, dramas, magic, music parties Talupula. and playing oords are the items of entertainment. Pan daIs are erected before the Bliaktllla temple. Local There is Lord Gundala Mallikharjuna Swamy Arya Vaisyas arrnagc free feeding. temple at a distance of 3 1/2 miles to the west in the reserve forest. There is a perennial stream on 3 sides SOURCf: Sri Kesarla Reddappa Setti, Teaclier, of the temple forming waterfall before the Lord. There Tall/pula. is an open place to the eastern side of the temple. It is surrounded by picturesque and natural scenes. Behind 13. Nerabylu - Is situated close to the 9th milestone' the temple to the west, there is deep natural konerll of Bhakaraopet-Talakona road to the south of Vayal (a sacred pool). The devotee who constructed the pad at a distance of 18 miles from Pulicherla Railway temple was Musala Bathulayya. The temple is a huge Station and 52 miles from Madanapalle. one rich with artistic beauties. The mandapam occup ies an area of 10 sq. feet. Before the mantapam there There is Siddheswara Swamy temple with His stone is a portico with 12 ankanams (ankanam is the space idol of 1 1/2 feet height in the form of Siva[ingam between two pillars or beams). The stone used for the in Talakona valley of Seshachala hill at a distance of tempI e amazes anyone considering the fact that there 5 1/2 miles to the north of this village. For some time are no stone mines in the surrounding area. There is puja was celebrated by the neighbouring villages on a stone Dhwajastambham (Flag-Staff) before the Malzasil'aratri. After sometime Vanam Appa Swamy, temple, with the images of the sculptor and Musala a native ofUdayamanikyam having guidance (upadesa) Bathulayya ,showing his lameness. To the south of the from the Siddhas became a sanyasi and the neighb.ur temple there are three small temples of Siva. The ing villages entrusted the performance of puja to him images of the departed devotees and the pujaris are with hereditary rights. In 1720 Saka (1798 A. D.). preserved in a small temple known as 'Bhaktula Deva Ekili Naidus, the rulers of the region authorised him layam'. The copper plate inscriptions regarding the to enjoy the income of the temple and to construct a temple are with the Hindu Religious and Charitable temple. Accordingly he constructed the temple, in Endowments Board. All people except Scheduled stalled the deity and a 'Yantram' (talisman) and called Castes can enter the temple. the deity as Lord Talakona Siddheswara Swamy. It is believed that barren women were blessed with chil Srimat Gundala MalJeswara Swamy Tirunala is dren, the blind with sight and sick with health by wor celebrated on Magha Bahula Triodasi and Chaturdasi shipping the Lord here. There is a perennial river by (January-February) for 2 days. Pr~parations are made the side of the temple. Situa ted by the side of hills, a week in advance. On Triodasi jagarana is observed. this place is beautiful with its Scenery. To the east of tbe On Chaturdasi 'Jharisnanam (bath in the water fall) temple there are 'Sirodrona Thirtha' and 'Papanasana in the morning and Siddha puja in the evening are the Thir1ha'. In the Sirodrona Thirtha water falls from a functions. Devotees fulfil their vows. Jangamarc'l_ height of 100 feet and in the Papanasana Thirtha from ana' (puja by a Jangam) is performed by a few. Hair, a height of 12 feet. There is Nela Kona Thirtha where umbrellas, eyes, nose, etc., made of silver or gold are the Lord is believed to have revealed His presence to offered to the deity. Once a week puja is performed. Siddhus. This festival is being celebrated since 16th century and is confined to the neighbouring villages. The temple Talakona Siddheswara Swamy Tirunala is celebra_ committe consisting of 4 members is appointed by the ted on Magha Bahula Chaturdasi and Amavasya Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board (January-February). During Mahasivarat;i for 2 days. to supervise the festival. Pala Ekiri Doras patronize Abhishekam is performed to the Lord on the night of the temple. Nearly 3,000 devotees of all communities Chaturdasi. Procession is held on the next morning local and from the nearby villages congregate. Pala and in the after-noon Siddha Vibhuti is celebrated by Ekiris are the pujaris enjoying the inam lands. the Siddhus. Devotees liquidate their vows. Hair, umbrellas, cradles etc., are offered to the deity. Devo_ A fair is held in this connection near the temple tees take bath in the thirthams, observe jagaranam for the past one century. Eatables, utensils, toilet and fasting and worship the Lord. Barren women goods, ayurvedic medicines, books and clothes, with wet clothes prostrate before the Lord till the agricultural implements and toys are sold by trades Siddha Vibhuti is distributed by the Siddhus. After men from the nearby villages. Harikathas, street Siddha Vibhti function no one stays there, as it is 62 believed that rislds in the surrounding hills come there Sivalingaln are the places of worship in the village. to perform puja that night. For the past 2 centuries this is being celebrated and is confined to this district Bandakonda Siddeswara Swamv festival is cele and CUddapah District. Hindus patronize the festival. brated for two days on Maglia Baln;'a Chaturdasi and Nearly 20,000 Hindus from the surrounding parts Amm'asya (January-February). Puja is performed and within a radius of 50 miles come and take part in it. cocoanuts, flowers, fruits and naivedyom are offered The descendants of Vanam Appa Swamy are the puja to the deity, Silver umbrellas are olTered in fuHilment ris with hereditary rights. of owes by the devotees. Fasting, jagaram aT;: obser ved by the devotees. Puja is performed on every A fair is held in this c0nnection near the temple Monday. It is of ancient origin and is con fined to in an area of 10 acres and tax is collected by the this and the surrounding villagages. All communitieies PanchaY2t. Eatables, utensils, toilet goods and participate in the utsavom. Plljari belongs to Telaga pictures, clothes and toys are sold. Merri-go-rounds, caste. He enjoys hereditary rights and the inam gambling, lottery, dramas JIarikatlJas and burrakathas lands. are the items of entertainment. Pandals are erected for the pilgrims. There is free feeding. There is a Abhishekam during Sivaratri, i. e., MagJza Bahula forest T.B. The officers of Cuddapah District camp Chaturdasi (hnuary-February) and lighting on the there during summer. day of Krithika NaksT'atrmn In Karthikam (October November) are performed in Nemaligundu Eswara SOURCE: Sri A. V. Narasimha Rao, Karnam, Nera temple. by!u. polireddy Muttam was constructed in this village by 14. Tsattevaripalem - Is I 1/2 mile to the north of late Sri Polireddy an" he registered all his property in Piler-Bhakaraopet road, 10 miles from pulicherla rail the name of the Lord Sri Visweswara Swamy. A Siva way station on Dharmavaram-Pakala railway line, 35 lingam was installed and gurupuja is performed twice miles from Vayalpad and 48 miles from Madana:;lalle. a year on PUrIlima. Sadhus and the poor are fed on As the members of Tsattevari family constructed this the day. At present a committee is supervising the village, it goes by the family's name, Tsattevaripa1em. mutt. Bandakota Siddeswara Swamy temple with His SOURCE: Sri Karnam Govinda Pillai, Karnam, Tsat Sil'alingam and Nemali gundu Eswara temple with tevaripalem. •" CHANDRAGIRI 'fALUK I":,:!.:.: -~,-~- I i I ~ I I c -L~ e 8$ n 0 f I i ~r '" "'" "oJ wZ ~ I! 'ot_ :J _j I "f- I l:;j I "- ~ ..:-, I « Ii 0: I J IE ~ :t: .:::l .., ..J :t'" :; :3 4: f- ! .. < ...: :z :t ..,~ '"':;;l f- < Q ;z ?l o._ ;.- ..; ..: ~ ~~ .. ~ ~ ~ .~ , J. Il. ;:: U ..J .. ~~ p" ~ §. ~ ",' u.. -IX: ~ < ~ ~ Q <: .." >- ;z " 'i C> (.3 Q < <> ~ ;:; z; > ~ ..,3 i!: " ~ -< "II ~ :c ~"" ::> ~ <> ~ <[5 l:;'" Q :t ~ :;" :a '"$..., ~o " t.<. os or zo < ~ < !:::: -~ i :t: ..2__J- ::: !i! u ::s ~ ~ ":c ~ a ~ "I ai i!: :~ ;;: :::l I Ul ~ " :::: ., ~ :;: ~ @ @ ® ® , , ~ ~ ,._ ~ ,. ,. ,. - ,._ I 6 .. ~ ~ .., ~ -. ~ " ~ «. :;~ ~ ';'0- ~'i ., ,-~ 'u' , ~ ~j: " ~~ ~ ~: i «~ 0; '« " , '"~ "," ~ ~ , ~~ ",' ~ ~< ~; "" ~~ ~ ;;:- :;: '-' '" i~ >:' >:' .. ~ ~ >: ~ <> l: ~ j " r ~ ~ " ii' " ~ ~ ~ c: 1O u :i z ; '< '0 ~ '.J ~ ~ " ~ ~ F; ;> " ,0 5:: ~ ~ y ~ '"~ ~ "~ ?; 0 co ~ .. ~ ~ .., ~ 5: ;:; C'. ,~ w 5. " '" '" CJ ------" '" '" ------_---_" - ~ W « 1 ~ w.J •.._ CHANDRAGIRI TALUK "ffl evalampet-Is situated between Kallur ::nd Puli (a musical instrument played by the Pambalas) and the C cher!a at a distance of two miles from Puli stories narrated about Gangamma by the farnbalas cherla Railway Station. are the items of entertainment. The temples of Lord -Lakshmi Narasimba Swamy, SOURCE: Sri B. Gopala Naidu, V. L. TV" Pulicherla. Siva and Goddess Durgamba are the places of worship in this village. 3. Kavetigaripalle-Is 3/4th mile from Mangalampet road 3 miles from Dhamalacheruvu railway station. Lord Lakshmi Narasimlla Swamy Brahmol!zsavam is celebrated for Phalguna Suddha Dasami to Baaula Lord Malleswara Swamy temple on the nearby Tadiya (February-March) for 9 days. Dwajarohana, hillock with His idol in the form of lingam and the Hanumantha vahanam, Ali vahanam, Sesha l'aha- Pandava temple are the places of worship. nam, Garuda vahanam, kalyanothsavam and rathos'savam (car procession), take place from Lord Malleswara Swamy Sivarathrothsavam is Suddha Dasami to Bah,t/a Padyami, Parllreta, vasan celebrated on Magha Bahula Chaturdasi, (January thothsaram are celebrated on Vidiya and Tadiya February) for a day. Devotees fulfill their vows. dhwajarohalla takes place on the night of Bahula This is being celebrated for the past 100 years. The Tadiya. Puttu ventrukalu (hair-dedicated to the Lord trustees appointed by the Endowment Board are the from the birth) of the children is offered to the deity. patrons. The local Hindus participate in it. A This is being celebrated for the past 200 years and is Jangam is the pujari. There is free feeding. Dramas confined to Kallurupalem area. Zamindars were the entertain the congregation. patrons in the past. Devotees from the surrounding villages congregate. Sri K. Narasimhi'.chari is the In the Pandava temple Malza Bharathothsavam pujari with hereditary rights. Lottery, merri-go is celebrated on Sral'ana Suddha Padyami (July rounds and dramas are the items of entertainment. August) by the villagers. Since 1938 this is being celebrated. The villagers patronize the festival. Local SO'JRCE: Sri B. Gopala Naidu, V. L. w., Pulicherla. Hindus participate in it. Pujari is Sri Karanam Krishna pillaL Dramas and lotteries are the items of entertainment. 2. ReddivaripalJe-Is about a mile from Pulicherla Railway Station on Pakala-Dharmavaram Railway Ganga Panduga, Vinayaka Chavithi, Dakkulu line. Ekadasi, Tirunala Panduga, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Nomula Panduga, KrikhikaNakshitra, BhogiSankran This place was ruled by the Zamindars of Puliche ti, Pasuvula Panduga, Kanumu, Thai Al1lavasya and rIa ramily. Hence it goes by the present name. Ugadi are the other festivals of the place. Gangamma temple with Her image is the only place of worship in the village. SOURCE: Sri N. Ranga Pillai, Karnmn, Kavetiqari palle. Gangamma Jatara is celebrated for a day in Ashadam (June-July) i. e., 13th July. When rains fail 4. Vallivedu - Is 4 miles from Damalacheruvu this is celebrated with a belief that rains would pour Railway Station. down. Devotees fulfill their vows. Kumbham is offered and goats and rams are sacrificed to the deity. The temples of Lord Varadaraja Swamy with the This is being celebrated for the past 250 years. The image of Vishnu in human form, Anjaneya, Gangam vilIage headman patronizes the festival. Only local rna and Vinayaka are the places of worship in the Hindus congregate. Thappetas, Pambala Dhamuru village. 64 past twmty years and is confined to the nearby Lord Varadaraja Swamy Uthsavam is celebrated villages. Approximately 2,000 people of this and the during Sankranti in Pushyam (December-January) for nearby villages congregate. 4 days. Procession of the Lord takes place on the first three days. On the fourth day Paruveta Uthsavam A fair is held in thi s connection for 15 days in an takes place. Brahmins are the patrons and pujaris. area of one acre dedicated to the temple. In the day Local people of all communities participate. Prasadam time the epic Mahabharata is narrated in stories and is distributed to all. in the nights dramas are enacted. SOURCf: Sri K. Peyana Pillai, Karl1am, Vallivedu. Siddeswara Swamy Uthsavam takes place for two days in Jvfag/tam (January-February). 5. Ganigapenta-Is 5 miles from Pakala railway station. SOURCE: Sri K. Ratna Pillai, Karanam, Jakki dona. The image of Sri Virat pothuluri Veerabrahmendra Swamy of KandimaIlayapaIle in Cuddapah District 7. Mamandur-Is two miles from Mangilpat railway is installed in the house of a Viswa Brahmin. The station on Villipuram-Renigunta line and five miles image is in 'Yoga Mudra' posture. from Chandragiri railway station. Pothuluri Veera Brahmendra Swamy Uthsavam It is said that this village was formed in the times is celebrated from Magha Bahula Triodasi to Ama_ of Sri Krishna Devaraya of Vijayanagar. There are vasya (January-February) for 3 days. On the first a few ruins of the canal constructed with bricks and day pooja is performed. The life history and the lime teat watered the kOl1eru in front of the renowned miracles of the great Yogi are narrated on the second palace. day. On the third day procession in 'Pushpa pallaki (palanquin decorated with flowers) is held. For the Sri Rama temple and Aokamma temple with Her past 10 years this is being celebrated and is confined image in human form are the places of worship in the to a few nearby villages. Funds are collected to village. A stone slab with square and round lines celebrate the festival. Hindus of this and the surround· carved on it is installed under a margosa tree to the ing villages congregate. Pujari is Viswa Brahmin. EasLof the village in the name of the village diety Prasadam is distributed to all and there is poor Doddi Gangamma. feeding. Village deity Doddi Gangamma jatara is celebrat SOURCE: 1) Sri N. Ethirajan, V. L. W., Maddina ed in the last week of Kartltika (November-December) yunipalle Group, Pulicherla Block. for a day in a plot of two cents called 'Ganga metta,· near the entrance of the village. A week prior to the 2) Sri V. V. Subbaiah, Karanam, Gani auspicious day a new pot is installed on the (Ganga. gapenta (P.O). metta', worshipped and given away to the village Thoties. The pot is called 'Challakunda'. The Thoties 6. Jakkidona-Is 26 miles from Chandragiri. take the pot from the house bearing 'Thappetas' (Country drums, tom-tom) for seven days collecting The temples of the village deities, Muthyalamma, food in it. The food thus collected is distributed Kota Kotamma, Virupakshamma and Moolasthanam among themselves. Jatara takes place on the eighth ma are the places of worship in the village besides the day. During the day time an earthen image of Bharatha temple. 'Gallagangamma' is prepared and decorated with flowers, Decorating Her with 'Dishti Chukka' (an Devatharadhana is celebrated in Margasira ornamental small round patch 00 the fore-head to (November-December) and Vaisakham (April-May). avert the effect of evil eye) after animal sacrifice, the Animals and fowls are sacrificed to the deities and image is immersed quickly in the 'Ganji' (Gruel) while pongali is offered. Local people of all communities the tappetas are beaten incessantly. After this an participate in it. Prasadam is distributed to all. earthen image of Gangamma is moulded. decorated with flowers and 'Banala Cheel'a' (saree of crackers Or Mahabharatha Uthsavam is celebrated in Jaishtam crackers so formed around the body of the deity as a from June 1st to 20th. This is being celebrated for the saree) and installed on a platform called 'Sapparamu'. 65 Then the deity is taken in procession with the local this village. Village deity Gangamma is also wor music. People offer kumbham and palaharam shipped. before their houses according to their financial status. The well-to-do devotees even sacrifice animals. At Ganga Jatara is celebrated twice a year in Nadi day-break the deity is installed on the Gangamitta veedi in Karthikam (October-November) and Chaitram under the hut erected with leaves and clothes for the (March-April) for one day. An earthen image of the occasion. Devotees liquidate their vows. He-buffaloes, deity in female form is prepared and worshipped_ goats, rams and fowls are sacrificed to the deity after Animals are sacrificed for the fulfilment of their vows. performing pooja. The local people invite their kith Intoxicants are taken by the people. It is of anci~nt and kin for the festival. This is being celebrated since origin. Hindus are the patrons. The Hindu devotees the origin of the village. Approximately an amount from the neighbouring villages congregate. Pujaris of Rs. 100/- is collected from the villager s and is spen are appointed at the time of the jatara. under the supervision of 'Pina Pedda' selected by the villagers. Only local Hindus take part in it. Yadavast A fair is held during the jatara with few shops to and Chakalis are the pujaris with hereditary rights. sell eatables, utensils and pictures. Mala Dasaris ricite the life history of Gangamma, The village deities Mulasthanamma and Dharam_ the boons granted for the Harijans and the significance araju of Chandragiri are brought to this village on of sacrificing he-buffaloes to the deity, in dandakam 16th January for Giri Pradakshinam. The villagers (a kind of ricitation). offer coconuts and plantains. In the evening, deities are taken in a procession. About 5,000 devotees from the Sri Rama Navami is celebrated in Chaitram nearby villages within a radius of 20 miles congr (March-April) for 8 days and prasadam is distributed. egate. A devotee distributes prasadam to those who There is free feeding. render their services to the Lord. Molakala Purnima is celebrated by the local Kapus Many shops are opened at that time. on Vaisakha Suddha Purnima ~April-May). Navadha_ nyams godhumalu (wheat), biyyam (rice), kandulu Sri Rama Navami on Chaitra Suddha Navami (red-gram), pesalu-(green-gram), senagaJu-(bengal (March-April), Sri Krishna Jayanthi on Sravana Bah gram), bobbarlu-(the seeds of Dolichos sinensis), ula Ashtami (July-August) and Dhanurmasam are nuvvulu (gingelIy), minumulu (black-gram) and celebrated in the bhajana mandiram. Jagarana is ulavalu-(horse-gram) are soaked till they sprout. The observed during Sivaratri. sprouted 'navadhanyams' along with fruits, flowers, Occasionally bhajans are performed in Krishna cocoanut and camphor from each house are taken in Theertham in Mungilpattu Reserved Forest on Purnima procession with the music of thappetas by the (Muthai and Amavasya in memory ora great saint whose name duvas' to the temple of Grama Shakthi Muthya was unknown and who is belived to have been born in lamma crossing the 'Gangamitta'. Dwaparayugam. It is a said that he had, 10 feet long SO\JR:E: J) Sri T. Lakshmi Narayana Pillai, braided hair and talked with the village heads. Karnam, Mamandur. SOUllCE: J) Sri K. Vent/gopal Pilliai, Village Karnam. 2) Sri M. Viswanadha Reddy.Panchayat President, Mamandur (P. 0). 2) Sri A. Sabha Reddy, Village Munsijf, Aithepall e. ' 8. Aithepalle-Is three to four miles from Chandra giri Railway Station and town. 9. Kondireddikandriga-Is 9 mil.;s from Cilandragiri. The local belief is that this village was constructed It is said that this village was built by one Kcnda by the Kammas and Reddis during the rule of Reddi. Hence this goes by the present name. Sri Krishna Devaraya of Vijayanagaram. There is a temple of Anjaneya. Shakthi Raju (the Muthyalamma temple and a bhajana mandiram stone in the name of shakthi) in the centre of the main with a pi(;tUJ'c of Vishnu are the places of worship in street is also worshipp-:d. 66 Ganga Jatara commences on the last Tuesday of Lord Rama Bhajana MGlzdir with 6e pictures of Chaitram and ends on the sllcceeding Wednesday, Ram?, Gangamma image, a stone slab in the nam:.: (,f (March-April). On Tuesday an earthen image of Gan Dondi Gangamma, Uma Maheswaramma stoDe ii': .• l~;; gamma in female form is pr~pared. A he-buffalo is and Visikati Yellamma are worshipped. dedicated and goats and rams are sacrif;ced to Her. Rice is offered. Money is collected from the villagers Ganga Jatara is celebrated in Jcshtmn (]\';2: -J't:ce) for celebrating the festival. Only Hindus from the for two days. This i~ commonly celebr~lted j,l ~,irlO SOlJRCf: Shi K. Venkata MUlllls11!amy Pillai, Kar Sri Rama Na\'ami is celebrated for 9 days in anam, Bhimavaram. Cliaitram (March-April). 11. PuUaiahgaripalle--Is situated to the east of SOLlRCE: Sri V. Chandra Sekhara Pillai, Kamt!m, Aithapalle road, to the west of Kotala village, to the Arepal/e, south of the Bhima river and to the north of Mangilpet Reserve Forest at a distance of 3 miles from Chandra 11. Narasingapuram-Is about a mile from Cian giri Railway Station and town. dragiri Railway Station. 67 Eswara temple with the images of the Lord in the Goats. rams and fowls are sacrificed to Kalama. form of Sil'alingam and parvathi Devi, His consort, raju occasionally. 'Sri Ram?, Bhajana Mandir 'y\ith His image in human form, Lord Sri Krishna Elzajalla Mandir with His SOLiR([: Sri K. Venkata Narasilllhulu ],{aid:l, image in human form and village deity Muthyalamma V. M., Kotala, (P.O). temple with an obelisk and a stone s:ab with cabilistiC letters in Her name are the places t'f w"fsl ip in the 15. Ag:!raia-L situated to the west of ChanGragir village besides Godc:ess Kal:a}.a Durga tCi~i:·:';. fort. This village is said to have bem c0;;"trtJct<~d by GJnga Jatara COl1WICnCes (111 a SUl~l~~'Y and el:ds on the succeedirg \\'edne~day af[er 4 d~~ys iI' C/zai!ram tbe l~',~,la Naynka:; (genC:T«;,) tD [;rrest the expalislon of U.Jarc:l-April) i.e" b::twecr: (\13:c11 l5th and 31~,), On the i\iuslim Kingdcn during tile rei~n of Sri l<.r:~:ma Dn'"ra) a of Vij;'i) ~li:agaL1. But there is liO C'.'iJe~ce Vv'cdncsday nigil~ U11 rarll:cn irr8ge of Ga p gamn1 Q is prer'ar('d. Go,!.ts~ fo\'/ls. ru::~s :cij:_l :~;:~b21lalocs are to ~Ll]-,pcil·t it, sacril1(ni to Her. This is of ;o:ul s;~"iJk3l!Ce. ()nl:; Village dci~y ;\rcma;-i C,ll;gamma tenT!;' C"I1- ,l" c ill1 11'. 111 d liS par t"lClpa t e m . I~., p,':!<;rs ;lri; tLe pujaris stfL1Ctcd by Late ~ri :"YPP~ Hcc'.~y in 'Dharm(i T!1:~!>:l' . wj!jll:,creditary rig:1tS. ' a p:ltta land, amidst foUl' oa!:ian trees is the OlJ: :·.i,~ce of wore.hip in the vi)j8ge. The StO:1C: head of the deity in&t"l}::d in the templ.:: is SJid to be sel[-n:anif'"sled one froo:1 earth and som,; SDY from :m u!~t-hilL S/'i Rama NOl'ami is c,::l,'r:':::~cd f,)l" 9 days in \'i!lDge deity Arir.lanu Gai;['amma Urhs{lvam is C/zai!ram U\larcL-ApriJ). Cl C('l t:t~ 2'ld c~ G:ll~ga Jatara lS cclebrateG in Jc~/;:..ml (I1:ay c,..;ny·hor ~,nJ nail'edyol7l and take the deities in prc,(;::s- !Ul1c) fer a day. The festival b:;;i;]s in t;~e ni~hts ar:J s.cn ;11 tLc vilJage. 1-Le~1 the precession rc~urns to ends by mid-day of the next day. A slna~1 t;:l1lJie is Cwr.dragiri covcrillg the ether villages, Aythepalle cc·ns. fueted for the occa;ion ill an a rea of 15 \ d.,. x aed [(iCdL:) "al iralle crcssirg the river Suvarnamukhi 15 yds. and an earthen image of Gangamma is tl;stalIed <11',d perf,'rn~irg 'pradiiksJlfna' 10 the fortre,s. in it. Devotees liqUIdate tbeir vows. Coconuts and 1 c;uls of tlie \ illage deity i,lula~thana'mma and sugar are ofTered and he - bulTaloes are sacriiiced to Dhmpali1i, Bhima and Arjuna are replaced in the d;::ity. Intoxicmts arc: taken stealrbi y. This is an their l'<:spcctive lcrnples in Chandragiri. The next day ancient festival and is of local signifiea:lce. Kammas l'asQllj!z,Jlhs(/vam (holi) is cdebrated to Arimanu Gan and ICapus are the patrons. enly local Hindus tal,e gamIna. Devotees i'ulfiJ] their vows. Goats. sheep and r;,rt in it. Jangams and KUli1inaris are lhe p:ljGri~. cocks :.:re sacrificed in tl~e sl;rrounding villages. The de.occmL::ts of Bandam Kuppi Rc,'dy :lre the patrons Sri Rama Nmami is c~ebrated for 9 days In and plljcris. Approximately 2.000 people of ail CCI11- Cizaitram (March-April). ll1ur.ities ere 111 the scrroul;ding villc:ges congregate. 68 Ganga Jatara is celebrated for a day on the portion in the fort area is cultivated at present. From-. last Tuesday of Karthikam (October-November) in the fort there are steps to ascend the hill. On the hill the middle of the street. Devotees liquidate their there are 30 to 40 plate-like hollows for the soldiers to vows. Goats, sheep and cocks are sacrificed to the take their food in emergency. There are three pools. deity. Intoxicants are taken as a custom. Friends One is of fresh water, the second is Uppu Chaffj and relatives are invited. This is of ancient origin with salt water and the third is Pappu Chatti. At confined to a few nearby villages. The villagers share tbe foot of the hill near the second fort wall there is the expenditure rrorortionately. Approxirr:atcly 200 Dindu bad l well) dug by Peda Bayamma, the princi people frem neightourirg villages cOllt'regate. f'ujaris pal Queen of Venkatapathi. In the middle of the fort arc Balijas of Thoguru family with hereditary rights. to the south of the hill there are two buildings-Raja Mahal and Rani Mahal, constructed with brick and SOUk.cr: Sri T. Lakshmi NarayaJla Pillai, Karanam, lime. Near the main entrance on the top of the hill Agara/a (Vit/age). there is a Slone frame before a balanced boulder. The frame is known as Urikambalu (pillars used for hang 16. Chulldragid-Is the taluk headquarters and a ing). The enemy spies caught in the fort were hanged Railway Station on Villupuram-Renigunta railway to the frame and their bodies were visible to a distance line. It is situated at a distafice of 2 miles from the of 10 to 12 miles around. Raja Mahal is a three storied Railway Station, 3 miles to the south of Dhorna building with three towers and steps on either side. Kambala and 7 miles to the west of Tirupati on Second storey was the darbar. The hvo storied building Chittoor-Turupati fl'ad, on the right bank of the Rani Mahal is perhaps the residence of the Com Swa~;;:llnl!khi river. mander-in-chief as the first floor was a stable. It has no signs of the residence of a queen. Behind the Raja As this is surrounded by crescent (Chandravanka) Mahal there are ruined earthen walls \vithout roof. like hills, this goes by the present name. There is a Poet Tenali Rama Krishna is said to have challenged fortress with walls enclosing an area of 4 square miles the king that he would build buildings without using with a ditch, 20 yards in breadth all round. This was wood, stone and lime. With the permission of the constructed in 1,000 A. D. by Immadi Yadava king, he mixed mud with jaggary water and made the Narasimha Raya, king of Karvedu. Rama Raya met elephants trample on it and built the abovesaid buil his tragic death at the hands of his own son born to a ding with that substance. It is said that he did not use Muslim woman. Ramnraya's brother Tirumalaraya wood even for beams. But at present there is no proof transferred the capiTal to penugonda and partly resto to support the claim. But t]h~ walls have stood the red the power and prestige of the kingdom. In 1570 test of time. Dindu bavz' resembles a lake with red and he deposed the puppet king Sadasiva and usurped the white lotus flowers. The moat around the fort remains throne. He belonged to the Aravidu dynasty. His full except in a place calkd Dubasingunta. son and successor, Ranga II, was a successful ruler, He was succeeded by his brother, Venkata II Another interpretation for the name Chandragiri (1586-1614), who transferred his capital to Chandra is that there were two servants, Chandragadu and giri. He was able to maintain the integrity of the Girigadu in the court of Sri Krishna Devaraya. They kingdom, although he encouraged disruption by gained the appreciation of the king. When the king recognising the foundation of the kingdom of Mysore asked them for a favour, they requested him to con-· in 1612. His death was followed by a war of succes struct a village in their name. Hence a village was sion and the disruption of the kingdom. Ranga III, constructed and named afrer them as Chandragiri. the last notable ruler of the dynasty, was unable to suppress his refractory vassals nor could he resist the Lord Kodanda Rama Swamy temple, p,mchalisa aggressions of the Sultans of Bijapur and Golkonda. meta DharmarDja temple and Grmna Sakt/li Mulastha Had the last ruler of Vijayanagar remained loyal to the na Yellamma temple (which are believed to have been central authority, the Muslims would not have been constructed by Sri Krishna Devaraya), Veeranjaneya able to extend their power towards the far South. In temple, Ankalamma temple, Mitta Gangamma temple 1782 it came under Hyder Ali of Mysore and contin and the temple of Kamamma, a Pativratha (Virtuous ued till the Treaty of Srirangapatnam (March-1792). wife) are the places of worship in the town. In Koda nda Rama Swamy temple there are the images of The fort wall at Chandragiri is 2 to 3 yards in Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. The image of Mulasth breadth constructed with huge stones (6 ft x 5 ft). A ana Yellamma is in the form of Sakthi. Fig. 1: Raja Mahal-a three storied buildin'2;-Fa! 69 Lord Kondanda Rama Swamy Uthsaram is cele There is a temple of Lord Agastheswara Swamy brated from Phalguna Suddha Navami to Bahula at a distance of 1 1/2 miles to the North-East from Chavithi (February-·March) for II days. "Ubhayams" Chandragiri. are performed for eight days. The images of the deities are decorated and taken out in procession eve SOURCE: 1) Sri Venkata Krishna Pillai, Karanam, ryday. Fasting and jagarana are the domestic obse Chandragiri. rvances. Kapus patronise the festival. Local people 2) Sri Tyaga Raja Reddy, VL.w. Chan irrespective of caste and creed take part in the festival. dragiri Group. Prasa dam is distributed to all. 3) History of India PP.3032- by Sinha Grama Shakthi Mulasthana Yellamma procession & Banerjee takes place for 4 days during Sankranthi in Pushy am (December-January). On the fourth day, the process 4) "Chandragiri Durgam, Vidwan Tiru ion goes round the western hill and reaches Sri Ragh vengada SUri, Telugu Pandit, Board upathiraya Koneru (pond) by the side of river Suvarna High School, Chandragiri. mukhi. There, the festival ends. People from the surrounding villages visit the place on Fridays through 5) Andhra PraMa Weekly, Dated out the year on bullock carts to fulfill their vows. Pongali 25-4-1962. is offered and animals are sacrificed. This festival is confined to the surrounding villages within a radius 17. Mittapalem- Is 1 mile from Chandragiri Town. of 20 miles. It is said that this was a hamlet of Nagapatla Village deity Gangamma Jatara is celebrated for palem 100 years back. 3 days in the last week of Margasiram {November December). A stone is installed in Her name in the Village deity Muthyalamma temple with obelisks middle of the street. Devotees liquidate their vows by in Her name and bhajan mandirs of Lord Rama and carrying Veyigandla Duttalu (pots decorated with Krishna with their images in human form are the places dots). Kumbham is offered and animals are sacrificed· of worship in the vil!age. Intoxicants are taken mostly by the Harijans and other backward classes. This is of ancient origin and is con_ Sri Rama Navami and Sri Krishna Jayanthi are fined to the surrounding villages. Dhobies of Kanu celebrated on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April) gakaya gotram are the pujaris with hereditary rights. and Sravana Bahula Ashtami (July-August) respecti vely. Coconuts, camphor and prasadam are offered Tappetas. dappus, gaggirethi kommus, bakas to the deities. Only local Hindus participate in it. (trumpets) and dance according to the rhythm of Yelapadalu (Songs) are the items of entertainment. Every Friday pongali is offered to the village deity Muthyalamma. Once or twice a year, the obelisks are Panchali Sametha Dharma Raja Agni Tirunala taken out in procession. Pongali and naivedyam are is celebrated for 18 days in Bhadrapadam (August offered and goats, rams and fowls are sacrificed to the September). Devott'es fulfill their vows. Corbons are deity. Local Hindus congregate. offered. On the eighteenth day fire-pits are arranged. This festival extends to distant parts also. Donations SOURCE: Sri B. Srinivasulu Reddy, Panchayat Presi and taxes are collected. Approximately 2,000 devotees dent, Mittapalem. of all communities from places like Tirupati and pakala congregate there daily for 18 days. Bharatam is nar_ 18. Thondavada-Is 2 miles from Chandragiri and rated in the form of Harikathas and dramas are 6 miles from Tirupati. enacted durins nights. It is believed that this village was an apartment for Karamma Uthsavam is celebratem from Phalguna the elephants during the reign of Chandragiri Kings. Suddha Triodasi to Purnima (February-March) for 3 Hence it goes by the present name after the elephant's days. The life history of Her is recited in the form of thondams (trunks). burrakathas for 3 days. On Purnima fire-pits are arranged and the temple is richly decorated with There is a Siva temple in the village with the flowers. This is of local significance. images of Lord Eswara in the form of Sivalillgam 70 and Parvathi Devi. Village deity Muthyalamma ye/apada/u (songs) by men en tertai n the congrega temple, Thondamma temple and bhajana mandirg tion. are the other places of worship in this place. Seeta Rama Kalyanothsavam is celehated for 11 Lord Agastheswara Swamy Mukkoti Uthsavam is days from Phalguna Suddlza Navami to Bahula ella celebrated for a day on Karthika Purnima (October viti (February-March) for 11 days in the bhajalla November) for a day with much pomp in commemora mandir. On the first day Sri Rama Jananothsavcm tion of the installation of the Lord by Aga5thya· lbirth-day ceremony) takes place. From the second Devotees fulfill their vows by performing abhishekam to eighth day' Ubhayams' are performed. Sita Kaly to the Lord. Jagarana is observed during Sivarathri anothsavam on the nineth day, Sri Rama Pattabhi on Magha Balzula Chaturdasi (January-February)! shekam (coronation of the Lord) on the tenth day, This is of ancient origin and people from distant parts and Thotothsavam (garden procession) on the ele of the district also come and take part in it. Kapus venth day are celebrated. Local Hindus of all castes are the patrons. congregate. Prasadam is distributed to all. Approximately one hundred shops are arranged Pongali and naivedyam are offered to Muthya by the businessmen from Tirupati and Chandragiri. lamma in Vaisakham (April-May) bv the villagers. Merry-go-round is the only item of entertainment. This is of local significance. Local Hindus take part in this. Pujaris are Kummaras of Siva gotram with During GramM Jatara pongali is offered and hereditary rights. animals are sacrificed to the village deities. All local communities take part in it. SOURCE :-1) Sri K. Narasimha Reddy, Panchayat President, Sanambatla (B.P.O). . SOURCE: 1) Sri M. Kesava Reddy, Panchayat Pre sident, Thondavada. 2) Sri S. Govinda Swamy Pillai, Karan am, Sanambatla (B.P.O). 2) Sri M. S. Ramakrishna Pillai, Kara nam, Thondavada. 20. Durgasamudram-Is 5 miles from Chandragiri. 19. Sanambatla- Is 1 1/2 miles from Chandragiri In this village there was Durga Dwaram (an Tirupati road, 3 miles from Chandragiri and 5 miles entrance to the fort) during the rule of Rangaraya II from Chandragiri railway station. of Chandragiri. Village deity .tv!uthyalamma temple with a stone A legend relating to the origin of the village runs slab and Rama Bhajana Mandir are the places of thus. In the past Lakshmi,the consort of Lord Venkate worship in this village. A stone installed in the main swara installed a Sivalingam near the local bugga cross-road of the village in the name of village deity (spring) from which water was flowing out in abunda Gangamma is also worshipped. nce. Hence it was compared to Samudram (sea) and the village was called 'Bugga Samudram', which in Village deity Gangamma Jatara is celebrated for course of time was corrupted into 'Durga Samudram' 3 days in the first week of Chaitram (March-April). due to the 'Durga Dwaram'. It is believed that if jatara is performed no evil would befall the village. Devotees fulfill their vows Muthyalamma temple with Her metal image, by carrying Veyi Kandla Duthalu (Pots decorated Lord Eswara temple (in dilapidated condition) with with dots) and offering kumbham (cooked rice), He His earthen image in the form of Sil'alingam, Pon buffaloes, goats and fowls are sacrificed to the deity. nalamma image, Ankalamma tree, Virupakshmma Intoxicants are taken as a custom. This is of ancient Akkaguru, Tirupati Gangamma stone, Vinayaka image origin and is confined to this and the nearby villages. and Rama temple with His pictures are worshipped in Approximately 500 people from the nearby villages be the village. It is said that the original idol of Lord sides the local people congregate. Pujaris are Kumma Eswara is buried in the ruins of the temple. ras (potters) with here(!}itary rights. Gangamma Jatara is celebrated for two days in Thappetas (tom-tom), dappus, gaggirethu kom Vaisakham (April-May). Gangamma is being wor mus (horns) and dance according to the rhythm of shipped in the form of a small white stone. The festi_ 71 val begins in the night of Tuesday and ends in the camphor are offered and goats, sheep, he-buffaloes night of Wednesday. An earthen image of Gangam and fowls are sacrificed to the deity. Jagarana is obse rna is prepared for the occasion and worshipped. rved by the devotees. The villagers pa tronize the Devotees sacrifice he-goats, rams and fowls to the festival. Nearly 700 Hindus from the nearby villageS ,deity. The villagers invite their relatives for the occa participate in this. Jataras An Ediga is the pujari ,sion. On Wednesday night the earthen image of the with hereditary rights. prasadam is distributed to deity is immersed in the water. This is being celebra all. ted since the origin of the v iJlage. All the villagers share the expenditure of the festival. Only local Hindus Occasionally pong ali, kumblzam, coconuts and take part in this. camphor are offered and goats, sheep and fowls are sacrificed to Muthyalamma. Only local Hindus take Muthyalamma Uthsavam is celebrated in Pushyam part in this. An Ediga is the pujari with hereditary ,(December-January). On all common Hindu festive rights. days the image of the deity is taken out in procession. This is of ancient origin. Only local Hindus con SOURCE :-1) Sri K. Ramacltandra Reddy,Panchayat ,gregate. Vice-President. Gollapalle. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 10 days in 2) Sri M. Venugopal, Karanam, Golla Chaitram (March-April). palle. SOURCE; Sri A. Sidda Reddy, Vice-President, 3) Sri Nagaiah Pilla;, Karanam, Baidi Durgasamudram Panchayat, Durga samu palle, Sanambat fa (post). dram (B.P.G). 22. Mallavaram - Is 4 furlongs from Tirupati '21. GolIapalIe - Is 4 miles from Tirupati railway Chittoor road and 2 1/2 miles from Chandragiri Rail station arid 5 miles from Chandragiri. Baidipalle is way Station and town. its hamlet. Village deities Melasthanamma, Vemulamma, Lord Venkateswara temple constructed by the Yellamma, Ankalamma and of Lord Rama are wor Thondapati family, Ganga mitta in the middle of the shipped in this village. Gangamma image is made street and a Peerla chavidi are the places of worship in of earth with turmeric coating. In Baidipalle, hamlet the village. of this village, Muthyalamma temple with Her stone head in human form and bhajan mandir with the Ganga Jatara takes place for 8 days from the picture of the Lord Rama are the places of worship. third Tuesday of Chaitram (March-April) to the succ A square stone slab is installed in the middle of the eeding Tuesday. On the third Tuesday night the main street in the name of Gangamma. villagers are intimated about the jatara by tom tom. An earthen image of Gangamma is prepared Ganga Jatara is celebrated;for 2 days in (Vaisa on the fourth Tuesday night and brought into the kham (April-May). An earthen image of Gangamma village in procession. The next day i. e., Wednesday with turmeric coating is prepared for the occasion. the deity is immersed in water. Sunday, Monday, Devotees fulfill their vows. Coconuts and camphor Tuesday and Wednesday are the important days. are offered and puja is performed. Animals are sacri When the deity enters the village in procession, devo ficed. Toddy is taken freely. The villagers invite their tees sacrifice he-buffaloes, goats, sheep, rams and relations for the occasion. This is of ancient origin fowls to the deity. This festival is being celebrated for and is confined to the nearby villages. All the villagers the past 75 years. Rayakuta Venkatramaiah who had share the expenditure. Kapus and Besthas are the no sons celebrated jatara and Moharram 75 years back. chief patrons. Nearly 1,000 people of all communities Since that time this is continued. It is confined to this rr~m th~ n~arby yillago:s congregate. A Chakali is the and the neighbouring villages. All the villagers share pujari. the expenses of the festival according to their capacity. A Kapu elected by the villagers as 'Pina Pedda'mper In Baidipalle Ganga Jatarf1 is celebrated in Vaisa vises the festival. Ahout 500 local people of all com kham (April-May) for 2 days. Devotees fulfill their munities from the nearby villages congregate. Dho· vows. Pongali, kumbham (cooked rice) coconuts and bies and Harijans perform pujas. 72 There is free feeding for Harijans during this and Sri Rama Mandir are the places of worshil festival. village. SOURCE: Sri R. Raina Murthy, Karanam, Malla The Ganga Jatara is celebrated in CIl varam. (March-April) for a day. There is no temp Gangamma. An earthen image of Gangamma i 23. Pudipatla - Is 3 1/2 miles from Tirupati Rail pared for the occasion and installed in a selected way Station. Devotees fulfill their vows. Saries are offered deity and animals and fowls are sacrificed after ir Village deity Gangamma is being worshipped in tion of the deity. This is celebrated by colleclin the form of a stone installed on a pial in open space. ations from the villagers. Local people of all munities participate in this. Chakalis are the 1 Village deity Gangamma Jatara is celebrated before with hereditary rights. the last week of Chaitram (March-April) for eight days. Devotees fulfill their vows. Cooked rice, co~ Sivarathrothsal'am is celebrated on Magha 1 conuts, fruits and camphor are offered and he-buffa Chaturdasi for a day (January- February). Pr loes and goats are sacrificed to the deity. The villagers tions are made 10 days in advance. There is a invite their relatives. The villagers patronise the mon inam land of 9 acres for Eswara temp festival. Nearly 500 local Hindus take part in this perumallu temple. The villagers patronise the ff festival. Local people irrespective of caste and creed tak in it. Brahmins are the pujaris. There is free fe SOURCE: Sri A. Srinivasa Pi/lai, Karanam, Pudi Harikathas in the night entertain the devotees. pat/a. Lord Chenna Kesava Swamy Aradhana i: Chiguruvada hamlet of Utharapukandriga- Is one brated in Dhanurmasam i. e., {Margasiram ( mile from Tirupati-Royalcheruvu road. Tirupati is mber-December) for a day and prasadam is I the nearest railway station and town. buted to all. . A stone in the middle of the main street is worshi SOURCE: Sri K. Chenchu Reddi, Panchayat pped in the name of Gangamma. dent, Avilala, Tirupati Post. Ganga Jatara is celebrated in the last week of Chait ram (March-April) for a day or two. An earthen 25. Tirupati - Picturesquely situated, Tirum: image of Gangamma is prepared for the occasion. reputed to be one of the most ancient temples in I Animals are sacrificed to the deity. Dhobies are the Few shrines have such beautiful and inspiring sett chief patrons. Nearly 2,000 people of all communities that of Lord Venkateswara. The famous Seven Hil from the nearby villages congregate. Chakalis are the a big glory combining within them selves inesteel pujaris. beauty and divinity. Sastras, Puranas and St, mahatyams unequivoeally praise the sacred place SOURCE: Sri M. Pattabhi Rama Pillai, Panchayat bold that in the age of Kali one can attain ~ President, Chiguruvada (P. 0). (salvation) only through worshipping this Vel Nayaka or Lord Venkateswara on this hill. 24. Avilala - Is situated on Tirupati-Royalcheruvu road at a distance of 3 miles from Tirupati-Railway Tirumala is a small town located on the Se· station and 10 miles from Chandragiri. hill of the Lord of the Seven Hills. The teml Lord Venkateswara is located here, constructed This village is believed to be the birth place of developed by generations of royal devotees and Goddess Adi Shakthi. Hence it goes by the present moners, around the self-manifested idol of Lord ~ name. Ganga Jatara is not celebrated in Tirupati til! vasa. The nearest railway station to Tirumala is vermilion and turmeric are sent from this birth place pati. Tirumala is also called Eguva (upper) Tin of Adi Shakthi. The town with the railhead at the bottom of the ! hills is called Diguva (Lower) Tirupati. Tirupat The temples of perumallu, Eswara, Muthyalamma, muncipaI town comprising an area of 1 1/2 Sq. Eralamma, Yellamma, Chenna Kesava, Pokkalamma and is situated at the foot of a picturesque range 0: . 'fi(v(ll:;l Fig: 2 The 14 mi1es Ghat Road connecting the towns of TirupatJ and d 96.) (the abode of Lord Venkateswara on the seven hills, pp. 73 an Fig; 2: The 14 miles Ghat Road connecting the towns of Tirupati and Tirumalai (the abode of Lord Venkateswara on the seven hills, pp. 73 and 96.) Fig. 3: Goddess Padmavathi, consort of Lord Venkateswara, at Alivelu Mangapuram (also known as Tiruchanur) village 3 miles from Tirupati. As a custom pilgrims who worship the Lord at Tirumalai also ~ visit His conson's;,tempJe.. p P-73. Fig.4: Panoramic view of first of the s=ven hills of Tirumalai, P- 73. 73 in the Eastern ghats known as 'Seshachala', Venkata the famous temples of Lord Govindaraja and Lord chala etc. The Tirumalais cover an area of I 1/2 Sq. Raghunadha. The famous temple of Padmavati, the miles running continuously with the Seshachala hills consort of Lord Venkateswara is in Tiruchanur village in the Cuddapah District, and the Nallamalai range at a distance of 3 miles from Tirupati. The place is in the Kurnool District on the North and the Nagari also known as Alivelu Mangapuram. As a custom hills, all of which form part of the Eastern ghats. The pilgrims who worship the Lord of Tirumalai also curves and loops of these hills give a serpentine appe worship His consort Padmavathi at Mangapuram. arance when seen from above. The worshippers imagine the hills to be the body of the divine serpent Tirumala is situated 2900 feet above lvI.S.L. (Mean Adisesha on whose body Lord Vishnu reposes. The Sea level). Pilgrims who want to reach Tirumalai by Tirupati hills are said to represent the seven heads of walk can do so by taking the traditional sopana Adisesha. margam to the Hill. The distance to be covered by / foot is seven miles. The ascent of the first hill calJed Tirupati town is easily accesible by road and train Chukkala Parvatam (hill of the stars-while walking up and is about 145 kilometres from Madras by road. the hill, one has look up at the sky the height is so Renigunta junction on the way to Tirupati is on the steep )is very arduous in view of its steep gradient. Madras-Bombay section of the Southern Railway at a Afier ascending the first hill, one finds a galigopuram. distance of 135 kilometres from Madras. Pilgrims This was constructed by one Matlikumarla Anantaraja from North, North-East, North-west and South have of the Matli family of Chiefs belonging to Rayachoti to change at Renigunta and board the connecting Taluk of Cuddapah District. The next most difficult train to Tirupati East, a Railway Station next to Re hill on the way to Tirumalai is Mokallakonda, mean nigunta junction on Renigunta-Villupuram section of ing that each step of the hill will be touching the knee -Southern Railway. (mokalu) as the devotees raise one leg after another in walking. On the top of the hilJ is a small mant a The meter gauge track betwre Renigunta and Tiru pam with a small temple for Sri Ramanuja, one of the pati has a broadgauge track also. So long distance trains three Acharyas (preceptors) viz., Adi Sankara, Rama having 'Tirupati' bogie reach Tirupati without change nuja afld Madhava. There are a number of manta of trains at Renigunta. Tirupati is connected to Vijaya pams (stone structures with pillars and roof) all along wada by an Express train. Similarly there is direct Ex_ the route. A little further to the left and away from press train from Madras also. These are several along the tract is a structure called the ganta mantapam, distnce buses. An air trip is also under construction where according to tradition, there was a ganta or a at Renigunta. bell which was struck as soon as naivedyam On arriving at Tirupati, the pilgrim would have for Lord Venkateswara is offered each noon. And it reached the foot of the Seven Hills of the Lord of was only after hearing this gong from Chandragiri Tirumalai. Tirumalai is 14 miles away from Tirupati. that Sri Ranganatha Yadavaraya (1336-1356), a A beautiful ghat road connects the two towns. Innu_ local chief used to take his daily meal. All along the route are beggers who are given alms by pilgrims as merable buses of the Tirumalai Tirupati Devasthanams they continue their journey run on this route. The Tirumalai-Tirupati Devastha nams has very many furnished cottages for lodging visitors and pilgrims to Tirumalai on payment basis. It is said that the word Tirupati is derived from Free accommodation can also be obtained by pilgrims the Sanskrit word Sripathy and also denotes Tiru and in the Tirumalai-Tirupa,ti Devasthanam's Choultries. Pati husband-i.e. Husband of Sri 1 i.e., Lord Vishnu. 2 In course of time the word Tirupatby became Tirupati. Tirupati lying on 1300 38' North Latitude and The word Tirumalai is cognate of the word Srisaila 790-25' East Longitude is itself a pilgrim centre with which is one of the names for the hill mentioned in 1. Sri the bride of Vishnu, the mother of the world, is eternal, imperishable; as Vishnu is all pervading. So she is omnipresent. Vishnu is meaning, she is speech, Hari is polity, she is prudence; Vishnu is understanding, She is intellect; He is righteousness, she is devotion; she is the earth, H:lri its support. In a word of Gods, animals and men, Hari is all that is callcd Male, Laks hmi is all th:!t is termed female. 2. Vishnu - upon the vast expanse of the waters, on Vasuki's coils, Vishnu reposes during the intervals of creation and is shel tered by t!-le thousand hoods of the snake king Vasuki, which stretch out above him like a canopy upon a lotus which springs fr0111 the umbiic of Vishnu sits Brahma, absorbed in meditation as to how the next creation should begin; Lakshmi sits at the feet of Vishnu. 74 Puranas. The name Tirumalai gained currency only brought from Vaikuntam to earth. The puranas also recently. tell us that the Lord took' his present form at the end of Dwaparayuga in his infinite grace and love History of the hill towards the weak and sinning people of Kaliyuga on According to the legends, this temple 'is a sacred the request of Brahma and others. The c::lestials place in all the four yugas and was known as Vrisha including Brahma are said to worship the Lord at bhachala in the Krithayuga, Anjanachala in Tretayuga, Tirumalai as Nityasuris, invisible to mortal eyes. The Seshachala in Dwaparayuga and Venkatachala in Bhavishya PUralla also mentions how the Lord's Kaliyuga. There is a legend that the seven hills re Svayamvyakta idol was discovered by king Tonda present the seven heads of Adisesha while Ahobilam, iman in an ant hill, under a tamarind tree on the banks where Lord Narasimha Murthi is worshipped, represent of the Swami pushkarini. This puralla also gives the the centre of Adisesha and Srisailam represent the tail legend connected with the construction of the first end of Adisesha.1 temple of the Lord in Kaliyuga. Once king Tondaim an who came to worship the Lord of Tirumalai was The Vengalam Hill, according to the Puranas, is commanded by him as follows:-"l have become a the sporting hill of Lord Vishnu and was brought to Grishasta i. e, a householder. It is not proper that I earth from Vaikunta by Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu. should be houseless. Construct a temple for me. The The Puranic concept ofVenkatachalam or Seshachalam credit for this shall be thine". Thondaiman then took is that it is a peak-called Ananda-one of the peaks of an oath immediately that he should obey the Lord's Meruparvata-and that it is coiled by Adisesha. The command. Lord Srinivasa and His consort Padmavati connected legend is given in Brahma Purana and the then selected the site for the temple on the southern Bhavishyothara Purana. According to Bhavishyoth bank of the Swami Pushkarini on Seshachalam. The ara Purana, once upon a time Lord Srimannarayana Lord wished that his temple should have two gopura was in Vaikuntam. Sesha as Dwarapalaka prevented ms, a Dwajasthambham three prakaram, seven Vayu the God of winds, from entering Vaikuntam. doors, the Astana mantapam, Yaga mantapams, a Vayu and Sesha argued the matter until the Lord Gosala or a shed for cattle, houses for storing grain, intervened in the matter. Sesha thus boasted that he flowers, oil, ghee and houses for dining, decoration was strong and that Vayu was not equal to him in and ornaments. The temple was to be a structure of strength. The Lord then said to him 'let there be a stone and was to be ornamented with copper and gold. contest and I shall judge; coil thyself in the peak of The king then constructed a temple for the Lord as Ananda which is an off shoot of Meru; coiling to the directed. It was gem studded, had chaturmurties peak with all thy strength. Vayu shall then try to dis (four images) on it and was a splendid looking Vima lodge you from the hill'2 "Vayu began to move fiercely nam. And the Lord then gladly accepted the Ananda with the result that the inhabitants of the three worlds Ntiaya Vimanam as His residence". felt considerably distressed. So they approached Adi sesha and represented to him that the immediate re Another interesting puranic concept is that the action of their power was disastrous to all others. To Tirupatl hills along with the hills of Ahobilam and the mitigate this, they requested Adisesha as the more range of hills at Sri sail am form the body of Adisesha. amiable of the two, to just lift one of his thousand It is a geographically accepted fact that all these hills hoods for a second. He did this and 10 ! a portion of give the appearance of a cobra with its hood raised, mount Meru was blown away. And that bit alighted basking in the open Sun. The seven hills of Tirupati on earth is emr Tirumalai Hill. So it came to be known are supposed to represent the seven hoods of Sesha as 'Seshachalam' since then 3. and the Lord as Kalimardhana Krishna presumed to dance on the Adisesha representing the divine rhythm The Varaha PUrana mentions that Vishnu in the in the limitless cosmos. Varaha avatara (Boar form) and Srinivasa manifested themselves on the banks of the holy Pushkarini in In the Kaliyuga, our own age, there lived in Divya Vimanams on Venkatachalam, the Kridadri Kalahasti a very pious and learned Brahmin by name 1. Temples and legends of Andhra Pradesh by N. Ramesan PP. 57-58. 2. Sri Vinkateswara by P. Sita Pati, P. 83. 3. History of Tirupati Part 1 by Sri T. K. T. Viraraghavacharya, PP. 31- 32. 75 Purandara Somayaji, who after doing penance was 7,77,60,000 Manava years. This is said to be men blessed with a son, named Madhava, who although as tioned in the Varaha, Vamana, Bhavishyottara, learned as the father, was lustful. He took a fancy for Brahma, Brahmanda and padma puranas. 1. a Chandala woman who was addicted to all conceiva ble vices and was a whore to boot. Madhava The Hill has 20 names, several of them are very gava up all rules of caste and lived with her happily significant. They are (1) SeshachaJa, (2) Garudachala, for twelve years on the banks of Krishna. When she (3) Venkatadri, (4) Narayanadri, (5) Vrushabhadri, (6) ,died, he became crazy, roamed about and followed a Vrishadri, (7) Anjanadri, (8) Theerthadri, (9) Srinivasa party of kings who were on their pilgrimage to Tiru dri, (10) Chintamanigiri, (l1)Varahadri, (12) Jnanadri, malai. When he went up the hill and stood along (l3)Kanakacharadri ,(l4) Anandadri, (15) Nceladri, (16) with others in front of the temple (or God, we are Sumerusikharadri, (17) pushkaradri, (18) Kreedadri, not sure), a horrible stench arose from his body and (19) Sreesailam and (20) Simhachalam. In the all the Devas came there to find out why. All of a daily Suprabhatam or the waking up ceremony of sudden there shot up a fire enveloping his body and his the Lord Venkateswara sung before dawn at about sins were all burnt away. So the hill came to be 2-00 a.m. the six names viz., Sesha Saila, Garuda known as Venkatachalam (the Hill which burns away chala, Venkatadri, Narayanadri, Vrishabhadri and all sins). But great Sanskrit scholars have not even Vrishadri are found as seen in the following slokam. ~~./~ ..:--' to this day been able to derive this meaning etymolo "l~hJ.\i~, i'io;,T,",~, O)oSwlEl gically for the word Venkata. It was prophesied or Sri Seshasaila Garudachala, Venkatadri blessed that this Madhava would be reborn as the illegitimate son of a Chola king and would rule over N'O"'~wl~' ;:.,~;,5.l';j"le, ~~:r-le, ~Wg5:> Tondai Mandalam. Vamana Purana seems responsi Narayanadri, Vrushabhadri, Vrushadri mukyam ble for this story. t:JwSo e:5S£dJ:i ;;S;;S'$6~to ~~oe Akhyam thwadeeya Vasatheranisam Vadanthe To make all these legends improbabilities, there is l~~o3w~e;~'$ e~ ;;)J1...;;s~a~" ,another legend which says that Sri Venkateswara made Sri Venkatachalapathe thava Suprabhatham this hill his habitation on a day 28 M ahayugas before the present one of which Kali 1S the last yuga. One Tcmplc- On the hill the main temple is that of Mahayugam (according to puranas) is equivalent to Lord Venkateswara. It is an architectural master 43,20,000 Manava years and 28 such Mahayugas have piece. The sketch overbaf shows the slructure of passed since Sri Vishnu came over to Tirumalai i.e., Lord Venkateswara temple on Tirumala. 1. History of Tirupati Vol. 1 by Sri T. K. T. Viraraghavacharya, PP. 32- 33. GROUND PLAN OF SRI VE1>]~ATESWA&rt TEMpLE WEST _____, .....______.l ~I _17_____.1 ~ 17 37 20 ! 'l7 r;;t i I ~n D 0 Q [) Q '7 D I] I9Ig -!, I D IJ L.:::...l (J D 0 U D bOl " II IL] EAST 77 Outline of the structure- nam and the illain shrine is the VmanaPradakshinom. Parts of tbe Sri Venkateswara Temple A third and incomplete path around the sa r.ctum 1. First entrance gopura or outer gopllra is the Mukkoti Pradakshil;am. 2. Krishnaraya 171antapa 3: Statu;:s of Achyutharaya and his queen and The Outer Gopuram - The outer gopuralll or Venkatarathy the main gateway to the temple kno\\l1 as ]1,1:IAha 4. St:J.tues of Krishnadevaraya and his two queens Dwaram is about II feet wice. It stands on a 5. Rangar,adha mantapa quadrangular bafe, 38 ftet Scuth to North and 32 6. Black granite pavilion of Ranganadha mantapa feet East to west. There are two cut stone door-fra 7. Shrine of Ranganadha mes symmetrically placed from either end. The door 8. Tirumalaraya mantapa jambs, the sills and shafts of these are of wide and 9. Black granite pavilion in the back part of the thick cut stone and carved in the traditional style. Tirumalaraya maptapa The doors are closed during nights after temple service 10. Statues of Todarmal, his wife and mother bolted and locked from inside. There is also a trap 11. Dhwajasthambha mantapa door on the left side which is kept open on occasions 12. Dhwajasthambha when the main doors have to be kept closed. Only the ] 3. Balipita previleged few are allowed to get into the temple by 14. Outer mantapa of the Aina mahal this trap door. The compound walls emanating from 15. Aina mahal the outer gopuram measure 414 feet East to We,t and ]6. Poola bal'i 263 feet South to North. Direct inscriptional evidence 17. Raised pillared verandah alround the prakara is not available to fix the date of construction of this wall gopuram. An early inscription on the right side front 18. Second entrance gopura or inner gopura face of the door jamb wall of the gopuram reads as 19. Varadaraja shrine follows ., Hail Prosperity. In the 12th year of the 20. Kitchen and Vakuladevi shrine reign of Tribhuvana Chal 1 Sri Venkateswara ey P. Sitapati P--42. 78 and his two queens Tirumala Devi on the left and in the Pula Bhavi or well of flowers dug by one Chinna Devi on the right. They are made of bronze. Rangadasa for watering the flowers in the Nandanav On the south there are three more statues, copper one anam or garden attached to the temple. Sri R<1m an uja being that of king Venkatapati Raya and the stone after listening to thi s legend set up images of ones of Achyuta Raya and his queen Varadaraja Srinivasa and Bhudevi on the step well, and ordained Amma. There is also a copper statue of Todarmul, that the used flowers, flower garlands, Tulasi etc., of minister of AHar with that of his wife in this cnclo the temple should be dropped in the \\cll in honour of sure. Akbar used to ~end annually through Tcdarmul Bhudevi. But according to a local version the legend jewels, clothes etc. , for the Brahmothsavam. As the is different. It is as follows:· Once Lakshmi displeased journey frem Delhi to Tirupati used to take more than with the Lord, jumped into the well. When the Lord, 3 months,' whenever the arrival of Tcdarmul was requested Her to come out, she told Him tbat she caJa),d, his st21ue used to te the representative of would remain in the well and urged Him to favour Akbar for commencing the celebrations of Brahmoths Her with the flowers used to worship Him. ben now avam. when the flowers are thrown in the well they 5ink immediately without floating on the surface as though Dhwajastambha Mantapam -_. The next important Lakshmi is accepting them eagerly. These flowers are mantapam in the Sampangi Mantapam is Dwajastam not used by any except on Panchami tlzeertha Malwts bha Mantapam. The mantapam gets its name from avam Day at Thiruchanur. On that day the flowers the Dhwajastambham or the Lord's flagpole installed are sent to padmavathi Devi instead of throwing into in the mantapam. The Lord's Balipitam is also to the well. They are used for Padmavathi Devi and be seen in this mantapam. There are the figures of afterwards distributed among the devotees. This is Trimurthi with four arms, Srinivasa, Anjaneya and the only occasion on which the flowers used for Yoga Narasimhaswamy on the pjllars of this mantapam performing puja to Lord Venkateswara are distributed There is another figure of Krishna perched on a tree among the devotees. It is believed that river Viraja is with the clothes of three Gopikas in his hands. The flowing at the feet of Lord Venkateswara and that this Gopikas are portrayed in the nude as praying for their well is a part of that river. <:lathes. Another figure shows Anjaneya carrying the Sanjeevi mountain. The Dhwajastambham is a long timber-pole circularly shaped and encased in gilded The Inner Gopuram- The base of the inner copper sheets. It stands on a cut stone structure cover gopuram measures 24' x 36' x 9'. There is a compou nd ed with gilded copper sheets. The balipitam in front waH starting from this gopuram and the measurements of DliwajastambTwm is made of cut stone and is square of this inner prakaram are 160' x 235'. The walls of in shape. This is also gilded. the prakaram bear several inscriptions. But none of them gives a clue to find out when the prakaram was The Pula Bhavi or well into which flowers are constructed. Entering the inner gopuram, we step into. immersed-poovu in Telugu means a flower and pula the circumambulatory path called the Vimana Pradak· phavi means the well of flowers. It is a step well used slzinam. for disposing of the used flowers and flower garlands of the temple. The tradition as laid down by Rama Vimana Pradakshinam-The second Pradakshnin nuja is that flowers on the hill should be used only for am is called the Vimana Pradakshinam. This is a God and not for man. It is also the rule according to quadrangular space enclosed between the walls of the all Agams that flowers removed after use by the deity second prakaram of the inner gopuram and the wall s should be deposited in a well. A legend in Varahapu of the first prakaram which surround the sanctum san rana lends support to this view. It runs thus;-Chakra_ dorum. The op,m space of this pt·adakshinam be "arthi Thondaman was the local ruler in Kaliyuga. tween the gateway of the inner gopuram and the large He was in the habit of visiting the L ora of Tirumalai mantapam to the west of it, the Mukha Mantapam by using a subterranean passage called the Narasimha is hardly 18'. It is this open space which is called the bilam. On one occasion the king pursued by his Vimana Pradakshinam. The kitchen, the yagasala, enemies rushed to the temple at mid-night for safety the kalyana mandapam, the vahanam rooms and the The Lord of Tiruimalai was sporting at this time wi th parimal am room are in this pradakshinam. The His consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. Seeing the king shrines of Vakulamalika, Yoganarasimha Varadaraja, entering the holy premises, Sridevi hid Herself in the Ramanuja, Senapati and Garuda are also in this Vakshasthala ofSrinivasa while Bhudevi sought refuge pra dakshin am. Fig. 5 : The Vimanam (tower over sanctum sanctorum) over Anandanilayam, the abode of the Lord of the seven hills, Venkateswara, P-79. I 79 There is one well in this pradaskhinam called the Vijaya on both sides of this door. They are dwara Bangaru Bh av i (Golden well), from which all the palakas or sentinels of the temple. They are made of water required for the temple and the kitchen in part copper and are beautiful. They have four arms, the icular is drawn. This well is considered to be holy. upper hands hold the chakra and sanklza while one of the lower hands bears the gada or mace. The otber The legend connected with the Ba~garu Bhavi hand is in the suchi hasta pose, the pose in which we is given in the fifth Stab aka of the Sri Venkatachala are warned to be clean in mind and body while enter Ithihasa Mala already referred to. Water for abhi ing the sanctum sanctorum. On the Bangaru vakili, shekam of the Lord in olden days was being obtained the images of the Devadasa Murtis (twelve deities) of from the Papanasana Thirtham in the Tirumalai hills. Vishnu viz., Kesava, Narayana, Madhava, Govinda, Once Sri Alavandar present at Tirumalai noticed that Madhusudhana, Trivikrama, Vamana, Sridhara, Hri Tirumali Nanbi who was at this time performing the shkesa, Padmanabha, Damodara and Sankarshana are ·duty of carrying water for the temple was not in a portrayed. The pavilion in front of this is the Rangat position to do So due to sickness. Sri Alavandar the mantapam. The Hundi is situated here. ref?re prayed to the Lord that He should accept the water from the well in the temple constructed by one The Sayana Mantapam- This is a room of 18' 6/1 Rangadasa. Sri Ramanuja who heard the above square. It is devoid of any noteworthy sculptures or legend during his visit to Tirumalai also ordained that structures. Lord Venkateswara is put to sleep III the waters of Papanasa Tirtham, Akasa Ganga Thir this mantapm during the Ekanta seva at night. tham and the well called Sundaraswamy well (or Bangaru Bhavi) are holy and can be used for all pur Garbha Griha or Sanctum Sanctorum- This is poses in the temple. The water from the Bangaru situated behind the Sayana Mandiram. The sanctum Bhavi has been used in the templ~ eversince."l sanctorum consisting of Garbha Griham and the Mukhamantapam attached thereto, is a double struct Kalyana Mantapam - This is a large mantapam ure. Two distinct and separate sets of walls do exist, in the southern portion of the Vimana Pradakshinam one set enclosing or gripping the other with perhaps an and measures about 80' x 36'. It consists of 29 pillars, airspace (or antar mandai am) in between. The space bet {)ne of which forms part of the corridor wall found to ween the Garbhagriham and Sayan a mantapam is called the east of it. The mantapam has also a small shrine. the Kulasekharappadi in honour of Kulasekhar Alwar. As the name itself suggests the mantapam is being Devotees are not allowed to step in this or enter the used to perform the kalyanam or marriage ceremony garbha griham of the Lord of Tirumalai. The sanctum ·of Lord Venkateswara. It shows unmistakable traits sanctorum is a square shaped structure (12' square). of excellence of the Vijayanagara school of architec ture. Behind the shrine is a ra ised portion called the The Vimanam over Anandanilayam is a three Yagasala where Homams are performed in conection storied structure. It has a square base of 27 feet 4 in with Brahmothsavam and other festivals. Whenever a ches and a height of 37' 8" including the kalasa over -devotee pays the prescribed fee and requires Ka/yana the present garbha griha terrace. The Vimanam may to be performed, the idol of Malayappa Swamy, the be divided into three parts. In the first part there is no procession image of Lord Vcnkateswara is brought here figure. In the secfmd and the third parts there are to take part in this festival. I nearly 40 and 20 figures respectively. At the top of the second where third stage commences ample space is The third Pradakslzinam is called the Vaikunta left. At the four corners, two lions with a lotus in Pradakshinam which goes round the sanctuary On the between them are beautifully portrayed. Besides, in .sides and the back i. e., South, West and North. It is the middle of the eastern and wes tern sides there are .always kept closed and it is opened only on one day rectangular openings unlike in some Vimanan.s, even in the year, i. e., on Vilikunta Ekadasi, eleventh day elsewhere. Probably these serve the purpose of the in the bright fortnight of the month of Dhanus (Dece exit after the work in the inside is completed. mber-January) and closed on the next day. The doors of the gate leading into the sanctum sanctorum are Before the recent renovation of this Vimana, covered with gold plates and therefore they are called these vents were blocked up by a thin wall. Now the Bangaru Vakillu. There are two images of Jaya and Devasthanam authorities have blocked them with 1. Sri Venkateswara by Sri P. Sitapati, P: 63. 80 gold gilted plates, having the images of Srinivasa and golden chakra, while the left palm holds a sankha. Narasimha in the Eastern and Western sides respec The image, in its original form, is decked with the tively. At the two top corners of each of the blocking usual ornaments of a far-off epoch which are delicate plates, small holes arranged in a circular shape are and fewer than what one sees in images of later per made to allow some little ventilation.! iods. The head-dress the Kireetamaku!a is of rare workmanship being of much smaller height. The two Main idol of Lord Venkateswara- The person ear lobes bear the Makara Killldala11ls. There is a ification of Lord Venkateswara in 'Archa' form is small but elegantly carved out image of Vakshasthala considered "Sw8yanbhu" or ::.elf exist ant, which means Lakshmi or Tirumarpunachier on the chest. Sri that the image \vas not made by anyone but formed Venkatesa has the usual jagnopavita, bracelets and itself out of devine manifestation. Though it is not armlets. The waist portion is well worked out with a within the compass of this book to discuss at length, series of waist belts and the Peethambaram or drapery the puraniL' authenticity about the origin of the image is sparingly done. The majestic bearing of the Lord, of Sri Venkatesa, it must be at once conceded that the with a slightly uplifted face and a delicate backward idol of this deity, as one sees it now at Tirumalai, is bend of the chest, gives the onlooker a thrilling sensa undoubtedly the best of the innumerable images that tion.2 are now in this country. The workmanship excels normal human skill and capacity and one noteworthy Sri Venkatesa is decorated with a variety of jewels. feature is that the image is so well and delicately that makes His glorious form look grandeur still. The carved out tha t it surpasses even the very many charm number of ornaments are too numerous, but some of ing coppdr coins in beauty of execution and marvellous them are peculiar to this particular deity and the most wealth of minute details. Lord Venkatesa is repre prominent of them are narrated here. He wears a pair sented in 'Sthanaka' or standing form in Uttamadasa ofNagabharams2 or serpent bracelets on the two lower tala measuring about 10 feet in height. It is carved arms. Among the neck ornaments he wears a simple out in a very t fine grained metal like black gneissic but unique jewel, which is a pair of tiger claws moun_ stone and some' call it a salagramasila. The Padma ted in a gold case and a gold kanti. Be8ides peeta on which He stands is considerably of much Mahalakshmi on His right chest, he wears another gold lower height than those one comes across in ordinary jewel representing Padmavathi, which adorns His images. The two feet are delicately poised and the left chest. Lower down, He has a finely carved image stands perfectly elect and majesti:::. He bas four Dasavatara waist-belt from which hangs the ancient hands, the lower right hand being held downwards and hoary sword known as Suryakatari. Still lower,. and slightly forwards in Varada pose which is locally the knee portion is enveloped by a vanki like gold called Vaikunta Hastha. The pose seems to signify ornament and just below that He wears a pair of gold that He is willing to give His devotee any form of gift than dais or anklets. Hanging from the two outer that he may seek from Him in good faith and earnest hands are suspended several rows of gold ornaments, ness. The other lower lefl hand is extended straight the more unique being, the Lakshmi haram, which to the left thigh and the palm is turned inwards and has one hundred and eight Lakshmi images, the thu firmly placed against the thigh in kativalambita pose lasiharam the five rows of pendants and the Sali exhibiting a determined aspect that by a steady adhe gramaharam, containing a Saligraman each in a rence to the Divine feet alone, any object can- be spherical gold case over which are engraved the slokas· achieved be it Bhoga, Vira or Yoga. To those who of SrI Venkatesa Sahasranamam. The kireetam por are firmly attached to Him, the right hand offers tion is graced by a huge gold kireetam known as. rescue and help. The two upper hands are raised to Akasaraja kireetam and the image is dressed in costly the level of the shoulders; the right one carries a gold-laced clothes. 1 Art and History at TIRUMALAI TEMPLE by V. N, Narasimham, An extract from Sunday Standard dated 29-9-1963. 2 Nagabharams - It was stated that a Gajapathi king by name Veeranarasimha was at Tirupati in the course of pilgri rna e' and arranged for the const~uction of a tower. ~t this stage Lord Ad!sesha ~ppeared before him in a dr~am an d told hi~ that, since the whole hill was hIS own bod{', the weIght. of the tower. was mcreasmg the I,?ad on HIm. The kmg there~pon stopped the tower and in token of the Lord Adlsesha appearmg before hIm. got a representatIOn of Adlsesha made as a Jewel nd placed it on one of the arms of the God. There \\as another tradition that not one but a pair of Naga jewels was presented to lord Venkateswara on the occasion of His marriage with Padmavathi by His father-in-law Akasaraju. Fig. 6: Main idol of Lord Venkateswara in the sanctum S..lnct.JrUi11 \V iti1 all the decorations, pp. 80 -81 81 Besides this Dhruva bera of Sri Venkatesa, there apartments. There is a fine image in each one of them. are other copper images, which are four in number, Starting at the topmost row, from left to right there and which aIons with the Dhruva bera make the are Clzakra, Sri Venkatesa, Vishnu as Parampada_ pancha beras of the temple. To the right of the cen nadha and Slzanklza. This represents the Param form tral imag~, there are uttsava beras. known as Sri of Supreme God, who is iconographically represented Ma'ayappa Sv,:amy with Sriclevi and Bbudevi. He is both in His manifc:stations as the LorJ of Vaikunta the procts~ional image th:lt comes out for all functions. and the Lurcl of Tiruvengada, \\ho are both one and Just below the Dhruva bera is the Bhoga Sriniv3sa the the same. The second row four seated im:Jges repre Kantln;ka image to whom the deily worship is first senting Vasudeva, Sankarshan:l, Pradyurr:na and accorded, He is a true diminutive replica llf the main Aniruddha, which represent in visible form of Vyuham image and being made of silver, symbolising purity, aspect of the parabrahmam. Under each of these four is a charmingly worked out image who receives the deities are their derivative images represented by the priority in all rituals. To the left of the main imasc dwadasa murthies beginning in Kesava and ending in the other two of the five beras are st(ttioncJ. On_; is Damodara. Each of these are standing images carry the Swap:)a bera known as Koluva Srinivasa Murt:1Y, ing the particular A.vudlw ascribed to them and are who pr;:sides over the claily darbar in the J)w'7dc;palIl. iconograpically perf(Cct r~presentalions of the twelve At th:: D:1ruva bera, is a sm,lil silnr idol or the 1\an forms, Thus it ,will be s;~n that this famous door tbuka, which is llsed for the da;ly abllishekam. There way is the quintessence of the Vaishnavite view of God is adjac,:;;1t to this idol, th:: SWlpna Srinivasa Murthy Narayana and it mLlst b_; noted tbat tL:: daily chanting a:11 thi, IWtrt,'l)' is tak:::1 out o:11y OJ'';~ ill a y~ar on of Suprabhata, the awakening of the Lord from His tile KC:':!z:7I:a Dwadasi day at 4~OO n, m. and taken cosonic slumber, is done near tllis Loar-way v,hich back :,) the temple before Sun-rise. The idea is that then remains close. the parabramha repre~ented by the Dhruva bera in co~sta'1t conjcli;ction with the Puru,ha vi:., the kan The following Vamana p1trall([ has a sloka which tuka bera and th~ p;'udh::ll1u, 1,amo:ly the Snopha speaks about the antity of the shrine of Lord Yenka murlJ.y. j, the cause of the creation and sLlstenance of tesa. th.! world. There is also an uthsava bera, of the imoge of th: Lord that is tnken out for all the festivals ~~-j ~::: lS~.; ~ (5iP~o ~ ot).::?dSJts and processions. Just adjacent to this there is the Krithe Varadarajasthu Thretl1 ayam Rangaea:'a};aha BaJibera-the Ugra Srinivasa he is embodiment of anger and tamasaguna. representing the' destructive 0' ~ ~ c..:l 2ii')i\l"do .: s aspect of the paramatma. Dwaparecha Jagannadhaha Kale Venkata- nayakaha. Besides these five forms of Venkatesa representing the five operational manifestations of the Supreme Lord, the central shrine houses the images of Sri Rama, Sita This quotation specially indicates that Sri Ven and Lakshmana, as well as Sri Krishna in navanita katesa is the only deity in this Black-age KaJiyuga, nritya fl)rm with Rukmini by His side. Coming out who will satisfy every and all wishes of His devotees, from the main shrine one sees the images of Sugriva, who faithfully seek His Benevolence"}. Hanuman a:Jd Angada in a platform known as 'Ranar Medai'. Just oppo,ite to them 8fe the copper images Legends relating to the Dcity-The original deity of Vishwaksena, Ananta and Garuda. was of Varahaswamy, the Boar incarnation of Maha~ vishnu (Swetra Varaha) who had saved Mother Earth The main shrine forming the inner most enclosure frem Hirar.)aksha Lord Srini\aEa caIre thue and it is covered at its opening by the famous 'Bangaru was settled that He should remain there on condition Vakili' or the golden gate flanked on either side by that the Lord Varahaswamy should be worshipped giga:1tic copper images of the Dwarapalaklllu-Jaya and first and any offering of respect sl:ould be given to Vijaya. It would be worth while to make a closer Him first. According to custom this procedure is study of this famous door-way in whieh there arc very respected even today. Some believe that the idol of interesting and important icons of Vishnu. There are the temple is that of Lord Siva. There is reason to two doors each of which is partitioned into twelve believe that it was worshipped as ~uch till the :::rrival 1. A Handboo!;. of South Indian Images by T.N. Srinivasan M.A., By Tirumalai-Tirupati Devasthanam. 82 of Ramanujacharya, the Vaishnavite saint who said him. So he cursed Brahma to be unfit to receive wor that it was all wrong and placed a Shanku and ship in Bhooloka (earth). Hence Brahma is not wor Chakram of gold beore the image and had the temple shipped in the world. He went to Kailasa and seeing doors closed. The next morning these ensigns were the divine couple Lord Siva and Parvathi dancing; found grasped in the idols hands and this was regarded feeling neglected and insulted he cursed the Lord to proof positive that He was Vishnu. The Shanku and have nothing but Vibhuthi (sacred ash) and Bilva Chckrcm do not form part of the stone image at all. It leaves as naivedyam. In great fury he proceeded to is said that Sri Ramanuja, who is considered to be the Vaikunta and on viwing Lord Vishnu ar.d His con ArGtara AdisesJ::a tack the form of a cobra and went in sort Lakshmi in elwntham (privacy) he lost his temrer through the q:enir.g intended for theAbhi~hekaThirtha, :md kicked the Lord on his chest, the abode of Laks and prayed to the Lord, where upon the Lord Himself hmi with his leg. But the Lord, rising frem His ser took up the emblems of Lord Vishnu. The path way pent bed received the saint courte01j6ly begged his through which a great saint like Ramanuja passed, pardon and began to massage the saint's feet. Saint was then closed and to this day the Abhisheka Thirta Bhrigu was very proud of having an additional eye in is being taken out only in vessels. The arrangements his foot. The Lord massaging his feet slowly pierced of the hair as 'ajata' (Or tangled mass) and the cobras the eye. Immediately saint Bhrigu regained his con carved on the body of the idol as well as other peculi sciousness and prayed the Lord for mercy and was arities show that it was intended to be worshipped as excused. But Goddess Lakshmi considering the inci Siva. Other customs like pooja with Bilva leaves which dent as an in-excusable crime and left Vaikunta to do was never allowed by Vaishnavism, also lend support pen ace on earth. to it. Still others regard Lord Venkateswara as Shathi or Balatripura Suddari. The:northerens call the deity Lord Vishnu unable to bear the separation of Balaji. Brahmothsavam for the Lord takes place Lakshmi, came down to Bhuloka, wandered several during Navarathri days specially intended for Dev! places invain in search of Lakshmi and at last settled worship. Tradition has it that the idol and the hill in Lord Varahaswamy's Ashram under the motherly represent Sri Chakra. There are others who say that care of Vakulamatha, who named Him Srinivasa. In it is Lord Subrahmanya without consort. The early fact Vakulamatha was waiting for Lord Srinivasa to Alwars did not visit Lord Venkateswara but described come to her to fulfil her desire according to His pro Him as being Hari Hara Rupa. It was only in the 10th mise in Krishnavatara (incarnation of Lord Krishna) century that its being Vishnu was thought of by Nam Vakulamatha was Yasodha in her previous life and malwar. The nude vigraha has the following featu brought up Lord Krishna as a mother. One day Lord res. Its feet are underground (a Saivite sign). Its feet Srinivasa pursued a mad elephant while hunting and are washed by a Spring (Viraja) a Vaishnavite sign. accidentally saw Padmathi Devi, the daughter of There is Nagabharanam (a Saivaite sign) as well as a Akasaraju and the incarnation of Sri Mahalakshmi. Srivatsam (A Vishnu sign) on the chest; finally the head has a jata (a Siva sign) and a crown (a Vishnu sign). Srinivasa and padmavathi fe!l in love with each It is, therefore inferred to be the shape of both Hari other at first sight. Srinivasa returned to the Ashram and Hara. Whatever might be the controversy about and sent Vakulamatha to Akasaraju to settle his mar the deity, the large generality consider it to be Vishnu, riage with Padmavathi. In the meantime Srinivasa who had revealed Himself there after His being deserted went to Akasaraju in the disguise of a Yerukalasani by His wife, the Goddess Mahalakshmi for His not (female fortune teller) and asked him to accept Srini having chastised the sage Bhrigu who struck at vasa as his son-in-law. When Vakula went to the His breat which was Her abode. The story in this con king, the royal couple accepted the alliance and the nection runs as follows-When the world became im marriage of Sriniva~a and Padmavathi took place. pious and disturbed by the Maya of the Kali purusha, the Saptha Maharshies Athri, Kasyapa, Bhara Narada carried this news to Lakshmi who was dwaja, Viswamitra, Gowthama. Vasista and lamada performing penance in Kolhapur. She was furious and gni and others performed yajna to promote peace. But attacked the Lord and His consort in a garden. Vexed just before offering the 'Havis' to Devendra, the King with the dispute of his wives, Srinivasa turned into a of Gods, they sent Bhrigu, a saint, to find out the most stone image. Both the consorts repented for their patient among the Trimurthies. Bhrugu went to thoughtless behaviour. Mahalakshmi settled in Kara Brahmaloka, but Lord Brahma, the creator and Sara veerapuram (the presennt Kalhapur) turning Herself swathi, the presiding deity of wisdom did not notice into a stone image and Padmavathi in Mangapur am 83 till the end of Kaliyuga. Vakulamatha became a was brought and installed in the temple in 1,300 A. D. .garland and dressed herself in the Lord's neck for He is Sree Venkateswara's am sa for processional pur ever. poses.During the Brahmothsavam Sri Malayappas wamy will be giving darsan 10 the millions of His The unprotected image of Srinivasa was covered devotees adorning the several vahanams".1 by an ant-hill in due course. A tamarind tree and a Champaka tree twisted themselves on the ant-hill. "Sri Ramanuja's shrine is the only shrine at upper After some time Akasaraja and Dharunimaya passed Tirupati dedicated to an Acharya. The great Acharya away and a conflict arose between Vasudhan, the son rendered yeoman service to this temple. He ordained ~f Akasaraja and Thondaman, the king's brother. As the temple worship and routine in this temple, which the two were equal in strength, the kingdom was is conserved to this day. He installed Sri Govindaraja ·divided between the two. In gratitude towards the and Sri Andal and built the modern (lower) Tirupati Lord, who had given him the Sanku and Chakra. around the shrine. The icon of Sri Ramanuja is in 'Thondaman constructed the temple for Him and arra upadesa mudra as different from the Anjali pose obta nged for daily worship. It is stated in the puranas ining in any other place or tern pJe".2 that there was a tunnel from Narayanavanam, the 1. The Pantheon at Tirupati published by T.T. Devasthanam. 2. The Pantheon at Tirupati published by T.T. Devasthanam. 84 the least deviating from the strict sanctity observed in Kataha Theertham (Thotti theertham)-This is the temple. located in the Venkateswara temple to the north OT Vim ana pradakshinam and it flows from the Lord's The temple of Sri Varaha Swami is on the west feet. Since ancient times, Sri Swami pushkarini snallanl bank and at the north-west eorner of the Swamy push (bath) Srinivasa darsanam and Katha Theerthapanam karini in Tirumalai. There is a tradition that Sri are claimed to be Trilokya durlabhmn (not available) Varaha Swamy. also known as Gnanappiran, was the any whereelse in the world). oldest d~ity in Tirumalai. Although ther~ are no in scrip, ions to confirm the existence of this temple before Pandava Thcertham is one mile to the north-east the year. 1380 A. D., it is generally believed that Sri of Venkateswara Swamy shrine. In Dwapara yuga, Varaha Swamy was the original deity presiding over the Pandavas are believed to have resided here with the Tirumalai hill. According to Hindu mythology vTatham for one year according to the command of the present age is in the 8th sub -division of what is Lord Krishil;l before the great war of KuruLshethra. called Vaivaswathamanval;taram of Swcta Varaha They were blessed in that period with a dream r~veal Kalpam and in Kaliyuga. Muthology also tells us that ing their success and the defeat of the Kauravas. all the Vedas al1 d Vedangas revealed by God Himself go into hiding or oblivion on the occurencc of Maha Papanasanam is three miies to the north of Swami pralcya when all the manifested creation is dissolved Pushkarini. As is believed to be the purifier of sins, it and obsclrbed into Him. Thtre will be nothing but an goes by that name (papa-sin, nasani-destroyer). oc,:an of tamas or darkness. It is in this octan that AkasagaIlg:l is situated betw.:en the Swami Push· the V-:dJ5 lie hidJ~!1. After anoth':r cL'ation takes place GL)d in His avatar as Sri Varaha restores to us karilli and the Papanasana Theertha at a distance of" t;'le cL..;rnal but hidden Vedas, This is probably the two miies to the North of the Swami pushkarilli. The water falls from the hill. Three vesse Is full of water l\:aSD:1 why Sri Varahaswamy is regard~d as the old~st Goel on the Tirumalai. Mythologically Tir'.Jvcnga is carried for Sri Venkateswara Swamy Thiruvarad· damLiJaiyar's manifestation on the hill '''''as cnly at the helGa daily from here. This is believed to be the spot bcgtnning of the Kaliyuga of Vaivasvatamanvrtara of vvhere A,~jan::!devi pe~'[orlT,::d penance in an ashram the Swc:a VarahakaJpa. His Archavatara then usurped for 12 years vviillOUt food and begot Hanuman as her son. the s~at which Adi-Varaha was occllpyir:,t':. Tirumalai is also called Varaha Kshettam. Those Jabali Theertham is two miles to the north of the living around Tirupati while doing Sankalapam for all Swamy Pnshkarini. As Jabali Maharshi stayed here ceremonies recite 'Varaha Kshetre Aranda Vimanach with his cisciplics, it got the present name. For several tayyam" to define the position of the place in space. yugas saint Agasthya resided here and worshipped the But the place is not called Varaha Kshetram in any of Lord. the inscriptions nor by any of the Alvars. Vaikunta Theertham-There is a cave at a dist ance of two miles to the north-east of Swami Pushaka The metaphysical relationship between Gananap riniwith the name Vaikunta Guha and the water that piran:(Varaha Swamy) and Sri Venkateswara is demon flow~ out of it is called Vaikunta Theertham. strated every day in the procedure adopted for offering naivedyam. Food prepared in the kitchen of Sri Chakra Theertham is two miles to the north west Venkateswara is sent to Sri Varaha Swamy temple. It of Thirumalai. Padmanbha, a rishi, performed pen· is on]y when the bell in the latter temple strikes to ance and had the darsan of Lord Venkateswara wear signify that the prasadam has reached that temple and ing s{inku, chakra and gadha (conch, disc and mace). is ready for offering, that the bells of Sri Venkat eswara's temple begin to ring and the naivedyam takes Ramakrishna Theertbam is six miles from the place simultaneollsly in th(;; two temples. The Avatara Swami Pushakarini. This was formed by Krishna, a Nakshatram of both the deities is Sravallam sacred to rishi, who did penaee here. Afterwards another rislzi Vishnu. Ramakrishna did pen ace and was blessed with the Lord' appearance on Garuda, on Pushya SUddha It is believed that in Tirumalai, there are as many PUrHima coinciding with Pushyami nakshalhram. as 3 1/2 crore theerthams amongst which 108 ale important. Out of them ten theerthams are recogn Kumaradhara is three miles to the north-west jsed as most sacred. of Papanasana Tlteertham. In the Marlandeyapura __ Fig. 7: Papanasanam waterfalls: it is 3 rr.iles to the north of Swami Pushkarini- the Lord's bathing ghat or pond. It is beljeved that" a bath here WCllld purify people from aU their sins. P- 84: 85 Dam it is quoted that Kumaraswamy, son of Lord Instead of sprikling vasantam as in marriages, Eswara did penance here to get rid of the Brahmaha chandanam (sandal) mixed with saffron in liquid form thya dosha after the annihilation of Taraka, a Raksha is distributed among the people which is applied to the sa and Lord Venkateswara· blessed him. Since then it body. Vasanthotsavam is celebrated in Vasantharitu goes by the present name. in Venkateswara temple while it is celebrated along with Brahmothsavam in other Vaishnava temples. Chona Theertham is ten miles to the north of the Swami pushkarini. Lambada pilgrims-People of Lambada Scheduled Thumbura Theertham-Thumbura, a great rishi did Tribe all over the country became the disciples of the penance here and when the Lord appeared and first Mahant of Lord Venkateswara temple Sevadasji, sanctioned him a boon he requested. who found a muth known as Hathiranji muth on the Tirumalai hill According to this convenience, Lamba dis of different parts ... nd areas of the country come to the Mahant who is their Guru in batches or groups of Bhagavan mama namaaiva about 50; 100; and 200 so on. They offer Gllrudaksh 8gogn eSf3 l;;S!l ~S i() ina according to their capacity. The Mahant provides Theerthami thath prasidhyathu them with free boarding and lodging during their period of stay here. He blesses them and offers each "Oh Lord make this theertham a renowned one person a Tulasimala (a piece of oscimum garland) and after my name" and the Lord granted his request. namu (white stone to keep vertical marks on the for As the Lord appeared there while the Uththra Phalguni ehead-Trinama). Lambada youths are initiated as Nakshathram ruled the day the th~ertham is also disciples of the Mahant here. The simhasanam of known as Phalguni Theertham. Arundhathi and the Lambadas is in existence in the Mahant's Mutt Vasista also had the darsan of Lord Yenkateswarara since the days of emperor Krishnadevaraya, the great. after penance here. During the period of stay at the Mutt on the Tirumala hills, the Lambadas make as many darshans of the The last but not the least to be de scribed is Lord as they desire. Swamy Puskharini to the north of the temple close to the Northern wall. It is on the North-Western bank Temples in Tirupati Town--The following are the of this Pushkarini that the templ~ of Lord Yaraha temples and other places of worship, in Diguva (lower) Swamy is situated. Tirupati-(l) Sri Govind Raja Swamy temple (2) Sri Kodanda Rama Swamy temple (3) Sri Kapileswara Vasantha mantapam-Vasantha mantapam is a big Swamy temple (4) Sri Jeers Matham in Govindaraja hall which can accommedate 3,000 to 4,000 North 'Mada Street (5) Sri Mahanthu Math in Go people. The Sri Venkateswara Veda Samskrita Palha vindaraja North Mada Street (6) Sri Madhvamattam sala is located by the side of the Vasantamantapa. in Ramulavari East Mada Street (7) Sri Ramanuja Mattam in Sri Govindaraja Sannidhi Street (8) Sn San The Vasanthamantapa is in front of the Veda kara Mutt in Sri Ramulavari South Mada Street (9) Sri Samskita Pathasala. Vasantothsavam is celebrated for Kalyana Venkateswara Swamy temple in Kotha Street 3 days in Vasantaritu (Chaitra, Vaisakha months). (10) Sri Kanayakaparameswari temple in Kotha Street During the days of the Mahants (prior to 1932) about (11) Sri Thyagaraja Bhajan Malldiram, Kalyana 2,000 people used to be fed one time for 3 days coinci mandapam, Gandhi Street (12) Vaisalamma, Ilugola_ dency with Sri Rama Navami festival from mma and Rangamma temples (13) Sri Varahilswamy Nal'ami. temple in Kapu Street (14) Sri:Gangamma temple in The Lord is brought to the Vasanthamantapa Tatayya Gunta (15) Sri Tallapaka Gangamma temple during Chaitra, Vaisakha months on any 3 days by (16) Ankalamma temple (17) Church in Tirupati west the temple authorities. At 10 a. m. Abhishekam, compound and (18) Mosque in the Narasimha Thecrt Aradhana, Nivedana and lastly Astham i. e. distribu bapu Street. tion of Prasadam take place and the Lord is taken back to the temple at about 5 to 7 p. m. About 500 Sri Govinda Raja Swamy was installed in the people obtain prasadam. Tirupati temple on the 24th February 1130 A. D. 86 It is designedly called here as Govindaraja shrine ted by Karavathipuli Alvar Appa Pillai in 1509 (Saka and not His temple. There was already a temple of 1431), who arranged for daily food offerings also. Sri Parthasarathi on the spot and it is not improbable that the gopuram wa, the one attached to it. The Vasantha mal1tpam in front of the outer gopuram gopuram is now known as the inner gopurarn. was commenced by one Sathagopa Jiyar of the Ahobila Mutt, some time before 1494 A. D. One Nallar Anga At the time of installation of Sri Govindaraja ndei took the unfinished mantapam by paying 2,000 Swamy in 1130 A.D. the temple of Parthasarathi being panam to the Devasthanam as compensation and the older one would have been the more important completed it at his OWn cost. Be made an endowment one. And it would have continued to be so far some for the celebration of Vasantha festival therein. time longer until, for some reason or other, its doors were closed for worship. Its dwajasthambham and The four-pillard mantapam near Vedantha Desik's balipeeteln were removed. Now there is no worship temple and in front of Govindaraja's temple was con in that temple as the idol there is said to have suffered structed by Sriman Mahmandaleswara Narasaraja some sort of mutilation or defect. It is perhaps the Udaiyar son of Kommaraja Siru Thimmaraja Udaiyar Garudalwar of that shrine who is now found accom who endowed properties for food offerings therein on modately adjoining the prakaram 1. several occasions noted in the inscription. Neerali mantapam was constructed within the This temple appears to have originally comprised Prakaram towards the south and near the potu (kitch a small central shrine, enclosing Sri Krishna as Partha en) by one Appa pillai son of Karavattipuli Yalwar, sarathi, the charioteer of Partha, i. e., the Pandava one of Krishnadevaraya's generals in 1506 A.D. Arjuna, in the Mahabharata war. This idol of Sri Krishna became disfigured several centuries ago Chithrakoota mantapam in front of the shrine with through some unknown cause and hence the temple the dwarapalakas extends upto Garudalwar's was closed and adjoining it on the North, a new tem shrine in the East. It is two parts-one near the main ple was constructed and an idol of Sri Govindaraja shrine having an elevated floor higher in level than the Swamy brought from the temple of Chidambaram by eastern half near the Garudalwar·s shrine. It may be a damsel. that the two were constructed at different times altho ugh now they form one structure. "In the inscriptions found engraved on the tem ple prakara wall which are dated from the 13th Lakshmidevi mantapam constructed between 1537 century onward there is no mention made of Partha and 1542 A.D., perhaps, is an extension of the old sarathi or Krishna as the presiding deity of the temple. Vasanthamantapam. Only Sri Govindaraja is mentioned in them as the presiding deity and Krishna is referred to as the pro The above are the principal structures which ma~ cessional image. On the installation of Sri Govinda be considered as integral parts of the temple of SrI raja in the new shrine in the temple, the processional Govindaraja Swamy. image of the original Parthasarathi Swamy was adopted as the processional image of Sri Govindaraja There are some shrines inside the enclosure for in all processions of the festival of the temple." In med by the inner gopuram and its prakaram walls. 1935-36 the Tirupati Devasthanam Committee installed Within the enclosure originally there were only two a gold gilted dwajasthambham at an expenditure of shrines, one dedicated to Sri parthasarathi and the Rs. 97,700/-. other to Sri Govindaraja Swamy. There are also the temples of Sri Krishna, Sri Ramanuja, Thirumangai The big gopuram in the Sannidhi Street was con Alwar, Vedanta Desika and Sri Manavala Mamuni. structed some where about 1628 A. D. by Matla Outside the Govindaraja Swamy temple there are the Kumara Anantharaya of the Desa Chola family and temples dedicated to Kodanda Rama, Nammalwar, it was one of his numerous and costly acts of charity. Tirumangai Alwar and Perialwar. Hanuman shrine at the end of Sri Govindaraja The idol of Lord Govinda Raja Swamy is in the Swamy Sannidhi Street facing the temple was construc- reposing form on Adisesha with Chathurmukha J. T.T. Devasthanam. 87 Brahma in the Nabhi (naval) with Sri Devi and Bhu in the Mukhamantapa are the requisite examples of devi at His feet. The icons in bronze, are Bhogasrini the Vijayanagara architecture. The temple and its vasa, moorthy in reposing posture, Yagamoorthy, Bali gopuram were renovated from time to time. This was beram, Stapana beram and uthsava beram. There are built in 1480-81 by Narasimharaya Mudaliyar. There twelve Saligramams in the sanctum sanctorum. are wooden car and car-mantapam. There is a nava graha temple in the tower. The measure at the head of the reposing Lord needs explanation. When Akasaraju agreed to gi ve Sri Kapilewara shrine is the one dedicated to Siva Padmavathi in marriage to Lord Sriniva~a, he had to in this pantheon of temples at Tirupllti. It is situated send for Brahma, Siva, Indra and their families, r da about 1 1/2 miles from the town at the foot of the hills tives and retinue and when they all gathered there, it with a picturous waterfall known as Kapilathreetham. was pointed out to Lord Srinivasa to feed the huge It is excavated in rock and nicely constructed with ~rowd of guests. The Lord had no money and OR drl"ssed granite stone steps. The puranas state that Lord Siva's suggestion the requisite money was borro Sri Sudarshana chakra of Lord Vishnu did penance wed from Kubera, the Lord of wealth, after executing here to attain unity with Siva and hence the Theertha a bond drafted by Brama. The bond ran as follows. is called Chakrathalwar Theertha or shortly as Alwar .. 'On Vaisakha Sukl a Sapthami of Vilambi year of Theertha. The Sivalingam is said to have been origin Kaliyuga Srinivasa has borrwed from Kubera for the ally worshipped by sage Kapila in tbe pathalaloka. purpose of His marriage fourteen lakhs of Ramamu It is said that it issued for the form the underworld dra nishkamulu to be duly repaid. The condition is and that its further growth was checked by the celestial that the loan should be liquidated within a thousand cow Kamadhenu. The lingam is stated to be silvery years from the year of the marriage. Brahma is one in colour at the bottom, golden in the middle and witness, Sankara is the second witness and the Aswa reddish at the crown portion. It is under the canoby tham tree is the third." The bond was drafted by of a boulder over-hanging it and there is no scope for Brahma under an Aswatha tree. The unwritten con pradakshinam. One Munaiahdaraiyar construlted a ditions were that Lord Srinivasa would get no money Mukhamant61pam and Atchutha Raya took interest to from His Abode in Vaikunta and take back nothing maintain the 'temple's importance. To the right of the but would liquidate the debt with His earnings on entrance there is a small Anjeneya temple. Inside there earth in Kaliyuga. Govinda Raja Swamy was entru are /)warapa!akas, Vinayaka to the right and Subrah ;sted to measure back the debt to Kubera. The measu manya Swamy on peacock to the left. re in the temple is believed to be the one then used and after the strenous duty for a thousand years Go History of Tirumalai Temple-The temple dates vindaraja Swamy got tired and reposed Himself in the from hoary antequity being mentioned in Tamil Sang present posture keeping the measure at His head. The am poetry and by the early Alwars and it is stated '(;onsorts are doing seva at His feet. that its deity is referred to even in the Rigveda. There is a large volume of epigraphic testimony for the anti "The Alwars are twelve in all. They have formed quity of the temple which has been published by the a guild, to which are admitted only men of heroic Devasthanam. The epigraphical records show that temper-men who are soldiers of truth and servants of the holy temple at Tirumalai (with the attached shrines) has always been esteemed and patronised by the rulers God. One of them is a sister saint Sri Andal by name. She is a rare flower of Indian culture. She is one of of the land. The pallava King of Kanchipuram {380 our Gargis and Maitreyis. She, is a heavenly bride A. D.) appears to be the earliest donar to tbe temple. The rulers of the Chola dynasty, the kings of has sung of her marriage with the Lord. ' Pa~dya Madura and the Ballalas of Dharmasamudram laid Sri Ramanuja is said to have installed Sri Andal their treasure at the feet of Sri Venkateswara along in Govindaraja shrine. The image of the deity is so with their bodies and mind. The number of benefactions very enchanting in the mould and appearance that it is to the shirne increased with the rise of tbe Vijayanaga baid to be the beautiful representation of the one at ra dynasty. Several kings of the first Vijayanagara Sri Vallipathur, the birth place of Sri Andal". dYf;asty made large presents to the God. The founder of the second dynasty, Saluva Narasimhadeva, enlarged Raghunatha Swamy or Kodanda Rama Swamy the temple and regulated the worship in it. Krish temple is spacious and clean with life size images of nadevaraya, the greatest ruler of Vijayanagara made Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. The four pillars munificient presents to the temple. His half brother 88 and successor Achyuta Deva, continued and enlarged times. During the Fasli years 1375 to 1379 (I967 to '70) the benefactions. Even after the disruption of the 4,225; 5,176; 5,099; 4,762 and 4,104 marriages, Vijayanagara empire and the removal of the capital to were celebrated. The receipts through various cere penukonda and later to Chandragiri, the royal bene monies obtained the by pourohita sangham respectively factor was the local chief Matlakumara Anantarajayya were Rs.53, 760; Rs.62, 720-75 P; Rs. 58,638-50 P; The statues of Krishnadevaraya and his consorts, Tir 60,733 and Rs.60.763-75 P. uma!adevi and Chinnadevi, were installed in his own life time at the portals of the temple. There is a statue Almost from early morning till late in the night, of Venkatap:ltiraya. After the decline of the Vijaya different pujas are performed in the temple. Starting nagra dynasty, the temple received gifts from the noble with the suprabhatam a series of rituals are performed and chiefs of the other parts of the country. Raghoji till Ekanta Seva in the night. Three times each day Bhonsle, the Maharat ta General visited the temple and pilgrims are allowed to have free 'Darshan' of the Lord. besides making arrangements for its permanent admi These are called Dharma Darshanams. The first is early nistration, presented valuable jewels to the God in in the morning at about 7 0' clock, the second is at cluding a great emerald which is still preserved in a box mid-day and the third at night at about 70' clock. named after him. The most notable among the dona Those who wish to have a free Darsham of the deity tions made during recent years are those of the rulers of can go in to the temple durning these hours of dhrma Mysore State and of Gadwal in Nizam's dominions. Darshanam. If, however, anybody wants to have The temple has further all along been receiving a nev Harati performed, he will have to obtain a ticket from erceasing stream of offerings from the Hindu devotees the Devasthanam Office, on payment of Rs. 1/- and on from all parts ofIndia"l. the presentation of the ticket the of officiating priest will perform the Harathi. The reason for this is that on Nityakalyanam Patchathoranam - Tirupati is renowned Thursdays the deity is decorated with flower garla as:;t kshetram with 'Nithyakalyanam and Pachcha nds (phoolangi seva) and in the noons on Fridays the thoranam" (daily marriages and other auspicious Abhishekam is performed. But those who wish to see functions with green festoon s). This is borne out by the phoolangi seva on the evening of Thursday can do the custom that Hindu marriages are performed in this so payment of Re. 1/- per head. holy place €ven during the months and periods which are considered inauspicious such as Ashadham and Apart from the Dharma Darshans there are a Pushyam and Gurumoudhyam and Sukramoudhyam. number of other services during which pilgrims are Marriage or kalyanam for the Lord and festooning permitted to have Darshan of the deity on payment of with the mango leaves is done daily in the temple fixed fees. Those who wish to have a Darslian during between 2 to 4-30 p m. in the kalyanamantapam. any or all of these sevas can have it on payment of the scheduled fees. Marriages, Satyanarayana V ra tams, Kesak handan a (tonsuring and clean shaving) Pujas, Gandadeepa Daily worship and sevas at the temple of Sri Pujas, Sankalpas, pinda Pradana ms (offering of Pind Venkateswara at Tirumalai commence at 4 a.m. and ams to the departed ancestors) etc., are celebrated on contine up to 9 p.m. while on Friday they commence the hill. While for celebrating marriages at home at 3 a. m. Suprabhatham of the Lord is broadcast certain months like Ashada, Bhadrapada, Pushya etc., through radio on all Saturdays in the morning. There are prohibited or inauspicious, marriages celebrated on is a work called Venkatachala Ithihasa Mala in which any part of the hi!l any season and time are sanctified. the main times for the conduct of worship at Tirupati Past vows by parents or vows by the persons themselves are laid down. This work of divided into 7 parts, the are fulfilled by celebrating marrieges on the Tirumal first three parts being concerned with the Vaishnava hill. These celebrations are conducted through pouroh characters of the image and the remaining four being its Sangam' -Association of priests in which 69 mem concerned with what Sri Ramanuja, the famous b~rs enrolled th~ms;!lves (as 26-1-'71). The charges Vaishnavite saint and after him his disciple Sri Anan for Brahmins, Kshatriya, Vaisya and padmasali mar taraya, did for the temple. Sri Ramauuja [restored the riages is Rs.12 while for marriages of Sudra (fourth rituals of worship according Vaikhanasa agama, after class of Hindus) marriages it is Rs. 6. Charges for performing the purificatory rite and after repairing the Satyanarayana Vratam and,Upanayanam (thread cere Vimana over the main shrine which is called the Ananda monies are Rs. 5 and Rs. lO:respectively. From March Nilaya. Ablutions to the God on every Friday were 1971, all the charges will be increased by 50% or 1 1/2 arranged in accordance with the Ananda Samhita. 89 Vaikhansa Ag.;)l1la. The face mark pre&cribed for the went to Venkatadri according to the advice of hh Lord (or the l.rdhva pundra) was a mixture of camphor guru Vasista. Lord Srinivasa who was performing for four day· i""'Jll1 Thursday, 3 days from Monday to penance near the Pushkarini gave darshan to Dasa' Wednesday. ratha. At that time Brahma and all other Devathas who came for the darslzall of Lord Venkateswara All the jew;::::; and ornam~nts of the Lord were to be prayed Him to accept to perform an uthsavam. Hence removed on Thursday and the God was to be dressed Brahma commenced the ulhsGJ'am with Dhwajarohalla only with flowers on that day. Ramanuja also arran and from that time onward it is being celebrated. But ged for the Nachiya Tirupavai, a famous collection in in the 10th century another Bralzmothsavam was in- the praballJh'ls for the proper worship of the temple. troduced by 'Samama' the queen of Pallava, in the In the temple be entrusted the work to an early Vaikh month of Ashadham (June-July). AgaiR in 1300 A.D. anasa priest olkJ Bimbadhara. IMonthly festivals another BraTzmothsavam in Mangali (Mangairam) wa:'. and 2 annuval festivals are ceJebrated in the temple. In introduced. In the mi\l1dle of the 16th century another the annual festivals, Bralzmothsavam is important. This fe·stiva! was [1r:-t started by Brahma and hence it is 10 Bralzmotlzsavams during the ]0 remaining months called Brahmothsavam. Dasaratha, the king of were performed. But now only one Brahmot/zsavam Ayodhya beft>rc performing the 'Puthra Kamesti Yajna' is performed during Dasara. ------.--- _-_. }-fONTHLY FESTIVALS: 1 1. On Sravana nakshatram:- The deity is said to have been revealed under this nakshatram, so there \~ill be a festhal every month Oil this day with street procession. 2. On Rvll.:f)i oakshatram :- This is the Jaoma Nakshatram, birth star of Sri Krishna. A festival is conducted for Sri Krishl1:l \.'n this day. 3. On AWdra nakshatram :-This is the Jannn Naksh1tram of Sri Rlmlnuja. The deity idol is taken in procession along with the il'.,·1 of Ramanuja and place for some time in the pavilion before the temple of Ramanuja. 4. On PU!r,,:\a~u nakshatram:- This is the Janma Nakshatram of Sri Rama. A f.ostival to Rama is performed on this day. A:-lNUAL FE;:)TIYALS : 2 1. Vasanl')th,wam: This fe,fiyal is performed every ye"r for three_ days from the 13th to 15th day ofthc bright fortnight of Ch:'.ti.rl. (l\larch-April). 2. Nityotf'."l\ 2111:- This festival takes place for 40 Jays from tlll: Tdugu New Year's Day (March- April). 3. Teppotbsavam:- The deity is taken in procession in the tank on a beautifully decorated teppa for 5 day~. On the fir,t and second day Lord Krishna with Rukmini and Sri Rama are taken in the boat respectively and on the last three Jays Sri Venkateswara adorns the boat. 4. BrahmMl',avam:- This is performed for 9 days during Navaratri in mo~tly of Asvija (Octo])..:r November). But when an addltiollal or intercalary month appears in a year, this festival is performed in the month of Bhadraoada. Then an add it iUlI.ll Navaratri festival is performed. ' 5. Dhanutvuasothsavam:- This is performed every day early ill the morning, during the whole of the month of Dhanus (from about 15th December to 14th January). The Ekadasi in the bright fortnight of this month is called Mukkoti Ekad 8. Pavithwl)-J,aYam:- The festival is conducted for three day~ in the month of Sravanam (July-August) ever) y.:ar. ASTHANAMS In additw'1 to the above processional festivals lh~re are a few feslivals in \,:1;:11 the deity is seated to hold Dar!Jar in the Rangamandapam during the festival. SUC;1 festivals are called Astharlams, 1. Telugu Nc\\' Year's Day Asthanam:- The year's panehangalll (almlnu is read out Panehanga Sravanall1) to the Jeit). 1. Anivara I\;;thanam :- This takes place on the first day of the month of Karkataka (middle of July), Ilhen accounts of the year:> are read out and institute cermonies take place. 3. Deepavali A~thanam:- This takes place on the day of Deepava Ii. 90 During Brahmothsavam3 there is a deviation from Chaitro Suddha Dwadasi (March-April). Lord the daily routine regarding seva to the Lord. Krishna and Sri Andal are taken in procession on the float in the Govindarju Pushkarilli in front of the The Brllhmothsavam of Govindarajaswamy in temple. Diguva Tirupati takes place in Jyeshtam (May-June). It commences from the day of Aslesha NaAshatram Kodandaramaswamy Brahmothsavam is celebra with the hoisting of the Garuda flag on the top of the ted for 3 days from Phalguna Banula Dwadasi temple flag staff and continues for nine days with the (February-March) and the details of the programme routine processions on different vahanams in the fore are as given above with slight variations .. Theppothsa. noon and night of each day and concludes on the day vam for the Lord is celebrated on the second day during of Anuradha Nakshatram with Dhwajarohanam. Chaitram (March-April). The details of the programme are the same as the At Kapileswara Swamy temple, Theppothsavam is i Brahmothsavam in the Venkateswara temple as shown celebrated for 3 days from Pushya Suddha Triodas above with slight variations. Originally, one Brahmo to Padyami (December-January). On the first day, the thsavam was conducted for Sri Govindaraja in the images of Lord Vighneswara and Chandrasekhara month of Vaisakham. During the 13th century we find (Lord Siva wearing the cresent moon) are taken on the that a second Brahmothsavam was instituted for cele decorated float in the pond in front of the temple i. e., bration in the month of Ashadham and for its celebra Kapilatheertharn. On the second day, the image of tion, provision was. made by the queen of the quasi Lord Subrahmanya Swamy is taken and the image of Independent ruler of this part of the country. Tribhu Lord Kapileswara Swamy occupies the float on the vanachakravarthi Sri Veera Narasingadeva Yadawa concluding day. All these are ancient festivals. Sri raya in the 30th year of his reign, corresponding to Venkateswara Swamy Brahmothsaram is of all India 123SA.D. donated half the village of payidapalli (now importance. The Brahmothsavams at Govindaraja known as PaidipaUe) and a new wooden car for the Swamy temple and Kodandarama Swamy temple are procession of the deities. But this seco nd Brahmothsa visited by pilgrims from Tamil Nadu, ,A,.ndhra Pradesh vam must have been stopped during the management and Mysore States. The other functions are confined of these temples by the East India Company from devotees residing in Tirumahli, Tirupati and the neigh bouring towns. about 1800 to 1843, when all the villages granted to the temples by the Hindu rulers in earlier times were appropriated by the Company, or even earlier during Temple Administration-Particulars \)f ownership 0 f the regime of the Nawabs of Areot before 1800. And the Tirumala hill:-The Yadavarajas \\ ho were ruling now-a- days only olle Brahmothsavam takes place. from Narayanavanam in the 12th and 13th Centuries as feudatories of Cholas were great patrons of the Another festival at Govindarajaswamy temple is temple. Tirupati was not affected by the Muslim in the Theppothsavam (Boat Festival) for 5 days from v,lsions of Malik Kafur (1310-11) and Ulugh Khan Programme of Brahmothsavam 3 Pre\- iotls Evening" ...... , ...... Ankurarpanam Senadhipati proces5ion. 1st day Evening: Dh\\ajaroh;v,;;m 5th day Morning Mohini A\ 3t.. ram-Pallaki Sri V",nkatcswarJ \vill b~ ~ecn Evening Garuda Vahanam in His coat--of-ma!l inset with 11th day Morning Hanumatha Vahanam diamonds and other rreciolls Evening Vasantothsavam stone'> on hi~ golden pedc,tal Evening Gajavahanam Night Big Sesha Vahanam 7th day Morning: Surya Pra1->!1.! ':nd da} Morning: ... Small Se~ha Vahanam Evening: Chandra Pr;,hha Evening Ham~a Yahanam Sth da: Morning: RathotllS(l\am (Car festival) :lrel Jay 'Vlorning Simha \'ahanam Evening Asva Vahanam 9th day Morning Evening I\fllthupandili (Pt:arl P.lkFlquin) Pallaki l!r~·'''l;am (Palanquin festival) Cht:r;\~lbhi Shekam -tth day Morning Kalp,[\ribha (Kalpa trcc) Chakra ~n,m.,'11 (Bathing festh:.!l) Evening Sanabhupala Vahanam E\cning ." Dhwaja\ ;jf, 0 (1323). The period of Vijayanugara rule (I 326-1 630} An area of 10 1/3 Sq. mifes having the temple in constitutes the brightest chapter in the history of l)tu the Centre and the roads leading to lower Tirupatj, mala Tirupati temple. A number of endowments were Chandragiri, BalapaJle and the water-falls with the made by the Vijayanagur rulers to the Lord. . land of 50 yards in each side of the road and around. water-falls was granted to T.T.D. in 1874 by the then By 1650, South India had passed under Muslim Madras Government. Total extent of about 6,273 domination, first under the Sultan of Golkonda and acres is used by the T.T.D. for several of their jnstitu then under the Nawab of Areot acting nominalJy for tions as detailed beIow:- the Moghul emperor through the Nizam of Hyderabad. These ensured much insecurity and uncertainity con 1. Choultries 110 acres ~equent on the fight of for primacy in the Carnatic be 2. Roads 20 tween the Nizam, the Maharastras and the European " 3. Gardens 20 lrading companies. During this period, Lala Khem " 4. Temples 8 aram, the Rajput General of Nawab Sadat-VJlah " Khan (1710-1732) appeared as protector of Tirumala 5. Forests 6115 temple. He had a birudu 'Todara MalIa' (proficient ------" fighter). From 1746 to 1761, Tirupati was under the control of the French and after 1751 passed under the For nearly a century till 1933 A. D., the temple that of the British, when pilgrim traffic and, along was under the administrative charge of the head of this with it, revenues began to revive thanks to the restora foundation who was called the 'Mahant'. tion of conditiollS near normalcy. The rulers of Mysore includuing Hyder Ali extended their patronage In 1933, by a special act passed by the Madras (0 Tirupati. ]n J 801, the East India Company assu Legislature, the Tirumalai Tirupati Devasthanam Com med the direct administration of the Carnatic and the mittee was invested with the power of administration Tirupati temples passed under the authority of the and control through a Commissioner appointed by the District Collector. 1n 1!:>4], the Company's Court of Government of Madras. Directors resolved to withdraw from all religious institutions. By another enactment, Act XIX of 1951, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, tho In 18-13 A. D., the East India Company, divested administration was entrusted to a Board of Trustees itself of direct management of non-christian places and an Executive Officer was nominated and appointed of worship and the control of the shrine of Sri Venka by the State Government. It is this body and the teswara with a number of estates was transferred to Sri Executive Officer who are now responsible for the man Scvada~.i;. the Head of Hathiramji Mutt at Tirumalai. agement of this ancient shrine in South India. n,ere arc a number of tetl1ple~ und~r the c,.)ntroll1f amount h) 0\-:1' one ';Cllre Uild t hid) lal;hs of the T. T. D.1 The incoi'ne from this group of 'temple~, rupees i8 the other item of inc9me to th.: DeY:bth~nam. exPenditure for their muin.tenance and. the conduct of Only Hindus congregate fell' the above festh«b from various festivals over'a nu'ml)~r of in-stitution Lbt of temples under the control of Tjrumala Tirupati De·yasthaillams . .I. Sri Varaha Swamy Sri Sri Bhasyakarulu Nu. 1 (\\ithin tl1~ Pt!olb) 3. Sri Bedi Hanumantharaya S\\2m~ 4. Sri Kshetra Palaka 5. Sri Dora Bhashyakarulu 6. Sri Anjaneya Swamy (infwilt ()f >,i;jf:lha SI';,nny) 1. Sri Nancharamma 2. Sri Chordikodutta Nan..:haral11lllil 3, Sri Modal Alwar 4. Sri Chakrath Alwar ' 5. Sri Madura Kavi Ahl:lf 6. Sri Anjaneya Swamy (near DlVa;i! ,,]ulUbha) 7. Sri Anjaneya Swamy (near pedd"1 bUfg({) 8. Sri Manavala Mahamuni 9. Sri Nammalwar 10. Sri Vedantha Desikulu 11., Sri Woolu Alwar 12.. Sri Tirumala Nambi 13. Sri Bhashya Karulu Number (I 14. Sri Kurath Alwar IS, Sri Sanjeevaraya Swam}, 16. The Tirumangai AlwDl' W The t ... :1,pk of Sri Kodantla R,lIlU SII ~m~ Ti!lIpati. IV. The t~mpk of Sri Kapilaswara Smun)' at Tirupati. V. Sri Plcmavati Ammawari Swamy at Tirudn;10or \Iith 'ub t~'I~Jl;~ of; .. - 1. Sri Krishna Swamy 2, Sri Sundaraja SwamyanJ 3. Sri Suryanaraynna Swamy 93 Vaishnava &.;c{ and Thengala Vaishnava scct.Vaishnava or any officer or servant of the Board from entering Brahmins with hereditary rights are the pujaries at such places on duty. Govindarajmmamy temple and Kodandarama Swamy temple. A Smartha Brahmin is the pujari at Kapile Non Hindus will be allowed access into the temple. swara Swaro~, temple. Only with the permission of the executive authority upto the limits a non Hindu can be allowed as per the Bundi-Some pcople keep hundis in their households usage and custom prevailing in the temple. and keep coins in them daily or at their desire. When members of thc household visit Tirupati, the hundi Offering of hair-Quite many of the pilgrims both collections are deposited in the Imndi at Lord Venka men and women offer hair to Lord Venkateswara in teswara on Tirumala. fulfilment of their vows. Some pc,'ple while going to Tirupati to fulfil their Many people tonsure their children at the Kalyalla \ ow, or to celebrate a marriage beg alms in cash in Kafta on the Tirumala hill. This ceremony known as 3 villages. accompanied with music as friends and Puttuventrukalu Theeyuta is celebrated during the 3rd relatives foll,lw on. This alms collection is called month or 5th or 7th or 9th or 11th month or 3rd year Jugu. S;)m; people spend from these collections to or 5th or 7th year, usually. On fulfilment of desires, meet the expenditure for the journey to the Lord only people vow to offer their hair to the Lord. Even and not for the return journey while some people ladies also get their heads clean shaven at the Lord. deposit all the' collections in the hUlldi at the Lord. Some women offer 3 scissors of hair on the head. LTpto 14-9-'70, the barbers charge p~r clean shave was Devotees \\ 110 bring offering~ to Lord Sri Venkates 0-28 paise and from 15-9-'70, it was raised to 30 paise. \Vara have t,) deposit them in the big lzundi; It is kept If the barber goes to the cottage, where the pilgrims near the BOl!g17/';[ Vakili. It is easily accessible to ~tay and does a clean shave the charge is 0-41 paise devotees. The best way of making offerings to God is prior to and after 15-9-1970 also. Of the sale to put them in this h!l1ldi. Valuable ornaments can proceedes of shaving tickets, 7S":} goes to the barbers he handd ,>\'er 10 the officer-in-charg,;: of Panpatya und 25~~ goes to the T. T. D. During ]969, the sal;: dar from w\,,-'l11 a receipt can be obtained. If these proceedes of tickets issued for shaving were over Rs. 3 offerings ar.: inknded to be used for the decoration lakhs which works out to over 10 lakhs shavings of the deity, \;lC ~;!m equal to the cost of the offering during the year, 33,000 sha,:ng per month :.l:1d 1100 is to be dep(!>:ted in the Devasthanam. It i~ only then shaving per day on average. that the utIb-!ilg, will he used to adorn tlE~ deity. I>rostratimlS: People offer to make prostrati":'l1s knov, n as Sas:c/il Temple cntr~ and I;[)rship :- ga pradakshinam or Angapradakslzinam in fulfil Worshir the of temple and 0.11 ~ub-shrines and san ment of desires, if cured of prolanged illnesses, success nades attaclul to the temple is open to all Hindus irres in court disputes, etc. etc., the causes l'f which are pective of th·; C:lStc or sect to which one belongs. innumerable. The pl'auakshillams are of 3 kinds vi:::.: Alukkoti Pradakshinam, Vimana Pradakshinam and The right ll' entry for \vorship in the tcmpk sh::tll Sanl'angi Pradakshinam (see ports 35.36 ar:d 37 in not entitle a worshipper either to perform puja himself the ground plan of Sri Venkateswara temple). The or to enter in:o the garblzagriha or such portions of the general practice anJ the practice of people of Andhra temples, as :ire reserved according to the custom or is to make 1 or 3 or 9 prostrations arou[1d t11(: tcmple. llsage obs.::rvcu in [;1e temple for certain classes of per This practic~ or custom is kuown as Vada:IGla sam ~ons only. like' the priests, aJ'cliakas, elc, pradayam while according: to the Tbng:JLl cus~om or Sampradayam ::: prostrations are made usuaily. The Wor~hipp_j~ (,! ti,,: rc~pective sexes shall worship common people who are not [tv-are of ::my cf the from th(' ptJ("co aikcatcd to them 'ieparatciy [lS per the Sam[lrada.l'aml' or cust,.mh [,in~ply vel' ~_l) make so order of th;: r;\.;cutive authority in force for the time many pro~li'atiur;s around the [CJ11I']':. being, and n') d:scjminatio:l shall be showll between one worship;' .·r and another and no won,hipper shall Prasadam --Every day after the second darshan, the enter into th: pbces prohibited from entry, llnkss with food offered to God is di~tributed free to all pilgrims the previllu~ permission of the executive authority. at the Bal/garu wkili. This distribution of prasadam This reguht;0n shall not debar the executive authority is done in all the temples on a me d.::st scale. The 94 Mysore Maharaja's choultry offers a free mid·day meal llad composed about 32,000 songs, \\filing one song a to Brahmins. Others can mess in the Devasthanam day. All these songs were inscribed l~1l copper plates canteen both at Tirupati and on the hill. There are and they are unearthed by the late Sri Veturi Prabha also hotels catering to the needs of the pilgrims. At kan: Sastry who did yeoman service to Telugu devo Tirumalai, [addu and vada, the prasadams of the ionalliterature and public by disconding their exis Lord specially prepared to last long are sold by the tence and instituting the Annamacharya festival every Devasthanam to the pilgrims so that they can be taken year. These songs are being set to musical notations with them to different corners of the country for by Sri Rallapalle Anantha Krishna Sarma. About 13 distribution among friends and relatives. Ka/akanda, volumes of songs are published. The n;.llne Tatayya dried dates (Kharjuram) in packets of different sizes gunta GangamnJa came into existence because the outside the temple can be purchased by the devotees famous Vaishnavite Acharya Tatacharya, got the idol and offered to the lord. The most valuable prasadam installed there getting it fro111 a village near Cuddapah. which pilgrims greately cherish are the sandal paste The festival commences on the fourth Tuesday in the and camphor powder called Srespada renu which is month of Chaitrom (March-April). On the previous applied to God. The sandal paste is distributed to the night an announcement by tom-tom is made. It is dis pilgrims in small quantities during the morning tinguished from the majority of simih.l! festivals by a dars/W/l. The camphor powder a doming the deity'S custom which requires the people to apptar in a diffe face is removed every Thursday and small quantities of rent disguise (veshamu) every morning and evening· this can be obtained by the devotees on request. The disguise on the first day morning, is that of a Bairagi, in the evening that of a serpent and so on. Special kinds of food can be prepared and olTered During the first three days there is mu.:: b ubscenity but to God on payment of prescribed fees. The money the festival becomes more decent towards the end. The can be paid in the office and a receipt obtained for it· Afatangi Vesham of Sunday morning des~ribes special • The food prepared and offered to God will be after mention. The devotee who consents tG play this role wards given to the pilgrims in the course of the day. dances in front of the image or representation of the Goddess and when he works himself upto a proper Sp~cial festivals are also celebrated in the prescrib pitch of frenzy, a metal wire is passed through the .:d manner by paying fixed fees. Such festivals are middle of his tongue. It is believed lbJf this opera conducted in the after-noon after the temple dllor~ are tion causes no pain nor even bleeding ::lI1d the only dosed at the end of the second nOil'edyam. remedy adopted when the wire is tal-;-:11 ()~lt is the che wing of a few margose leaves and ~l~m: kumkum of Ganga Jatara--The Ganga Jatara is the annual festi the Goddess. This 'Vesham' is undertaken only by a val conducted for the local Gramadevathas, Goddess 'Kaikolan' (Weaver) and is perft,rmea only in two Tatayyagunta Gangamma and Goddess TabalJapak places one at the house ofa cert3in Br;J;,min and one amma or ThaJlapakagunta Gangamma. The former at the Mahant's Mutt. is stationed in a shrine between the Malayyagunta tank and Tatayyagunta tank and she is said to be the sister of lord Venkateswara. The later is situated at Choultries-There arc two cl'loultri~s maintained by the border of the temple and the name Thallapak the Devastanam in Diguva TirupatHhc new choultry aroma came into being because a famous devotee of and Pushpathota choultry with ali expenditure of Lord Venkateswara, Thallapaka Annamacharya WOf Rs. 3,50,000 with 1:26 rooms. BOlh ;;fe spacious and shipped. He lived for 94 years from J ,40S A.D. and electrified and are kept clean and ~afe. In both, he devoted his whole life to the service of Lord Ven Joadging and cooking utensils for the use of the pilgrims l On arrival aL Tirumalai the pilgrim may go to til\: Cl1l1uiry oil1ce and fix up his lodging and other arrange The Devasthanam is also maintaining a Travellers' ments with the officers there. The office has been Bungalow for the accommodation of Government and established by the Devasthanam for the convenience other officers visiting Tirumalai on duty. of the pilgrims. There are many choultries uphill, maintained by the Devasthanam and the pilgrim can The names of the dijfen:nt rest h()U5t!S ar<: get accommodation in anyone of them. The chief enumerated bdow:- I. De\a~thanam choultrics are near the Railway Station. The foll(lwing: facilities are availabk. (a) Free accommodation and al~o furnished rooms l111 j1aym':'11 (h) Free Joan of vessels (c) Luggage room for dc.positing luggage free of charge (tI) Canteens for food Ie) Tran~p0ft faciiitie" to Tirumala. Tirllchanur and R"c;igunllC ;Jt raks l1<)fi!ld (f) fa,is for hin: (g) P(lstal facilities Ih) A Railway Booking Olll.:c (n ('(I-operative stores for purchasing provisions (j) A free despcnsary for medical aid (k) Licen.:ed coolies to carry luggage tI) Enquiry Offices for guiding you 1m) B(lok-Stnll for guide hop].;". rictun>:;. Prarthan Suman" . .:urr T~e Devasthanam has also been able to make Co.nleyam:e~In the past pilgrims us~d to reach the temple on the hill by \valking the 7 miles dista aCe worthy contributions for the cause of education. One through flight of steps, through dolis and on bullock ~)f the foremost and unique institutions started and run by the Devasthanam is the Oriental Research Institute ~arts. This route is called Sopanomargam (flight of steps). The Tirupati-TirumaJa road was constructed which came into existence in 1939. Eminent Scholars in 1944 and was declared as a private road according of the land have been associated with this institution to the then Madras GO\ernment order of the year and conducted research in Sanskrit, Telugu and Tamil and so far over fifty publications have been brought t946. The control and maintenance l.lf the road were out and more are under way. The department for the entruskd t,,) the Tirumala-Tjrupati De\'asth~lnams fer l}9 years. [11 1945, two bus;;s Were c,tat',eu to ply on publication of the works of Sri Ramanuja and the pro pagation of his philosophy has beea recently started the ghat r":ld. The fleet d:'cn~j h of the huses in cnd t\\'o oClLlks have been brought out already. An '.::reased gnuually. As ,":1 Ji ·1:>19G9. 70 bU5C', dher note-worthy contribution of the Devasthanam \ven: p!YI[ct:: '> il the gii.:tl roacl. j '} the field of cull :tf;: and religion is the conducting of ;1'e Annamacharya festival and propagating his Sankir- The pi.igrim strength i, inCrl':l~jil.? year by y': :)f)'':; 71:':) J'lriog0- 196:), '69 and' n-, ar.: 20589 ,_,'):t _.,~, _' "'ld.,' -,})~ ' ,j TIH'~'" Fiigh S-:::l(1C'o:s, one at Tirupati, one at Vcllore Each re,US ta:zcs 6 trip:, on :\\ ;;;'~:_Ic p_f Qlay, The C::l"J. and tht; third nt Tirumalai Hills and Elcmcntun (;ity (,r a bus is 42 p1sscngcr;. Til.: .w;,u:tl e:1rnings' of Schoo}, at Babrr.andir at Tirupathi and anot her ;[ ;he T.T.!.). Transoor! durin" t!,,: \ ,"'r:; Ide,":' ';.,'~: {,;j" t ;:-' r' ~.. .. I ~ \_ 'V ~ \'..f Tin;D1;;t1ai arc ma:ntaineJ by the Dcr:lsthanam. and'7J ar,:' Its. 60.13,963; Rs. 32,97,[39; Rs. qn.94,1~", an:),..j r>'\.'. I ,,',\.,'.,.,.",' ')0 ,.000 (t'es lmatK)n) .' r~"p,;~tl\dy., Tb~ Dc\'usthanam raiSEd the middle ~chool at Tirumabi into an Oriental High School for the study Water Supply-Another gr~at am~n;ty pro\idd by th~ of Sanskri, as one of the nuin subjects. The Oriental D.!Vat,lhal1cul1 for the b:!1l~fit of th~ pilgrims i:, the pro College imp:uts instruction in Sanskrit, Tamil, Tclugu tecteti w,,~·?(: sclpply now made C\v:lila ble:it Tirumalai. ~lnd Hinl:i, The Par:''., ;:;asanam ,valer w;)rks \'v:.t~ c:ommis,.ioLlcd in 1952 .~,:: now the to\',;1 011 the hill has proteckd 1\ .tutasal:.l L__ ;r trainin,:S in L~nlple services is one of water SUi 'ply, Finding th", \,Aer seippl)' still insdfici 4 (',.: unl:'pc institutbns run by the Deva,thanam, where c'0" • fc') " n"'"L~,_ t",·1[,~ ueman d 0 1" t",i;: ;:1'xcasmg. Hlill1l1u,)ply t" T;rUiTia:c:i at a C,)st . ;' Rs. ~ lakhs. A c(lH~ge ('ailed Sri V~nkateswara College 10 give Otbeli Acth ities ·The De; ,blL ,)J.ii~ h:.s nb,' unJ..:r instruction in Higher Education was started in 1945. A taken the'_ "lS\:"'Cli"fl of ',;:1riolJ', n:st );ol;~e5, tenement" Jegr;;e co:m,e in Ori;;n,al cultvrc is introduced and the 97 College was ,diliafcd to Sri Vcnkateswara University (Banthi) are avaiiable throughout the year in thc~c in 1961-62. gardens. These f1o'wer gardens are known as Nanda nal'anam. Sri Padmayalhi College is functioning since 1951 for imparting education to Girls separately. Dharma Prathisthanam-Hindu Dharma Pralhi sthallam came into existence on 2-5·1969 under "cctlon Sri Venkakswara College for music and dance 91 (3) (c) of the Andhra Pradesh Endowments Ao was started in 1959 for development of music and No. 17 of 1966. The rules of Hiudu Dharma Prathi art in this arC::l. sthanam were contained in G. O. Ms. No. 571::. Home Endowments dated 26-4-69. Sri Venkatcswara Training Centre for sculpture \1 as started in 1960. The Dharma Prathisthallam came into be ing: Sri Venkat~~wara School for Nadaswaram music i) to inculcate religious discipline and mora I vu! ues was also inaugurated in 1960 for giving practical and among the people and younger generations; theoretical instructions in the music for the benefit ef the service in !hc temple. ii) to instil faith in the fundamentals of the Hindu Dharma and its tenets and the way of life in India; Besides thc,.;c educational, religious and cultural institutions the Devasthanam also maintains some iii) to arrest decay in the daily discipline of th;: charitable il15itituLions. The foremost among these individuals; are an orphanage (Balamandir) and a poor home for iv) to provide moral and religious instruction~ in the disa bled ;:wd for those suffering from leprosy. the classes; The Bab:nandir provides accommodation for two v) to arrest the growing proselytisation 111 the l1undred boys and girls; an Elementary School is atta (;Quntry; ched to the orphanage. The children are given train ing in handicrafts, besides education. They are also vi) to propagate the tenets of the Hindu Dharma trained in the molor transport workshop mechanism' in and outside India through persons well versed in and in prinlinf,! press. Hindu Dharma Sastras and their exposition to the people. To say in a few words, the Dharma Prarliis Sri VenLI1-:::,wara poor home provides accommo thana is intended to preserve, propagate and promote cation for 200 disabled men and women and those Hindu Dharma through various means. suffering frorn leprosy. It is situaLed in Akkarampallc \ ill age about I 1/2 miles East of Tirupati. It contains The Hindu Dharma Prathistlzanam has 5 ;if.: small block> (l f buildings with a hospital and a prayer members and 2 ex-officio members (the Chairm~!ll and hall attache t The inmates engage themselves in Excutive Officers of the T. T.D.) as the governing b"1dy gardening, :>pinning, shoe· making and in doing and Executive Committee consisting of not less than Bhajana. 7 and not more than 12 mem b.~rs to carry out the uecisions of the Governing Body. A common p:lid The DeVJ~ll:aIlam maintains a good gosala for secretary for the Governing Body and the Execluive lhe temple purposes. The miik is utilised fer temple. Committee shall be appointed to discharge the Execu Besides cows, horses, bulls and three elephants are also th e functions and to be incharge of the wor~ con maintained for the temple processional purposes. nected with the Hindu Dharma I'rathistlwnam. The paid secretary who is the Chief Executh c of Hower garlll:rrl;;-There are 24 flower gardens on the the Dharma Prathistlzanam is yet to be appointed and hill of which II 1.(1 10 gardens are giving flowers. Tn 111(.' Temple OfT:cer is incharge ,~f its activities (as on 1962-63, a gllrden Superintendcn t was appointed to 12-2-1971). develop th~ tl,)wcr gardens, to raise nurseries, to multiply floy·,;" plants and to supply flowers to the SOt;!tCES: 1. Sri A. Ranga Sli'{/II1)', Corresp('nd(,lIt, Lord. He tno also to attend to the decoratioli and The Hindu, Tirupati. heautification ,If the entire Tirumala township area. 2. Sri R. Venkataramanaialinallgal'. Roses, manr·(i-/ll. kanakambaram and crysanthimum Pensioner. 98 3. Sri Kamblzampati Subrahmanaya 23. Aradhana dated December, 1961. Sastri, Teacher, Maruthinagar, 24. Synonms (Paryavachaka Padamulu) of Tirupati. Sri Venkatadri by V.S. 4. Sri D. Balakrishna Muthy, M.A., Venkatanaryana M. A.; B.Ed. Lecturer S. V. R. College, Tirupali. 25. Sri Venkateswara Lee/a Afahathmyall1 5. Sri Dr. P. T. Sugannaha Rao L,lII., by N. Subrahmanyam, Issued by T. T. Tirupati. Derasthanam. Ii. Sri N. Varadachar, Correspondent, 26. A history of Tirupari l'ofume II Tilak Road, Tirupati. Devan Bahadu/' Dr. S. Krishna Swamy Aiyangar. 7. Sri C. Rama Murthy, Peishkar, T. T. Devasthananzs, Tirupati. ::7. Sri Sadhus Subrahmllnya Sastr;, B.A. Late Devasthanam Archaeologist alld 8. Sri V. S. Varctdachari M. A., B.Ed· Retd. Pes/;kar, 156 Paria Street. Head Maiter, Municipal High School Tirupati. 28. History of Tirupati V(ll. 1 by T. K. T. Veeraraghavachal),a. 9. Sri K. C. Varadachari il,f. _1.; Phd.. S. V. V. College, nrl/pati. ]9. Souvellir Brochure Jo/' t'le visit of Sri Jmvaharlal Nt:hru w TirupOli. ZO. Sri P. Mum' Reddy, Chairman, Mlmi cipal Council, Tirupati. 30. Andhra Kavi SaptllOsali hy Sri Bulus/( Venkataramat1Oiah. I J. Places of Interest in Andhra Pradesh by information and Public Relations 31. And/zl'o Kavaithrulu b.l' Sri Utukuri Department, Hyderabad. Lakshmi Kantham. 12. A Hand Book of South Indian Images 32. Hindu Desa Punya Kshdramulu by by T. N. Srinivasan M. A. Sri Kota Mahadeva Sasthri. 13. Temples and Legends of Andhra 33. Padmavathi Kshetra ivlahatyam by Prapesh by N. Ramesan. Sri V.K. Seshadri Iyyangar, 14. An extract from Aradhana dated 34. History of Lord Venkatrswara by June, 1957. Sri P. Sitapati 15. Extract from Sunday Standard dated and 29-9-63. 35. Information collected by Sri 16. Extract from Andhra Pradesh Weekly eh. Purnachandra Rao, M.A.,' LL. B. dated 17-7-63. Tabulation Officer, % Director IIj 17. Tirupati, the most Sacred Hill temple, e,nsus Operations, A.P. Hyderabad. issued by T .T. Devasthanam, Tirupati. 26. Akkaramapalle-Ls situated one mile from Tirupat 18. Sri Krowdhi Nama Samvasthsara Sid hy the side of Karkambadi road. _. hantha Panchangam 1964-65. Issued by T. T. Del'asthanam, Tirupati. Sri Rama Bhajan Malldir, yiilage diety and Chantalamma temple with Her stone image are the 19. T. T. D's. Administratioll Reporr places of worship i 11 the village. /-·7-62 to 30-6-63. Chantalamnw and Ganga ar.: ~10. Tirupati, Tirumala Yathadarpanam, Aradhllllll Jatara PUblished by Venkateswara book celebrated in Vaisakflam (:\pril-May) i.e., in the 2nll Depot. Chittoor, A.P. week of May). An earthen image of the village deity is prepared for the occasion. Devotee ... ful11l their vow:'. :: J. A Booklet in English with Title page 'Ubhayams' are perfMmed. Animal, and fowls an: lost. sacrificed to the deity. The \ Wagers patronise the 22. Sri Venkatachala Mahathyam, in festival by collecting donations. I,,)(;al people of a l[ Telugn lssued by T.T. Devasthallam. Gommunities take part in this. [I:\iari.~' are potters anJ 99 Dhobies. Parsadam is distributed (0 all ::Ind :ther.: i~ votees fulfill their vows. He-buffaloes, rums and poor feeding. goats are sacrificed to the deity after performbg pooja· Muthrasies are the chief patrons. Local people The village deity Chantalamma is also worshipped irrespective of caste and creed congregate. P~'jari is a and animals are sacrificed when epidemics like cholera. 'Chambadi' with hereditary rights. small-pox~etc., prevail or when animal diseases break out in the village. Pongali is offered to Katamaraju Sri Rama Navami is ctlebrated in Chaitram and Bonthala Gallgamma duriJlg Kalll!1llU in Pushyal1l (March April) for 12 days and prasadam is distributed (December-January). When the village tank is full to all. 'Poli' is scattered and parsat!aJJl is distributed to all. Ganga latara and Ankamma Thirunala are cele Every Monday the villagers go to the 'Kapila brated in lyaishtanz (May-June) and Sravannm (July 'f'hirtham' near Tirupati, take bath in it and worship August) respectively. Lord Kapilcswara Swamy. As this village is very near 10 Tirupati, the festivals of Tirupati ex.tend to thi;; SOURCE: Sri K. Radhakrishlla Moorthy, President. village also- Karakambadi Panchayat. SO URCE: Sri A. Chenchu Redely, l.alld Lord, 29. (;uravaraju Palle hamlet of Kotbapa'em-- Is Akkarampalle. situated by the side of Renigunta-KaJahasti. !oad at a distance of 3 furlongs from Renigunta' railway st3tion. 27. Settipalle hamlet of Mangalam-Situatcd on Tirupati-Renigunta Road at a distance of 3 miles Lord Sri Rama Mandir with His picture is the from Tirupati Railway Station and 10 miles from .mJy pJace of worship in the village. Ch andragiri. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated on Chaitra Suddhu Lord Sri Rama Bhajana Mandir with His picture Navami (March-April) for a day. Local people of all is the only place of worship in the village. communities participate in this. Prasadam is distri buted to all. There is free feeding. Dramas and Sri Rama Navami Uthsavam is celebrated for JO fancy dresses are the items ,of entertainment. da) s from Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). On the day the picture of the Lord is taken in pro 10th Ganga Jatdra is celebrated in Vaisakham (April cession in the village. Local Hindus cOllgregat.:. May) for a day. Goats, sheep, rams and fowls arc Prasadam is distributed to all. sacrificed to the deity. The villagers patronise the festival. Local people irrespective of caste and creed Ganga latara begins in the Jast week of Vaisll congregate. kham (April-May) and ends on lestha Suddha p(/ dyami or Vidiya (May-June). A small temple with SOURCE: Sri K. Ramachandraiah, Guravarajupallf'. green leaves is erected for the occasion in the waste Vedalla Cheruvu (P.O.) land of the village. Goats, rams, sheep and fowls at'e sacrificed to the deity. Local Hindus take p3rt in this. 30. Renigunta-Js a raHway junction on Madra!>-· Pujaris are Dhobis. F aichur railway line at a distance of 15 miles from Chandragiri. SOURCE: Sri Bheemi Reddy, Paw/un lit ! 'icl' J'!'e,\i dent, Settipalle (P.O). Lord Sri Rama temple, Gangamma temple witI! Her image in human form, a few mosques and 28. Karakam Badi--Is 3 miles fro 111 Renigllllia Rail churches are the places of worship in the village. way Station and 15 miles from Chandragiri. Gangamma JatClra is celebrated for a day in Village deity Ankamma temple with Her image in Ashadam (June-July). After performing puja goats, human form and Lord Sri Rama temple are the rJac~s rams, fowls etc" are sacrificed to deity. Intoxicants of worship in the village. are used as a cuslom. This is an ancie!)t lataro confin'ed to the nearby villages. Approximately 2,{)(){; Kattaputtalamma latara Ii:) celebrated J~)r a d.ly Hindus from the surrounding villages, Ella'nJndyam. in Bhat!rapadam (second wet'k of St~ptemhcr). D~- Pil!apalem etc, congregate. lOO Sri Rama Narami is celebr:1ted for 12 days in l'tHUmunitics conl.:regat;:. Potters are the pujaris with Chaitrarn ·(March-April). This is being celebrated h:rcditary rights. :>ince the origin of the village. Hindus are the patrons. Local Hindus participate in it. Pujaris are Brahmins When raim fail the villagers clean their h ousc:; with herecltary rights. Pr(lsadam is distributed to all. prepare p()llgali on a Sunday, take it to the "ilIage lank towards the West and offer it to 'Devendra' (Lord SoURor I) Sri A. VCIl/..;atll SUbbaialz, £X(,(,lIli,'(' of the Gods and the deity presiding over 'Swarga' or Officer. PlIJlcliayal Office, Renigunta. Paradise) after performing pooja. Then they have dinners there. ~) Sri C. Vcnkatappayya, V. L.w., Renigullta. Sri Ranta Nal'ami is celebrated III Chaitfam (March-April). 31. Th~lIldlam-ls one mile from the branch. road of Padipet on Tirupati··Pudi main roael and 12 miles Vaddepallc at a distance of 6 miles from pakala from Chandragiri. Railway Station and 18 miles from Chandragiri, panakam at a distance of 14 miles from Tirupati Ganga ]ilta,.a commences in the last week of Railway Station and 'Brahmanapalle' situated on Vaisakhdm (April-May) and ends on Jais/zta Suddha Tirupati-pudi civil road at a distance of 2 1(2 miles Pad,am! 0,. Vidiya (May-June). A small hut with from Pudi railway station and 13 miles from Chandra green leaves is erected for the occasion. Goats, sheep, giri are the hamlets of this village. ranu and fowls are sacrificed to the deity. Only local Hindus t.ake part in this. Puja,.;s are Dhobis. Lord Chenna Kesava Swamy temple and the stone BTL Rama Narami is celebrated from Chaitra image ofDhanakonda Gangamma are worshipped in Sudd4a N,1vami (March-April). On the last day the Vaddepalle. pictu~c ,of_the Lord is taken out in procession. Local Hindus congregate. prasadam is distribtcd to all. Dhanakonda Gangamma J{[tara is celebrated in C/zaitram (March-April) for a day. Animals and SOURCr:t" Sri lvI. Paft(lbM Rami Redd)'. Thandlam, fowls are sacrificed to the deity. The village headman patronise the festival. Local Hindus take part in it. 32. VemuJrD-!s 14 miles frlll11 Tirupati railway &tatioil. Prasa dam is distributed to all. Vm;;tge deity Vcmalamma kmplc with Her stone Muthyalamma temple (in a dilapidated condition) image in human form, Ponnalamma temple with Her with Her stone image in human form. paidamma stone image in human form a Bhajan MandtI' in lcmple \>;jth Her stone image and Bhajall Mandir in dilapidate condition and a 'PcerJa Ch:rvidi' are the \'1ittamculi Kandriga are the places of worship in places of worship in the village. panakam. Grama Jatara of Vemalamma and P(mnaiamma is celebrated in Jaishtam (May -June) i. c., on June 5th Grama Jawra of VI::HlUrU extends to this village MId 6th fo~ 2 days after harvesting the crops. Pre aho. When rains fail or when epidemics like cholera and parationii :lre made 15 days in advance. 'Bali ~::nallpox prevail in the village, the villagers accompa Thiruguta' is observed as it is believed that it would aying all the animals including dogs and fowls, go to help til(." '.rill a,~e to prosper and sare the village from the garden out side the village to the east before day pest for cattle and people. Devotee:'> fulflll their vows. break on Wednesday in Chaitram (March-Apri 1), Sarees and ornaments arc offercd to the (~city. He offer pongali, sacrifice animals to the village deity, huffaloes. rams, goats'and fowls are sacrificed. to the Valasa Gangamma have their feast with their relatives d::i.ty. 'Bali Thiruguta' means a person carry:; the and return to the village in the evening with beasts and winna"" fulJ of rice mixed with the blood of the sac:ri fo~\ls. In the night kumbflam (cooked rice) is offered Heed hc:-h1.1ffalo 011 his head and scatter:, it shouting befcre the villag.::- Shakthiragi (The stone installed at 'Bali' fCllnd the village. A fe'll: people lI's.: intoxicants the time of construction of the village in the name of as a cUfltom. Th~ villagers patronise the festival. Dona Shakthi), animals are sacrificed. Local people irre lions are collected according to the number of yokes spective of caste and creed congregate. Kumblzam is posses:;cd e,y th:: lnuseho!d:;. Loc:11 peopk of all distribut::d to the scrv~:nts ~!l1c1 Dhobis etc. 101 Lord Prasunnu RUllganatha Swamy temple, Village deity Mogilumma ]atara is celebrated r~wara temple, village ShaktTti Yellamma temple and from laishta Suddha Padyami to Dasami (May-June) peerla Chal'it/i ar~ the place'> of worship in Brahmana for 6 days. Animals are sacrificed to the deity. The paIle. village headman, a Kapu, patronise the festival. Local people of all communities participate. A 'Karamala' GramadCl'atf'l' Ydlamma Jatara i~ i... ckhrated is the pujari. There is poor feeding. The grual of in Vaisakham (April-May) for 10 days. Devotees 'ragi' (fingar minet) is distributed to aiL fulfill their \:ov,~, Sarees etc.. are offered to the Jdty and animab ~lnd fowls are sacrificed. The Bhavana Maharshi rJrhsovam is celebrated from villagers patronise the fastival. Local people of all klagha Bahula Triodasi (January-February) to Phal c,lmmunities tak~ part in it. Pujaris are Dhobis. gnlla Suddha panchami (February-March) for eight Prasadam is distrib!Jted to all and there is free feeding. days. The 'Pina PedJa' of the padmasale community is the patron. Local people of all communities con Sahas/'([ DC!,/IaradlulllLl i~ celebrated in Eswara gregate, though it has special significance to the Padma temple on Afagha Bahula Chaturdasi (January-Fe sales. Pujaris an: Padmasales. Pl'asadal11 is distri bruary), during Mahasivaratri for a day. Jagarana buted to all. and fasting are observed. The villagers patronise the fe~tival. Local PC~)ple of all communiti es congregate. SOURCE: Sri T. Siddha Reddy. Pallchayat President l'ujaris are Brahmins. Pl'asadam is distributed to all. Padipet (Vill). Tirachanul' (P.O). S~'cial dinners are arranged and there is free feeding. There is a Swamy by name Sri Kunjamuru Gopala 34. Gajulamandyam--Is 2 miles from Renigun ta charyulu in the temple of Lord Ranganatha S\\amy. railway station, 3 miles from Pudi railway station and 18 miles from Chandragiri. When epidemic~ liki.' cholera etc., break out, the ndghbourning villagers invite the Swami to their \ illages to perform bltajans to avert the diseaseI'. Eswara temple, perumallu temple, Pattabhi Rama Once a year in Mag/Win (January-February) the near Swamy temple. Kambarayas temple, Yellamma temple, Nukalamma temple, Ankalamma temple and a church hy disciples of Swa~l1Y perform 'Pada pooja' and Uthsa vam to him. are the places of worship in the village. In some temples ther~ are 'Panchaloha (five metals) images, SOURCE: I) ~\ri B. MunGs(/mi Naidu, Pllllchayat, stone images and picture. ('",'sirJ,:/lt. Vemuru, Padipcl (P.D). 2) 8ri K. PUllyakoti Pillai, Karol/am Nandi Seva (Sivaratri) is celebrat<:u on Maglza I'c/ddepalle. Balzula Chaturdasi (Jam:ary-Fcbruary) for a day. The villagers are the patrons. Local Hindus cong~egat.::. 3) ,')'/'i K. Ramachandra Naidll. Pall Pujaris ar~ S:,i"'ite Brahm;n~. PI'(/sadam is distributed chayot Vice-PreSident. to all. PIlIIaka1l1 (1'ill)., Padipet (P.O). l 4) Sri C. MU7lUsami Nayakar, Panchaya Ganga Jatara is celebrated in Chait ram (l\Iarch President, Brahmanapattu (1'.0). Apnl). Devotees fulfill their vows. Animals and fowls are sacrificed before the deity. Local Hindus congregate. 33. Padi--I5 (H(~ mile to the East of Tiruchanur, 5 Prasadam is distributed to all. miles to the East III Tirupati railway station and 12 miles from Chandragiri. Village de ity Yellamma Jaw ra is, celebrated on In the past thi" \ iliage flourished with 'Padi Pan the last Friday of Sral'anam (July-August); Vannia /,lIu' (crop and cattle in abundance). Hence the Kapus are the pujaris. rulers of Chandragiri named it as 'Padi Village'. SOURCE: 1) Sri B. Gul'il/da R;!{,ldy. I'.L. Jr., Bhavana Mahllrshi temple with His image, village Gajulamand),am. dr.::ity Mogilamma temple with Her head and Sri Rama Bhajana Mandir :Are the places of worship in the 2) Panc/zayat Presidellt, , illage. Gajulamand.yam. KAi.;AHASTI 'fALUK -~-. ' ~ i FAIRS AND FESTIVALS I , I i~ KALAHASTI T ALUK _1:.J ! ~J' ',it CHITIOOR DlSITJCT, A. P. , ! I TAL-UK HE:AOQU4RTE:R5 • • > 6 MILES I VILLAGe' WITH $EltIAL NUMS"" ~'-I----~ , '-'-"l ICILOHETEIlS 2: 2 VENKATAGIRI TALUK . . .. NELlORE DISTRICT I II I / Ii I i RAJAMPET TALUK I 1 CUDDAPAH OISTRI<;'T i i I i 13' fiI I, I I I ! I CHANORAGIRI 'G0"" fP,o~f,tt<' TAl-UK I. I SATYAVEDU TALUK INDEX PUTTUR Code /lu ..... I),;r Name of Deity ;In: Nilme 'Of VII/age I arlO i etl'Jd (If Fa.1r (Jf FestIVal 3C4 MUSALIFG/J . NMLAGANGAM.~A ® APR· Md KALAHASTE.ESWARA· 347 CHITTAr~:~R POll NANCHARAI~MA ® D£C·lm SWAMY JAN.F~5 ):5 AOAVAPAM ARETAM ..I.A ("J C!--I'N7"HALAPA,LE.!Ii CHINTALA.'\1MA @ MAoII·APR OCT .1.eV S V/ARNA~lNGe~'o/ARA- ANKAlAA1MA eo I\t::t.k,6.M ill'a.~ PANDL'RANGAS;vAMY @ 111 j/NGllIPAlYAM ZAt'1JN04R @ 369 r,lIDKfMUR7 HfPIJRA,Vi J~N - re8 PU,;AM JUNE·JULY RAlVlAPAl£M PO~£RAMMA PAiHAPA[(M MATH'MMA /17 ! ;Ar'18/,KAf1 POTHVRAJU 221 @ r" "","MAY jm.FE.& @ NDy·D"X: FJTHURM0 2:2 PANGURU G,~4MASAI(TI 388 KAlATHUR ANKAlAM'AA @ . JUNE·JULY :~ 'Y JUI :E FU.MAR ® 225 jANGAlAPAllE POlER,\MM.~ 393 Y.ATR.\PALL£ POLERAMMA I 120 I\M,~P/,GUi~'TA K:-I<;NOF.:;;";\ rHUMM,!,L~~~~'1~r IoPR. M~r ® MAR.:,O~ \@ (~.:.' 5if.,A_·A,\";,"A.J['[:;) ! SlDDES~~/:'fiA5~,(Ai1r DD URANDVR NU'.IiKANTSSWARA- .403 EllA~1ANYAM - MATHAMMA @ APR.MA'f I D,,",'N S'~/M1Y JUlY.AUG I@ KHANDRIGA 406 SOORAMAlA SRI RAMA ~ , .5 CHU" ~tDU V£E.RA2f-i.6.0RASWr,'iY 253 AMANDUft MALA Y/,u'-S Vv At., y , 3 i I @ 0) ~A~. Al'R J~N. f[5 - , '"'~( • J~/J VEERAS!-l,~0R'SWA.'~Y 299 S,\~i,WATHI KHANDqlGA PALAM.WAMMA ~36 CHAVAl1lINCAMA- DHARMARAJU @ Jji rl JANUARY JUt ( • ~' G ® ALIAS SOW~HAGrAVIDYAPUJ;.~h\ JULY. AUG NAIDUfALlE ALC,·,:'P : ::_~l_( PE.NU8AKA MA,1EI.:MA @ 3C2 KANDADIJ GANGAMMA NV .~p~ ~ ___. ______j______--~ __~------~~------_L~------~------J Section IX KALAHASTI TALUK & RI KalahasH - fs one and a half miles from Sri lillgam in Kalahasteeswara tempk. The Telugu poet ~ Kalahasti Railway Station on Renigunta-Gudllr Dhurjati, renowned for sweetuess of his poetry, }-as section. There are nine bus routes connecting the praised the place, the Lord and the river in 'Kala}1asti place from Naidupet (J 7)*, Middekandriga (21), Tiru Mahathmyam'. The puranic version for associating pati (23), Sullurpet (29), NeJlore (6 J), Cllittoor (65). Kalahasti with Mount Meru is that as result of an alte Madras via Tada (70), Kanchi (74) and Trivellur rcation between Ad:sesha (the sapent God) and Vayu (75). (the God of Air) three blocks separated themselves from Mount Meru and fell at different places. One of these Kalahasti was undt:r lhe Vijayanagara and Simha. places is KaJabasti. The oiher is at Thiruchirapalli puri kings for some time after which it came under th(: (in Tamil Nadu State) and the third is at Trlncomalee Venkatagiri SlImslhana/ll. Finaily it became a Sams in Ceylon. Kalabasti and the hill KaiJasagiri here (hallam itself. The river Suvar!1amukhi flows on one are famous in pttranas. Accoraing to the Skanda. side of the town. On the North there is a temple of Saiva and Linga Puranas, the idol of Sri Kalahastees- Durgamba and in the South there is a temple of Kan swara is said to have been brought by Brabma. the nabeswara in memory of the great devotee Kannappa. creator, from Mount Kailas as a gift from Lord During the annual festivals the idol of Lord Siva is Eswara. According to the instructions of the Lord. taken through the North gate. Suvarnamukhi takes He kept the idol and worshipped the same, so that H(; a northerly <.:ourse at Kalahasti which is a rare phel)o may by his worship recoll.ect the process of creation, menon. The river flows touching the West wall of the which He has forgotten. Hence the hill is; named Kalahasteeswara tempic. Kailasagiri. In Skanda Purana Arjuna is. sajd to ha\f~ visited the place during his Theerthlyatra, worshipped A leg.end about the origin of this river is interes- Kalahasteeswara Swamy and visited the sage: Bhara ti!lg. The entire universe gathered on the Himalayas dwaja on th~ hilI Kailasagiri from whom h~ hea,n,l the in the North, to witness the marriage of Lord Siva and sacredness of the place and of the fiver Suvarna Parvathi. The weight was so much that earth began to mukhi .. sink in 1he North and it was only Lord Siva or Agas thya that could maintain the balance by settling in the Sputh. Siva was the bridegroom and at His behest The main temple here is that of Sri KaJabastees Agasthya settled at Kalahasti. But there was no wara. The derivation of the word Kahlhasti is Sri perenniel river there and he prayed Lord Siva to (spider), Kala (serpent) and Hasti (elephant)~ 1t is said supply this urgent need at the place. At Lord Siva's mythologically ,that in Kritayuga, Lord Siva gave order Brahma brought down Akasaganga to Kalahasti salvation to a spider, a serpent and an elepbant as be whIch is flowing in the mime of Suvarnamllkhi. It is was pleased with their singJeminded devotion to Him-· stated that Lord 1ndra got rid of his curse from Maha self. The spider had woven a net above the lingam rshi Gowthama after taking bath in this river. It is to protect it from the Sun and pcrforme,d abhlshe also said that Suvarna (gold) used to be found in the It am; the serpent worshipped the Lord with his phani rivei~ The place is named Kalahasti after the temple ~hood). The serpent was una\varc of the worship of ,)f Lord Kalahasteeswara. the spider and elephant. One day, during i1s pnja, thr serpent found some Bjlva )caves an'd some abhi Kalahasti is extensively mentioned in PUrallas. shekam thirtham near the tonI. It thought that somt; lis historicaL background runs to ages and it has been one was Parming the Lord and hence surroQnded, the sung by famous mystic poets. Sri Adi Sankaracharyulu Lord to observe the mjs~hief maker. Ne1\t .day the has praised the place in his 'Si vananda lahari'. He elephant as usual came with water in his trunk to per-· lIa') established a 'Sree cbakram' and a marble Siva- form puja. Thin].,jl1g ihat lilt.: t.:k~phant Wl\S spoiling ---'------_._--,--- ~ The figure~ within brackets indicate the distance of the place in 'Y1;Ic~ ';o";} l\al;;h.J'li, 104 the sanctity of the linga, the serpent got into its trunk. it for the third and last timeat Vijayanagara, his capi1al The elephant, unable to resist the pain, dashed its city. Finally the Nattukotai Chettiars of Devakotlai trunk against the lingam thereby crushing the serpent gave the final ~hape to the temple in 1912 at a cost and the spider; the elephant itself died of pain on the of nearly nine lakh rupees. spot. Lord Siva gave Mukti to all the above three, The main entrance of the temple begins from being pleased with their devotion. Hence this kshetra Bikshalagaligopuram which is now disconnected with is called Sri Kalahasti. The linga contains if'~ it traces the temple. Close to this and facing the East is a temple of these three also. Jt is in the shape of the trunk of dedicated to Kasi Viswanatha Swamy and Annapurna. an elephant with tusks on either ~ide and a figure of Passing this one enters the temple prakara through t.he spider at th~ bottom .tnd at the top th~ hrm of a snake with five hoods. Bala Gnanananda Gopul'am. Close to the turret within ~he outer there; There is the eye of Kannappa between t he tusks. prakara, small temple of Subramanyeswara facing South [t is also believed to be one of the five lingas of nature, is a )iz., the five elements-Prithri (earth), ApPl' (water), opposite to this is the temple of Balaprasunamba and Thejas (fire), Vayu (air) and Akash (sky). T'1e Prithvi Eswara facing West. Passing on from here, one meets lingam is at Karlchi with the name Ekambareswara the temple of pathala Vighneswara a few yards from the Bala Prasunamba temple. The Vighneswara idol is Swamy. The Appu [illgam is at lambukeswaram with the name lalakantheswara Swamy. The Thejolingam placed fifty feet below ground level. lust opposite to this is the tower gate leading to the North. From there is at Thiruvannamalai with the name Sri Annamale- one has to return to South where one sees the Western 5wara. The Va)'ulingam is at Kalahasti with the name gate of the temple prakaram opening to river Suvama Sri Kalahasteeswara and the Akaslzalingam is at mukhi. Outside the gate one finds two tanks-Surya Chidambaram with the name Nata Rajeswara. There Pushkarini to the left and Chandra Pushkarini to the is an oil lamp ill the Garbhagudi (sanctum sanctorum) right. It is the water of SuryaPushkarini alone that is fixed to Ii vertical lamp pillar to tile right side of the used for the Pachchakarpuram Ablzishekam of the Jingam. T .vo lights constantly burn from the lamp. Lord, and for cooking naivedyam and prasadam. They are always flickering as if blc:wn by wind e\en Adjacent to the gate is the temple of Suryanarayana. :hough tl1ere are no hoics or windows anywh·~re to let Close to the \Vestern gate one findis the temple of Sub fhe air in. In fact all other lights jL~:de (/arbhagudi rahmanya Swamy. To the South of temple, there is bum stead fast. This is said L> prove t :~r Kalahasti Krishna Devaraya Mantapam which is otherwise called lingai.'1 is 'Vayu (air) /ingam', hundred pillared Mantap([lIl. To the East of this temple there is a Pagadanlanu tree and close to this there is a 'r:Hl t:.:mple was built at L1C f,)ot of KaiJlsagiri by 16 pillared Malltapam. Just north to this Mantapam, the pal!ava kings and later by Tho:1d:unna Chakra there is jalakoti Mantapam. Opposite to this is the i1arthi. The Chola kings renovated and buill the main temple of Ashtothara Lingam and on the Eastern side templ~. 'Kulothunga Chola, the great Ch,)la king, of the temple there is an 'Akhanda Bilva tree'. Gene constructed the galigopuram in the eleventh century rally Bilva leaf will have three petals whereas the leaves A.. D. In th~ 12th century A. D. Veeranarasimha of this tree are having 5 to 9 or II petals. To the Yadava Raya, who ruled in Narayanavaram ncar Put East of the 100 pillared M antapal1l, there are tvi'o small rur an4 Karvetinagaram, built the pres;!nt outer temples built by Akkanna a~d Madanna, ministers. of Prakarant, four gopurams counecting the four entran Golkonda Nawabs and maternal uncles of Ramdas of ces to the temple. They also constnh;ted a huge anicut Bhadrachalam fame. Adjac~nt to thi" there is a tower from tb:::, t:::mple to the f90t of th~ Durga hill. across gate facing South which leads to Bharadwaja Ashram the dver,Suvarnamukhi. t, •• am, Manikarnika temple and Kannappa hill. Oppo ~ite to Akkanna and Madanna. t(!mplcs there are two The Vijayanagara rulers developed the M.:w tapams temples of Kali and Siva .. To the North of them there inside th~ temple. Froni an inscription of Kri~hna devaraya we find that he built the hundred pillared IS a smalHemple of Indra and two Siva temples one Maniapaln and the galigopllram in 1516 A. D. Sri of which was constructed, by Madura dancing girls AC:lUtharaya of Vijayanagara dynasty, got his corona during the time of Cholas. Further North to this is the tion performed in the presence of Lord Kalahastee- office room facing West and,adjacent to this there is the swara in 1529 A. D. before he nnaJty cclr:brated Romasu Maharshi temple. Opposite to the office room 105 and in [fe.': L "f tCl' gate there i~ a sing!e stolle pillar or lIS~d to offer the B.~~h of the anillluls to the Lord first 75 ffct hciJ:2ht ,,' :\ a sm~111 stone nandi (bull) at tlie: as sacrament after tasting it himself tu see if it was lap, l\~(;xt Z,) tIl< "the flag staff (DhwajastlJambLnl) good enough to be 0fT2rcd to the Lord. To test his qf Dakshii ';~:l1: ,',: cov':fed with copper s[Jcct ;,>;:'l~d t>incerety and devotion, the Lord one day made it with gole:. aprc:Jr as if Dlood W0.S uH'f'pin g [;-om the iii :Jam. lenlpL: l-! Thin!1ap:-:l tI1l'P~-l:t 11'::,t s:)m: c>nc L,J h'J.iil1.::d the tcrJ :111d i;:~r:;\"~c;~:.tc~y v,itLoet any llc::::tl.~tic,r: r::I11o\cd lwelve \i;" . one of his OWll ('::.~; PhalgunQ Suddha Shas[i (F<.?bruary - ]\!arch). The about R s. 36,,000 per annum. Tilt' ;",xpcnditure ccn~eo, to routill~ during the 13 days of the Bruhmothsavam ill Rs. 28'('00 leaving a balance of I'; ".b.OOO, About 50,OrO general are the KannaPl'a dlnvajarohana111 on the first Hindus from all over India congregate. Saivites of day. the Lord's dlll'v'ajarohallGI1l on the second; the pro-· B!larndw:ijasa gotral1l arc the pujaris with heredil,l(Y cession oithe Lord on Suryaprahha in the morning rights and they are also c,;]bf 'i,j'h ;he name GUfllk,d and Ch:lpp1ram in the evening 0:1 the third; the silver S!fwllljimJi/!'z! illld Sta}!i!,-;,J;;. P;'(!lcdanl is sold eV~Jy Hamsa on t~1e four~h; silver Ham5a and rarro~ on the day to the pilgdn:$, fifth; Indrarimanam and Chapparam on the sixth: car festival on the seventh; Nandi on the eighth, A. fair is he'd in this (,"~r.,~cti()n for II days since Rudrakshambari on the ninth; Banathambari on long. ThollSands of pepr!c f,QU' all over India congr(.; the leUr.; silver (ifllbari on th~ eleventh; pal!,';, [. gate, Traders come fi'Cil'~ .'l!r1( nnding villages. ~'lorc seva on the twelfth and e/(llJ]lha sera on tll" than leo Street bavvlu5 t~:~,t:: p,rl iq tbe fair. !-ood thirteenth day. The valwnams for Anllllavaru arlO stdTs, utensils, torches. mirre! '. A)urvedic medicines, si!v2f Gmbari on the first (13Y, Bhuthaki and Chiluka blll'ks,c1othes, tOjS and Lwcy g'Wd5 arc sold. (parrot) on the second; Ravana and silver peacock Oll the third; Sesha on the fourth; vrushabha (bull) and There are no temple c;loultrics. But the manda lion on the fifth; elepbant and lion on the eighth: pallls within the temple ccmpound can accommodate horse and lion on the tenth; lion and kllmadhcl1u on over 2,0(0 peopJe. There are 14 pubJic ctouitries the eleventh and pai/aki on the twelfth day. Almost which afford free accllmmoda[ion for 3 cays. .some all the vehicles are of silver. Mahasiraratri on private people have conslruc;,;,d a f.:ow self-contained Chaturdasi, car festival on Purnima. kalyanothsavam rooms for rent. Recently the Tirumala-firupati Dcv en Padyami and Kailasagiri Pradakshanam on Tadia asthanams, Tirupati, constructed a dharma satram are important. Car festival is conducted on small cars outsaide the western gate and an(,ther is under constr of recent make as the original car was destroyed l1Y uction. Boarding facilities arc provided by oermanenl fire ~l)me years back. The huge figures that used tl' hotels and a few temporary hotels opened for the decorate the original car and which are preserved as occasion. Dharma siltrams are specially opened dur unserviceable in the temple, give us an idea of tht: ing the occasion by the well-to-do people of the place extraordinary size of the origina I car. Ka if asagiri to fced the common piJgIims. The Pushpagiri mutt cho· Pradakshanam is a very imposing cucmony. The Lord ultry feeds all the Brahmin visitors and the Vaisya and Ammavaru are taken in a procession round the community makes ample arrangements for its people. hill as the hill 'Kailasagiri' is abutting the temple, all-· The Bharadwaja tank, the Narada tank and another owing no space for pradakshanam round the temple tank in pusalaveedhi together with the ever flowing 'either to the devotees or to the Lord. Hel~ce Giri Suvarnamukhi provide water facility for the pilgrims. Pradakshallam of 14 miks is arranged on two occasion~ There is a shop within the temple cnmpound besides a i. e., once during Sil'aratri Brahmotllsol'am and the ~core of permanent ShdPS oUbide the temple compound ~econd on the third day of Sankronli. The latter i~ a selling the reqlli~ites of the pilgrims. Another ~Cl'fe or very important function and thousands of devotee, more wi~l he temporarily added during Brahmothvavam. meet the Lord in the other dirtction at KOIlNi Raya Mantapam and bring Him and Ammavaru to the During Bf{71UllOthsavam more than 100 police temple. It is an an(.'iellt festival of all India importance. :::nd 50 ;,couts help the \'i~it(lrs in the t"wn at th~ temple There i,i n scheme decreed in D.S.!. (If 1935 of District and bathilJg glia.'s, Add,tion;" health slaff attend ttl Court of Cnittoor L:nder Class VII of which the Hindu uniLl1ion. Speci,.il tnlins and ,1dditillnal buses are Religious and Charitable 1 ndo\\n;ent5 Board should run all all tbe main [("utes. The railways open a special appoint an Advisory committee and an executi'.'e officer booting ohice in the town. Lict;nced guiLks are aV,!-ii,-: to manages the affairs of the temple. The temple pos_ bk for a fce of Rs, 2/ to help the pilgrims andexplarD sesses 25 acres of wet land at Gudl\ ada and J S acrt's of tl:e llame and 5igniliccln.:~, (~C., of Ihe idols numb~ring ,dry land at Ammanabrolu in KIishna district. The 0'\;,£ J 50 iil the tempk. Government pays a contribution of about Rs. 12.000 per annum for taking over the village of Kalahasti. A Jwahlthoranothsa~}am on M,7rgl1sira SilddllJ sub"taritial income of about R s 10,000 per ye:u is col PUl"nima (No\emb.:r-ntceinb.::r) is a ~maU funclion lected as entrance fee from the devotees at I he rate or attended by about 500 devotees. A p:,lm tree is fixed 3) p:lis~p~r head. The approximate tolal income from with il lamp burnin;; at t!'i,! top, vertically between the these and other sources like rents of buildings, etc., is wall of the m:.(in temple an.! the outer wall on the we:;lern side. Dry p.:i!la LIve:, : ';: plied [;r<.'C:'1d this the fi~h like figure high up L',,;,,iL:~ :it i:s "li;l(\)'<', ill Iree alla are s;t fire. the "vater c('lntain·~r helo;._,:. or) the !'ifth (~ay~ i'1!~;tT~l!6~ of Drowpacli: on the ~:\t!; d:,y, RaJ~iSO(ll'(' ) "gam Hrr;f! 11,')"!?c'I\',7Ti1 i; c:kbr:',LJ for 10 c'ay'; [rom (sacrifice) en tLe sewl'l;l u:c v. DDV:;)3di r<.·j!l",ira SI'M{UIO lkf'l,'o Cfic.s'r/i to Tr'oi[.lsi (J,lly- 'c\'Jgt:st) in harilwm ( after the jUice is dried up is gathered and used as Sree 3. Kasaram alias Rudramurthipuram - Is 4 miles from j"Iadarenul'u (the 5alT(.;d dW'l of Lord's feet). Yellakaru railway station on Renigunta-Gudur Rail way line. :-;OURCE: !' Tempi£'s and Legends of Andhra Pradesh by N. Ramesan. Chennakesava temple and Yamalamma temple Sri A.:l)tta VL'llkata Narasimlw Sastry, with Her image in human form are the places of wor·· Telugu PandU, Board High School, ship in the village. Pandu Ranga Swamy stone image Kn/ahasti. is being \vorshipped in human form. '? Vid~l'I1n Sri G. Tir1Jl'engada Suri, Panau Ranga Swamy Tirunala is celebrated for TelulJu Pandit, Z. P. High School, seven days in Chaitram (March-April). The devotees Kafahasfi. take oil·bath, wear silk dresses and participate with 4 AradJlGlla !\[arch, 1956. devotion. Some devotees enter the aglligUlldam (fire fit). It is 15 years old and is confined to this and the 5. Sri Kalahasti Mahathyam by Vidlran neighbouring villages. Hindus participate in it. Bulusu VenkatesH'ar/u, M.A. Muthrasa is the p:ljari. There is free feeding for the 6 Sri Kalahasti Kshetra MahatlIyam by pilgrims. Sri G. Venkatramaiah, Sundari Str eer, Kalalwsti. SOURCE: Sri S.P. Vzjaya Rat/mam, Teacher: Kasaram. Aradhana, June 1957. 4. Mambakam-Is 2 1/2 miles to the south of Naidu 8. Places of Interest in Andhra Pradesh peta-Venkatagiri road, 3 miles from Naidupeta-Kalah by Information and Public Relations asti bus route and 16 miles from Kalahasti. Department, Hyderabad. pothuraju stone image under a tree is being wor V Extract from Andhra Pradesh weekly shipped by the villagers. dated 20-11-63. jll, Additional information gathered by pothuraju Kolupulu or 'po Ii' is celebrated for the Research Assistant from Basava five days in M agha Suddham (bright fortnight) purunams, by falkuriki Somanatha (January-February). It is a local belief that it brings alld Subrahmanyam Devaras of Oan good harvest. Rice is cooked from the harvested crop. gapetnam alld from the Records, bills The devotees contribute towards the expenditure in and Programmes of festil'als of the proportion to the extent of the land. A ram and s:lcep temple office at Ka/ahasti. are purchased with that money for sacrifice. Cooked rice is mixed with the blood of the sacrificed animals 2. Chinthalapalem-Is 8 miles from Yerpedu Rail which is called raktapu annamu (rakthamu in Telugu way Station on Gudur-Renigunta Railway line. means blood and annamu means food.) The rakthapu annamu is scattered on the outskirts of the viiI age. Chintalamma i-em pie with Her wooden image is Residents of the village fully armed protect the mixture lbe only place of worship in the village. The image from being smuggled by outsiders, as it is believed that is broad at the bott0m and at the top it resembles the the ]loti or property of the village is carried away horn of bull, with it. They do not hesitate to kill even the nearest relative from another village if smuggling is attempted. Chinthalamma Aradhana is celebrated for tour At this time rams and sheep are sacrificed and ponga/i days from Karllzeeka Suddha Sapthami to Dasami is offered to the deity, for a week before Ugadi (October-Nov~mber). Arrangements are made two (March-April). It is being celebrated since the origin days in advance. Rams are sacrificed to the deity. It of the village. The village beads are the patrons. All IS being celebrated for the past 60 years \vith loca! local communities participate in it. Rajaka and Talad ~ignificance. Hindu devotees participate in it. A Balija are the pujaris. Pongafj is distributed as prasadam. is the pujarl with hereditary rights. SOURCE; Sri B. Krishllama Naidu, Patalll P.O. via SOURCE: Sf: A. Venkata Subrallll1anyam. Teacher, Yerped7l. P.S.E. School, Dwarakapuram, Palachuru· 110 5. Dirasamala-Is I .1/2 miles from the hu, r(1ut~, 7. Sirasanambedu·{s on: ll;~lC fro~', :' I' .':,.:'1-Kal", 61/2 miles from Naidupd raii,\ay station ;jljJ 12 has(i mote·r rOLl:~. t n~i':o.; f,,)m ?,-.I: I"~ d r p(}"t!;llrllju only pLt~'c o[ \\ nrshi:' i·; 11 is, II J~e. stone slab. Sri SiJ,"cs\vara Sv,aJlJ: Jf:Ji,J!/;.,< ,/,,/ ';, c"~2brate,.i for 3 d.\ys dt.;;·ing Sa!lki'cl'I' ia F.nT/fL·' n ;Y,:cember POthUfUjU Kohtpll!:r arc cekLakJ ['11' 3 ~l:;ys or 5 Janral;,). i L· .. j'fth, i::,I,l! and 1(-tll c .1;'11 'Fy. Cam- day$ in j(lish.tam (May-June). i. e .. fI2';1 15th i\!ay. pll(ir. C('l'l)J!·'lil~,. pungal; ~l>lj ll<:ir.. ',JJ ,:\:c; to tIL Potln.rcdu lIluggu lel'~c,e:!ting Pothc!raju. l:r;lwn on The dejty. (~,_:,~u~ aHd f.;-"\ Ii) ar~ s:~c;'if'jCCf: \\' )·tl~·n \\':~~1" grc'.md \\ith colours i~ worshi]JJ'~d \\"1:11 il;C(~ns: on the out chilG;'::n tai,e Llil-balh 1;1;); d3}., t;:), '/e L~lill,:.' first (by. Pothuraju image is pr.:pard w;Lh \',lood. and do pmdakshhom (;.:irc 1,;;nambu]':· :("'.1 to the hill Uth".·,lvalll is clcbLltcd to l:lC accomp.m:'1i:·nt of along wit;] the pro,~,;",k,,\' II is 'E, :1[ICI.'nt festivai horrif: ing music produced witl; a sp::ciJl ir:, rrllJ1lent. conflned to this a:ld ,he nc' :'lr,nUrIi::';" .gcs. Th..: On the second day ponga!i i:; olIerd t'.J Puttluraju. vil:agers p:ltroni2e the l"-'Sli\;:. ~';ear;y <; .1\)1) devotees The festival is about 100 ycars old and i" limited to of all Cd.stes P~U:j:ir3:':; in i~~ ['i!jdl'l Lel, ,(J,:?s to jan .. this village. Yadava (Golla) is the jlujari with here gam \\it:l ri.!;;:5. )};,/',")r{.,:/, ditary rights. eask h:r'::0;Eal'v is distri· buted to all. 1hcr(' is fr.1,; flcding. P,IJ'ureta is celebrated during Sallki'aU{ in Pu. A fair is held frum.3 p. m. to 'J "til. )r a day in s/tyam (Dccember -January), i.e., 16th Januar:,' in this connection ncar tlie t.l}l!e;' I. N .. iily 5,000 peopl..: FalJachclfu, a ne:::rby village. The copper images of Srce congreg.lte from this \ illages 2nd )IG l1dghbouring Rama and Lakshm::lI1u are d;:coratcd anJ taken out vilbges. Busl11tss men Celm\: fr(';}1 t-.:u ;1npd and Kala in pr0ccssion accompanied by music. Th:: devotees of hasti. Foodstuffs, utensil~, ,~.'l11tS, mirrors, boob. this v;ll::lg\;~ nlfer cocoanuts. B1IGjana all'l)rds enterta_ clothes and agricultural il1i;1:,ments ar.: so:d. Drarna, inment to the visit'JfS. Afterwards eatables are and lot\:::ries are the tW() it:i1i", "'f .:n!tel·;aimnent to the disiribUled and the procession then procee-::;,; to Kal1- visitors. driga ,illage. SOURCE: Sri K. Venkara ,r,;i-is!maiah, Tt:acher, P. ,.... ' SOl.;R(F: Sri A. l'enkata SuhrahmanyufII. Teacher, Elel1lll/!(IIY Si'i;,)(}/, Sims(lfltJ>l1bcdu. f'alacliuru via Na.({ulapet. 8. Chembedu-Is:2 miks from Fclla!-"uilld m,)tor ronk_ 10 miles from Kalahasti and 12 mile:: from Kalahasll 6. Kappagunta Kandriga-Is situated at a diitance of railway station. 1 1/2 miles from the motor road, 7 miles from Naidu pet railway station and 10 miles from Kalahasti. Sri V,erilbbcra Swamy tempJe Wi(jl His image in human form, Chembulamrna tcn:pic, .\rvetamm,1 Grama Shakthi Thummalamma reprc~cnted by a temple, Sreerama Bhajana AI andir .m(i Ii church (Jr~ nC':"111 tre.:: i!'! worshipped in this village. the places of worship in this village, Thummalarnma Kolupulu are celebrateJ for 3 or Sree Veerabhadra Swamy UtnsG/am .!~ ceiebratcd 5 days in Vaisakham (April-May). 1 he neem tree is during Sankranti in Pushyam (December-January). wor&hipped with cocoanuts, incense and pOl1gali. i.c.,.14th January. It is an ancient festival confined ThurnmaJamma lIluggu (figure of the deity) is drawn to this village. A woman of Linga B,\lija CU'ite. Willi on the floor with coloured powders. Incense is spread hereditary righ ts to inom land is the patton, The deii \ over it and pongali is offered on the Jast day. Cocoan owns 3 acres of iflam land. All com nrunj', ie'S panic: 1- uts, incense and pongali are offered in liquidation of pate in it. Prasadam is distributed to all. their \OWS by the devotees. It is being celebrated [or SOURCE: Sri C. Clwngalwal'llyalu, lLadmastt'l'. the pa~t on;: century with local significance. Desuru Panchayat Samillzi Elementary Sc//O')," K;1PUS :m: The patrons. A Muthra~a is tbe pt!jari. Chemhedu. ll1 9. Chinnasingamala-Situated clcse to the -lth mile 11. JingHipalYllm Is 3 ly.:les [10m ::::a1ahasti I !;l\\;lY stone of Kalahsti- Naidupct road at a di~wnce of of station. miles from Kalahasti, 4 1/2 mil~s from lliLltor Toad and 6 miks from Kalahasti railway station. The tombs of 1he 7arninaC!r fa,' !iy, i. e., 1 msc-lf. Li'; wif-:: ,1llJ th~lr teacher are the ':,l~::) of\. ,'ol;ip 11 i~ said that this was an agraharam in anc'.:n' i, i,1 l1'y- ' tim',;. Gradually. it came: iill0 (1': hands 0[01i,\,;;: Arlldlzui:.l c:::kbr-l;.l:cl M,,;;!J;:m (Jar! gadu. a Mala and was calL:d Chin;lsin:;amala. Fe bruhry) on 1::f h (Feb,IT ',try 'I f, r a day. '; iswa' brahmins Dre the pai!',lns. Tbey :\;.~ en})y: 'g 111t Sree Rama Afandir, Chamundcs\',ari temple. ,"'c'li Zl br;J,; :.!lloltc;1 for ilie purpose. It i, being c,-< >'-,lled bhadra Swamy temple al~d Pokramma temple ar.: tl; .., in DI('mory of Ii;c 7clmindar. j\'1 Hir.du~ .;,1' tile plac~s of \vorship in 11le viliage. (ir{(maci('rl'r/iu \'ill3gc p.lrticil',Jle, .j ;:.t.',: is frc': k'-l~i:lg. G,mgamma is being worshipped in human form at lh~' centre of the village witllOut ;lilY t,;mpk. SCl·RCL: Sfi J~f. R{;}!g, , R(dJ,. T" lier, G Sri Rama Nal'ami is celebrated for II days from Bhajana Mandi,. with the images of Sita, Rama. Chaifra S71ddlzfJ Novami to Bahllla Cllavi!i (March Lahhmana, Bharata, Satrughna and Hanuman and April). Prawdam is distributed to all. Yellamma temple with a wooden image and Jif:t'rla chavidi are the places of worship in the village. Grama Shakrhi Mathamma Uthsavam is celebrated In Vaisakltam (AorIl ·May) for ten days by the Adi Sri Neelakantes\v3nl Swamy B/'ahmolhsal'am is Jambava community of the village. Animals are sac c:elebrated for ten days fr,)Il1 SI'Gl'ana Suddha Ekadasi rificed. Agnigl/l1da jJl'ovesam (entering the fire pit) is to Bahllfa Panch ami (July·-August). Dlnrajarohana celebrated on the last day. on the first day. uthsavam on the second, third and fourthdays, Nandi seva on the fifth day and ratllothsa SOURCE: Sri N. Sankaraiah, Teacher, Panglu vam on the sixth day, kalyallam on the seventh (B. 0.), via Yerpedu. day, parul'eta on the eighth day, Dltwajarohanam on the ninth day and pal/aki seva on the tenth day are {4 Jm:tg1Ial)l1l~-Situated at a distance of 3 fur cdebrated. Uthsaram on Chaitra Suddha Padyami longs from the m:Jtor route, 5 miles from Yerpedu (March-April). Ashadha Suddha Ekadasi (June-July), railway station and 12 miles from Kalahasti. Maharnal'amiUthsaram on ASl'ijaSuddhaNavami(Sep !ember-October), Chukka1l'i Uthsavam on M argasira This village was named JangalupaIIe by the Jan Suddha Purnima (November-December), Harikatha galu of ancient times, who liver! there in a majority. on Pushy a Suddha PUl'llima (December-January), Sri Rama temple is the only placi! of worship in Makara Sankranti U,hsavam in Pushya Ball;t!am {he village. The images of Poleramma. Yamalamma, ~December-January). Kailasagiri Pradakshanotlzsa Ankamma, Gangamma, Gurappa, Tharamma. Chem ,:am during Kanumu. Radha Sapthami on Magha borulu, Muneesw::lrlu and the idol of Subrahmanya Sllddha Sapthami (January-February), Bheeshma Swamy are worshipped. Ekdasi on Magha Suddha Ekadasi (January-Februa ry) and ilfahasivaratri on Magha Bahufa Clwtur Poleramma latara is celebrated f0r two days dasi are celebrated in the same temple in addition during the last week of Chaitr:lm (March-April) in an to Nitya Aradhana. It is an ancient festival (eleb area of 20 squar;: yards in the centre of the village. rated according to Kslietra MaMma and it is of local Animal sacrifice was in vogue in ancient times. But significance. now only offering'> of cocoanuts, fruits and flowers are m'1de. [t is being celebrated since the origin of the Daily puja is perfonr.ed to Sri Chennakesava \iiliagc with a small congregation of 700 from this and Swamy. Sri Pattabhi Ramaswamy and Yellamma. Sri the neighbouring viUag.:s. Hinda Balijalu are the Rama Sal'ami is celebrated for 14 days from Clzaftra patrons, Dhobi is the p1ljari. Ther;;- arc social dinners Suddha Nal'alili. Pujari of Yellamma Devatha be~ and free feeding. !ongs to iv1uthracha caste and is having hereditary rights. The pilgrims stay for f(jur days. Pra,l{ldam is distributed to all. Temporary shops are kept by the Poleramma latara, Ankamma and Maremma bu:.inessmen of this village" Flncy dresses and dramas are celebrated in (August-Sep ~ntertail1 the '\ isitors. lataras B/tadrapadam tember) for a day only. SOUR.CE: Sri B. VenJ..ala Su,,)baia/t Sert)' , Jangala palte. SOURCE: Sri M. Radhapathi Pillai, Teacher, Urcdur B. O. (5. Urandur-SituQkJ at a distance of 3 miles from Kalahasti raHway station, I 1/2 miles fro'll the motor 16. Amandur-Situated at a distance of 1 1/1 miles route and 3 miles from Kalahasti to\,/:1. from Yerpedu railway station. There is one pond in Vyasasramam which is called Kasi Theeftham or Kasi Sri Neelakanthes\\ara Sw 11l1y temple with a stone BlIgga. It contains water in all seasons of the year. Siva!ingam, tile images of Devi and Vinayaka. Nandi {t:le sacred bull) DhwaJas and prakal'ams, Chennake There is one temple of Uttarakeswara Swam), in a shava Swamy temple with the images of Swamy, Am dilapidated condition. It was constructed by Sri mavaru and Anjaneya, Faf;abhi P'llna Swr.my Ma!ayab Swamy, a saint. 113 Sri t\Ia ht) ala Swamy pujalu ar..: celebrated for Skhandeswara Swamy temple with a stone Siva 1 wo days 011 Magha Suddlza Ekadasi and Dwadasi lingam installed by Lord Kumara Swamy, Sadasiva 1January-h:oruary). Big pandalsare erected and deco temple with His idol in the form of Sivalingam and rated with iighb. Offerings are Illade by the devotees. an image of Parvati in human form in Sadasiva Kona Fasting is ,'t>-erv::d by devotees on every Ekadasi. It and Blzajana LUandirs are the places of worship in is being c.;'\:+raLd from 1926 and is widely known. this place. Devotee" '-'t"me (i'om all parts of the countr). The devotees r[dwni,e the festival. All {;ummunities parti Sadasivuni Parupu UthsavGm is celebrated in cipate in ,I. There is free feeding for nearly 1,000 Ashadham (August-September) i.e., on the last Sunday people on th<:se two days. and Monday for two days in Sadasiva Kona. Devo. tees fulfil their vows. Hair is offered. When rains SOURCE: Sri l{. Nagarajan, Rei enue Inspector, fail the villagers perform Sahasra Nmnarchana of rerpedu. Lord Sadasiva in Sadasiva Kana and it is said that rain comes immediately after it. This is of ancient 17. Sara~wati Khandriga alias Sowbhagya Vidya origin and is confined to the nearby taluks. The village puram-Situated at a distance of 10 miles from Kala heads are the patrons. Nearly 1,000 Hindus partici hasti town. pate in it. A Jangam Devara is the pujari with here ditary rights. Prasadam is distributed to all. The iduis of Palamanamma in the form of a stone image and Sartthali Gangamma in human form are Pandals are erected and there is free feeding. worshipped. Palamanamma is worshipped at a dista nce of one furlong to the village. Santhali Gangamma Ganga latara on a Tuesday in Chaitram (March is worshipped on the main road during lafara. April) and Tirupati Ganga latara on the last Tuesday of Chaitram are the other local uthsarams. Palaman:lmma Kolupulu are celebrated for 3 days in Sravanam (Juiy--August), i. e., from 15th July. SOURCE: Sri G. Venkateswarlu, Yerpedu. Arrangemtnts are made one day in advance. Fowls, grlats and sheep are sacrificed. It is an ancient festival 19. Musalipedu-Situated at a distance of 5 miles ~onfined to this and the neighbouring villages. Pan from Yerpedu railway station and 9 miles from Kala chayat members patronise the festival. Nearly 200 hasti. Hindu devotees participate in it. Free feeding is ar ranged. l'!'o.wdam is distributed to all. There is a small hut of Gramadel'atha Nalla Gangamma with the image in female form and also a Santhali Ganga latora is celehrated on a Tuesday Siva temple. in Vaisckham (April-May). Nalla Gangamma la·tara is celebrated for 9 days SOURCE: Sri G. Venkateswarlu, Minor Irrigation from Vaisaklta Suddha Sapthami to Purnima (April Overseer, Saraswati Kliandriga alias May). It is celebrated both during day and night in an Sowbnag)'a Vidyapuram. area of 70 cents. Animals arc sacrificed and kumblwm 18. Kandadu-Is'7 miles from Yerpedu railway sta (cooked rice) is offered to the deity. Oil-bath, fasting lion and 11 miles from Ka1ahasti. A story regarding and decoration of houses are the domestic observances. rhe origin of village runs thus:- It is being celebrated for the past 60 years. People of this village and neighbouring villages take part in it. To ward off the sin of killing the Rakshasas, A committee of Kapu, Kamma, Karanam and Balija Lord Kumaraswamy, son of Lord Eswara and the castes of the VIllage patronise the festival. Nearly Commandant in---chief of the Devatha's (Gods) army, 1,000 devotees of all communities participate. Pujari installed a Sivalingam here. He has also dug a pond, is a Jangam. known as 'Kumara Theertham', with his sacred wea pon Velayudham. He worshipped the Lord with one SOURCE: Sri G. VenkateSli'arlu, },fil1or Irrigation lotus daily 'from 'Kumara Theertlzam' which was filled Orerscer, Yerl'cduo I}y the waters of Sadasiva Kona. After this worship .tnd penance he went back to Kailasa. Hence this village goes by the name Kandada (Kandadu means 20. Chittathur-Situated at a distanct: (of 10 miles Kumaras\-vamy). from KalahDsti railway stillion .. 114 Blzajana M andir with the pictures ,)f Sita, Rama, Ankalamma temple with He, stone image is the Lakshmana, Bharata, Satrughna, Sri Krishna and place of worship in the village. Venkateswara Swamy, Grama Shakthi, Poli N£1l1sha ramma temple with Her stone image in human form Ankalamma .Ta tara is celeb! a~d.i for one day in and peerla charidi are the places of worship in thi~ flshadlwm (June-·Ju!y). Sarr;.';;s and rloust's are offered. village. A temporary hut is erected for Gangamma Animals a:1d fowL; are sacritked n Lllfilment of their 1 during the daF of ut hsarom and ner t':ll'then rr,:':;;c iE vows by th~ devotees. Local p=up e congregate. The worshipped. patrons belong to Vadde comn-,.mity. All communi ties p~lfticipate in it. Grama Slzaktlzi I'oli 1'ancharamma Uths<1l',wl is celebrated for a day in Fushyam (December-January). SOURCE: Sri Raghunatha Naidl'. Cccoauts, turmer;c and kwukum are offered. G{\ats 23. Pathapalem-Situated at a (i1 stance of one mile and fow Is are sacrificed. It is an ancient festiyal of to the west of OHur, 2 miles from Middi Kandrioa local significance. The villagers are the patrons. All road and 19 miles from Kalahasti ;,{ilway station. e communities participate. The pujari is appointed temporarily during the uthsavam. Sri Rama's tempJe is the onl:- place of worship in tbe village. Village deity !\lathamma is also worship Sree Rama Navami is celebrated for 13 davs Ii'om ped. Chailra Suddlla Navami (March-April). Vad~pappll, panakam cocoanuts and boiled bengalgram are offered l\lafhamma Kolupultt are celebrated for two days as naivedyam. Grama Gangamma Jatara is celebra in Vaisakham (April-May). Vcpu cheeralu (the bran ted for two days in Kartheekam (October-November). ches of neem tree are tied to a rope just like saree) and PeerlaPanduga is celebrated for ten days in Mo/wfru;n veyyi kandla kunda (pot decorated with one thous (March-April). and white spots) are offered. A goat and a he-buffalo are sacritlced. It is an ancient fe~;tival confined to this All these fes'ivals are of ancient origin and of local village and neighbouring villages. The villagers are the significance. The villagers are the patrons. All com patrons. Nearly 200 devotees of all communities par munities participate in all the festivals. ticipate in it. Plijaris belong to Chakali, Mala and SOURCE: Sri C. K. Gllrappa Pillai, Hf'admaster, PambaJa castes and are having hereditary rights. P. S. Elementary Schoo!, Chittatllur, There is free feeding to all. Kananur (P.O). A few shops are kept to sell foodstuffs and eata 21. Adavaram- Situated at a distance of 4 miles to bles, utensils, lanterns and torches, books and the west of the 10th milestone on Middi Kandriga toys. Kolatams, lotteries and dramas entertain the road and the nearest railway stalion is Kalahasti. visitors. Gramaderatha Aretamma temple with Her SOURCE: .tn Emllnerator. stone image under a neem tree is the place of worship in the village. 24. Kalathur-Situated at a distance of 5 furlongs from the 15 Sj8 milestone of Kalahasti-Middi Kand Aretamma Uthsavam is celebrated in Cllaitram riga road. (March-April) for one day. Animals and fowls are sacrificed. It is an ancient festival with local con ponnalamma tempI\!, pokaramma temple, Sri gregation. Kummaris are the patrons. Pujari is a Rama Bhajana Mandir, Vighneswara temple, Mune Kummari with hereditary rights. Prasadam is distri swara temple, Naguru Meera Swamy temple and buted to all. Ankalamma temple with Her &tone image of 5 feet height are the places of won hip in the village. pothu SOURCE: Sri T. Raghunatlta Naidll. raju hill is at a distance of 2 mile~ to the north of the village. 22. Swarnalingeswarapuram- Situated at a distance of 1 1/2 miles to the west of the 10th milestone on Ankamma KO/llpulu are celebrated for 5 days in Kalahasti-Middi Kandriga road. Ashadham (June-July). Pokramma proce5sion on 115 the night of th~ tirst day, offerings of Vepa cheeralu, origin uf the vil1age with local significance. Madiga~ veyyi kandla kundalu, sarees and jewellery on the are th patrons. A pambala is the jJlIjari. second day, offerings of pongali to ponnalamma and procession of Ankalamma on the third day, proce~sion SOURer Sri B. Garavoiah, T,.,Jin Officer, Adaram. of the ddty by 3 p. m. on the fourth day and nffer-· ings of pongaJi and proce3s1on of the ;,(one 27. S{)lml.luala-- Sit:nted at a distance of 9 1/2 image on the fifth day are the celebrations. miles frvn ](ddl:lsti-Kalinga road, 3 miles from Afterwards the idol of 16 feet height and Kabh~·;ti-N::dcn:·et r,)ad a'1d 6 miles from 1(:llahasti. 8 feet width is decorated with coloured powder. Sr-:e Rama Bhafmza Afolldir with His picture and Offerings of sarees and jewellery are made. Gnats and Kedcms,'.Jara tcrrlple T\ ith a Sirrzlingam are the place~ sheep are sacrificed. The devotees tak.:: bath in the of i' orship in the village. Ciramadevatha Fonna morning, observe fasting ppto noon and take their Jamma repI~snlted by il stone in )Inman form 1s wor meals after performing puja. The jalara is celebrated shipp~d . over an area of 500 sq. yards. It is being celebrated for the past 500 years and is confine9 to this vilalge Sree Rama Jayailihi is celebrated for 15 days and neighbouring vlllages. Nf'arly 2,000 Hindu devo from Clwitra Suddha Navami to Balmla Ashrami tees participate in it. Jangam is the p!ljari with (March-April). Only Hindu devotees participate in it. hereditary rights. poleramma Jatara is celebrated for 2 days from A few shops are kept by the businessmen of Mad the third Tuesday in Karflleekam. Cocoanuts and ras, Kalahasti, Sreeramapuram, Puttum and Nagala· camphor are off.::red. Goats and fowls are sacrificed puram. Foodstuffs and eatables, utensils, torches, during the procession. All HinJu devotees participate books and toys are sold. in it. Kummaris. Chakalis and Mala are the pujaris. SOURCE: Sri Stlildara Venkalaratnam, Headmaster, SOURCE: Sri G. Bhattiah Doss, Teacher, P. S. E. Kalathur. School, Sooramala. 25. KatrapalIe- Situated at a distan..:e of 1/2 mile to the east of Boddireddikandriga and 19 miles from 28. Chavalilingamanaidullulle-- Situated at a di~· Kalahasti. tance of 8 miles from Tada Railway Station and 22 miles from Kalahasti town. Poleramma temple with Her stone image and Sree Rama temple are the places of worship in the village. The temple of Dharmaraja with wooden images in human form is the place of worship in the village. Pvleramma Imara is celebrated for one day in There is a stone image of Mogili Na!1cbaramm::. below Vaisakham (April-May). Goats and he-buffaloes are the bank of the village tank. sacrificed. It is confined to this and the neighbouring villages. The villagers are the patrons. Nearly 300 Dharmarajulu Vthsavam is celebrated in Pushy om devotees of all communities participate. Dhabi is the (December-January), i.e., 15th January. CocoanutS pujari. and pongali are offered. Jagaram on Sivoratr; and Vaik!lnta Ekadasi are also observed. It is ~ing cele SOURce;: Sri Jl/1rham SeiTY Jayaramoiah, Katra brated for the past 50 years with 10ca'l signifIcance. pal/e, Rajuiakalldriga. All Hindus congregate. Members of the Faile enmm'..) nity are the pll}aris. 26. Ellamanyam Khandriga-Situate,l at a distance of 14 miks from K~lahasti Railway Station. Jatara is .:;elebr:::ted near the tank. It is an anci. ent festival and nearly 500 devotees participate in ii.. There is Mathamma temple in \\hich lh~ deity is Goats and fowls are sacrificed. Pongali is offered tD worshipped in animal f0rm. the deily and the same is distribut~d among the ser vants. Mathamma Aradhana is celehrdkd f( r 5 days in Vaisakham (April-May). POflgali is ofTered and ani SOl.. 'RCE: Sri S. V. Subharayudu, Headmaster, mals are sacrificed. It is being ..:elebraled since the P.S.E. ScI'ooi, C.L.N. Faile. SATYA VEDU rr ALUK ----:.) 'J f' AIRS AND FESTIVALS SATY AVEDU TALUK OTHER ~OAr;s ® tAI.VK HEftCQVA1IT£I?'$ CHiTTOOR DISTRICT, A. P. @ ",Ll-AGE WITN SEII,.f,~ M..i"'BCq ~(lNt.q SUL-lURPET TAL-UK NEt..L~c: OjS:~~1 KAl.AHASTI TAl.U~ .... --...... I 4 ,I" . t.'-.. -... .. ol ,,' , \ ARU~~ ;~ 4. \ /'/V- :§ ~ .~Kor~AMARIKUPPAM URANTAKAPURAM-4 ",,~i !I KOTA ~~ SATYAVEOU~C!) ; ....,.. /-;-"-;_·-'I!!!L-r------r------~II @ 29 NEERVOY C;ANGAI~MA / j \ , AIR.· MAY I ""'i, ® 30 PISArUR OH~RMARA)U M~Y II)NE :ri @ J] RAMAGIRI VAlESWARASWAMY JV/.FU / @ 36 IWANAGARAM POLERAMMA JoI'p,·N.Jr OR M.J.r. NNE ® 38 KRISHNAPURAM ANKAMMA &. CH£llAMMA A°/?. h1At 011 NlA)'. JVNE @ 39 NAGALAPURAM VWANARAYANASWAMY AfR.MJo~ ® 13 KARUR GI", KRISHNAGIRI VILLAGE DEITIES MAY./UNE @) 45 CHILAMATI-IURU .lia. CHHlALAMMA 8ANGLOW " NO FIXEO [,~Tf @ f6 SHAMSHffR8AHAOURP£ T THOT£TAMMA ® 57 KARANI VALMIK£SWARA,WAMY ~?~. :'Mr @ 58 I!AITAKOOIAM8EDU GANGAMMA 63 r~DEX ® B£fRAKUl'PAM OHARMARAJU 1.;Ne. Jut y @ 6f ' ~RIPURANT~KAPURAM' 5ANTHANA VENUGOPALA,'NAM Name of Deitl KOTA In -~---;-:~,,-.,---- Section - X SATYAVEDU TALUK ~atyaVedU-IS at a distalxe of 14 miles from Kava gregation of 4,000 devotees. Fasting and jagarmlam e'" rapet Railway Station and 36 miles from Kala are the general observances during Sivaratri, Vaikunta hasthi. Ekadasi and Kartheeka Deepotlzsavam. In the past, several "Yagams" were performed in Sri P. Dushyanta Raju, a Kshatriya is the trustee the nearby mango grove known as 'Bogayapu Thopu'. appointed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable En-· At that time this place was called 'Saptapuri'. But dowments Board. Hindus of this and the nearby villages during the poundarika Yaga, a clash occured between congregate. Pujari is Sri Narasimhaiah, a Brahmin the rishis and the local leaders. So the local leaders of Bharadhwajasa gotram. There is free feeding on changed the name as 'Saptavedu' which in due course Vaikunta Ekadasi. was corrupted into Satyavedu. The local belief is that several inscriptions are lying buried in the mango There is a choultry. Dramas entertain the visi- grove. But none of them is found out till this day. tors. Yet another local interpretation is tbat a great sage, Mathanga l\Iahamuni worshipping Lord Mathanges During Gangamma Jatara animals are sacrificed. wara lived here with a maiden by name 'Satya'. Seve SOURCE: P. V. Laks!zrnaia!J, clerk, Panc!zayat Office, ral rishis within a radius of 10 miles were visiting Satyavedu. them occasionally. Hence the place was called 'Satya puri' aft.::r S:ltya. Gradually it was corrupted into Satyawedru and S::ttyavedu. 2. KeeJapudi-It is on Puttur-Nagalapuram High way Road, 12 miles from Puttur Railway Station, 24 Mathange~wara temple with the stone Sivaliilgam miles from Satyavedu and 42 miles from Chandra and brass procession images of the Lord in human form giri, the Sub-Divisional Headquarters. with 4 hands, Venugopalaswamy temple, Venkates waraswamy temple, Vighneswara temple, mosque and Village deities Ananthapuramma, Yellamma and church are the places of worship in the town. Mathan Karapathamma, Gangamma are worshipped in human geswara temple is at a distance of one mile from the form. There are no permanent temples for these dei town. There are the images of navagrahas (9 planets) ties. There is a bhajana mandir with the picture Of in human form in . this temple. Sadavalamma temple Lord Krishna. in the forest is at a distance of 1 1/2 miles from the village. Village deity, Gangamma is worshipped in The jatara of Ananthapuramma and Yellamma the form of gulakarai (pebble) installed in the centre takes place on a Tuesday during the bright fortnight of three cross roads. of Magham (January-February) for a day. Devotees discharge their vows. Ponga[i and sweetmeats are Lord Mathangeswaraswamy Brahmothsavam is offered and animals are sacrificed to the deity. For the celebrated for 11 days from Jaishta Suddha Panchami past 100 years this is being celebrated and is confined to Pumima (May-June). Preparations are made two to this village only. Kshatriyas and Vanniya Reddis months in advance. Coconuts and camphor are are the chief patrons. All local Hindus participate in offered and deeparadhana is performed. Ammavari the festival. Kolupu takes place in this temple for 10 days from Asvija Suddha Padyami to Dasami (September Gangamma Jatara is celebrated on the fourth October) during Dasara. Besides this Arudra Darsana Tuesday of Vaisakham (April-May) for a day. Devo Uthsavam is celebrated on Pushya Suddha Purnima tees take keen interest in the redemption of their vows (December-January). Kartheeka Deepothsavam and which are generally made in times of illness or distress. Mahasivaratri are celebrated with much pomp. Abhi Sweetmeats and pongali are offered to the deity. shekam is performed on Magha Bahula Triodasi Goats and fowls are also sacrificed. The villagers pat (January-February) during Mahasivaratri with a con- ronise the festival. Pujari is a Chakali (Washerman). 118 Ganji (gruel) and panakam (spiced Jaggery water) 3. Sri B. Krishnaiah, Head Master, are served to the poor. P. S. Elementary School, Nindra. Besides the above jataras all ca,tes and commu 4. Sri K. BaT asubralll11GllJ'Gm pj{!ai, nities in the village commonly celebrate the KanulIlula [{aranam, Nindra. Panduga for domestic animals. 5. Sri Clondllri Ramayra, Grmna SOURCE: 1. Sri S. Rama Rao, B.A .. Extension Seral" KO,rpc(/:t Gro:ljl, }{j::dra. Officer, (Co-operation) Picliatur. 4. Chavarambakam-Is one mile to t~lC C2si cf j'': aga! i 2. Sri K. Varadaraja Pillrli, Keelap~ldi. Mdku koncia (2,000 IVLS.L.-EaqC:Ii' ghats). 5 furlongs 3. Sri Chillila Obula Raja, V. M., from Nagari-Nagalapuram Road Ed 9 l~lites from Keelapudi. Nagari Railway Station. This was a village in Karvetin:1gar ::omiTz whose 3. Nindra-Is 11 miles from Nagari Railvvay Station, rcvenL,e was dedicated to maiu:li'l the sa'i'ams (chc 27 miles from Satyavedu, 35 miles from Chittaor and uitrics) in l~asi (Benaras) and K1.,mr:'a KC'i~am under 42 miles from Cl-,andragiri. the supervision of Revcnue Officer Kasivasi Ct;o;,ka Lord Bikshatcswara temple, Lord Kota Guravappa linga Thambi hayan. temple in the fort built by some feudal Lords; Lord Vighneswara temple, village deity Gangamma temple, Lord Nagcswaraswamy k;nr1e and, iJ1age deity Venkateswara temple in dilapidated condition, Rama Sampathamma temple 8re the plJlcS of worship in this temple and a Peerla chavadi are the places of worship village. Lord Nagesw 3r::lSWa my Giripradaks/zina in this village. Buddharamani is another deity. Ut!z,avam i5 c~lebrated on the day immediately after SL7llkramhi i. e., in Pusliyam (.; ..lnuary-Fcbruary) for a day. This is celebrat::d with great pomp. Devotees Village deity Gangamma Tirunala or ]atm'a is from Narayanavanam and Kemparapalem bring the celebrated with pomp for three days from the fourth Tuesday of Vaisakliam (April-May) mostly by the deity on valzanams and after edirimpu sera, they go cultivators. Devotees fulfil their vows; the house-wives back to their vilbges, via Nagari before dawn. Appro especially take keen interest in the redemption of their ximately they cover an area of 30 miles around the VOvVS, v. hich are generally made in limes of illness Nagari Mukku hills carrying tbe beavy vahanams. or some ailment. An image of Poleramma in human Karthika Deepam is another festival celebrated here. form is prepared for the occasion, in.stalled in the This is extended to the nearby villages also. There are middle of the street and worshipped. During the mallyam lands. Nearly 500 devotees from the nearby procession of the deily, goats, fowls and rams are villages congregate there. Pujari is a Brahmin of sacrificed to the deity. Pongali is offered to the deity Kasyapa gotram since the origin of the temple enjoy at homes. This is being celebrated since the origin ing the manyam lands. of the village. Local Hindus participate in this. A Chakali is the pujari with hereditary rights. A fair is held in this connection at a distance of 1/2 mile to the west of this village with a few shops. Though the village heads are enjoying the 4 acres of manyam land of Lord Eswara, there are no poojas SOURCE: Sri Esam Narasimhulu, Headmaster, P. S. Primary School, Chavarambakam. or uthsavams for the Lord. Pujari is a Brahmin of Bharadwajasa gOO'am. 5. Pannur-Is at a distance of 10 miles from Nagari SOURCE: 1. Sri S. Rama Rao, B.A., Exetension Railway Station and 30 miles from Satyavedu and Officer, (Co-operation) Pichatur Chandragiri by Road. (Block), Pic!tatur. Lord Siva temple, Adikesava temple and an incom 2. Sri G. Bhaskara Reddy. Social plete temple of the village deity pedda Nancha Education Organiser, Pichatur. ramma are the places of worship in the village. 119 Village deity Pedda Nal'lcharamma festival takes sacrificed by the devotees before their respective houses place in Phalgunam (February-March) for 2 days. It to please the deities. This festival is celebrated since is believed that the performance of jatara promotes the origin of the village with local significance. The peace and prosperity to the villagers. Sweetmeats are villagers patronise the festival. Lccal people of all offered. Goats and fowls are sacrificed to the deity. castes take part in it. Pujari is the village Washer On the last day, feasts are arranged domestically. For man with heredita·ry rights. Prflsada1ll is distributed the past 100 years it is being celebrated and is confi to all. ned to the village only. The villagers patronize the festival and all the local communities participate in The annuD.1 jiltara (If Vengamma Peralltalu is the jatara with great enthusiasm. Pujari belongs to celebrated on the Friday preceding the new moon day Balija community. in M ag/zam {lanuary-Febrauary). The legend goes that about 120 years ago one Srimati Konduri Vengamma Daily puja is performed to Lord Siva by the willingly entered the chiti (pyre) of her husband and Saivate Brahmins enjoying the inal1l lands. performed Sati'. This festival is observed in comme" moration of her birth anniversary. Sweets and Puttll Besides the above jatara all the local castes com vendl'lIkalu (hair dedicated to the deity for the first monly celebrate the Kanumala Pandu;;a for domestic time since birth) are offered to the deity. This is being animals. celebrated for the past 100 or 120 years. The present patron and the priest of this festival is Sri Konduri SOURCE: 1. Sri S. Rama Rao. B. A., Extension Vengalraju, a Kshatriya of Pasupata gotram. All the Officer (Co-operation),Pic!zatur Block. local communities participate in the festival and pra sadam is distributed to all. 2. Village MUl/sijJ, Pannur. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 13 days with 3. Sri P. Dlzanunjaya Redd)" Head much pomp from C/zaitra Suddha Navami (March master. April) by the 'Putlama Raju Charities Trust Board' 4. Sri. Y. P. lagall7wdlza Reddy, v.L.w., consisting of 13 members, for the past 60 years. Local Pannur. people of all communities take part in it. Pujal'i is a Brahmin who performs daily puja to the deity. Prasa dam is distributed to all. 6. Jagannadhapuram-Is 11 miles from Nagari Rail way Station, 31 miles from Satyavedu and 50 miles SOURCE: l. Sri P. Subbaraghal'a Raju, Teacher, from Chittoor. lagannadhaprtram, Pa11lmr (P.D). Lord Sri Ram a temple with His picture, the village 2. Sri G. Bhaskara Reddy, S.£.D., Picha deity pedda Nancharamma temple with the stone ima fur Block (P.D), Via Nagalapul'am. ges of ~ancharamma and Poti1uraju in human form and Vengamma Peranwlu temple with Her stone image 3. Sri M. Nageswara Pillai, Headmaster, in human form are the places of worship in the z.P. Higher Elemeiltary School, lagan village. nadhapul'am. Grama jatara is celebrated on the last Wednes 4. Y.P. lagal1J1odlza Reddy, VL. W., Pan~ day in Pha!gullam (February-March) before Ugadi for llur. a day. The festive day is informed to the villagers on the Sunday night by tom-tom. The jatara begins on 7. Oruthungalgollalakuppam-Is 4 miles from Nagari the night of Wednesday and ends at the day break on Railway Station, 12 miles from Pichatur and 35 miles Thursday. Pedda Nancharamma and Pothuraju are from Satyavedu. worshipped. The villagers have great belief that these deities are the guardians of the village and are said to Sri Rama temple with His picture, village deity avert epidemic diseases and cause rain fall. The jatara Ankamma temple and a bhajana mandir are the actually comes to an end after a procession of the places of worshi p in the vi llage. deities on the night of Thursday. Devotees fulfil their vows. During the course of procession of the Sri Rama Navami is celebrated from Cliaitl'a Su deities on Wednesday night goats, fowls etc., are ddha Navami lMarch-April) for 10 days. Preparations 120 are made 10 days in advance. Marriage of the Lord is are the patrons. All local communities share the celebrated. Vasanthothsavam (Holi) is also performed. festival. Chakalis are the hereditary pujaris. The villagers invite their kith and kin for the occasion. This is being celebrated for the past 20 years and is SOURCE: Sri D. Chengalraya Naidu, V. M., Kothur confined to this village only. The villagers patronise venkatapuram. the festival. Local people of all communities parti cipate in the festival. 9. Mangalam-Is 8 miles to the west of Nag'lri Rail way Station, 12 miles from Nagalapuram and 31 Ankamma Kolupu and Mathamma Kolup!! are miles from Satyavedu. celebrated for 5 days and Grama latara takes pJace for 3 days. Yadavas and Madigas are the pujaris This has eight other villages as its hamlets, arid is for Ankamma and Mathamma respectively. Chaklis also known as Mangalam Khandrika. are the pujaries for Grama latara. Sri Rama temple with His picture in the village and the temples of the village deities pon SOURCE: V.L.w., Mangalam. nemma, Ankamma and Pothuraju in its hamlets are the places of worship. 8. Kothurvenkatapuram-Is 6 miles from Nagari Railway Station and 50 miles from Satyavedu. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated from Cilaitra Suddha Nal'ami (March-April) for 12 days. Puja is performed Sri Rama temple with His picture, Vighneswara thrice a day. Seetha Rama Kalyanam (marriage of temple, Padivetamma temple and Savadamma Raksha Sita and Raffia) on the 9th day, Pattabhishekam are the places of worship in this village. (coronation) on tbe 10th day, Vasallihothsavam (Holi) on the 11th day, 'Thora ui!zsal'am' or 'Valla viharam' Sri Rama Nal'ami is cdebratcd from C/zailra SIl (procession in the garden) on the 12th day are the ddha Nal'ami (March-April) for 10 days. Preparations chief rituals of the festival. Devotees fulfil thei r are made 10 days in advance. A pictur,:: of the Lord vows. Houses are decorated with festoons. Fruits, is taken in processio l 1. Nail' cdyam is offered to the flowers, camphor and sugar are offered to the deity. deity for 10 days by different families ofth~ village. This is being celebrated for the past 35 years only. The Ka~I'.1l1othsal'am (marriage) and l'asantliothsavam are villagers particularly the Vysyas patronise the festival., the main rituals of the festivals. This is being cele Local people of all communities participate in it. A brated for the past 20-25 years. The: villagers patron Vaisya of Nabilla gotram is the pujari. Puli hora in the ise the fe3tival. Local p::ople irrespective of caste and day time and sUlldalu in the night are distributed creed participate in it. Pujari is a Brahmin. as prasadam. SOURCE: Sri M. Krishllama $etty, Headmaste r Ankamma Kolupu is celebrated in Chaitram Kshurikapuram (P.O). (March-April) for 3 days by the residen ts of Agaram. Ankamma is worshipped in the form of a small pot 10. Vijayapuram-Is 9 miles from Tiruttani Railway called garaga. Devotees fulfil their vows. Pon Station. gali and naivedyam are offered. The villagers invite their kith and kin for the occasion. The villagers are The temples of Kanakadurgamba, Ponnemma",_ the patrons. Local people of all communities con Ankamma, Mathamma, Pothuraju and Vighneswara gregate. Pujari is a Pamba Dasari. are the places of worship. Gramadevathala Jatara is celebrated from Cha Grama Jatara takes place in Vaisakham (April itram (March-April) to Kartheekam (October-Novem May) for 3 days. Garaga is installed by the village ber) by worshiping a deity in each month. Devotees Washerman for the occasion. Procession of garaga liquidate their vows. Pongali and naivedyam are is held for 3 days. On the third night an earthen offered to the deity. Goats, sheep and fowls are sacri image of Gangamma is prepared and taken in pro ficed. This is of local significance. The villagers are cession with much pomp. Devotees liquidate their the patrons. All local communities participate in it •. vows in the form of "Kumbham Kudu". Goats, sheep and fowls are sacrificed to the deity after the SOURCE: Village Level Worker, Ksl!urikapuram, uthsavams in the morning. Harijans and Washermen Mangalam (group). 121 11. Kosalanagaram -Is 10 miles from Thiruttani Rail 2. Sri V. Krishnama Raju, Head Master, way Station and 40 miles from Satyavedu. P. S. Elementary School, Kosalana garam. This village is situated in the hilly region. Hanumantharayaswamy temple with His stone 12. Attur-Is 11 miles from Nagari Railway Station, image, Goddess Mathamma temple with a stone in 35 miles from Satyavedu and 50 miles from Chandra giri. Her name, Pothuraju temple widely known as pothu raju with His wooden image, the stone image of the The temples of Dharmaraja, Padivetamma, Dilli deity Nagulamma in the form of a serpent and the polakshamma with Her image in the form of Shakthi, Shakthi Rayi (the stone installed on the boundary at Vinayaka, Sri Rama and Nageswaraswamy are the the time of construction of this village) are worshipped. places of worship in the village. The temple of Lord Kanakappa and two konerlu (ponds) are in dilapidated condition. A Sanskrit in scription in TeJugu script in the temple states the Dharmaraju Brahmothsavam is celebrated for 11 period oftbe temple. Kanda, the ruler of Muduvella days in laishta Suddham (May-June). Dhwajarolz and his consort Kondamma constructed the temple ana and kalasa sthpana in the morning, abhishekam of K:makappa in Chinapalem with a crypt., Anthara and uthsavam in the night on the first day, abhishe lam (the middle space) and Mahamantapa (a big por- kam in the morning and uthsavam in the evening on tico). Muddu Ramabhadra of Vellara dynast,,- the second, abhishekam, puja and uthsal'am in the of 'Konakappa' gotram repaired and improved morning, decoration of Ponna Krishna in the evening the temple by constructing Sabha Mantapam of the third day, abhishekam, utl1sava!}/ in the morning and decoration for Krishna Jala Kreedalu in (assembly hall),Pradakshina Mantapam and Jalakre the evening of the fourth day, ablIishekam and uthsa eda Malltapam and installed Varadhi Linga11l and ram in the morning. decoration of the Lord, as in Goddess Akhilanda Devi along with other deities in Mathya yantra kalyanam, on the fifth, abhislzekam 1686 (1764 A. D.). But it is in a dilapidated condition and uthsavam in the morning and decoration for Drow Saka at present. padi vastrapaharana on the sixth, rathothsal'am on Gramadevatha Aradhalla is celebrated on a the seventh and abhishekam and puja on the eighth, Sunday between Chaitram (March-April) and Vaisa ninth and tenth and pattabhishekam (coronation) and kham (April-May) i.e., between March 1st to April 30th. Dhll'ajarohanam on the eleventh day are the celebra This is celebrated for the welfare and prosperity of the tions during these 11 days. Dramas are arranged on village. An earthen image of Poleramma is prepared every night. Vows are fulfilled. Fruits, cocoanuts are for the occasion. Devotees fulfil their vows in the offered fowls and animals are sacrificed during the form of Ganda Deepams, Pakka Soolalu, vepa chee uthsavam.Nearlyl,OOO Hindu devotees participate. A ralli (neem leaves sarees) upoharams, guggilla bandlu Brahmin is the plljari with hereditary rights. Prasadam (carts of coocked gram) Poli Dandalu (rolling round is distributed to all. the temple), veyyi kandla kundalu (pots decorated with one thousand dots) etc. In the end kumbham A fair is held in this connection for 11 days from (coocked rice) is offered. Goats, fowls and sheep are ancient times and about 1,000 people of this and the sacrificed to the deity. During the procession of the neighbouring villages such as Sagunnadevampet, Kali deity 'Eduru kumbhamulu' and display of fire works antakam, Agarampet, Madhavaram, VeergaJatheer are celebrated. Pongali is offered to the other village etc., come and take part in it. Treders come from deities, Mathamma and Gangamma besides poleram surrounding villages. Foodstuffs, lanterns, utensils, rna. The village elders are the patrons. Local etc., are sold. Dramas entertain the visitors. people of all communities congregate. Washermen are the pujaris with hereditary rights. Prasadam is distri buted to all. There is free feeding also. Sri Rama Nuvami is celebrated for 12 days from Chaitra Suddha Navami to Balzula Panchami (March Hanumantharayauswamy Uthsavam is celebrated April). Kalyanam, vasanthothsavam and uthsavam are on Vaisakha Suddha Purnima (April-May) for a day. celebrated on 10th, 11th and 12th days respectively. Local and nearby villagers participate in it. Pattabhishekam is celebrated on the 13th day on a grand scale and installation of the original images SOURCE: 1. Sri E. Kotaiah, v.L.W., Jamhada. takes place on the 14th day. 122 Sri Krishna lanmashtami is celebrated for 9 days As there are innumerable wild flower plants (pitchi from Sravana Bahula Ashtami (July-August). Nava poola chetlu) on the banks of Aruna. the Tamilians rathri utltsavam is celebrated for 10 days in Sri Nages called it pichatur. This is also popular as 'Gangunta'. waraswamy temple. The function commences with Kalasa stapana. Aradhana and abhishekam are per Dharmaraju temple and Gangamma temple formed daily. with Her image in human form-are the places of wor- ship in this place. Paruveta is celebrated on 16th January. The images ofNageswaraswamy, Kamakshamba, Ganga, Garuda Grama Jatara is celebrated for 5 days from Vaisakha Balzula Al1lavasya (April-May). Coconuts and cam l' ahanam, Krishna and Pattabhi F ama are decorated phor are offered to the deity, An image of G,mgamma and ltthsavam is celebrated.Abhishekam and aradhana is moulded by the Kummaris (potters) and decorated are celeerated to polakshamma in Pushyam (December by the Chablis (Ohobis). Only local Hindus parti January). Abhishekam and aradhana lIthsavam are cipate in it. celebrated to Dharmaraja on 18th January and Dharmaraja Thiml1al a takes place fl,r 10 days in aradhana is performed to Nageswaraswamy during laishtam (May-June). Harijans are prohibited from Ma/zasiraratrion Magha Ba/zula Chaturdasi entering the temple. The idols of Panchapandavas, (January-February). i.e., Dharmaraja, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula and Saha Grama latara is celebrated for a day in Vaisakham deva are worshipped. Cocoanuts and camphor are (April· May) in the second week. Preparations are offered. River bath and fasting are the dom made 4 days in advance. Vows are liquidated. Fowls estic observances during the Thirullala. This is of and goats are sacrificed It is an ancient festival of local significance. local significance. The villagers are the patrons. Only Hindus participate in it. Pujari is a Rajaka with SOURCE: Sri M. Munirallzam Naida, V. L. W., hereditary rights. Pisatur. SOURCE: 1. Sri G. Pac/zappa Reddy, 15. Ramagiri-Is 16 miles from Puttur Railwayf 2. Sri B. Muth, Headmaster. P. S. Station. Elementary School, Attur. . This place is mentioned as Ramagiri Kshetra in 13. Neervoy Is 15 miles from Puttur Railway Station the discourse between Suka Yogi and Parikshinmaha and 24 miles from Satyavedu. raja in the second chapter of part five of 'Sri Madan dhra Maha Bhagavatha'. There is no permanent temple for Gangamma, the Lord Valeeswara Swamy temple at a distance of village deity, 4 furlongs and at the foot of the hill Ramagiri with Ganga latara is celebrated for two days in Va is His idol in the form of Sivalingam is a famous one. akham (April-May). An image of Gangamma is pre pared in human form for the occasion. Devotees fulfil It is said that Lord Rama after killing Ravana, their vows which are generally made at times of illness. the Rakshasa king of Lanka, decided to install a Siva Animals are sacrificed to the deity. This is of local lingam in Rameswaram to get rid of the Brahma significance. The villagers are the patrons. Local hathya Dosha (Sin of killing a Brahmin-Ravana) people of all communities take part in it. Pujari is a according to the advice of great sages like Vashista. Dhobi. Ganji (gruel) and panakam (jaggery water) So Anjaneya, the faithful devotee of Rama, was sent are distributed to the poor. to Kasi (Benares) to bring an idol of Lord Eswara with great care. On his way to Kasi in the air, Anja SOURCE: Sri M. Munirathnam Naidu, V. L.W., neya passed through this village. At that time there Pichatur. was no hill in this place but a wide lake called' Kalin ga Madugu' which extended upto Kalahasti. The 14. Pisatur-Is one furlong to the east of Araniyal project and 14 miles from puttur Railway Station. people dwelt on either banks of the lake. J~ord Kala It is on the banks of River Aruna. Bhairava along with His consort Goddess Kalika Devi 123 'Was the presiding deity of this village. Lord Bhairava Sivaswamy GurukuJa. The procession images of the seeing Anjaneya on his sacred task, intended to get Lord are in human form. installed the lingam here itself. He prayed the Sun Lord Valeeswaraswamy Mahasivarathrothsavam God to burn severely till mid-day; and Gangadevi to is celebrated on Magha Bahula Chaturdasi and Ama dry up and leave no water between Kasi and this Vasya (January-February) for two days. On Mahasi village and Vayu to blow from south to north with all v aratri Deeparadhana and pooja are performed day his might between the two places. He commanded the and night. The next day procession is held in the villagers in a dream not to come out of their respective day time, Devotees fulfil their vows. Abhislzekam homes till mid-day on the next day. Anjaneya started and aradhalla are performed. Devotees observe fast from Kasi to Rameswaram with the idol of Eswara and jagarana. This is of ancient origin confined to on His head. But by the time he reached this place the nearby villages within a radius of 10 miles. The he was tired absolutely due to the scorching Sun, adv trustees patronize the festival. Nearly 3 to 4 thousand erse wind and lack of water. He got down from the devotees of all castes from the nearby villages con" gregate. Pujari is a Saivite Brahmin of Agasthya air and began to search for water. Lord Bhairava gotral1l with hereditary rights. leaving off His eight hands and Swarna Vahana appe ared before Anjaneya in the di5guise of a shepherd. A fair is held for the past 40 years near the temple .Anjaneya asked him whether he could get water in that with a congregation of 3 or 4 thousand people. Eata place. Bhairava prayed Ganga Devi and the lake was bles, utensils, lanterns, mirrors, combs, pictures and visible to Anjaneya. Anjaneya giving the lingam to the agricultural implements, clothes and toys are shepherd requested him not to place it on the ground the chief commodities that are sold. Dramas, Harj till he returned after quenching His thirst. But while katha:; Bhajans, cattle exhibition and other activities Anjaneya was about to take bath in the lake the she conducted by the National Extension Service are the pherd placed the lingam on earth crying out that the items of entertainment. There are two choultries. burden was too much for him to bear and disappeared. There is free feeding also. Immediately a great change followed in the atmos phere. In great rage Anjaneya tried to pluck the SOURCE: 1. Sri H. Varadaraja Rao, V.L.W"Nagala lingam with His valam (tail) but in vain. Then he puram. tried to pull it out with His hands. But all his atte mpts resulted only in making the ling am lean on its 2. Sri K. Kuppuswamy PilJai, Teacher, left side. Then Anjaneya realising the presence of Nagalapuram. Lord Bbairavaswamy and the hindrance caused by the Kalinga Lake he dropped the Kanigiri hill in the 16. Rajanagaram-Is 17 miles from puttur Railway lake and cursed the place to become a jungle. He Station and 22 miles from Satyavedu. again went to Kasi and brought a Sivalingam before It is said that nearly 200 years back this village evening to Rameswaram. But in the meantime Rama was constructed by Raja Saheb, a subordinate of the had installed one Saikata linagam (Lingam of sand) in Nawab of Arcot. Hence it goes by the name Raja Rameswaram. So Rama installed the Kasi lingam nagaram. beside the Sand Lingam. Even to day the two lingams are to be seen in Rameswaram. As the lingam that Temples of Lord Kodanda Rama, Drowpadi was intended for Rameswara was installed here and as and Panda vas, Kanyakaparameswari, Vighneswara the lake disappeared due to the giri (hill), this place and bhajan mandirs are the places of worship in goes by the name Ramagiri. As Anjaneya pulled the village. the lingam with his valam (tail) the Lord goes by the' name Valeeswara. The water sprung from the lake The legend relating to the origin of Lord Kodanda still flows into the Ramagiri Devasthallam Koneru ramaswamy temple is as follows. Nearly 100 years from the mouth of a nandi to the south. It forms back one puliganti Subbarayani alias Subrahmanya into a lake called 'Saddikattu Madugu'. The idol of Das, a Smartha Brahmin of Bharadwaja gotram had Lord Valeeswara is there with Kala Bhairava, Kalinga great interest in hunting. Once his father shot lJaruda Lake and Goddess Marakatamba. The temple was bird (a species of kite believed to be the vehicle of constructed by the Chola Kings. The Stllllapurana Lord Vishnu), with his gun but repented sincerely for is reprinted from a copper plate inscription by Sri R.S. injuring the vahana of Lord Vishnu, took pity and 124 nursed it in his home. But the bird died within a short Smartha Brahmins are the pujaris. There is free· period. Immediately he became disgusted with eart feeding on Dasami for the Vaisyas and Brahmins. hly enjoyments and was blessed with poetic talent. He became a pious devotee of Lord Rama and began SOURCE: Village Munsiff, Raja Nagaram. to worship the images of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. He composed several padyams(poems) gadyams 17. Krishnapuram-Is 18 miles from puttur Rail way (prose) and kirtans (hymns) on the Lord and finaIIy Station and 22 miles from Satyavedu. passed away in 1870 at the age of 80 leaving behind There are two temples of village deities viz ,. several disciples. He constructed the temple of Lord Ankamma and Chellamma with their wooden images. Rama. donated his entire property and appointed the There is a Vinayaka temple also. Vaisyas as the trustees. His house became the bhajana mandir. Village deity Ganga Jatara commences on a poleramma Jatara takes place for eight days Sunday during the bright half of Vaisakham (April-. from a Wednesday to the succeeding Wednesday in May) or Jaishtam (May-June) and ends on Wednes the bright fortnight of Vaisakham (April-May) or day after 4 days. This Jatara is celebrated according to Jaishtam (May-June). A temporary pandal is ere the convenience of the villagers or when cattle diseases cted and the image of poleramma in the form of prevail in the village. On Tuesday the deity is taken Shakthi moulded for the occasion is installed in it. out in procession. Devotees fulfil their vows. Devotees fulfil their vows. Fruits and flowers are Pongali is offered to the deity by all. Kamma Naidus, offered to the deity. Animal sacrifice was once in Vonniya Reddis and Balijas are the chief patrons. vogue. This is being celebrated since the origin of Local people of all communities part icipate in it. the temple of Gangamma. The viIIagers patronize the festlval. Vaisyas are the trustees. Only local Hindus Pongali is offered to Ankamma and Chellamma participate in this. Pujari is a Jangam. once in a ycar and when epidemics break out. Drowpathamma Uthsavam commences on a Fri There is manyam land to Lord Vinayaka day either in Ashadam (June-July) or Sral'anam (July temple. August) and lasts for 11 days. Nippulu thokkut a SOURCE: Sri. V. Kannaiah Pillai, Teacher, Samithi (walking on the fire) and Veedhi Bhagavatam are the Welfare School, Krishnapuram. functions of the festival. Fruits and flowers are offe red -to the deity. This is being celebrated since the origin of the temple. Grama pradakshina utlzsavam 18. Nagalapuram-Is situated at a distance of one mile takes place on different vahanams day and night. from the river Aruna, 2 miles from the Ramagiri Vanija Vaisyas otherwise known as Gandla Balijas hills, 6 miless to the east of Araniyar project, 10 are the patrons and trustees. Local Hindus partici miles from Uthukota, 18 miles from puttur. pate in it. Pujaris are Smartha Brahmins with hereditary rights. Inspired by his mother Nagamamba in a dream,. Sri Krishna Devaraya, the great Empror of Vijayana Ramothsavams are celebrated from Chaitra gar Kingdom, dedicated several manyams to local Suddha Navami (March-April) for 11 days. Daily temple of Lord Vedanarayanaswamy and renamed the pooja and bhajana are performed in the temple. village as Nagamambapuram in 1523. This is evident Occasionally Harikathas are held. This is being from the inscription on the second main gopuram of celebrated since the construction of the temple. 7 the temple. But in course of time the name was cor Local Vaisyas are the patrons and trustees. Only rupted into Nagalapuram. local Hindus participate in it. Pujari is a pancha rathra Vaishnavite Brahmin on monthly salary basis. The temple occupies an area of 12 acres with six Prasadam is distributed to all. big gopurams. Nowhere in South India such a separate temple for the incarnation the Mathsya is to be found._ Navarathri uthsavams are celebrated in Kanyaka The idols of Hayagreeva, Venugopala, Bhuvaraha parameswari temple for ten days from Asvija Suddha Lakshmi Narayana and the Alwars and the Acharyas Padyami to Dasami (September-October) under the are kept in the santum sanctorium. But the temple is patronage of the Vaisyas. Fire pits are arranged. in dilapidated condition at present. There are other 125 temples of Lord Rama. Narasimha and Hanllman. SOURCE:- 1. Sri K. Sankar, B A., Teacher, Z. P. There is a slcred pool called' Veda Pushkarani; Vighn High School, Nagalap1lram. eswara temple, Dh::lrmaraja and Hatikandeswara tem ple are the other places of worship in this village. 2. Sri C. S. Varadachari, Headmaster, z.P. High School, Nagalapuram. Lord Veda Narayanaswamy Brahmotlzsavam is celebrated for 3 days in Vaisaklwl11 (April-May). 3. Sri Hotltoor Varadaraja Rao, Village 'Surya Pooja' is celebrated in Chaitram (Mach-April). Level Worker, Nagalaptlram. A Rpecial feature of the temple is that before the sun 4. Sri V. Radllilkr is 1111 G, StatiSTical sets the rays fall on the feet of the Lord on 25th March; Assistant. on the navel of the Lord on 26th March and on the face of the Lord on 27th March. On other days the 19. Karur alias Krisbnagiri-Krishnagiri is 20 miles sun rays seldom enter the temple. Preparatio~s are from puttur Railway Station and Satyavedu. made one month in advance. Devotees fulfil their vows. Functions take place for three days with much pomp. This is confined to several surrounding villages within Two temples of the village deity, two tempI es of a radius of..\O or 50 miles. Several thousands of Hin Lord Rama with his pictures in human form, Vigh dus from the villages within a radius of 40 to 50 miles neswara temple with His idol and Dharmaraja temple congregate. Pujari is a Vaishnavite Brahmin of Aga with his image in human form are the places of worship sthya gotram with hereditary rights. in this village. There is also a mosque in the village. Tn this connection a fair is held for 3 days near the temple. A few thousands of people congregate. Grama Jatara is celebrated ill Jaislitam (May The Panchayat collects taxes. Traders from the June) but thc;re is no fixed date fOf it. Goats, rams nearby villages and MadrJs open temporary stalls to and fowls are sacrificed to the deity. Daily pooja is sell estables, brass and copper utensils. earthenware, performed during the whole Dhal1urlllasam i. e.Pushyam lanterns, toilet goods, pictures, clothes, agri· (December-January). On the Jast day of PuslI)'am. cultural implements and toys. Tanjore keel!! gurrams Parureta is celebr On Pushya Suddha panchami (December-January). SOURCE: Sri S. Suryanarayanaiah, Teacher, Kri Thyagaraja Vardhanthi is celebrated by the villagers. shnagiri, Pulikondram (P.O). 126 20. Chilamathuru alias Banglow-Is 1 1/2 miles from Thotetamma Aradhana takes place on Sundays in Kalahasthi road, 3 miles from Thada Railway Station May. Devotees fulfil their vows. Camphor is offered to and 18 miles from Satyavedu. During the' rule of the the deity. There is manyam land to these temples. Palegars, they lived in bunglows in this place. Local people of all castes participate in it. Jangam is Hence this village goes by the name Banglow. the pujari with hereditary rights. Lord Kari Krishnaswamy temple with His stone SOURCE: Sri B. Narasimlll!lu Na idll , Village Munsiff, image along with His consorts Rukmini and Satya Shanzsheer Bahadurpet. bhama on either side, village deity Chellalamma temple on the tank bund with Her slone image in 22. Karani-Is 11 miles from Satyavedu and 16 miles sitting posture and Ankamma temple are the places of from ThiruvalJur. worship in this village. This villag~ was constructed 60 years back by the Village deity Chellalamma Jatara is celebrated people to avoid the flood havoc. for a day once in 3 or 4 years according to the conven ience of the village ryots.Callda Deepams prepared with Sri Markatambika Valmikeswaraswamy Bra flower and vepa cheeralu (sarees prepared with neem hmothsavam of SuratapaIIe is confined to this village. leaves) are offered to the deity. Pongali is offered and This is celebrated in Vaisakham (April-May) for 10 goats and rams are sacrificed at the temple prior to days. Residents of all the surrounding villages per the procession of the deity from the temple. During form abhishekam to the Lord separately. Devotees the course of the procession, the villagers sacrifice goats take the idol of the Lord in procession to their respe and r<:ms before their respective houses to the deity. ctive villages. Abhishekam is also performed during A he-buffalo is sacrificed to the deity and its blood is Maha Sil'aratri in Afaglzam (January-February) mixed with rice and the same is sprinckled around and fasting and jagarana are observed. The next day the village as Bali Annam. Local people of all castes after Sivaratri rice is collected from all houses in the congregate there. pochevaru are the pujaris with village and free feeding is arranged. This festival exte hereditary rights. nds to the surrounding villages also. Reddis are the patrons. Devotees of all castes from the neighbouring Gangamma Jatara takes place in Vaisakham villages come and take part in it. Jangams are the (April-May) for 3 days. 'Ambali' (gruel) is distri pujaris. Cinemas, Veedhi Bhagavatam, burrakathas buted to the poor and the servants of the temple on (ball os) etc., are the items of entertainment. the first two days. An earthen image of poleramma is taken in procession on the third day. During the course of the procession the villagers offer cocoanuts To celebrate jatara an earthen image of polera mma is prepared. In the day time ambali (gruel) is and camphor to the deity before their houses. Devotees fulfil their vows. Animals and fowls are sacrificed to offered. In the night the idol is decorated and cocoan uts are offered. The deity is brought to the pandal the deity. Local Hindus participate in it. One of the of margosa leaves in the middle of the village in a villagers acts as pujari. procession from the Dhobi's house. During the cou SOURCE: Sri D. Anjaneya Moorthy, Karnam, Chila rse of the procession naivedyam is offered. In the mathuru. night Veedhi Bhagavatam is enacted before the deity. Next day is a day of feasts and dances. Gurumath 2. Sri Koneti Venkataraju, V. M., Chila sw"mi Ankamma is the family deity of Muthracha mathuru. Naidus. Kolupu in Her name is celebrated by them. The figure of Lord Eswara is drawn in muggulu (de 21. Shamsheer Bahadurpet-Is 1/2 furlong to the decorative lines drawn with chalk or coloured south of Arani river, 1/2 mile from Madras-Tirupati powders). bus route. Gr41ma Devi (village deity) puja is another festi poleramma temple and village deity Thuttemma val of the village. Abhishekam is performed and the {)f Thotetamma with Her stone image in human form deity is decorated with flowers. Palaharams are pre· are the places of worship in this village. pared and kept on cots infront of the deity and 127 -offered as naivedyam to Her and the same is distri Dbarmaraju Uthsavam takes place in Ashadam buted toal!. (June-July) for 1 J days. Lectures on Mahabharata are delivered for 10 days in the evening. Some Hindu SOURCE: Sri K. Bala Raman, Village Munsijf, girls dance in the fire pit on the 10th day. Vasantho Karani .. thsavam is celebrated on the eleventh day. This is being celebrated for the past 40 years. The villagers patronize 23.· Baitakodiambedu-Is situated near Nagalapuram the festival while the village headman supervises it. on Madras-Puttur Road at a distance of 20 miles Local people of all communities participate in it. from Puttur Railway Station. Mariamma Jatara is celebrated in Phalgunam (February-March) for 3 days according to the conven_ The temples of Krishna Moorthiswamy, Sri Rama ience of the villagers. On a Wednesday pongali is Swamy, Dharmaraja, Gangamma, Ponnemma and offered to the deity and the date is informed to the Gangamma of Nandanam with wooden and stone villagers by tom-tom. On the next Wednesday and images in Her name are the places of worship in earthen image of the deity is moulded and decorated the village. There is no temple for Allkamma. with flowers. Goats and fowls are sacrificed.A procession is held and the deity is installed in a hut. On the next Grama ]atara is celebrated for 5 days during the evening a he-buffelo is sacrificed, its blood is mixed in bright half of Chaitram (March-April). An earthen the rice and the poli is scattered round the village. image of the deity with wooden head is prepared for the Thereafter, the image is immersed in water outside occasion. On the fifth night the deity is brought to the the village. This is being celebrated since the origin centre of the village in procession and Veedhi Bhagava of the village. The village elders are the patrons. tam is enacted before the deity. Devotees liquidate their Local people of all communities take part in it. Jangam vows. Pongali, coconuts and camphor are offered is the pujari with hereditary rights enjoying the to the deity. Goats and fowls are sacrificed domesti manyam land. cally. This is of ancient origin and of local significance. Local people af all castes participate in it. A person SOURCE: Sri Vadlvelu, Pillai, Karnam, Beeraku of Vannia caste is the pujari. ppam. During Sankranti in Pushyam (December-Janu 25. Tripurantakapuram Kota- Is 26 miles from ary). Ponnemma Paruveta Uthsavam is celebrated. puttur Railway Station and Satyavedu. The idol of Ponnemma is decorated by the villagers and is seated near the temple. A hare is left freely to move It is said that in 'Dwaparayuga' Lord Krishna before the procession is held. Domestically Aradhana reared herds of cows in this place. As palegars ruled is performed. Jangam is the pujari. this place prior to 1500 A. D., this is also known as 'Paliam. Tripurantakapuramkota. There are SOURCE: Sri M. Raghavapillai, Karnam, Baitak several remains of an old fort in this plase indicating odiambedu. the existence of an old fort. The temple is on an elevated place. Gollavari Khandriga at a distance of 24. Beerakuppam - is 27 miles from Puttur one furlong to the south is another hamlet. Railway Station (9 miles by foot-path plus 18 miles by bus-route) and 27 miles from Satyavedu. The Palegars constructed a temple, installed an idol of Lord Santhana Venugopalaswamy according Regarding the origin of the village, it is said that to Vaishnava Pancharatra tradition and dug a 'push Palayapattur Rajas of Tripurantakapuram ruled 50 karan;' (Tank) before the temple. They endowed it surrounding villages of Tripuranlakapuram. Diwan with manyams to perform aradliana six times a day Kariappa ModaIi, who had no male descendants, and to celebrate functions on all festive days. At that constructed this village 500 years back. time there were several Vaishnavites spreading Hindu sm, enjoying the man) ams. An inscription in the Dharmaraju temple, Kanagathamma temple and tenJple states the date of construction of the temple Bhajalla Mandir are the places of worship in the as 136 Fasali. During the Mohammedan invasions village. Hindus left the place burying all thf5 idols except the 128 main idol of the Lord in the earth. After some time na Venugopalaswamy. Common Hindu festivals, the villagers returned and settled there. A few images like Sankranthi, Sri Rama Navami, Gok.tla A5h'ami along with the image of Goddess Rajyalakshmi were or Sri Krishna jOY{lnI1li, Vijaya Dasami and Vaikuntha recovered. The ruined temples were repaired at the Ekadasi are a1so celebrated. The uthsavams are cele Ceginning of the 20th Century with the income of brated in Vaishnavite tradition. Special abhishekam the manyams. The temple was repaired in 1940; new and aradh(llla arc p~rformed and nail'cdyam is offered. proc('ssion images along with Chakrathalwar were Procession is held in the night. D~votees fulfil their prepared and 'Kumbhabflislzekam' was performed in vows. Clothes, imitation ornaments and umbrellas, curring an expenditure of about Rs. 10,000. In the are otTered to the deity. Fasting is observed during meantime the Brahmins Jefr the place. Occasionally Vaikullta Ekadasi. There are mallyam lands for the Srivaishnavites from sacred places like Kanchcepuram, temple servants, Barbers, Dhobis, Potters. Devadasis Tiruvallur etc., come and perform poojas. This is (dancers). Local Kammas, Reddis, Balijas and the history of the temple according to late Changaiah Naidus patronize the festival. Srivaishnavites of 0845-1956)a Sri Vai5hnavite and some seventy to Bharadwaja gotra perform poojas. eighty year old elders of the village. There are sixteen images in Venugopalaswamy temple, 5 of stone, 1 of Gangamma Ko/upu and Ankalamma Jatara take wood and 10 of copp~r. They are: place in Pushyam (December-January) of Phalgunam (February-March). Guats, sheep, fowls and he 1. 2 images of Santhanagopalakrishna; one of buffaloes are s3crificed. Naivedyam is offered. It is stone and the other of COpP2f in human customary to take intoxicants during the jatara. The form. villagers patronize the festival and all local communi 2. 4 images of Ubhaya Naclliyars.2 of stone ties congregate, Pujari is a caste of Jangam. and the r"-:5t of cc)pper in human form. SOCRCE Sri lV. K l'\1alloharall, Headlll(/Il, T,ipura 3. Copper image of KoJand,.l[amaswamy In Iltakapltr(/m (I'1I1agam) , Beerakuppam human form, (B.O.), (via) Nagalapuram. 4. Copper ima~;; of Laks1unana. 26. Pravalayaraneswarapuram-Is 14 miles from 5. Coppcr image ofAndaliu in human form, Satyavedu by bus and 16 miles from Tada Railway Station. 6. Copper image of Rajyalakshmi 111 human form. Obularaju Khandriga pogadamanu Thattu and 7. Copper image of Sita in human form. Chamarthi Khandriga are the hamlets of this village. 8. Copper image of Chakrathalwaru in the form Mathamma temple with Her wooden image, pra of disc. vaJa temple of pogadamanu thattu with a picture of 9. Stone image of Venkateswara in human form. Lord Vishnu and Gangamma image, the earthen images of Bhoopatheeswara and a bull to the west~ 10. Stone image of Rajyalakshmi in human form. stone and wooden images of Yagathamma and a few 11. Wooden image of GarudaIwar in the form of Bhajan mandirs with the pictures and stone images of Man bird. the Lord are the pJaces of worship in this village. 12. Chinni Krishna image of copper in human Yagathamma Kolupulu are celebrated in Vaisa __ form. kham (April-May) for 5 days. Devotees fulfil their vows. Goats, he-buffaloes and fowls are sacrificed to The stone images of the village deities Ankala the deity. This is being celebrated for the past 100 mma and ponnaimma in human form are installed years. The villagers patronize the festival. Local under trees outside the village. The image of Gan people of all castes participate in it. gamma is installed under a tree. Bhajall mand ir Mathamma Uthsavam is also celebrated in and a mosque are the other places of worship Vaisakham (April-May). in the village. Pongali is offered to Gangamma. is celebrated on Chaitra Purnima ChaitraSuddha SOURCE: Sri M. Madhal'a Pillai, Karnam, Prava~ Purnima (March-April) in the temple of Lord Santha- lavaraneswarapuram, Beedakuppam. 129 27. Thondambattu-Is 13 miles 3 furlongs from Tada There is 2 acres of inam land to Vemalamma Railway Station. temple and daily pooja is performed under the trustee ship of a Brahmin. Lord Siddeswaraswamy temple with His image in human form riding on a horse and village deity SOURCE: Sri V. Lakshmaiah, Headmaster, Kadur. Gangamma temple with a stone in HEr name are the places of worship in this village. 29. Kalathur-Is 7 miles from Sullurpet Railway Station and 20 miles from Satyavedu. lord Siddeswaraswamy Samaradhana is celebrated for a day once in two years in Jaishfam (May-June) on The ancient temp;e of lord Prasanna Venkale a Sunday. The idol of the Lord is taken in processi('n. swara Swamy with His Panchaloha images in human Cocoanuts and camphor are offered to the deity. This form and the village deity Vcmalamma temple are is being celetrated for the past two centuries. Local the places of worship in the village. people irrespective of caste and creed take part in the festival. Pujari is a Kammari (Blacksmith) of Eswara lord Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Brahmo gotra with hereditary rights. There is free feeding. thsavam is celebrated once in three years from Pllshya Bahula Amavasya (December-January) for 2 or 3 days. Poojas are performed to the deity twice a day_ Gangamma Jatara is celebrated on a Wednesday On all other common Hindu festive days like Srikri in Chait ram (March-April) according to the conveni sIma Jayanthi, Vijaya Dasami, Karthika Purnima, Mu ence of the villagers. The deity is taken in procession. kkoti Ekadasi etc., special poojas are perforned to the He-goats and rams are sacrificed to the deity. This is deity. The temple owns 60 acres of inam being celebrated for the past 200 years. The villagers land besides the arclzaka manyam of 20 acres. Sri arc the patrons. Local people of all castes share the Dhurjati Venkata Subbaiah Pantulu, a Brahmin is the expenditure of the festival. Pujari is a Dhobi of trustee with hereditary rights. The ryots who are Punya gotram. Prasadam is distributed to all. There enjoying the manyam lands are not paying the rents is free feeding. to the temple for the past 5 or 6 years. So the income of the archaka manyam is being utilised for the cele SOURCE: Sri G. Venkata Sllbba Reddy, Village brations. Devotees of all castes of this and the nearby Munsifj, Thondambattu. villages congregate. P!ljari is a Brahmin of Vaikhanasa gotram enjoying the rent of the archaka manyam land, 28. Kadur-Is 6 miles from Tada Railway Station on temporarily. Madras-Calcutta Railway line. 14 miles fr.om Satya Village deity Poleramma is worshipped in Kartlu' vedu, 23 miles from Kalahasthi and Chittoor and 48 kam (October-November) and Vemalamrna Aradhana miles from Madras. takes place in Pushy am ~December-January). Lord Venkateswaraswamy temple with His stone SOURCE: Sri D. Dhurjati Ramakrishnaiah, Karanam, image in human form and the village deity Vemala Kalathur. mma temple with Her stone idol in the form of a lingam are the places of worship in this village. People 30. Marudavada-Is 6 miles from Sullurpet railway of the Scheduled Castes are not allowed into the temple. station and 19 miles from Satyavedu. This was an inam village given to B~ahmim who Venkateswaraswamy Uthsavam is celebrated from gave it to a local Devanga and left the place. The the third Saturday of Sravanam (July-August) for two Devangas are still enjoying the inam lands. days. The deity is decorated and taken out in pro cession. Vasanthothavam (Holi) and Theppothsavam Venkateswara Swamy temple, Puttalamma tem (Boat procession) are the other main functions of the ple with Her wooden image, Chellatamma temple with festival. This is of local significance. There is manyam Her stone idol and Venkateswara temple in Harijana_ land of 7 acres. Local people of all communities part vada in dilapidated condition are the places of worship icipate in the festival. Pujari is a Mutharasi. Pra in this village. Scenes from the Ramayana are painted sadam is distributed to all. on the walls of Puttalamma temple. 130 Gramadevathala Kolupu or Jatara is celebrated Kamaskhammaparuveta Uthsavam is celebrated in the middle of the village on a platform called in Karthikam (October - November) or Margasiram Ganga Mitta. A procession of the deities is held. On (November-December) or Pushyam (December-Janua the last day he-buffaloes are sacrificed and the images ry). The earthen images of the village deities, Kamaksh of the deities are immersed in water. Rams and amma, Poleramma and Ganga are installed on Ganga fowls are also sacrificed to the deities. This is being Mitta, a platform in the middle of the village. A pro celebrated since the origin of the temple. The local cession of the deities is heJd during which goats, rams Hindus patronize the festival. Local people of all and he-buffaloes are sacrificed. On the lastday communities participate in it. Sawasugudi Raghavalu Adishakthi Dunna (he-buffalo dedicated to Adishakthi) and Maren Bodi Seetty are the pujaris for puttalamma is sacrificed and the image are immerced in the water. and Chellatamma respectively. The villagers patronize the festival. People from the surrounding villages of all communities participate in Occasionally all the villagers celebrate Goddess it. Sri Chenchu Raghavulu of Gudivalla caste and Chowdeswary Uthsavam. Pasala gotra is the pujari with hereditary rights enjoying the manyam land. SOURCE: 1. Sri Animuthyam Munuswami Reddy, Marudavada. Lord Venkateswara Swamy urhsavam is celebrated during Dasara in ASl'ijam (September-October). 2. Sri O. B. Murthy, Headmaster, Z. P. School, Marudavada. SOURCE: I. Sri D. Jogi Rao, V. M., Ambur Santha l'elur (P. 0). 31. Nelvoy-Is 10 miles from Tada Railway Station and Kalahastbi Railway Station and 13 miles from 2. Sri K. Krishnaiah, Teacher, P. S. E. Satyavedu. School, Marudavada .. lord Venkateswara Swamy temple with his stone 33. Santhavelur-Is 9 miles from Sullurpet railway image is the only place of worship in the village. station, 22 miles from Kalahasthi and 2S miles from Satyavedu. Venkateswara Swamy Uthsavam is celebrated on the 4 Saturdays of Bhadrapadam {August-September). This In the by gone days a grand shandy was being is of local significance. Kammas are the patrons. held in this place. Henc:e it goes by the present name. Local people of all castes participate in the festival. The temple of Lord Beleswara Swamy is an ancient SOURCE: 1. Sri O. B. Murthy, Headmaster Z. P. one, with t he idol of the Lord, in the form of Siv ali· School,Marudavada. ngam But it is in a dilapidated condition. A few inscri ptions on white stone in Malayalam script were unear 2. Sri Y. Subba Reddy, Karanam, Ambur thed by rains, 10 years back. They were installed aro Santhavelur. und the temple. 32. Ambur-Is 8 miles from Sullurpet railway station, The temples of Venkateswara, Pasula Puttalamma 18 miles from Satyavedu and 25 miles from Kalahasthi. to the north, Subrahmanyeswara Swamy, Rama with His picture, Krishna with the images of the Lord and Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple with his stone His consorts Radha and Rukmini. Valliyamma with image in human form, village deity Kamakshamma the images of the deity and Her consort and Peerla with Her stone image in human form and Pothuraju chavidi are the places of worship in this village. There temple to the south are the places of worship in the are also temples of Gangamma, Kanyakalamma, Vigh. village. neswara, Veera Bhadraswamy, Kamashamma and Bhadra Reddy. Temple of Ialakanteswara situated in the midst of a tank is in a dilapidated condition. The temple was Pasula Puttalamma paruveta Uthsavam takes place destroyed during the days of Haidar Ali. Yet a small during Pasula Panduga on Pushya Bahula Triodasi Sivalingam, Nandeeswara and Vighneswara are there (December-January) for a day. The festival starts at in ruined stage. There is an inscription in Nagari 40' clock in the evening and ends at 9 0' clock in the script on a semi-circled stone. night. Coconuts, fruits and pongali are offered to 131 ""the deity. Local people of all communities participate There is a temple of Goddess Ramalinga Cham in the festival. Pujari is a Mutharacha. undeswari. Her image is in human form with 16 hands holding sixteen weapons and several images showing Lord Venkateswara Swamy Uthsavam is celebra the ten incarnations of the Goddess viz., Renuka, ted on Sravana Bahula Ashtami (July-August) during -Krisknashtami for a day. Kali, Mahishasura Mardhani, prasunamba, Thrisulad harini, Saraswathi etc. Harijans are prohibited entry Occasionaly Garuda Seva takes place in the into the temple. temples of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna. There is a Samadhi (tomb) of Jyothi Gopala Daily pooja is performed in Lord Venkateswara swamya Brahma gnani. Swamy temple with the income of the manyam land. Ramalingam Cbamundeswari Uthsavam is cele brated from Asvija Suddha Padyami to Dasami There is manyam land for Valliamma temple also. (September-October) for 10 days. Aradhana is per Fujari is a Jangam. formed on Ashtami, Navami and Dasami with much pomp. Paraku seva and Narasam sel'a are performed .SOURCE: 1. Sri Y. Veeraswami Reddy, Karanam, by the devotees by shedding blood from their chests Santhavelur. strongues with swords. Vadapappu (soaked green gram), panakam (jaggery water) and chitrannam 2. Sri. B. Rangappa Reddy H. M., Z.P. (cooked rice mixed with condiments and lime juice) are H. School, Santhavelur. offered to the deity-Houses are decorated with "ran gavalli. (decorative lines drawn with colours). This .:34. NelJatur-Is 8 miles from Tada Railway Station is being celebrated for .. the past 200 years. This is on Madras-WaItairline and 14112 miles from Satya confined to the local Devangas on!y. Devangas are the vedu. patrons. Pujari is Sri Sajja Srinivasulu, a Devanga of Parl'atha Maharshi gotra. Lord Marreswaraswamy temple with a stone without any form, Venkateswaraswamy temple and Venkateswaraswamy Uthsavam is celebrated in -the village deity Gangamma in the form of a stone Bhadrapadam (August-September) for 9 days. Vada -are worshipped in the village. As the temple of Lord pappu, panakam and chitrannam are offered to the Marreswara Swamy is located under an old "marri deity. This is of local importance. The descendants tree" (Banyan tree), it goes by that name. of Prithvi Subbaiah, a Devanga, are the patrons. Only local Devangas share expenditure of the festival. Marreswaraswamy Kolupu is celebrated in Vaisa . kham (April-May) for 3 days according to the con Grama Sakthi Urthalamma jatara is celebrated 'venience of the villagers. Coconuts, flowers and when epidemics like cholera, small-pox etc., break out pathri (leaves used in worship) are offered to the deity. in the village. He-buffaloes, rams and fowls are All the villagers share the expenses of the festival. sacrificed to the deity. Intoxicants such as toddy, Devotees of all castes of this and the surrounding liquior etc., are consumed during the procession. villages participate in it. Prasadam is distributed to SOURCE: Sri K. Muniswamy, Headmaster, Higher ·alI. There is free feeding. Elementary School, Karipakam. Venkateswaraswamy Uthsavam takes place in 36. Arudur-Is 8 miles from Tada Railway Station Asvijam (September-October) for 2 days according to the convenience of the villagers. Garigamma and 12 miles from Satyavedu. . Jatara is celebrated for 2 days in Karthikam (October Lord Siva temple and village deity Thummalam November) with the expenditure of the villagers accord rna temple are the places of worhsip in the village. ing to their convenience. Chowdamma is the family Goddess of the Devangas . . SOURCE : Sri Y. Ranga Swamy, Nellatur. Village deity Thummalamma Uthsavam is celebr ated for 2 or 3 days according to the convenience of 35. Karipakam-Is 1 1/2 miles to the west of Grand the villagers or when epidemics and cattle diseases "Trunk Road and 4 miles from Bathalavallam. breaks out in the village. Hence there is no fixed 132 date for the celebration. Devotees fulfil their vows. nient Wednesday as per the desire of the villagers. Pon- The villagers sacrifice goats, rams and fowls before gali is offered as naivedyam to the village deity Chella their respective houses during the course of the proce thamma at the temple at 2 p.m. by the villagers. Devo ssion of the deity. Brahmins and Reddis are the tees sacrifice he-goats to Chellathamma to fulfil their chief patrons. Though the non-Hindus share the vows. At 9'0 clock in the night, the village Dhobi deco expenses of the festival, they do not participate in the rates the earthen image of Poleramma with pearls and celebrations. Pujaris are Jagris and Jangam. jasmines, and carries it on this head from his home in a procession covering five villages. During the course of Lord Eswara Sivarathrothsavam is celebrated the procession, he stops at each house and each house for a week during Maglza Balmla Triodasi (January sacrifices a he-goat. This is known as Manchalu February) according to the convenience of the villagers Veyuta. After the procession the deity is installed The temple owns 40 acres of land-eight acres of land in a hut erected Oll a platform for the purpose in the is being enjoyed by the Mangali (barbar) and Jangam centre of the village. As soon as the deity is placed in and the remaining land is being enjoyed by the Redd the hut a he-buffalo and ram are sacrificed. The next day is and the Brahmin pujal'i. devotees fulfil their vows by taking cart loads of amb ali (gruel) round the hut and by offering coconuts and Chowdamma Uthsavam IS celebrated by the Devangas according to their convenience. naivedyam. Ambali is distributed to the coqgregation. In the evening at 4'0 clock, covering their bodies There is a temple of Lord Srinivasa in the Harijan with margosa leaves. The women roll rOll nd the hut. stre~t of Kancharapalem, hamlet of this village. This is known. as polidandalu Vevuta, Guggill aha ndlu (carts of cooked Bengalgram) are taken round SOURCE: Sri Kaduru Jlallikyam, Teacher, Arudur. the hut and offered as naivedyam, to the deity. Gugg. illu are distributed to the congregation. At 8'0 37. Amr-Is 7 miles from Satyavedu of Arambakam clock in the night, 70 measures of cooked rice is poured of Southern Railway, is the nearest Railway Station. before the deity on a blanket as kumblIam koodu. An animal is sacrificed and the blood is mixed in rice. Venkateswara Swamy temple and Dharmaraja Swamy temple are the p!ac~s of worship in the village. The rice is scattered round the village boundaries Harijans are not allowed to enter into the temple. by the Washerman, Thalaries, Vetties, Bindelavaru and Madigas. After that the kumbham is distributed Dharmaraja Swamy Ulhsavam is celebrated III to the servants of the temple. Then the hut is remo Vaisakham (April-May) for the past 30 years. Velama ved and the deity is left in the fields by the villagers. Reddis are the chief patrons. Local people of all singing songs in Her praise. This is confined to the castes participate in it. Pujari is a Jangam with surronding 4 villages. People of all castes of this and hereditary rights. the nearby 4 villages congregate. Prasadam is distri buted to all. Animals are sacrificed during Ganga Jatara. There is a temple of Lord Venkateswara in Nara SOURCE: Sri Karanam Gangi Reddy, Karanam, saraja Agraharam, hamlet of Kothamarikuppam. Mallavaripalem. SOURCE: Sri D. Muni Reddy, V. M., Kothamari 38. Kothamarikuppam - Is 2 miles form Satyavedu. kuppam. Village deity Cbellathamma temple with Her stone 39. Kannavaram-Is 24 miles from Balijapeta Railway' image and Mathamma temple in the Madiga Wada Station, 28 miles from Puttur Railway Station and 35 (street) with a stone in Her name are the places of miles from Satyavedu. worship in the village. Lord Kondanda Rama Swamy temple was con Poleramma Jatara is celebrated in Vaisakham structed 150 years back by Sri Venkatachala Modali (April-May) once in two years. The function begins to fulfil his vow after begetting two sons. There on a Wednesday at 2 p.m. and ends ont he succeeding are the idols of Lord Vishnu, Sri Devi and Bhudevi in Thursday night. An earthen image of poleramma is the temple. Lord Malathopu Eswara temple at a dista prepared for the occasion by the Kummari on a conve- nce of I 1/2 miles in the forest with the copper idol of 133 the lord, a stone Sivalingam and a stone image of kunta Ekadasi in Margasiram (November-December), Ganapati, Ankamma temple with Her wooden image are the festivals cekbrated in the temple of Lord and Gangamma temple with a wooden and two stone Kodanda Rama. The late Venkatachala Modali had images of the deity are the places of worship. The tem assigned 4 acres of manyam land for pooja, one acre for ples ~f Kodanda Rama Swamy and Eswara are in a flower-garden, 2 acres for Mangala Vayidyam (Music dilapidate condition. There is a Blzajan Mandir Party) and 3/4 acre for the garland makers. His son also. performed pooja and celebrated uthsavams with the aid of the Kalahasthi Zamindars, who gave 4 acres of Ankalamma Jatara is celebrated in Phalgullam land for the service. Sri Ratna Mudali, son of Rama (February-March). Part/veta and kolupu are the main Swamy Modali succeeded them. In the meantime items of the festival. Goats and fowls are sacrificed the villagers of Tripuranthakapuram filed a case in the to the deity. Intoxicants are used a~ a custom. The Munsiff Court of Tiruvallur claiming the land given villagers patronize the festival. Local people of all by the Kalahasthi Zamindars as belonging to the castes congre,gate. Mutharasi Reddis are the plijaris temple of Rajagopalaswamy of their vil1age. It lasted in Ankamma an d Gangamma temples. for 4 years during which Brahmin pooja ceased. Ratna Modali won the case and arranged poojas in Hindu Maha Sivaratri Uthsavam is celebrated in Lord tradition. But a clash occured between him and the Malathopu Eswara temple on Magha Bahula Triodasi villagers, who repurted against him to the endowment (January-February). Coconuts, fruits and camphor are Board of the then Madras State. The Board appointed offered to the deity. 3 acres of land is dedicated to two local Mutharasi Reddis and a Yadava of All the lord by the villagers. Sri Matcha Gangi Reddy apagunta village as trustees, after 2 1/2 years. But is the trustee. Local people of all communities take Ratna Modali did not obey the o'rders of the Board and part in this. Mutharasi Reddis are the p_ujaris. so the dispute is not yet settled. Velamas patronize Prasadam is distributed to all. There is free feeding. the festival and local people of all communities take Sri Rama Navami in Chaitram (March-April), part in the uthsavam. Gokula Ashtami in Sravanam (July-August), Vijaya Dasami in Asvijam (September-October) and Va i- SOURCE: K. S. Eswara Mudali, V. M., Kannavaram. PUTTUR 'r ALUK GGG@@@@@ ~ g .z E 1s 2! " .:: ],1 x w o '" ?; "< I ~ ~ §;t ~ '~~ ~ ~ g 5 ~ 5 ~ eeeeGe «z " Section - Xl PUTTUR TALUK ~pparapalIe -Is the hamlet of Pathagunta. Sri Rama Navami for ten days from Chaitra Puttur, at a distance of 24 miles, is the nearest Suddha Navami (March-April), .Sri Krishna layanthi Railway Station to this village. on Sravana Bahula Ashtami (July-August), Grama Shakthi Uthsavam for two days in pushyam (Decem Dharmarajaswamy is worshipped in the village. ber-January) are the other festivals celebrated in the village. All these are of ancient origin except Grama Dharmaraja festival is celebrated in Sravanam Shakthi Uthsavam which is being celebrated for the (J uly-August) for ten days. Nearly, 1,500 local Hindus past 100 years. Only Hindus participate in the above congregate. festivals. SOURCE: SUperintendent of Police, Chittoor. Rayalacheruvu is the hamlet of Kuppambaduru and was constructed during the reign of Chandragiri 2. Pachikapalem-puttur at a distance of 22 miles is Rajas. the nearest Railway Station to this place. Ganga latara is celebrated during the first week Dharmaraja Swamy is worshipped in the village. of laishtam (May-June) for seven days. Fowls are sacrificed. It is of ancient origin with local signifi Dharmaraja Swamy festival is celebrated for 10 cance. The villagers patronise the festival. days in Sravanam (July-August). 4. Chittathur Kalepalle -Is one mile from Tirupati SOURCE: Superintendent of Police, Chittoor. Chittoor bus route, 12 miles from Tirupati Railway Station and 21 miles from Puttur. It is said that in ancient times this was given as inam to the Brahmins 3. Kuppambaduru-Is 11 miles from Tirupati, 13 by the Raja of Karvetinagar. miles from Karvetinagaram. 20 miles from Puttur and 32 miles from Chittoor. The bus from Tirupati Lord Sri Rama temple and Sri Krishna temple to Chittoor and Karvetinagaram passes through this with their pictures and Gramadevatha Muthyalamma village. temple with metal images are the places of worship in the village. Vighneswara temple with His stone image, Sri Rama temple and Sri Krishna temple with the\r pictu Grama latara is celebrated for 3 days in Vaisa res and Grama Sizakthi temple with Her metel image kham (April-May). Pongali and palaharam are in human form and Peerla chavidi are the places of offered to the deity. Goats, fowls and he-buffaloes worship in the village. An earthen image of Gangamma are sacrificed in front of the deity at a short distance. is prepared and worshipped annually. Akkagarlu It is an ancient festival of local, significance. Village and Perantalu are the other deities of worship. leaders patronise the festival. Local Hindus partici pate in it. Grama latara is celebrated for two days in Vaisa kham (April-May). Pongali is offered and fowls, SOURCE: P. Venkatamuni Swamy Pillai, Karanam, goats and he-buffaloes are sacrificed at a short distan Chittathur Kalepalle. ce from the temple, opposite to the deity. It is an ancient festival of local significance. Village elders 5. Netbakuppam-Is situated Ofl Tirupati-Rayala patronize the festival. Local people of all communit cberuvu road at a distance of 5 miles from Rayalach ies participate. Jangams and Chakalis are the pujaris. eruvu by foot-path and 15 miles from Tirupati Prasadam is distributed to all. Railway Station. 136 An old temple of Dharmaraja and Mathamma and asked them to construct a village at the SpOt temple in the Harijanawada are the places of worship where the axis of the cart would bend. Accordingly a in the village. village was constructed by them with their family name 'Nennur'. Dharmaraja Uthsavam is celebrated for 18 days from laishta Suddha Ekadasi (May-June). Dhwaja Sri Pattabhi Rama temple, Nagara Swamyvari rohana on the first day and procession on other days Racha Pradesam, Peerla chavidi and village deity are celebrated. The uthsavam ends with agnipravesam Yellamma temple are the places of worship in the (entering the fire pit) by the devotees. Fowls and village. Only Yellamma's head in human form is in animals are sacrifice Sri Rama layanthi on Chaitra Suddha Nava.mi SOURCE: N. KaTyana Reddy, Village Munsiff,. (March-April), Sri Krishna layanthi on Sravana Nennur. Bahula Ashtami (July·August) and Sri Gurappa Swamy Uthsavam in Pushy am (December-January) 8. Sorakayalapalem hamlet of Kattakinda Venkata are the other festivals of the village. puram-Is 5 miles from Pudi railway station and 14· SOURCE: N. Kuppu Swami Pillai, Nadavalur. miles from Puttur. 7. Nennur~Is 2 miles from Tirupa ti-Rayalacheruvu Village deity Muthyalamma temple with Her' bus-route, 6 miles from Tirupati Railway Station and panchaloha (five metal) image is the only place of 15 miles from Puttur. worship in this village. Regarding the origin of the village, it is said that Muthyalamma Uthsavam is celebrated for a day during the reign ofNawabs, members of the Nennur during Sankranthi in Pushyam (December-January) family stayed in Nellore. As one of the Muslims i. e., on January 16th. Devotess liquidate their vows. wished to marry a girl of this family, they deserted Rams, goats and fowls are sacrificed to the deity. the village. Their family deity Yellamma appeared This is being celebrated for the past 600 years and is. 137 of local sig lificance. The village ryots patronize the Uthsavam is celebrated in Rama Mandir in Cha festival. Local people take part in it. A Kumrari is itram (March-April) for seven days and daily the pujari. aradhana is performed. . SOURCE: Sri K. Manda Swamy Pilla i, Train Officer, It is the custom of the village that every bride Sorakayalapalem. and bridgroom should worship (Akkagarlu) before their marriage ceremony takes place. 9. Pathiputtur-Is 2 1/2 miles from Pudi Railway Station and 12 miles from Puttur. Uthsavam is celebrated in Vighneswara temple du ring Sivarathri on Magha Balzula Chaturdasi (January Sri prasanna Venkateswara Swamy temple with His February). Pongali is offered and vows are liquidated image and Sri Chandramowleswara Swamy temple to Chellasamma, Muthyalamma, Satyamma, during are the places of worship in the village. Gramadevatha jatara. Brahmothsavam of Sri prasanna Venkateswara SOURCE: T. Mahadeva Pillai, Karnam, Tiru Swamy is celebrated in Asvijam (September-October). mandyam. Uthsavam is celebrated on every Ekadasi of each month in addition to daily aradhana. Sri Karvetina 11. Padireduaranyam-Is 3 miles from Pudi Railway garam Raja and the Endowments Board are the trus Station. tees of the temple. All communities participate in it. Sri Sadasiveswara Swamy temple at a distance SOURCE: Venkata Subba Raidu Pillai, Karnam, of 8 miles from the village and Kamakshamma temple Pathiputtur. at a distance of I mile from the abovesaid temple are the places of worship. 10. Pudi-Is a Railway Station on Madras-Renigunta Railway line at a distance of 9 miles from Puttur. Mahasivarathri festival is celebrated for two days on M agha Bahula Clzaturdasi and Amavasya Thirumandyam is the hamlet of this village. The (January-February). Jagaram is observed on Malia income of this village was spent in the past towards sivarathri by some devotees. It is being celebrated the Tirumani (a kind of white clay used by Vaishnavas for the past 50 years and is confined to the surroun in making the mark on the forehead) of Lord Venka ding villages. Hindus of this and from the nearby teswara of Tirupati. Hence the village was called villages congregate. Vadamalapet Brahmins are the 'Tirumani' which gradually corrupted into Tiru pujaris and they perform puja and abhishekam mandyam. during the uthsavam. Anna santharpana (free feeding) takes pJace on the last day. Bhajana mandir and Akkagarla temple in this The pilgrims stay in the pandals erected during village; Bhajana mandir, Akkagarla temple and the uthsavam. Harikathas entertain the congrega Satyamma temple in its hamlet Vemapuram; Eswara tion. temple, Satyamma, Akkamma, Chellesamma. Muthy lamma and Eswara temples in Thirumandyam are the SOURCE: Pudi Parasuram Venkaiah, Karnam, Padi places of worship. reduaranyam. Ganga Jatara is celebrated in Vaisakham (April 12. Puttur-Is the taluk headquarte'rs III Chittoor May) for two days for the welfare of the village and District, about 42 miles from Chittoor. crops. Offerings are made in the form of pOngali, fowls and goats. A he-buffalo is sacrificed during The temples of Gramadevatha, Drowpadamma, jatara. It is being celebrated from the origin of the Sada Siveswara Swamy, Kanyaka Paramsewari and village and is confined to the village. The villagers Sri Subrahmanya Swamy are the places of worship in are the patrons. All communities participate. Jan the village. gam, Rajaka, Kummara and Vadde are the pujaris according to the custom of the village. Prasadam is Sri Drowpadamma vari Tirunala is celebrated in distributed to all and community dinners are arran Sravanam (July-August) for 10 days. Arrangements ged. are made a month in advance. It is being celebrated 138 since the origin of the temple and is confined to this 14. Narayana Vanam-Puttur at a distance of 5 and the neighbouring villages. Members of the Solva miles is the nearest Rail'way Station to this place. kam family are the patrons. Nearly. 25,000 Hindus It is a small village very near to Kailasanathakona. of this and the nearby villages participate. There is a temple of Kalyana Venkateswara. It is said that Lord Venkateswara came for hunting to this place . A fair is held for ten days in front of the temple and fell in love with padmavathi, the daughter of 10 connection with the festival. Nearly 25,000 Hindus Kasiraju. Then their marriage was performed at this of this and the neighbouring villages· congregate. place. Hence in this temple Lord Venkatcswara's Businessmen come from Tiruthani, Kanchi, Madras stone idol is in human form with a bow in one hand. and neighbouring towns and villages, Eatable~, Further, unlike in other templcsof Lord Venkateswara, u.I ensl'1 S, Janterns,1 books and clothes, hand- tbe idol of Goddess Padmavathi is also situated in the made articles and other fancy goods are sold. Dramas same temple. This is one of the rare temples of this and recitation of Blzaratam entertain the \'isitors. kind of Lord Venkateswara. Brahm(Jthsll)'am is cele brated in Asvijam (September-October) for 10 days SOURCE: K. Hslt'anadha Pillai, Karna1l1, Putfur. and local people take part in it. 13. Thomr-Is 2 miles from Puttur Railway Station SOURCE: V. Radhakrishna, Statistical lUsistant, and to\'iC. Hs fl~rmer name Doravur was corrupted Census Office. into 'Tl:cn:r' in uS3ge. 15. Kailasanadhakona-Is 7 milies to the east of . Vi.llage deity polakshamma temple \\ ith Her stone Puttm in a thick forest of Tirupati-Madras Trunk Image In human form with four hands, Eswara tem Road. Kailasanadhakona is on tbe northern side of ple with a stone Siralingam. N aragrahas (nine planets) Kaka Mukha parvatam and on the southern bank of It In stone and Nandi (the sacred bull) and Sri Kodanda the river Ar;.II1a. ts said that sage Agastya lived in Rama Swamy temple with tbe pictures of the Lord this place and hence it is also known as Agstyasramam. and Sita are the places of worship in the village. Kasiraju lived in Indrakeelakam (Narayanavanam or Narayanapuram). This village is believed to have acq uired its name' Kailasanathakonda because Parva polakshamma Aradhana commences on an auspi thi and parameswara came down to Agastyasramam <:ious Friday night at 21.00 hrs. during Vaisakha from Kalisam to attend the marriage of Padmavathi (bright half of the month i, e., (April-May) with Kapu with Lord Venkateswara. Sage Agstya installed Kai kattuta (safe-guard ceremony) and lasts for the next lasanadha lingam at this place. There is a perennial 8 days with different uthsarams and display of fire water fall of about 100 yards height. It is said that works with much pomp and ceremony. Uthsavam is even in Dwadasa Varsha Kshamam (12 years famine) celebrated on the succeeding Sunday 011 a large scale. the water fall did not dry up. Fowls and animals are sacrificed before the deity in the morning of Sunday, accorJing to the social status Sri Kamakshamba Sametha Kailasanatha Swamy of the people. For the past 100 years it is being cele is worshipped in this place. Every year Laksha Bilvar. brated and is limited to the locality. The villagers chana (worshipping the Lord repeating His thousand patronize the festival and there are inam lands dedica names one hundred times and offering Bilva leaves for ted by the Zamindar of Karvetinagaram. People of each name) is performed during Karthikam (October. all communities participate. Pujari is a langam November). Abhishekams are performed. Vedas are Devara, enjoying the inam lands. Fancy dresses, chanted. Thousands of devotes take bath in the kana and perform puja during Mondays in dramas and display of fire works are the items of Karthikam (October-November). Childless and sick people disch en tertainment. arge their vow after the fulfilment of their desires. The temple committee collects subscriptions from the Narakachaturdasi on Asvija Bahula Chathur devotees for these celebrations. Nearly two thousand dasi (October-November), Sree Rama uthsavam, local Hindus congregate on every Monday in Karthi Navarathri, Kedara Gowri Vratham and Ugadi in kam. There is free feeding for 3 days dming Laksha Chaitram (March-April) are the other festivals of the Bilvarchana. Harikathas and music concerts are village. arranged by the committee. SOURCE: MunaslVamy Pill ai, Karanam, Thorttr. SOURCE: V. Radhakrishna, S. A. Census Office. 139 15. Samudayam-Is 3 miles from puttur Railway Station. Dharmaraja temple with stone and wooden images and Subba Rao Mutt with a Sivalingam are the places Sri Avanakshamma temple on the banks of a of worship in the viJiage. pond to the south of the river Aruna with Her black Dharmaraja Uthsavam is celebrated for 15 days stone image of 7 feet high in the form of Kalikasha in Sravanam (July-August). The celebration is in kthi; Agasteswara Swamy temple, Vinayaka temple vogue for the past )0 years and it extends to this and and Bhajana mandir are the places of worship in the village. the neighbouring villages also. The villagers patronize the festival. Nearly, 4,000 Hindus of this and the neighbouring villages congregate. Avanakshamma Brahmothsavam is celebrated for 15 days in Sravanam (July-August). Hindus are the A fair is held in this connection day and night patrons. The expenses of the uthsavam are met from for 15 days in anarea of 5 acres. Street dramas and the collections by the villagers. All communities parti dramas entertain the gathering. cipate. Sivarathri on Maglla Balw!a Chathurdasi SOURCE: Sri L. Suhba Rama Reddy, Samudayam. (January-February) is celebrated in Subba Rao Mutt for a day. Daily puja is performed. Fasting is obse 16. Aranyamkandriga-Is near the 7th miles rved on Mukkoti Ekadasi and Sivarathri. It is an tone on Puttur-Nagalapuram road and 7 miles ancient festival of local significance. There are inarn from Puttur. lands. Local Hindus congregate. Maharastrians who are the descendents of Subba Rao are the pujaris. Originally this place was a forest and afterwards There is free feeding on Maha Sivarathri day. houses were constructed and a village grew up with the name 'Aranyamkhandriga' (Aranyam means forest). SOURCE: Sri AnjaneyuiuPillai, Karnam,Marripalle Dakslmapu Khandriga. Sri Rama Bhajana Mandir and Kailasanatheswara Swamy temple in a valley, 1 1/2 miles away from the 18. Animakulapalle - Is situated on Chittoor-Puttur village are the places of worship in the village. road at a dsitance of 15 miles from Chittoor, 19 miles from Karvetinagaram and 26 miles from Puttur by Lord Kailasanatheswara Swamy Laksha Bilvar road. The village got its name Animakulapalk after chana is celebrated for ten days in Karth ikam (October the village deity Arimanu Gangamma. November). Money is collected by selling tickets for for the performance of puja. It is of local significance. Gramadevatlza Arimanu Gangamma temple Uthsavams are also celebrated 011 every Monday in with Her stone image in human form and a Bhajana Kartheekam (October-November), Only local HinduS mandir are the places of worship in the village. participate in it. Arimanu Gangamma Jatara is celebrated for 10 days Sree Rama Navami is celebrated on Chaitra in Magham(January-February) i.e., from 10th January· Suddha Navami (March-April). The temple is decorated and deeparadhana is celebra ted to the deity by the devotees in fulfilment of their Poleramma Jatara is celebrated in Clzaitram vows. It is an ancient festival and extends to the . (March-April). Animals are sacrificed. Donations surrounding villages also. The villagers patronise the are collected from the vjJla~ers. All communities festival. Nearly, 2,000 Hindus of this and the nearby participate. villages participate in it. A Kapu is the pujari. SOURCE: Sri Aljlata Pillai, Karaflam, Aranyam- A fair is held in connection with the festiva! in an khandriga. area of 2 acres ofwasle land for ten days since long. Shops to sell food&tuffs and eatables are opened tem 17. Marripalle Dakshanapu Khandriga hamlet of porarily. Pilgrims stay in the choultry. Katikapalle--Is situated on Chittoor-Tirupati road at a distance of 15 miles from Chittoor, 23 miles from Street dramas a nd dramas are the items of cnter tainment. Karvelinagaram and 30 miles from Puttur. To disting uish this village from Marripalle Utlarapu Khandriga, SOURCE: Sri M. Varadappa Naidu, Karnam, Arima it is called Marripalle Dakshanapu Khandriga. kUlapalle. 140 19. Chinnathayyur-Is situated on Chittoor-Puttur and 16th January. Naivedyam is offered. It is alll_ road at a distance of 16 miles from Chittoor, 19 miles ancient festival of local significance. The villagers. from Karvetinagaram and 26 miles from puttur. patronize the festival. Local Hindus participate. Sri Krishna Swamy vari Bhajana mandir with A fair is held in this connection for two days from His picture and Kannikala temple are the places of ancient times in an extent of two acres of waste land,. worship in the village. with local congregation. Sri Krishna Swamy Aradhana is celebrated for 9 Ganga Jatara and YellammaJatara are celebnted days in Magham (January-February). Naivedyam is in Chaitram (March-April) and Vaisakham (April offered to the lord. It is an ancient festival of local May) respectively. Naivedyam and camphor are significance. The villagers patronize the festival. On I y offered. Hindus participate in it. Sri Gudiwada Venkatappa Naidu is the pujari. Prasadam is distributed to all. SOURCE: Muni Venkata Raya Pillai, Karnam. Ganga Jatara is celebrated in Chaitram (March 21. Ambara Maharajapuram hJo Kannikapuram -Is April). Camphor and naivedyam are offered to the situated on Chittoor-Puttur road at a distance of 7 deity. miles from Karvetinagram, 23 miles from Chittoor and 24 miles from PuttUf. Sri Rama Navami, Nomula Panduga, Kartheeka Deepam, Sankranthi, Ugadi, Mahasivarathri and Sri Krishna Swamy temple with His photo, Gan Vaikunta Ekadasi are the other festivals celebrated gamma temple and Anjaneya temple with His stone in the village. image are the places of worship in the village. In Jangalapalle hamlet there is Dharmaraja Sri Krisbna Swamy Aradhana is celebrated for 9 temple with the wooden images of Pandavas. days in Magham (January-February). It is an ancient festival of local significance. The villagers patronize Sri Dharmaraja Ut!zsal'am or Bhaaratha uthsavam the festival. Only local Hindus participate in it. is celebrated for 18 days in ChaUram (March-April) or in Vaisakham (April-May). Recitation of Bharatam A fair is held for 9 days during day time. It is an during day time and enacting the tales of Bharatam ancient one. during the nights are the important functions during these 18 days. 'Agni Tltokkuta' is celebrated on the Gangamma Jatara is celebrated in Chaitram last day. It is celebrated once in 3 years. It is 60 (March-April). Naivedyam is offered. years old and is of local significance. Local Hindus Sri Rama Navami, Anjaneya Aradhana, Sankran- are the patron~. All local communities participate in it. A Kummari is the pujari with hereditary rights. thi, Maha Sivarathri and Vaikunta Ekadasi are the other festivals celebrated in the village. SOURCE: 1. Sri Kuppuswamy Pillai, Karanam, Chinnathayyur. SOURCE: Sri V.M. PonnuSwamy Pillai, Train Officer, Ambara Maharajapuram. 2. Sri K. Balamuni Pillai, Train Officer, J angalapa lle. 22. Kesavarajupura Agraharam-The civil road from Pallipattu to Karvetinagaram is the only route to this village. 20. Puller-Is situated on Chittoor-Puttur road at a distance of 19 miles from Karvetinagaram, 25 miles This village was constracted by Kesavaraju the from Chittoor and 26 miles from Puttur by road. Zamindar of Karvetinagaram, in his name and was given to Brahmins as a gift. Kuppamma temple with Her stone image and Yellamma temple are the places of worship in the Sri Rama temple with the pictures of Kodanda village. Rama and Krishna and the metal images of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita, Chintala Gunta Gangamma Kuppammavari Uthsavam is celebrated for temple with Her stone image and Mahankalamma. 2 days in Magham (January-February) i. e., on 15th temple are the place of worship in the village. 141 Chintalagunta Gangamma Kolupulu are celebrated Zamindars of Karvetinagaram, the temple committee for 3 days from a Sunday in Ashadam (June-July). and the Mahant were giving Rs. 500/- to meet the Animals are sacrificed. It is being celebrated for the expences of Bralllnothsavam and Giripradakshinam past 70 years and is of local significance. All commu of Sri Varada Venkateswara Swamy. But under the nities rarticipate. Pujaris are Yadavas (Gollas). management of the H. R. & C. E. Commissioner, the above sanction was stopped. As such, rituals and Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for ten days in pooja were also stopped. C/zaitram (March-April) and daily pujas are perfor med. Brahmins are the pujaris. SOURCE: Sri P. M. Guruswamy, Rev. Inspector, Karvefinagaram. Tirunala is celebrated in Mahankalamma temple for 3 days and pongali is offered. Yadavas are the 25. Konagunta R/o Eduvaripalle-Is 1/2 mile from pujaris. Puttur-Chittoor road, 14 miles from Puttur and 26 SOURCE: Sri D. MUnll Swamy Pillai, Karanam, miles from Chi ttoor. Kesavarajapura Agraharam. Vinayaka temple with His panch aloha (five metal) 23. Yerramarajupalle-Is 1 1/2 miles to the south of image, Dharmaraja temple with the pancha/oha 25th milestone of Chittoor-Penumur route, 17 miles images of Krishna, Dharmaraj a and Drowpadi, village from PuttUf Railway Station and 26 1/2 miles from deity Kanaka Medalamma temple with Her wooden Chittoor. image and Sri Rama temple are the places of worship in the village. Sathiamma temple, Dhanikonda Gangamma temple and a bhajana mandir with the pictures of Sri Dharmarajula vari Agni Uthsavam is celebrated Rama and Krishna are the places of worship in the in Chaitra Suddham (March-April) or Vaisakha village. Suddham (bright half of April-May) for 10 or 15 days. The villagers patronize the festival. Local Gramadevatha Gangamma Jatara is celebrated Hindus participate in it. Pujari is having hereditary on Tuesday and Wednesday in Jaislztam (May-June) rights. Recitation of Blzaratam and Harikathas are near Ganga Mitta. An earthen image of the deity is conducted in the village. prepared for the occasion. Animals are sacrificed. The villagers patronize the festival by collecting dona Grama ]atara of Kanaka Medalamma is celebra tions. Local Hindus congregate. Rajakas (Dhobis) ted for 3 days in Phaigunam (February-March). An are the pujaris. imals are sacrificed by the devotees in liquidation of their vows. SOURCE: Sri P. Venkata Reddy, Yerramarajupalle. Intoxicants are used as a custom. 24. Alathur-Is one mile from the 28th milestone of Chittoor-Puttur road, 13 miles from Chittoor and SOURCE: Sri P. M. Guruswamy, Revenue Inspector, 'i4 miles from puttur. Karvetinagaram. Sri Varada Venkateswara Swamy temple, bhajana mandir with a picture of Rama, Grama .Slzakthi 26. Kethumalmabarajapuram-Is situated close to the temple and a mosque are the places of worship in the 7th milestone of Chittoor-Surendranagar bus route at village. a distance of 10 1/2 miles from Puttur Railway Station and town and 33 miles from Chittoor Railway Station. GrGFna ]atara is celebrated for 8 days in Sra vanam (July-August). It is celebrated on a conveni One of the Zamindars of Karvetinagaram laid the ent Tuesday. Animals are sacrificed by the devotees foundation to this vjJ1age and so it is called "Kethu before the temple in liquidation of their vows. The malmaharajapuram" . villagers patronize the festival. Local Hindus take part in it. Pujaris are Chakalis. Bhajana mandir with pictures of Rama, Sita etc., is the place of worship. An earthen image of Ganga Giripradakshinam is celebrated for a day in mma is worshipped in human form. There is a Pushyam (December-January) i. e., 16th January. The wooden image of Mathamma. 142 Grama Jatara is celebrated for 8 days from Kalahasthi, west by Devalampeta, south by Thrivela~ Chaitra SuddhaPanchami (March-April). The cele gadu and north by Tirupati. Sri Kl1mara Swamy Raja bration of the festival is announced a day in advance. who died in 1955 appears to be the 150th head of the Animals are sacrificed to the deity .. The villagers state. Assessing the average period of each ruler as patronize the festival. A Chak a Ii is the pujari. Shops 30 years, the kingdom must have been 4,500 years are temporarily opened by the businessmen of neighbo old. But only the history of the past 200 years or so uring villages with foodstuffs, utensils, vermilion is avaiiabJe. As they wtre tlle grLat devotees of LO!'d and turmeric etc. Venkateswara they invariably prefixed the Lord Venkata or Thirumala to their names. The original MatlJamma Kolupu is celebrated for five days and capital of these kings was Narayanavanam. Once Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 10 days. Adi they came to tbis area for hunting and stood aghast Andhras are the patrons and Pambalas are the pujaris when their dogs were chased back by the native hares. for Mathamma Tirunala. The same festivals are cele They decided it to be the fitting place for the construc brated in its hamlet 'Damodaramaharajapuram'. tion of their capital, cleared the forest, constructed SOURCE: Sri P. M. Guruswamy, Revenue Inspector, the capital and named it as Kaduvetti Nagaram-kadu Karvetinagaram. in Tamil means forest, vetti-cut and nagaram in Sanskrit means town. In course of time it has become 27. Raja Kumara Venkata Perumalraja Bahadur Vari Karvetinagaram. Some claim the reason for Karvetinagaram as-'S"'~OS i(.J',5 ~e:6- ;6x;6.;:m Peta-Is 10 miles from Puttur Railway Station and e;J 31 ] {2 miles from Chittoor. (the city constructed after hunting in the forest). Yet another version is that it was called Karvetin The Zamindar of Karvetinagaram constructed and agaram as there was Goddess Karveti within the gave this village to Padmavathi Peru mal Setti on lease boundaries of the city. About 200 years back Veera with his name "Raja Kumara Venkata Perumalraja Kavi Raju was ruling this place (1750-60). His youn Bahadur Vari Peta". ger brother was Pedda Venkata perumalla Raju. During a quarrel between the brothers, Veer a Kavi Sri Rama temple with the picture of Kodanda Raju hurled a sword against the younger brother who Rama Swamy, Sri Vinayaka temple with His "stone im escaped from it and left the place. The door that age and Gangamma temple with the stones in Her received the sharp sword stood as a proof till recently. name are the places of worship in the village. The younger brother earned name and rewards by Gangamma Jatara is celebrated for 9 days in killing a tiger at Punganur and bringing under control Phalgunam (February-March). There is free feeding the naughty horse at Mysore. He also toured North on these 9 days arranged by the devotees in liquidation ern India and returned to Karvetinagaram to be of their vows. Animals are sacrificed. Local Hindus crowned as king in place of his brother who died congregate. Rajakas are the pujaris. Prasadam of carbuncle. During his time four buildings viz., in the form of sundalu is distributed to all. Chandrasala, Nagabhatkhana, Durbar hall for Dasara durbar and Kalyana Mantapam were constru· Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 10 days in cted. The octognal wall was constructed during his Chaitram (March-April); Brahmins are the pujflris. time. The lotus flowers on the ceiling and the cree· Vinayaka Chavithi is celebrated on Bhadrapada pers on the walls of the durbar hall remind us of t.he SudC/ha Chavithi(September-October) for a day with skill of the sculptors of the day. pedda BomaraJu, local congregation. Pujari is a Brahmin. his son succeeded him and constructed a tank to the south of the city. His eldest son, Venkata Peruma SOURCE: Sri Panapakam Muni Swamy Pillai, Karn Ilaraju, constructed a pond and building reputed am, Raja Kumara Venkata Perumalraja as Addalameda in an area of over 10 acres to Bahadur Vari Peta. the south-east of the city during 1865. Dhatu karuvu (the famine during Telugu year Dhatu) about 28. Karvetinagaram -Is situated at a distance of 7 ]/2 100 years back is proverbial in South India. As miles from Puttur town on Chittoor-puttur road. It is a measure of relief the construction of these two said that this was once the capital of the kings of Surya are said to have been undertaken and irrespective of dynasty. The kingdom was bounded on the east by the amount of work turned out, wages were paid to 143 ·the labourers. Venkata Perumallaraju was a great dam. There is a pujari of Kshatriya caste who ·devotee of Lord Subrahmanya Swamy ofTiruttani and attends to the daily ritual of the temple desired to construct a temple for the Lord on a hillock to the south of the city. He commenced and com SOURCE: 1. Sri R. B. Sri Rama Raju, Karvetina pleted the koneru (tank) but did not live till the garam. wmpletion of the temple. The koneru is called Skan da Pushkarini. Its area is about 10 acres and is 2. Sri V. Radhakrishna, Statistical Assis said to be equal to the height of seven elephants. The ant, Census Office. :Surya kings were great patrons of poets and musicians. Polipeddi Venkataramaiah, the author of Lavanya 29. Surendranagaram-Is 4 miles from Puttur Rail Satakam and Venugopala Satakam; Sarangapani who way Station and town and 38 miles from Chittoor. wrote Sarangapadalu; Balakavi Subrahmanyam, the author of Sathrugltnavljayam and several other poets Bltajana mandir with a picture of Rama is the were patronised by these kings. only place of worship in the village. Village deities Gangamma and poleramma are also worshipped. The temple of Lord Venugopalaswamy with the poleramma Grama la/ara is celebrated for 8 -stone images of the Lord, Rukmini and Satyabhama days in Chaitram (March-April). It commences on along with a cow is one of the important temples of a Tuesday and is celebrated upto Thursday. Animals the place. Within the compound of this temple there are sacrificed. The villagers patronize the festival. is small temple with the images of Lord Kodanda Only local Hindus participate. Rajakas are the puja Rama Swamy, Sita and Lakshmana. The temple of ris. Kasi Visweswara Swamy contains the Sivalingam brought from Benares and the stone idols of Goddess Ganga la/ara is celebrated for one day in Vaisa .Annapurna, Lord Vinayaka and Lord Yoga Subrah kham (April-May). manyam. Sadasiveswara Swamy temple has a Siva lingam installed by rishis in the sanctum sanctorum. SOURCE: Sri D. K. Munu Swamy Pillai, Karanam, The Mukhamantapam contains the stone images of Surendranagaram. Vinayaka, Shanmukhaswamy and five hooded serpent. 30. Gundrajukuppam-Is one mile from Cuddapah Grand Trunk Road and 2 1/2 miles from Nagari. Venu~opala Swamy Brahmotlzsavam is celebrated in Vaisakham (April-May) for ten days. Special pujas Drowpadamma temple with Her stone image in are offered on all Hindu festivals and on every Friday. human form is the only place ofworsbip. An earthen This is an ancient temple. The affairs of the temple image of Gangamma in female form is temporarily are looked after by a trust board. The pujari is a installed in the middle of the street and worshipped Vaikhanasa Brahmin of Gowtamasa go tram. during Ganga latara. In another temple dedicated to Dharmaraja, the Drowpadi Devi Agni Tirunala is celebrated for eldest of five Pandavas, there are the stone idols of twelve days in Ashadam (June-July). 'Nipputhokkuta' all the five pandavas and Drowpadi, their wife. (entering the fire pit) is a significant ritual. This is of During July-August every year, Bharata Uthsavam is local significance. The villagers patronize the festival. celebrated for 18 days and all local Hindus participate Only Hindus participate. in it. Purana kalakshepam for 18 days is arranged wherein one canto of Maha Bharatam is read out to an audience by a learned scholar every day for 18 Ganga la/ara is celebrated for two days in Sra days. In the nights, certain portions of Bharatam are vanam (July-August). Before installing the earthen enacted by drama troupes. On the final day a fire image of the deity in the middle of the street, a pro pit is arranged opposite to the temple wherein several cession is taken out on the first night and animals are devotees walk with bare foot on the cinders without sacrificed during the processson. Fancy dress and getting burnt. This is known as Drowpadi Agnigun- mimicry are the items of entertainment Oil the first 144 night. The villagers patronize the festival. Local 33. Nagari--rs situated on Arkonam and Renigunta Hindus congregate. Prasadam is distributed to all. road at a distance of 20 miles. It is a Railway Station on Madras-Raichur Railway line. SOURCE: Sri K.v. Jayaram Pillai, Karanam, GUlld rajukuppam. Sri Kariya l\1anikya Swamy temple and Sri Kara kanteswara Swamy temple with their images in human 31. Sathrawada-Is 1 1/2 miles to the east of Nagari form, a church and a mosque are the places of worship Railway Station. in the village. The temples of Kamakshamma, Avalamma, Sri Variya Manikya Swamy vari Brahmothsavanr perumalla Swamy and Eswara are the places of wor is celebrated for a day in A~'hadam (June-July). It ship in the village. is an ancient festival of local significance. Local Gangamma Jatara is celebrated for one day in people of all communities participate in it. A Brahmin Bhadrapadam (September-October). It is announced is the pujari with hereditary rights. on the night of third Tuesday. On the fourth Tuesday Giripradakshinam {circumambulation of the the pancha/oha image of the deity is installed in a hill) is celebrated for a day at a distance of 3/4th mile hut in the middle of the street. Kumbham is offered from the village and a fair is held in this connection. and animals are sacrificed. Devotees take their meals Nearly 50,000 devotees of all communities of this and only after aradhana. It is of local significance. The the neighbouring villages congregate. Foodstuffs and villagers are the patrons. Pujaris are having here eatables, utensils and fancy goods are sold in shops ditary rights. opened temporarily on this occasion. Lotteries, magic, Brahmothsavam, Avatamma Uthsavam, Kama dramas etc., entertain the congregation. kshamma Uthsavam and giripradakshinam are the other festivals of the village. The idol of Lord SiVa is Fowls are offered to Grama Shakthi Desamma decorated at mid-day on Sankranthi in Pushy am and Gagamma. (December-January) and is taken to the mandapam in Nagari. This is known as giripradakshinam. SOURCE: Sri K. Changalraya Pil/ai, Karanam,. Nagari. SOURCE: Sri M. Chengalraya Pil/ai, Karanam, Nagari. 34. Mangadu--Is 3 miles from Nagari Railway Station. 32. Therani-Is 1/2 mile by cart route from Munur which is 2 miles to the west of Nagari Railway Sta Sri Rama Bhajana mandir with a picture of Rama tion. Pattabhishekam and a mosque are the places of Yellamma temple with Her panehaloha image, worship in the village. A temporary hut is erected Sri Vaikuntanadha Swamy temple and Sri Ponnamma and an earthen image of Gangamma is prepared and temple are the places of worship. GangammaDevatha's worshipped in it during the jatara. pancha/oha image is also being worshipped in the Ganga Jatara is celebrated for two days in Vai village. • sakham (April-May). Decoration with festoons, the Gangamma Jatara is celebrated on the second procession and animal sacrifices are the important items Tuesday in Bhadrapadam (September-October) for a of the jatara. Fowls and animals are sacrificed during day. Jatara is announced on the night of first the procession which takes place before the installation Tuesday. A hut is constructed and the deity is installed of the deity in the hut. This is of local significance in the middle of the street. Kumbham (cooked rice) and the villagers partonize the festival. Only Hindus is offered and a he-buffalo and goats are sacrificed. participate in it. It is of local significance. The villagers patronize the Sri Rama Navami is celebrated for 9 days from festival. All communities participate in it. Chakalis are Chaitra Suddha Navami to Bahula Vidiya (March the pujaris with hereditary rights. April). Bhajans and procession take place during these Yellamma Uthsavam is another festival celebrated nine days. Pattabhishekam (coronation ceremony) is in Chaitram (March-April). celebrated and procession is held on the last day. The villagers patronise the festival. Prasadam is distribua SOURCE: Sri Munuswamy Pillai, Karanam, Tberalli. ted to all. 145 Peerla Panduga, Ramzall and Bakrid are cele Sri Kanikalamma temple, Sri Govatsa Nadhe brated by the Muslims in June, February and May swara temple and a church are the places of worship respectively. Animals are sacrificed domestically. in the village. Balagurunadhaswamy is being worshi pped in the form of Sivalingam installed between the SOURCE: Sri K. Muthu Pilfai, K. M., Mangadu. idols of two cobras under a big banian tree. This tree which is 200 years old occupies an area of more than 35. Agaram-Is 4 and 5 miles from Nagari town and 4,000 sq. feet. Though the Madras (Adayar) Banian Nagari Railway Station respectively and 15 miles from tree is known to be the biggest one in South India, the Nagari-Nagabpuram Grand Trunk Road. enumerator says that this tree surpasses it in all res The temples of Vinayaka, Sri VenugopaJa pects. He also expects that this place may become a Swamy, Mavuramma and Dharmaraja are the places sacred place if protection is given by the Archaeologi. of worship, in the village. An earthen image of Gan cal Department. gamma is prepared and worshipped in the middle of the street temporarily during jatara. BaJa Gurunadha Swamy Uthsavam is celebrated for a day on Magha Suddha Saptami (January-Febr Sri Venugopala Swamy Brahmothsal'am is cele uary). It is being celebrated for the past 100 years brated for a day in Jaishtam (May-June). and is of local significance. All communities partici pate in it. Dharmarajula Swamy Agni Thokkuta (entering the fire pit) is celebrated in Jais!ztam (May-June). Sankranthi is celebrated in Pushyam (December January) and prasadam is distributed to all. Ganga Jatara is celebrated in Vaisakham (April May). Animlls are sacrificed. The villagers are the Kanikalamma Uthsavam is celebrated on a Mon patrons. ~ay in Sravanam (July-August). Offerings are made III the form of camphor and presentations. The pat- SOURCE: Sri P. C. Ramachandra Pillai, Karanam. rons are Kshatriyas and there is no specific pujari. Agaram. There is poor feeding. 36. Palasamudram-Is 18 miles from Thiruttani and SOURCE: Sri P. Rama Swamy Raju, Teacher, Pala 25 miles from Puttur. samudram. A PPEND I X-I CALENDAR OF FESTIVALS COMMONLY OBSERVED IN CHITTOOR DISTRICT S. No. Name of the Festival Tidhi in Telugu Month Correspond ing English Month (1) (2) (3) (4) HINDU FESTIVALS 1 Ugadi (Telugu New Year's Day) Chaitra Suddha Padyami March-April 2 Sri Rama Navami Chaitra Suddha Navami March-April 3 Nagulachaviti Karthika Suddha Chaviti October-November 4 Varalakshmi Vratam Second Friday in Sravanam july-August 5 Sri Krishna Jayanti Sravana Bahula Ashtami and Navami July-August 6 Vinayaka Chaviti Bhadrapada Suddha Chaviti August-September 7 Mahalaya Amavasya Bhadrapada Bahula Amavasya (New Moon Day) August-September 8 Dasara Asvija Suddha Padyami to Dasami •• September-October 9 Deepavali Asvija Bahula Chathurdasi and Amavasya September-October 10 Dhanalakshmi Puja Asvija Bahula Amavasya (New Moon Day) September-October 1 I Subrahmanya Shashti M argasira Suddha Shashti November-December 12 Sankranti Pushy am (Makara Sankramanam) •• 13th to 15th January 13 Bhishma Ekadasi Magha Suddha Ekadasi January-February 14 M ahasivaratri Magha Bahula Chathurdasi J anuary-February MUSLIM FESTIVALS Date of Muslim month (HURl) 1 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 July-August 5 Peer-e-Dastagiri 11th of Rabi-us-Sani August-September 6 Shab-e-Barat Or Night 11th of Shahan December-January of Record . CHRISTIAN FESTIVALS New Year's Day 1st January 2 Good Friday On a Friday in April 3 Christmas 25th December· Note:- In addition to the above festivals, the national festivals viz .. (1) Republic Day (26th January), (2) Independence Day (15th August) rnd (3) Gandhi Jayanti (2nd October) are celebrated in Chittoor District. 148 COMMON HINDU FESTIVALS houses, decorate the floor inside the !:oll~e and in front with rangavalli (ornamental lines, figures and designs 1. Ugadi (Telugu New Year's Day) is celebrated on drawn with chunam or rice flour), take cil-bath and Cliaitra Suddha Padyami (March-Apri:) l-,y every put on Dew clothes. As this is an occasion for putting Hindu Andhra, whether rich or poor. As it is th~ on new clothing, children of the poor families are the supposed anniversary of the creation or the firot day happiest at the arrival of this festival. It needs hardly of the Satya Yuga 1. great sanctity is attached to thi 1:;.:: said that Ugadi is the festival of the villae.ers. The festival. This is a great day of joy :lnd happiness. con~ house-wives in tbe villages get up earlier t~han 3 0' cord, affection and good will. There is a strong he lid clock in the morning and commence cooking sweets, that this day's happenings forebode and colour t~le and side dishes. Festoons (usually made up of green course of events in the entire year ahead. People natur mango leaves) are tied to the front door and also to ally like pleasant things to happen to them on thi 5 day the other doors inside. Besides hhakshvam or other so that they may k ;lappy t;lroughout the year. Hem:e sweets, the special preparation called Ugadi pachchadi they take care to l(ecp themselves and others in a happy mood on the Ugadi Day. A child's demand or chedu or gOjju is tasted by every one before taking reasonable or unreaso:1uble, is meet though grudgingl; the first morsel of food on that day. Generally it is lest the family should be burdened with a weeping a liquid preparation with new tamarind, fresh water, jaggery or sugar and certain condiments, the chief child throughout the year. Every effort is ma;~~e to ingredient being fresh margosa flowers. Even the avoid tears and sad thou~hts on this day. A sincere attempt is made to maintain a clean mind free from poorest man does not fail to take in a few petals of foul thoughts and ill-will towards others. margosa flowers with jaggery. The poorer classes in the villages do not bother th~mselves with the several Tbe years in Telugu celendar are not mere num side dishes which the more fortunate upper classes bers like 1961, 1962 etc., with no significance and no can afford to have. The significance of taking in end. They recur in c)'c1e of sixty years and the year's margosa flowers (which are bitter along with jaggery possibilities can be foreseen with reference to its (which is sweet) is apparently to make people realise performance in the past cycles. They have specific and reconcile to the fact that life is a mixture of names indicating something pleasant (Subhakrtlt/zu), sorrows and joys. In some places this vepa p,.asadam anger (Krodhi), disgrace, defeat or disappointment is served in hotels before serving the menu ordered. (Parabhava), enmity (Virodhi) and so on. Why and how this cycle and the names are fixed is a topic for In towns and bigger places, the day is of normal research for generations. Whatever be the indication festivity and enjoyment till the evening. But in the of the name of the new year, it must be properly villages unceasing activity, mirth and enjoyment are invited and inaugurated. All that the people can do noticed. The women-folk use every minute of the is to be happy and thankful to the Lord when a year day for indoor games and leisurely gossip on their like Subhakruthu arrives or be cautious and pray to new clothing, the new bangles and the tiny jewels. the Lord for His protection when a year like Parabhava comes. Pallchanga sravanam in the evening is universally observed by the rich and poor alike in all towns and is also an occasion for the critical apprisaI Ugadi villages. Hindus"gather in temples in towns and at of the acbievements during the closing year. It is an the rachchakatta or rachchabanda (the community occasion for the Issue of special volumes of the perio platform) or the temple in the villages. The new dicals, special messages from religious and political panchangam (almanac) is worshipped and read by the leaders and special radio programme~. All exultation village purohit. People will be anxious to know the pervades the occasion. The advance preparations for quantum of income and expenditure according to the this most important common festival are getting the Kandaya Phalam ($oO"d5J ;;5:.J0) that is furnished in houses whitewashed and providing every mumber of the family with new clothing depending upon the the almanac in relation to their birth star .. The gene financial means of the family. ral influence of the planets during the new year over the local Gods, men, cattle, crops, diseases, etc., All persons get up early in the morning, clean the and on particular individuals are given out by the 1. y~.ga is an a.ge, especi.ally a sub-division of the life of the Universe. The first is called the Krita Yuga (Satya Yuga) to Wdcg the Hilldus aSSIgn 1,728,000 years. The second called Tre.ata Y~ga lasted about 1,296,000 years. The third ctha e DWfap~ra Yuga !asted about 864,000 years. And the last 111 which we are now living is called Kali Yuga or e age 0 Misery. It IS expected to last about 432,000 years. 149 p1lrohit. Tl:e presiding deities during the year over ,,00~;;5c~ S"~~, §;S:5eS ~Sl::li£oioc3 wir;d, rain, crops, cattk health, etc., are also announced Ramuvanti koduku, Bharatha Sowmithrulavanti together with the effEct and the percentages of yield eS~d, 0:, ~eS :::;0.:.3 wC)S of crops of different varieties. The functions in towns thammulu, Sita vanti bhar~ a during the night are the processions of Gods and ~;0,).:s ~c&;6J a~ t:5o~ katha kalakshepams in the usual manner. But the Vasudha yendunu leru leranchu enjoyment ll1 the village is continuous and ~0Q) ~XOI:J):) ~cD~':X 6~C0~~;;5~t enthusiastic. Mundu yugambula purushulu thalalupavalade The New Year Day has a special significance for the village ryot. He inaugurates the annual cultiva Aareethi varu nadachukona valade" tion by ploughing five or nine rounds in his fields either on the first day or the day said to be auspicious. On this day Rama, His consort Sita, His brothers At times this is prolonged till Eruvaka Purnima i. e., Lakshmana, Bharatha, Sathrughna and His devoted Ashadha Suddha Purnima (June-July). The yoke and Bhaktha, Anjaneya are imoked. Sita and Rama are the plough and the bulls are worshipped after worshipped according to prescribed rites. This is a applying turmeric powder and kumkum and a coco common Hindu festival celebrated by most of the anut is broken either at the house or in the field. Hindu families. His image or his picture is taken in procession in which all Hindus participate. It is not The Christians observe Ihis festival though not on a sectarian festival. In the evenings distribution of elaborate scale, but as the beginning of a New Year panakam and vadapappu in temples of Sri Rama and with which they are blessed by the Lord. The time in the houses is common. In some centres the cekbra honoured blzakshyam which their fore-fathers had on tions commence on Chaitra Suddha Padyami and that day is invariably there. In fact there is a con conclude with kalyanothsavam on Navarni and on VIctIOn gall1Ing ground, both among the Catholics PUrnima with car festival. In towns each locality and the Protestants of the area that there is no need pools the liberal subscriptions from the residents and to attach importance to First January a~ New Year spends liberally in honouring pandits, who give religi Day as it claims no religious significance. It may be ous discourses, Haridasus and musicians, etc., fcr the observed as any other Indian does and all the functions marriage ceremony (kalyanothsavam of Sri Rama), of thanks giving for the closing year and prayers for for distribution of panakam, vadapappu and other the New Year, etc., can as well be transferred to the items of prasadams. The rich of the locality feed Telugu New Year's Day by the Andhra, Karnataka the poor. and Maharastra Christians, now that we are an independent nation with a National Calendar of our There is not a Hindu family that do~s not pre. own. Many Hindu shops begin their official ~ew pare panakam and vadapappu and that does not Year on this aspicious day. break a cocoanut in the nearest Rama or Hanuman temple. The poor get into a feeling of festivity and Though Tamilians observe their New Year's Day observe the festival with solemnity and devotion. on a different day according to Solar system in their They attend Sita Kalyanam procession and Harikathas. houses, they also join in the pomp and exuberance There will be huge processions of the Lord in decora of the Telugu Ugadi. ted vehicles or cars accompanied by music and fire works. 2. Sri Rama Navami is celebrated on Chaitra Suddha Navami (March-April). Sri Rama, the God king Lord Rama was born on C/zaitra Suddha Navami was born to Dasaratha, the King of Ayodhya on tile (March-April) and it is but appropriate that His birth ninth lunar day in the bright fortnight of the month day is celebrated on that day. Great significance is of Chaitram (March-April) in the Punarvasu lunar attached to Sita Kalyanam which is celebrated throu asterism. In the temples of Sri Rama special pujas ghout the Rayalaseema districts with great pomp. are conducted to celebrate the birth of Sri Rama. Almost in every nook and corner of these districts This festival is the anniversary of that auspicious day. Brahmothsavam is celebrated for a period of nine days Rama as an ideal son, Bharatha and Lakshmana as commencing from or concluding on Sri Rama Navami. ideal brothers, Sita as lJ.n ideal wife are immortalised Just before Ramavathara, force and violence ravaged in the following poem: the country resulting in rr am:cre aLd bloodshed 150 The destruction of Karthaveeryarjuna and the revenge the ant-hilI is applied to the ears of children, who of Jamadagni's son Parasurama who mass8cred the complain of discharge of pus. Although silver (',r Kings's lineage and the atrocities of Ravana created gold images of nagas are worshipped at home, the terror in the minds of sadhlls and sajjGns (peace loving women invariably visit the art-hill for v, ('r,;~ip. and good natured persons). Tbey anxiously prayed Several women fast during the day and take cilt7;'imidi, for a satwagunayutha sakthi to establish salltlzi vadapapjlll and panakam in the night. (peace) by destroying the thwnogullayutha raks!zasa 4. Varalakshmi Vratham is cckbrated on a Friday Rav8na. Rajagullayutha Jana!;:a played his part in in Sravanam (July-August) preferably on the Friday the noble task by giving Sita in marriage to Rama preceding the fllIl moon day in Sraranam for prosperity who was an incarnation of Vishnu and salltlzakaram and for b~getting worthy children. It is baSed on the (personification of peace). But for this alliance of following legend. A Brahmin woman l,y name Rama and Sit a, the destruction of Ravana and the Padmavathi in the Kosala kingdom waS good, pious, tamas sould not have acbicved. Lord Rama exhibited dutiflll to her husband and hl1sritabk to the sick, his prowess by breaking Lord Siva's bow.symbol of rajas poor ·and needy and to the guests. Godd;:;ss Vara!a (combinution of satIVa ~ll~d tamas). He then married ,kshmi was pleased to instruct her in a dream to ob~erve Sita, the symbol of satIVa in order to establish sallthi, the Varalakslmli Vratlzam on the Friday prectdii":g sa;yam and ahimsa. Everybody who likes these the full moon day in Sravanal11 for ei1hanCemel~t of virtues performs Sit a Rama Ka,:vGnam with Lith and Her prosperity and a:taining salvation. r~!c'm~\athi devction. did like that after gelting tile relD"lissicn cf her ;lUS In some places of this district, the ce]ebration b:ll1d. commences on Chaitra Suddha Navami and lasts for For celebrating the rrathal7l, /I1utTwid/ll'QS ~d up 10 days to celebrate the ten preat events in the life of before sunrise and take cath in tbe nearby river cr Rama. Valmiki Ramayanam is read with devotion tank or well. They c1;:an the pt:ja room ard pre by Brahmins appointed for the purpose and they pare a neat 8pOt for the proposed worship, smeming explain the great events of Rama's lif~. The cowdung paste over it. The spot is decord:.:d \\ ith chief events arc Sita Kalyrtnam alld Rama Pattabhi l1l!lggu (designs with flour on the borders flr;d the shekam. centre). Over the central design a mtasure of ri:e is heaped and a is kept over it. small Va dap appu , panakam, sllnda/, country fans and kalas{l]1l A bamboo is erected over tl:e spot. Goddess patti (cotton) are distributed by rich people, who mantapam arrange for the worship of the Lord in their houses on Varalakshmi is invoked with mamrall1s and wor the day. The former three offerings are signi{icant, in shipped with flovvers and naivedyam is offered 'With nine kinds of pre;Jarations. The following that they are products useful for consumption in sum dll),atlam is chanted while performing the mer. Siddavatam fruit known as pagidipandu is also l'ratlzam. offered by some people. cLo ~6{~;;s;'CM'"""0 ~:>C) 1. Yogamaya is per~onified delusion: The great illusory energy of Vishnu, by whom the whole world is deluded. In the Markandeya purana she appears as Durga, but in the Vishnu purana as Vaishnavi. 152 • ng and all worldly affairs of importance are begun ry flowers; and turmeric and kumkum are applied and Hindus with an invocation to Ganesa. The name puja is performed by burning incense. All Hindut> Ganesa is a word composed of isa, the governor or avoid seeing the Moon on that day to safeguard leader, and gana, a company (of deities). He is re themselves against any unmerited accusations during the subsequent twelve months under a superstitious belief presented as a short, fat figure of yellow or red colour that it is the curse given by Ganesa to the Moon, that having four hands and the head of an elephant with a if anyone sees the Moon on Vinayaka Chavithi, he single tusk. He is the son of parvathi who is supposed would be a victim of unmerited accusations. If by to have formed him from the scurf of her body. There chance they See the Moon, they listen to the legend of are many versions to account for the formation of his Sathrajit in which Lord Krishna was subjected to an bead, one of which is that Siva beheaded him for diso accusation for having seen the reflection of the Moon beying his orders, but was requested to restore him that day in the cup of milk he was taking. By so' to life, which was Gor;c only by transp:antieg a doing, they are supposed to be absolved of the evil sleeping elephant's head. He is represented as riding consequences of seeing the Moon. a rat. He is the remover of all vighllams (obsta cles) and is one of the most popular of Hindu deities. Gunjillu is a favourite rite to Lord Ganesa. Boys He is the patron of learning and is said to have written enjoy by putting pal!erukaya!u (a kind of thorns) on Mahabharata to the dictation of the sage Vyasa. The the road so that the passers-by are hurt and abuse Ganesa or Vinayaka Chalurdhi is observed in com them (the boys). It is believed that receiving abuses memoration of the birth day of Ganesa. Lord Siva by doing so is good. granted him the privilege of the first worship on all occasions. Lord Siva had once to start tor battle 7. Mahalaya Amavasya is celebrated on Bhadra against Tripurasura. He did not care to worship pada Bahula Amavasya (August-September). The Ganesa before starting. All of a sudden the conch day of the New Moon in the month of Bhadrapadam which was Siva's chariot sank to pathalaloka. It rose when the sun is in the sign Virgo (Kanya) is known as up only after Siva has realised the error and offered Mahalaya Amavasya. This day of the conjunction worship to Ganesa for sarvavighllopasanthi (averting of the Sun and the Moon is considered by all Hindus all obstacles). to be especially set apart for making oblations and performance of religious ceremonies to the pitrus or Except in the poorer classes, each family worships the spirits of departed ancestors. The Itihasa, a great an earthen image of Lord Ganesa (Ganapathi) in their authority on the religious rites of the Hindus, says houses. It is also a practice to have darsan of at that the moment that Sun enters that Sign Virgo least 5 such images. People worship Vinayaka with (kanya) that departed manes leaving the world of 21 kinds of leaves and flowers stipulated for the special Yama, the destroyer, come down to the world of puja. Special preparations such as un dra llu , kudum men and occupy the houses of their descendants in ulu that are supposed to be the favourites of Ganesa the world. Therefore, the fortnight preceding are prepared and offered. On a subsequent day that the New Moon day of the month of Kanya is con is suitable to each family, the image is taken to a well, sidered as specially sacred to the propitiation of the worshipped there and imm.::rsed in water. Implements departed spirits. The ceremonies performed in their' are cleaned and worshipped along with Ganesa. honour each day of this fortnight are considered to be These are decorated with dots of vibhuthi, pasupu and equal in merit to those performed in the sacred city of kumkum. Flowers and flower garlands are profusely Gaya 1. It is the special function of the nearest male used in villages. The trader worships his weights and relative of the deceased to make offerings (pinda measures, the agriculturist his plough, scythe, spade, pradanam) to the ancestors in both lines for three etc" the carpenter, the barber and other artisans the generations back. By this act be establishes his claim. implements which they generally use in their professi to inheritance. The fortnight is known as Mahalaya ons. The family weapons, if any, such as guns, dag Paksha (the fortnight of offerings) and the ceremonies gers, swords etc., are also cleaned and decorated with as sraddha 2. 1. Every Hindu is enjoined to visit Gaya atleast 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 parents are alive or by a Brahmin not endowed with the sacred thread. 153 OfTc:ring pindams to the soulsof departed ances barbers etc., \\orship 1hc impkmerts w;:ich they tors by tll;: Br,l~linin alll Vaisya f Contd. Page 152. 2. Sraddha: 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 souls which have yet to finish the eycle of tran smigration, travel by the Dhumayana of the seven planes but they can only reach the Svarloka, heaven or Bhuvarloka, the astral plane, according to the life they have led in the world. The souls or ordinary mortals will, it is believed, always remain tied to earth and eventually become evil ,pirits tormenting mankind, unless the Sraddha ceremonies are duly performed to help them on their way to Yama. For the first ten days after death the ceremonies performed by the relatives are to heJp th;: disembodied spirit to obtain a form or prela-body which will carry it on its appointed pilgrimage. This is supposed to be affcc- ted by the pinda 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 the pinda and offerings of milk. On the thirteenth day after death the soul is equip. ped for its solemn journey. There are twelve stages in the pilgrimage, each stage taking a month to fulfil. Through out 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 and to' prepare it for the goal. When at last it is reached the preta-body i, dissolved. The soul becomes pitru, 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 ofpitrus. When the souls have enjoyed their bliss or suffered their allolted punishment they are again reborn on earth to fulfil the remainder of their karma. 3. Vishnu became incarnate in the person of the sage Kapila for the dustruction of the sixtv thousand wicked sons of Sagara. Kapila was engaged in deep meditation when the sons of King Sagara, who were in search of a horse intended for the solemn sacrifice of Asvamedha arrived near him, they found the sage absorbed in deep contemplation and the horse grazing nearby. Accusing him of having stolen it, they opproached to kill him, when fire flashed from his eves and instantly reduced the whole army to ashes. In order to expiate their sin, purify their remains and secure paradise for ~ their spirits, Bhagiratha the great grandson of Sagua did penance and brought down the Ganga from Heaven and led her from the Himllayas where she had al ighted, to the-sea. The sons of Sagara were purified. 154 Vijaya Dasami is common to all Hindus irres 9. Deepavali and 10 Dhanalakshmi puja-Deepaval pective of caste or status. Besides the usual cleaning is also called Narakachaturdasi and is celebrated on! of residences, taking oil- bath and wearing new clothes Asv(ia Bahula Chathurdasi (S~ptember-October). the special function of the occasion is to go to the Dhanalakshmi puja comes off on the next day. All sami tree in the evening with music, worship the sami Hindus believe that Lord Krishna along with His tree and offer sami leaves to friends, relatives and consort Satyanhama killed Nar.:lbsura and returned el defs wishing them well and asking for blessings. home early in the morning on this day tbus >aving While offering the Ie" ves the higher classes pronounce the universe from the harassment of the rakshasa. th~ sloka: This slaying of rakshasa is an occasion for great jubilation and is celebr::ted with grand display of fire '(Ij'~ i(;$,d)j"3 ~~o works both in the' morning and night. This is the Sami samayathe papam main puranic background for the enthusiastic scenes i(~ i(1 ~ ::';;;-13<60 observed early in the morning en Cltatlzurdasi with 10,. crackers and fireworks, as if to receive the divine Sami sathru vinasanam (louple Lord Krishna and Satyabhama on their return ~~w;Si ~~ve6 Q after killing the as:lra. Other puranic incidents are Arjunasya dhanurdhari also connected with this day. Lord Vishnu trod ~:.s.,;S;; l!) .:\l:,t)o' ~;60 Balichakravarthi to Pathalaloka in His fifth incarna Ramasya priyadarsamm" . tion as Vamana on this day. Sri Rama returned to Ayodhya after killing Ravana and was eoronated meaning sami destroys sin, extinguishes enemies on that on this day. This is believed to be the only sacred day of ASl'ija Suddha Dasami, when Arjuna day on which the sufferers in hell (narakam) can tuok up the bow and Lord Rama rejoined Sita. pray to lord Yamadharrnaraja for release. It is also said to be the day on which Bhattivikramarka who has Vijaya Dasami is considered to be very auspicious to his credit several superhuman achievements was for sending children to schools and for starting any crowned as the emperor of the country with the bless new undertakings. The boys in elementary schools ings of his brother Bhatti. Puranas support the episode along with their teachers go clad as puranic heroes with of Bali and the worship of Yama tor naraka vimukthi. bows and arrows ill their hands, participate in kot atam The foJIowihg sloka also lends support to the above and receive donations for their teacbers. belief: In towns and certain big villages bommalakolvvu "W"~~ij"bO~ Eb6~~ <;)~'S'"® for 10 days from Padyami to Dasami is a special Chathurdasyam thu yedeepan narakaya feature in families that can afford it. Bommalakoluvu is arranging toys and fancy goods, pictures and artL l5;)olJiS :ficial fruits in their natural colurours etc., in a gallery da db an thicha with miniature parks in which small plants sprout up in ~~o sandy beds laid for the occasion. Every evening during ~6e)X~:::S.s~ ~bS"'6:J S~~~~ the 10 days friends are invited and offered fruits and Thesharn pithruganaswarge narakathswargamapnu- ®: thambulam. The poorer section of society enjoy this koluvu by visiting the richer families. The villagers yaha". go round about the towns, make it a point to enjoy meaning if Varna is worshipped with lamps on the sight on one of the 10 days, generally on the] Oth Asvija Bahula Chaturdasi (September-October) the day, the day of common festivity. These toys are fore- fathers who suffer in hell get released and sent to preserved in separate boxes carefully during the year. heaven. They gradually increase year after year as atleast one Yet the popular belief has grown very strong that new toy is invariably added every year. This is taken as the celebrations mark the destruction of Narkasura. an opportunity to introduce to the young boys and Whatever it might be, Deepavali is one of the very girls, the various Gods and Goddesses, animals, birds important festivals for Andhras. and wild beasts, and national leaders, whose figures are kept in the koluvu. There is a belief that this koluvu Being an occasion of rejoicing and welcoming the includes Savithri puja by young girls, who are Lord, elders aj well as the Youngsters get up very supposed to get good husbands. early in the morning, take oil-bath and celebrate the 155 happy occasion with fireworks on a scale suited to the Tarakasura, who had acquired such a boon that none purse of the family. Village urchins that cannot but the son of Lord Siva could kill him. But insulted "afford the crackers etc., tie thin bundles of dried stems by her own father Daksha, parvathi had burnt herself of cholam plant and jump about the streets using in the father's sacrificial fire and was reborn as the them as torches crying that Narakasura is destroyed. daughter of Hima vantha. Lord Siva was doing severe penance and nobody could disturb his penance so as Prerarations for the festival are made well in to make Him marry Parvathi and beget the saviour of advance. Daughters and sons-in-law afe invited on the world. Manmadha disturbed Siva's penance and this occasion. It is a period of festivity during which got himself burnt to ashes for the benefit of the special food preparations are made. There is display universe. Lord Siva married Parvathi and the birth of fireworks during the nights. In towns and some of Kumaraswamy was an event of great joy to the villages hundreds of lamps are lit on the pials and whole universe. compound walls of their houses by the rich families. A few families light extra lamps for 3 days after the festival. The merchant class, particularly the Mar Subrahmanyeswara is believed to be the snake waris, perform DbanalakshmLPuja on the Amavasya God and the Lord of the Nagaloka. Several Hindus night inviting friends and relatives. Marwaris WOf worship the snake God during Subrahmanya Shashti> though the majority do it during ship Dhanalakshmi represented by a metal vessel made Nagulachavithi, Fasting during the day, worshipping Lord Subrah· of copper, silver or gold, the mouth of which is tied with yellow coloured cloth. There is a slit in the rr::2ny2 and off~ri;-!:; C8coa:mts Qnd nail'edyam are cloth through which coins are inserted. The amount observed as the rituals. One special function on the placed in the vessel on this day is never used normally. occasion is to invite a Brahmin bachelor, honour him, feed him and give him new clothing. Reading and The vessel is worshipped with a heap of money that is collected from debtors etc. The vessel is profusely listening to the story of the birth of Kumaraswamy is decorated with flowers and costly jewels. The picture another function which is believed to bring prosperity to those who participate in it. of Lakshmi is worshipped in the places of business. Fruits, flowers and thambulam and distributed among the invitees. In some cases there is the practice what Devotees go to Tiruttani and fulfil their vows to is known as clzadivimpulu which is the presentation Lord Murugan by carrying kavadi (sling). of a small amount by the invitees as a token of good wishes for the next year's prosperous business. 12. Sankranti - Makara Sankranti or Uttara yana Sankranti is the Sun's entrance into the sign Dhanalakshmi Puja is performed by most of the Capricorn us (makara), which is identified with the business people. The Marwaris give much prominence Uttarayana or return of the Sun to the North or to to this puja and collect all dues invariably for the the winter solstice. The festival marks the return of puja; even if the amounts are to be returned to the the Sun to the northern hemisphere. It is generally 'same persons immediately after the function according observed from 13th to 15th January. It is .known as to the ne~essity. Pongal in Southern India and is dedicated to the glorification of agriculture. In the Rayalaseema 11. Snbrabmanya Shashti or Skanda Shashti takes districts of Andhra Pradesh it is the most important place on the sixth lunar day in the bright fortnight of festival. Margasiram (November-December). Subrahmana swamy, generally known as Kumaraswamy is the God Sri Manohar prabhakara puts it in his article in of war and the general of the army of the Gods. He is the Deccan Chronicle dated 19-1-1962. the son of Siva and Durga; is mounted on a peacock with its tail spread out and a bow and spear are in either of his hands. He is depicted to be very hand- ·'It is in the real sense a festival of the harvest. some. It is said that women who have no male Every village flourishes with heaps of corn, pots of children especially propitiate Him to beget a son as milk, blossoming flowers, fruits and vegetables. handsome and courageous as Subrahmanya. Everything will be in plenty. One and all, boys and girls, men and women, young and old, rich and poor It is the celebration of the birth of Kumaraswamy hail this festival as the symbol of alfiuence with joy to save Devas and Brahmins from the Danava and exuberance" 156 In this district advance preparaticI;, arc made for ~~: ~~e:G- -- ",:__ the festival for this Pedda pallJaga (;i':':lt festival), TarUl1akuSla mbrel:d~da mythrimynaall,a Money is saved for purchasing new c)c,th:s fJr marric:d daughters and sons-in-law who al"': inva;iably il1viteu. Houses are whitc\\a~hed a \veek iii advdl'cc aLd nay ThruppaJulchedi l1akkad()~abajji Morning 11l1lggllhJ (~..:sigps cr; til l:u!'r \\ ;,h C2rn /iour) of big sizes arc dra\\'iJ ami ;;1 ti,._: ccLtre of the biggest gobN mlldtfalii (semi-cone shapeu smuJJ bkds of Cc1W Krctl"ttbbcEapu thodiJ...oG:1i(Ji mara)::ina dung) arc arranged artis:;,:'ally and decoratcd withe pas!lpu. kUIIlkul1l and flowers. 1 hese gubbi muddafl.l ar Muduru gUillmadiraGdu 111udurupulusu removed in the evcning ::ll1d preserved for the bhagi mantafu early in t11:: III Jrnin g of the festival day, which is called Bfl'lgi. 01 tll l t day people get up liddudcrina venn~tlagadda p:::rugu early in the morning, take oil-baU], ~it chit-chatting by the side of the Magi I1lGntalu ea fire prepared with logs of wood. the gabbi Illuddalll combustible house Garigarikajatu mungaru cherakurasamu hold things such as winnows, sievts etc., and the youngsters even manage to steal some [l"eful t!1ings and Santharinchi \ induthojanamuseya toss them into burning flamen. It looks as if the bhagi mailialu bave been intended to burn away all c;(~ 6iJci~ ~~~ ;;)0l:;~~ el~d, the uawanted material and thus relieve a congested Randu randani piliche Sankramana Lakshmi house. In some places, womenfolk and girls dance round the Magi mantal!l singing)ongs about Gods, -t:fS s:~;;So"3"exl -=~J ;:;;~.J~ In some families, newly wedded girls worship Goddess Gowramma represented by a ka/asa (a Andhrajatheeya 50\\Tyabhilipsa small pot with a cocoanut placed on the top and ~ t'ol'i:s~:;till a=.y~;'5~ betel leaves arranged artistically in a circle all round at M Yee rangavallikalemi thelpedinayaa the bottom). Flowers, fruits and sweets are ofiered "Jc.:.roN" 6 ~'J' ~:. eJ:)5 and the kalasam is taken out in procession in the Q evening and cleaned in a well, tank or river. Brah Telugnaaree kalaadheena1:uddhi mins, Vaisyas, Lingayats and other rich non-Brah ~ Xof\oC5:J .,.i.ill ;;Se3(rGJ.<60Sr0 mins, place pi~ces of sugar candy and blzagi pan dIu C) (zijiphus juj uba) and coins over the heads of chil Yee gangireddu vademi palkedinayaa dren. ;;i6:J'\:):~ 0~r\) ::::..... tl~e.; Maruguvadda Tenugu matatheta The famous poet Abhinava Thikkana Sri Thum. mala Sitaramamurthi Chowdary has very vividly told -tit t")'f),J ;so::: 6 oiL:; W'"""fu&r::0Sr0 in the following poems how this mirthful festival is Yee gobbi sambarambemi chatedinayaa celebrated in the Andhra Districts: j"'(t3 J-o:J c-s ~1'\"(\ ;;_.... ,'\ ;S Danivigolpedu naandhridharmabhiksha Lcgatipalalo gragi l1l.1gina thecya ~dil 5;'),j ') ~f\ Yee ruchira payasambulemi choopu Theeya kappura bhogi payasambu Telugu lejanta tholukaaruvalapu javulu ~oaC"'Dgo~ H,§ ;S;LYo13~~ Chavuluru karivepa chivuraakutho Vintalolikinchu kaliki sankrantinitlu Gamagamaladu pairavankaya kura Telugudana mintaninta moortheebhavinche 157 ~ C~:.J7:~ Vaikuntam. On the commencement of UThtharay« e.J nam the gates of Vaikuntam ani flung open and hence Neladappinatti koddichetha noka yaththa it is worthwhile to hang oneself to death as that will ensure entrance into Vaikllntam. It is because of this Bhogi pongalipuja purthicbese that Bbishma who had a fatal blow in the battle field waited for Uththavayana Punyakalam, since he ~~~O~§ ~w.J;$~ $J">~ K:l:..~t; acquired the power to die whenever he desired. puttininti1:i vachchinatti koothu gulabi BommaJ akoluvll commences in the evening. During this festival toys, fancy goods. pictures and artificial :3~, if ,,":, tit J) -u- C"""'I M fruits in their natural colours etc., are arranged in a Chekkilla nokathalli chenaki punike gallery. Miniature parks in sandy beds are laid as an additional attraction. These toys are prc:served in separate boxes carefully during the year. They gradually NIaru vaddinchedi'"' maradali kengelu increase year after year since :Hleast one new toy is added to the stock every year. Friends and relntives are invited to attend the koluvu where they are offered Pisiki valdane nokka penkebava fruits and thambttlam. This festival affords a good opportunity to introduce to teach young boys and girls :;;0,\ ,;mi'\:Jw 8& l: (\ Cl about various Gods and Goddesses, anin'als, birds and Vallgi mrllggulu diddu vadhuvupai neerchalle wild beasts with the models kept in the koluvu. This ,-;,d.).;; ::.5::5J ,':':3?r X6J'il ~)X6J koluru includes Savithri Puja by young girls \\ho are supposed to get good husbands. lhe family deities Gadiveedi chanu nokk3 gadusu magadu are worshipped and otfered fruits, coconuts and naivedyams. Lingayats worship besides their family deitieS, a trident, the weapon of Lord Siva on this Apudu vachchina priyuni soyagamu ganuchu occasion. ,'3"'5&- ~lSD ._ The second day is Sankranli on which it is seen Dalupu cbatuna 11o]':ka paidali chemarche why this festival is called Pedda pa/ldl£ga. The streets are thronged by persons of lower strata of society in their new attire going from door to door expecting Madhura madhuraanuraaga saamraajya peethi doles and alms. The village pipers and crumers, e:,\~ S"~: ;;;;_'oa .;:)J50 -:l e;l~~ ::3~ the budabukkalas, the Satani Dasaris singing bhajan kirtans. Kommu Dasaris, the Jangams with their con Jagamu kolmunde makaradhwajammu netti. ches and bells and gallgireddus (decorated bullocks} and beggars with monkej s etc., all parade the streets. Sankranti is a happy contrast to the incessant In fact these people are seen all through the month rainy Srol'ollam and Bhadrapadal1l, the damp Asvi preceding this festival. Buncres of marigolds in their jam and the cold and unhealthy Korthikam. The rich colours strewn all round enhance the beauty of festival is a spontaneous manifestation of the people's the festive celebrations. The farmer has invariably urge for gaiety and mirth. With the prospect of bounti to feed the Dhobi, Barber, Palem (the cultivator of his ful ban est the faces of the ryots in the village brighten. fields), the Blacksmith, ,he Carpenter, the family One bears their happy whistle:; in the fields. The servant ar;d the common llereJitary village servants of harvesting nhcrs a peri(\d cf festidty. The women_ all tY1'e5. folk get busy filling the granaries. planning for the festival. cleaning and whitewashing their houses. The third day is Kanuma and on this day work is e.~ a-.:::r£Oo ~ w;:p fj ~ o~ J" (Uththarayanam vachch- suspended and no journeys are undertaken. t:~.5:J.';:.:.) 1 indi \ 'Jf.:tU ,O -- Uththarayana has come, hang ~6J "'§ C0:>;:) :;.;~~C~if:5:l (Kanumunadu ka',j ) aina ~ ~ yourself) is s~:id by persons to their equals in a jocular bayatiki velladu -meaning even a crow docs not stir way. Th~ implication is that during the six months out 011 Kalll!l1lu). The non-vegetarians enjoy a good of Dakshinoyallam the gates of Vaik!llltam (the abode fea,t and mnst of the peopk revel in drinking. Cock of Lord YishllU) are closed and therefore thos:: that fights. ramLphts, wrcstlil1t~ and running races for bulls die during that period hav~ no chance of entering are the important items providing entertainment. 158 Mukkanuma celebrations taking p'ace on the dying childless left no descendant in the direct fourth day are of special significance. Gopuja i. e., line on whom it was incumbent to offer him worship of cows and bulls is an important function of funeral honours. In order to make good this deficie the day. The story behind this is that Lord Siva took ncy, persons in general are enjoined to make libations Basava as His vahanam (vehicle). One day the Lord of water on this day to his spirit and to offer him ordered Basava to annouce to the world that everyone sesamum seeds and boiled rice. The act expiates the should take oil-bath every day and food once a month. sin of a whole year. One of its peculiarities is that it Inadvertantly, Basava announced that everyone should is to be observed by persons of all the four original take food every day and oil-bath once a month. When castes. The intention of the rite as now understood is Lord Siva came to know of it, He grew angry and expressed in the mantras uttered at the time of present cursed that Basava should go down to earth and ing the offerings. 'I present this water to the childless commence ploughing the fields from Ertlvaka Punnami hero Bhishma. May Bhishma, the son of Santhanu, i. e., Ashadlla Suddha Purnima (June-July) and help the speaker of truth, the subjugator of his the people in producing enough of food by Sankranthi passions obtain by this water the oblations every year. As a mark of gratitude and thanks due by sons and grandsons'. After his defeat by giving, the cows and bulls are washed and decorated Arjuna he waited till Magha Suddha Ekadasi and died on this day; Payasam is given to them and in the on this day after the Makara SankrGmanam. Brahmins evening they are taken out in a procession. observe fasting, perform puja to Bhishma and break their fast on Dwadasi with parana, a feast. Certain 13. Bhishma Ekadasi is celebrated by a very few families invite a Brahmin and hear the story of Brahmins on Maglla Suddlia Ekadasi (January Bhishma's life and give him a day's ration. The festival February). is observed in this district even in villages at least by a few educated families. It has its source in the pi imitive institutions of the Hindus of which the worship of the pitrlts, the patria 14. Mahasivaratri 2 falls on the fourteenth da: (f rchs or progenitors, the Diti manes constituted an tbe waning moon in the end (l f M aglwill (FebrualY important element. This day is dedicated to Bhishma1, March). J his in the estimation of the followers of the son of Ganga, the great uncle of Pandava and Siva is the most sacred of all their obs~rvance,. expiat Kaurava princes. He was killed m the course of great ing all sins and securing the attain men t of all desires ,var between the Pandavas and the Kauravas and during life and union with Siva (lr final emancipation 1. Bhishma was a great general and philosopher. Devotion to truth and duty, self-restraint and self sacrifice, were all illus trated by him throughout his long life in a manner almost unparallelled in History of India. His father fell in 1000e with the daughter of a fisherman, who would not give her in marriage till she was assured of her issue from the kind 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 hls 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 v;ould :ntain heawl:. So firm was his attachment to the vow that when on his step-brother's death nomale 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 Qut truth I shall never renounce. Lying on his death bed in the batle field of Kurukshet;a he gave advice to the Pandavas upon the duties of kings, upon philosophical and social problems and upon questions of polity ,of the art of \'Iar, the means of attaining salvation etc. 2. We dive into the ethical, metaphysical and allegorical lesson and import of the Mahasivaratri-Vrata. It will not 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 (owin~ to sheer physical exh austion) under tl~e tree and wakes therefrom to find the Sun has set already. Intense and awe-inspiring darkeness 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 terrafirma. ~ortun~tely for hlm _feve happy coincidences combine for his happiness and they are (I) that it is Mahasivaratri night, (2) that It IS a Bliwa tree whlch he has climbed, (3) that an ancient Sivalinga is just below him, (4) that owing to his having come out early at morn and stayed out all the time he has not eaten even a single morsel of food and (5) that it being the Sasirutu (dewy season) the Bilwa leaves which are wetted by the seasonal dew (and which owing to his frequent changing of his uncomfortable posture) are displaced from their setting, fell continually all the night through on the Sivalinga beneath . . . In other words the hunter has unwittingly fulfilled all the requirements of the Mahasivaratrivrata including the fasting, the all night vlgli and the Bl!warchanal worshio (with Bilwa leaves) and to and behold. We find Bhagawan Sri Sankara pouring forth His grace on the hunter purgmg hlm all hls innumberable sins and giving him salvation, . . The story is a long and beautiful one, pathetic in its settiug 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 Maha vrata. But in order to unravel and u~derstand. its inner secret it is necessary that we should analyse the compound word 'Sivaratri-Vrata' into lts three component pans I.e., Ratn, Slva, Vrata of each separately and then synthesize them again together. Along therewith, we shall of course have also eonsider the sadhana (means required) for and the phal (the result) of the vrata. 159 after death. The ceremony is said to have been enjoined All Hindus except Vaishnavites observe this festival by Siva himself who declared to his wife Vma, that in this district. There is not much difference in the the fourteenth day of the dark half of M agham, if observance by the several sub-communities that observe observed in honour of Him, should be destructive of it. On Magha Bahula Chaturdasi (January-February) the consequences of all sins and should confer final devotees fast the whole day, go to Siva temple for liberation. The three essential observances on this day abhishekam, worship and offer cocoanuts, fruits, are fasting during the whole tidhi or lunar day; hold panakam and panneram which they take as prasadam, ing a vigil and worshipping the Linga during the night. observe jagaram (keeping awake the whole night), After bathing in the morning the worshipper recites his attend the purana kalakshepam, Harikathas or dramas sOilkalpa or pledges himself to celebrate the worship. with a theme of Siva. The next morning they break Then he recites spc:cial mantras and offers an arghya their fast after a bath and puja. During the (oblation) after which he goes through matrikanyasa, second day also, they desist from sleep. One general a set of gesticulations accompanied by short prayers. practice is that this festival is observed not at their The repetition of nyasa (i. e., touching parts of the residence but at a holy place or a place of Siva pilgri body while repeating certain mantras) accompanies mage such as Srisailam, Mahanandi etc., and at times every offering made to the Linga. They offer fruits, hundreds of miles away from home with the belief that flowers and incense and lights and the like during the these places are further sanctified during the period by whole ceremony. The Linga is to be propitiated with the presence of devathas that visit the centres to wor different articles in each watch of the night on which ship the presiding deity though imisible. the vigil is held. In the first watch it is to be bathed with milk. Incense, fruits, fiowers and articles of food sueh Tamil New Year's Day is celebrated by the Tamil as boiled rice and sometimes even dressed flesh, are .' speaking people in Puttoor, Chittoor, Satyavedu, offered with the repetition of mantras. In the second Chandragiri and Kalahasti talllks. It comes in the it is bathed with curds. In the third watch the buthing month of Chaitra. It is celebrated in more or less the is performed with ghee. In the fourth watch the Linga same manner as Ugadi festival is celebrated. is bathed with honey. Brahmins are entertained and presents are made to them. \Vomen as well as men Ramalinga Swamigal Jayallthi is also celebrated perform this vrata. in the month of Thai by the Tamilians. COl1td. Page 158. That. chang~less being in wh,om all the world rests is Siva or He who destroys all evils, ig:lOr:ln~e and sorrON, is the blissful one. He IS omnJpr~,ent, omDlSClent, and omnIpotent. Ratri is to give and means that which gives peace and lnppiness. In th~ pr~s7nt Illstance ratn does not mean physlCallllght but symbolises th~ withJrawing by t;le sadhaka (aspirant) on the ladder of spiritual progress of all hiS sense, 11IS mllld and hiS Il1tellectnay, his whole being away from all the foJlies and the distrac tions the snares and the deluslOns of the mere sensual world around him and his in-drawing of himscif into the supreme self within. The idea behind the vigil prescribed is thus not mechanical one of p!lysical a'.v:lkeness but of our keeping constant and vigilant watch over ourselves (i. e. our misleadmg mind and straying senses) and our keeping absolutely and vigilantly awake and alive to the Paramathmathathwa the inner reality, the supreme self within) which we generally sleep ov~r or are not fully alive or'awake to. Upavas does not mean mere Physical fasting. It also means turning our senses and mind away from their Bahirmukha Vriththi (i.e. their external sense ward tendency), and making. them antharmukha (turned in.vards i. e. to ..",ards the supreme soul within), we really perform or, m other words, well splfltual!y and mtellectually-God-ward. Upavasas thus involve not a mcr~ physical fasting but also the mental wrnlllg of ourselves tow drds God. Amavasya grammatically means dwelling i. e. d.wdling of the Sun an::! MJoi1 together. On the spiritual plane, however, the Sun and the Moon symbolise the pa:amatmaand the Jlvatl111 (the uniwrsal soul anJ tlle individual soul) respectivelly. Amavasya means Samadhl-yoga stage wherem the Jlva has become one with paramltma ani ther.: is the actual experience of absolute ~onism, oneness o_f God, the individual soul and the whole ,miverse. Krish:n C.uthurdlsi night is prescribed because the jiva has WIthdrawn hImself IlltO the Lord but IS not yet so com;J!et~ly absorbej an::! m~rgeJ as tJ lose hi, individual conscioLlsness when no further sadhana is left or ever possible. This is the subhamuhclOrtha (the auspicious moment) for Sjyopasana which can lead us to amavasya or the Samadhi-yoga. . To sum up, recapitulate ~nd conclude, th~ hunter Pongal is an important festival for the Tamil reading of Quran will be complded and sweets are Population in the district. It is eeL-bra ted in the distributed. The fast is broken after sun set at home month of Thai during the first 3 da:is. On the first by some and with a common dinner from a common day (Pongal) Lord Surya (Sun) is worshiped. On the plate in the mosque by several. The last day is second day called Mattup pongal in the morning.cattle, Khutba day i.e., 1st day of Shavval on which the obser are worshipped by the agriculturists as a token of the vance culminates with great pomp and show. All wear services rendered by the cattle. In the evening Man new clothes and each member in the well-to-do familieS juruttal or driving the bulls is celebrated. On the distributes among the poor 1 1/4 measure of wheat or third day Kanni Pongal is celebrated. The celebrations rice or cholam to enable the poor also to participate correspond to those of Sankranti celebrated by the in the common nama:::. They go for the nama::: to Telugu people. Id-gah (open place where a wall is constructed on a raised platform on the western outskirts of the village COMMOi'[ MUSU~iI F2STIV ALS : or town.) One distinguishing feature at the time of namaz is that the rich and the poor stand together j·n is an obserance taken up during the 1. Rarnzan a row shedding the cloak of social status. When the entire ninth month of Ram:::all by all Muslims and on Muslims in a village are too few to form a congregation the last day of the month they celebrate ldd. Prophet or poor to have an ld-gall to conduct namaz at their 1\·fohammed. while he was doing penance in Gha-e own place they go to the neighbouring village and join Hira (a cave) in Mecca at his fortieth year is believed the congregational llama:::. According to the rules of to have acquired Quran sent by Alla through GabrieL Shariyat every p~rson aftercrossing the age of 12 years The observance of this month is one of the five cardi must observe all the fasts regularly. He or she can be nal practic=s in Islam and express commands regarding excused in extra"ordinary circumstances, like serious it are given in the Quran. illness, monthly period for women etc. It is a fact that a great deviation has taken place from the injunc Throughout the entire month Muslims commence tions of Slzariyat (religious law) in this matter. But their fast at 4.30 a.m .. every day and break it only then again a Muslim would incur public opprobrium, after sun set. In the large towns of this district these if, during the period of Ram:::an, he takes food Or timings are indicated for the convenience of the Public smokes publicly. Usually the procession of Id-gah hy a si ren or bursting a fire cracker. 111 certain towns goes by one route and returns by another, wherever it and big villages of this district where the Muslim is convenient to do so. The beggars that line up on population is considerable one or more groups (If both routes will then have the benefit of the charity of Muslims go round the streets and lanes singing in the rich. praise of the Prophet thus waking up t1le Muslims by 4 0' clock in the morning, so that they may take their 2. Bakrid is also called Id-e·Qurban (the feast of food before the scheduled time. This appears to be the sacrifice) and Id-lll-Kabir or Badi-/d (the great feast). duty of some poor Muslims for which they are remune It is cekbrated on the 10th day of Zilhaj (April-May) rated either in cash or kind. All luxuries and also such and is part of the rites of the l\lccca pilgrimage. It is habits as smoking, chewing and snu.:i1ng ::Ife avoided observed in all parts of Islam, both as a day ofsacriflce during this period and a complete [ht during day and as a great festival. It is founded on com mand in time is observed. The observance of fast is so strict the Quran, Chapter XXl I, 'verses 33-·38. Two of the that during that period some orthodox Mw,lims do not verses are: even sw:.:tllow their own saliva. Dming the nights Moulvies deliver lectures on Islam. In addition to "Ye may obtain advantages from the cattle upto· ish:! (the night prayer) every day ad(htional prayer the set time for slaying them; then the place for sacri" n.lmely tara-veiz (20 rakaths) is offered and a part 0 f ficing them is at the ancient house. By no means can the Holy Book (Quran) is recited. On badirath or the their flesh reach un to God, neither their blood; but best night (shab.e-khader), which faHs on th~ 26th or piety on your part r,',::,c:,ct11 Him. Thus hath He 27th day according as the month cOll~is(s of 29 or 30 subjectd them (0 yO~l tInt ye magnify God for His days recitation uf the Holy Book is comp::ted. On gllid:li1Ce; moreover announce glad tidings to those the badirath all keep awake till 4.00 a. lTI. when th:: wllo c] 0 good deeds". 1 1. E Denison RusS, An Alphab.,;[ic:al List of tile feast and Holidays of t!1I~ Hindus and Muhammadans (Calcutta: 1914) P. 102 161 The legend goes that before the birth of prophet animal is divided into three portions, one-third being Mohammed there, was Ibrahim (Abraham), a prophet given to relations, one-third to the poor and the who condemned ply theism and animal sacrifice before remaining one-third reserved for the family. It is images. It is be that constructed Kaba. He beheaded considered highly meritorious to sacrifice one animal the minoridols secretly, placed the sword in the hand for each member of the family, but as that would of the pre~iding deity and proclaimed that the crime involve an expenditure few could bear, it is allowable was committed by the deity itself. The enraged mob to sacrifice one victim for the household. In extreme threw him into the fire but the angels and God saved cases, men may combine together and make one him. God commanded that he should sacrifice his sacrifice for all, but the number of per~ons so com only son Ismail, begot at the ripe age of eighty. bining must not exceed seventy. Some authorities Though Satan tried to dissuade him, Ibrahim executed limit the number to seven".! the Lord's ~omma!1d. However, it was only a test and his son was restored to life. An orthodox version is that God desired Ibrahim to sacrifice to him the The skin of the sacrificed animal should be sold best he loved. The best he loved was his youngest and the money thus got distributed among the poor. son Ismail who was made to prostrate blind folded. Quite apart from its religious ceremonies, the festival Ibrahim with hi~ eyes covered, repeating the word s is observed as a great occasion of rejoicing. Chappaties Bismillahi AlIa-lzo-Akbar (with the name of God, (wheat bread), sweets and bowls of khima are the who is great) drew the sword across his neck. In the preparations for the dinner. Rice is not cooked meanwhile, however, the archangel Gabriel, snatching generally. Presentations are made to the youngsters. Ismail from underneath the blade substituted a broad tailed sheep in his stead. Abraham unfolding his eyes For the subsequent four days three takbirs are observed to his surprise and joy the sheep slain and recited after every namaz (prayer) in His praise for his son standing behind. God ordained that a cow tlle mercy shown in restoring Ismail to !ife. Rich (or a bull) or a sheep or a goat be sarcrificed in his persons give alms to poor. place. Animal sacrifice appears to have come into vogue from them. 3. Moharram "The name of the first month of the Muslim year is also the name given to the first ten days In commemoration of this sacrifice, Bakrid is of the month observed by the Shiabs in commemora. observed on the tenth day in the Muslim month of tion of the martyrdom of Hussain, the second son of Zilhaj (April-May). On that day the Muslims go to Fatimah, the prophet'::. daughter, by Ali. A short Id-·gah (an open place where a wall is constructed on account 0f this tragic event is necessary to understand a raised platform on the western outskirts of the the quaint ceremonies which are observed on this village or town), without having their breakfast as a festival". 2 mark of respect to Ismail and offer their nama::: "Ali, the son-in-law of Muhammad was the fourth (prayer). It is believed that the deer ifl the forest Khalif of Islam. He is described as 1. E. Denison Ross, op. cit, p. 103 2. E. Denison Ross, op. cit., p. 106 162 received opinion is that after the assassination of Ali, and Hussain and calling out their names. The highly Hassan, his son renounced his claim to the Khalifate orthodox Shiahs condemn even the processions. They in favour of his father's rival Muavia. Hassan waS consider the two heroes equal to prophet Himself. ultimately poisoned by his wife, who, it is said, was instigated by Muavia to do the deed, in order to leave "Some days previous to the festival the imambara the coast clear for his Yezid. The most tragic event (house of the Imam), also called ashur khanoh (ten has yet to come. Yezid, who succeeded his father, day-house) is prepared. As soon as the neVi moon was a very licentious and irreligious man. The people appears the people gather together in the various . of Kufa being disgusted at his conduct, sent messengers imambaras and offer Jatilzalzs over some sherbat cr to Hussain, the remaining son of Ali, with the request some sugar in the name of Hussain. The Jarihahs that he would assume the Khalifate. In vain, the conclude thus: '0 God, grant the reward of this to friends of Hussain tried to persuade him to let the the soul of Hussain'. Sherbat and sugar are then people of Kufa first revolt. and thus show the reality distributed. The imcmbara is generally a temporary of their wishes by their dec.:'s. In an evil hour Hussain structure or some large hall fitted up for the occasion. started with a small band (,f forty horsemen and one The a/ams or stand:lrds which are commonly made of hundred foot-soldiers. On the plain of Karbala he copper and brass, though occasionally of gold or sil\ er found his way barred by a force of three thousand are placed against the walls. The usual standard is m'en. 'We are few in number' said Hussain and the that of a hand placed on a pole. This is emblematic enemy is in force. I Qm resolved to die. But you, I of the five members (the Prophet Himself, Ali, Fatimah, release you from your O:lt~l (If a llt'giance; let all those Hassan and Hussain) the family of the Prop;let, and is wish to do so leave me'. 'O! Son of Apostle of God's, the special standard of the Shiahs,"2 was the repJy, what excuse could we give to the grand father on the day of resurrectio'1, did we abandon thee For the first six days nothir.g else takes place. to the hands of thine enemies? One by one these From sevent h to ninth day they are taken oet in preces brave men fell beneath the swords of the enemy, until sion in the streets, Fires are kindled in open spaces Hussain and his infant son alone were llft. Weary and the people both old and young fence :lCrcss the and thirsty, Hussain sat upcn the ground. The enemy fire and jump about calling out ·Euss:.:n! Hassan!'. drew near, but no one dared to kill the grandson of The three days are enjoyed with Lmcy dresses cf tigers; t he prophet. An arrO\\' pierced the ear 0 f t be Ii ttle boy bears etc., and mimicry, Both Hi:1dus and MUolims and he di~d. 'We came from God and we return to go to the i111ambara for offering Ia!ihahs to a/ams. On Him', were the pathetic words of Hussain as with a the evening before the tenth day whirh according to sorrowful heart he laid the dead body of his son on the Muslim mode of computing time is tenth night, the sand. He fought bravely for a while; but at last all the ta:::iyahs and alamsare taken out in procession. fell COVerf(~ ",,;ith many wounds".! It is a scene of great confusion, fLlr men and boys dis guised in all sorts of quaint get up run about fencing Several pious Shiah and Sunni Muslims observe and jumping. At a convenient hour in the night of the fast, recite the Quran at home during the ten days and ninth day burning cinders are levelled in the pit in front the tenth day is observed as ashura (mourning day). of the ashur khanah and devotees both Muslims and It is the Muslim belief that the future Khiamath (dest_ Hindus, a few holding alams vvalk across the fire. What ruction of the world), will be on a Friday of this ten ever the principle might be, the influence of the ten days' days period of Moharram. The Shiahs observe this observance of Dasara with fire walking in several as an occasion of immense pain and sorrow. They places is seen in the ten days' observances of Moharram. weep and wail beating their breasts during these ten It is the carnival of the lower class Muslims and days. Cots are upturned, mats are wound up and the Hindus. On the following day after Jatihahs are read bare floor is made the sleeping place during the the taziyahs and alams are taken away to the nearby period. They wear only black clothes. They peram river, tank or a well outside the town. There the bulate the streets with a flag expressing their sorrow, immersion ceremony takes place, which is washing the recounting the activities of the departed heroes Hassan peerlu in water and removing them from the poles on 1. Rev. Edward Sell, The Faith of Islam (1880), pp. 236-237 2. E. Denison Ross, op. cit., pp: 107-108 163 which they were kept mounted from the first day of the This is an occasion of his birth day celebration. In his festival. name a green flag is taken in procession to the accom paniment of music and is finally erected on a platform The buthi (curd and cooked rice with condiments) specially constructed for the purpose in places where brought from home is offered as fatihahs at the river the Sunnis are in a majority. In other places the flag and distributed in small quantities to as many of those is fixed on a margosa tree near the entrance to the assembled as possible. After the immersion ceremony, place. This is done with the belief that a flag of Peer the alams are wrapped in clorh and kept in ashllr e-Dastagiri who was a great saint would protect the klwnol!s for 3 days. Though non-vegetarian food is place warding off all epidemics and foul play of Satan. prohibited for 3 days. It is observed only for a day Just as in Moharram it is a very happy occasion though except ty the Shiabs. Sherbath is generally distributed. for a single night. In the rural parts of this district it After the third day the alams are taken home and is an interesting sight to witness a vast crowd of Hindus kept in safe custody for the next Moharram. with a handful of Muslims moving together in a pro cession with the green flag flying above and music 4. Milad-un-Nabi is observed by all Muslims on the playing in front, pra.ctically the entire cost being con twelfth day of the month Rabi·ul-Avval in commemo tributed by the leading Hindu community of the village r~ti"n of the birth day of Prophet Mohammad as also concerned. In tOv\'ns, a few orthodox Muslims who of his death day. The story goes lhat being an orphan, are educated commence ten days earlier, reading the Mo\1ammad was fed by Halima, a poor woman, with life and other holy books on Islam and conclude the her milk and when he grew up he was tending the festival with poor feeding on a small scale whether sheep along with the son ofHalima. Even as baby he there is a pr ocession Of not. Several miracles are attri r COMMON CHRISTIAN FESTIVALS: 2. Good Friday Jesus: Christ was crucified in Jeru salem by the Jews on Friday and Good Friday is 1. The New Year's Day-The 1st of January is celebrated to commemorate the day. It is a part of celebrated as the New Year's Day by all Christians. the celebration of the Easter and comes immediately Celebrations commence an hour or two before the before the Easter Sunday, Easter being the most joyous actual birth of the New Year. Between 10 and of Christian festivals observed annually throughout 11 O'clock on the night of the 31 st December of the Christendom in commemoration of the resurrection of preceding year there is the 'Watch Night' service in Jesus Christ OIl the first Sunday after the full- moon churches. The function commences with the distribution following the vernal equinox. [ Though Easter Sunday of sweets to the assembly. A speech is deliver~d about is the central point in the observance of the events the closing year. Exactly at 12 O'clock in the mid connected with Christ's death on a Friday and His night a spee(:h is delivered ushering in the New Year. resurrection on a Sunday, the ideal Easter season Songs about the coming year, about the giory of God, extends from Ash Wednesday the first day of Lent to in praise of Christ and prayer for His blessings are Whit Sunday which commemorates the day of pente sung individually and in chorus. At about 0').30 hours the function concludes by a service and mutual cost. This period of the Easter cycle may be divided exchange of greetings for the New Year by those into 3 parts: ~I) The preparatory fast of the forty days assembled there. At 5. jO hours in the morning of the of Lent, {2) The fifteen days beginning with the Sunday New Year's Day each family conducts service in the before and ending with the Sunday after Easter during house. Prayers are offered for the benefits of the pre which the ceremonies of the holy week and the services vious year and for blessings in the ensuing year. Afte r of the Octave of Easter are observed and (3) The bath and wearing of new clothes. greeting cards, gifts Octave of Easter during which the newly baptised wear and sweets are distributed to friends and relatives. their white garments and for the paschal season begin ning at Easter and lasting till whit Sunday. In this. Church service between 9 and 11 a. m. is attended by district fasting is observed for a week commencing all. Dedication of the Biblical na mes by the Pastor to from the 4th day preceding Good Friday up to Easter the new born babies and special rrayers for the exten i.e., the Sunday after Good Friday. This period is. sion of the Kingdom of Christ brings the function to a known as 'Lamentation period' or 'Passion Week'. The close. religious minded elders observe the fast very strictly and engage themselves in prayers. On Friday, church At home each family exhibits the greetings and service is conducted from 11.00 hrs. to 16.00 hrs. gifts such as toys, clothing, sweets etc., received from when only 7 persons speak, the significance being that friends and relatives on a table in the well decorated the Lord spoke only seven words from the cross before hall of the house, cleaned and whitewashed. The day his death. Each speech is preceded and followed by a is one of rejoicing with choice sweet-meats and non prayer. No true Christian fails to observe fast atleast vegetarian dishes for dinner. on that day. The Sunday following is Easter. Early in the morning at 5.00 hours, all the members of the Besides contributing one tenth of a month's church start in procession from the church to an open income to the church by all devoted Christians, special space preferably a grove. There they sing in praise offerings are made to the church for the extension of of the Lord after which there is a sermon by a learned the Kingdom of Jesus Christ i. e, for the mission of preacher. By 7.00 hours they return home and get converting others into Christianity. The exchange of ready to attend. the church by 9.00 hours. Roman greetings is not confined to Christians alone but obser Catholics, however, do not go in procession but attend ved by all educated people. The Christians distribute their respective churches, have service from 3.00 to 4.00 sweets to all their Hindu and Muslim friends as well in p.m. as Jesus is believed to have been crucified at the locality. 3.00 p.m. They observe jagarana on the night of 1. Easter: The day the Christians celebrate Christ's rising from the dead is caIJed Easter. It always comes off on a Sunday falling either in March or in April. The date depends on when the moon appears in full in those months. However, it can never be earlier than March, 22nd nor later than April, 25th. To many, easter means the coming of spring. In this season trees give out new leaves; seeds that have rested in the ground all winter send up leaves and flowers, moths come out of their cocoons, birds build nests and lay eggs. For hundreds of years eggs have signified the awakening of life in spring. Christians CO'JUI Easter eggs and give them to their friends as a way of saying 'Spring is here' (The Golden book of Encyclopedia-Book V, page 443 by Bertha Moris Parker); 165 Saturday previous to the Easter Sunday which they etc., to the children from the stockings hung to a (;all 'Easter Vigil'. Immediately after the service in bamboo stick on this shoulder. On the night of the church 'Lord's Supper' is observed by those who 24th December, the members of he church, specially believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Bread and youngsters, go around the town in groups singing diluted wine in little quantities representing the flesh Christmas carolls to wake up the Christians and invito and blood of Jesus are taken by Christians. New born ing them to church for the important celebration on babies are brought to the church and Christened with 25th morning. Some of the Christian families receive Biblical names by the Pastor. Nominally the members such parties and offer them sweets and cakes. After of the Christian families are baptised as a token of the service in the church on the morning of the 25th rebirth, affirming their belief in Christ. This is done they return home and spend the day in merriment, by immersing the Christian in the water and taking exchanging greetings and inviting friends and relatives him out by the pas tor or some other Church Authority to participate in the Christmas dinner. The well-to-do chanting hymns. This is the practice with the majority Protestants prepare the Christmas tree with canes and of the Protestants who immerse the new convert not bamboos and decorate it with coloured paper, candles particularly in sacred or holy water as John, the and a variety of coloured bulbs. Gifts and greetings Baptist baptised for the first time in the waters of the received from friends and relatives are conspicuously rivrf Jordon. It signifies a spiritual turning away exllibited on the Christmas tree. from sins and the entry into a new and purer life. A fl"'lv' of the Protestants and all the Catholics sprinkle The Roman Catholics do not have the Christmas holy water on the 1:lew converts before Baptism, after tree but exhibit in a 'crib' (a small hut· like erection) saying prayers over the water hefore it is sprinkled· the articles of presentations. the statues of Babe Jesus, Feasts are held and consumed in every' house with Mother Mary and foster father Joseph. Some figures friends and relatives. of animals representing the stable are also kept to indicate the actual place of the birth of Lord Jesus. 3. Christmas is the birth day celebration of Jesus Christ. Though 25th is the birth day of Jesus, the Christmas is a common festival for all Christians celebration commences on the night of ~?rd December in this district, whether rich or poor, in towns or with the Christmas Candle Lighting Service. The villages. The well-to-do in the towns celebrate evening of 24th is called the Christmas Eve and special the festival in the manner detailed above. Even prayers and services are held in churches. In order to the poor on account of the close associatjon with keep the children awake on the night of the 24th; the the rest in the town observe it with equal zeal though parents tell them that Christmas Father visits them they cannot afford the costly dinners of exchange of with presents. This Christmas Father or Santa Claus sweets. The Christmas tree is a luxury for them. For is an imaginary person with a white flowing beard and the uneducated Harijan converts of the village, Christ- a red snow suit, who is believed to fill the children's mas is, perhaps, a festival. Rich feasts of the year are stockings with Christmas presents by night. The held though they are not advanced enough to conceive children generally fall asleep by mid-night of the the idea of a Christmas father or a Christmas tree. Christmas Eve, then the parents keep presents like But the missionaries and the local pastors are innovat sweets, baloons, toys etc., in stockings and keep them ing several methods of conversion on the Christmas under their beds or on the tables. In the morning the day. Processions, singing songs in Telugu, door to children are told that Christmas Father had come and door personal invitation to one and all of the place to left them presents. Even in the church the eldest memo take part in the procession, enacting of dramas of the ber is dressed like the Christmas Father and is made to life and teachings of several of the Christian saints are wander about in the congregations, distributing sweets resorted to, to support their Mission. 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GLOSSARY Abhayahastaln Raised right palm of dei Disc, the weapun of Lord ties representing a posture Vishnu of assuring ell akrasn(lnam A ritual in festival where Abhishekam Religious rite of pouring disc is kept for a \\- hile or sprinkling sacred wat on the heads of devotees ers on the image of :I for a while whlle taking deity bath Addalameda Mirror palace Challakunda Pot of butter milk Agamapuja Prayer for the uarsan ,~;' Challamuddalu Cooked millet bans God Chepparamseva A ritual during a festival Agnigunda jll'm t'.WIII Entering the fire-pit Chathurmukha Four faced Agraharam A village given as dona- ehavidi A building used for· com tion to Brahmins mon purposes by.'. tht· Alankaram Decoration community Amavasya New moon ®ay Cheruvu Tank Ankanam Space in betwecn two pill Chiti Pyre ars or beams Ankurorpana Inauguration of a celebra Devata Celestial being; deify tion Deebu A vessel prepared out of Annasantarpal/(/ Free feeding, usually. meant ripe water gourd for the poor Deepam Light or lamp Alltharalam The middle space Deeparadhana Lightinf; of oil }amps ia Aradhana Special worship front the deity Arehana Conducting .)f worship Dhatukaruvu The famine Qccuied during Ashram Hermitage the TeJugu Year Dhatu Aswavahanmll Horse vehicle Dhoopasev(J Offering of incense to the deity by waiving around Bali .. Sacrifice the deity BalyakreedaIII Acts or deeds of the bllY' Diguva Lower hood days Dopothsavam A ritual during festival Bhajana Mandir A place where devotional where thc deity is robbed group singing and dan and the culprit is traced cing to the accompani Dhwajarohana Inauguration of the festival ment of musical instru flag post ments take place Dhwaja~!hambham Flag staff; pillar in front of BheriVllt/yaml High sounding mUi>icaJ ins the temple truments like drums, ('tc. Dwaparayugam The tllird yuga which lasted Brahmalulf hya (/(lI/r'1 Sin of killing a Brahmin for about 8,64,000 years Bllrrakathas Folklore related to some Dwarapalakas Watchmea idols on either God 01' hero usually re side of tbe entrance of lated to tho: accompani· temples menl of a sped;}l type of drums and a stringed in Ekadasi . I::]..:venth day of a fortnight strument ~'alled burra J:kantasevu Festival in privacy Burcillj hoo~t';i/ A sweet preparation made Ekallt(lm Privacy of rice Hour and jaggery Ellug14vahaflam Elephant vehicle cooked in sweet oil Huddi A small I.e!'. ,,·em· lamp Gada \lm:e with";]l \.'himn~)" Gadyam Pros.: [601 QaJavahanam Elephant vehicle Koluptdu V/orship of\illage deities (Jan)i Gruel Koneru Pond (Jarhltaloyam Sanctum Sanctorum Kshetram A holy place; land Gariga. Earthen images Kudumulu Round balls made of rice Garudavflhanam Vehicle in the name of sac flour, milk and jaggery red kite; vehicle of Lord Kumbham kudu Rice, redgram dal,red pump Vishnu kin cooked in a big pot Garudosel'a Taking the deity in proces and poured over a cloth sion on an eagle carrier spread over a mat and or vehicle offered to the deity Ghanta/Gtmta Bell Kumkum Vermilion Giri Hill Giilprr:r aakslr in am Going round the hill Cotram Clan Lingam Phallic emblem Guggillabandlu Carts of of cooked gram VUlIdu : Stone Gurrcpuvahanam Horse vehicle Afahadwaram Main entrance Afahamantapa A room with pillars and roof-all of stone, a struc H amsavahanam Swan vehicle ture for placing an idol Haraff' . Wave of offering generally of a deity with lighted camphor or Mant/apam A small room with pillars wick dipped in ghee and roof, all of stone; a Harikatllas Legends of exploits of Gods structure for devotees to or heroes related with sit under in a temple singing. music and dance _Mandiram Temple like erection Man,vam Land gifted or denoted to~ wards service or meri t or Gift of land towards ser proficiency vice or proficency or lY/arrichettu . Banyan tree merit Mervani Procession, music concent Muddalu Morsels of food Muggulu Decorations with line dra- ]agaram " ,. Keeping awake the hole wings drawn ill the front yards of houses by house ... ',;.1 (:. night (pernocation) hlakreedalu Swimming or sporting in wives regularly in the water early morning Jananam" , Birth Mllt.va/apaUaki A palanquin decorated with pearls ,..... ,::,:.\ ',+ . IIqilas.gir,(pradakshinam Go arulmd the hin of Kai- Nabhi Nave t.', ... ' las a Naguvahanam Serpant vehicle Kalnlfqryom Decoration Nagulachaviti Festival celebrated on the Kalyan~';" Marriage 4th day after Deepavali Kandakam ... Moat; ditch Nail'cdyam Offering in kind made to Kanumu Following day ofSankranti God and consumed later KalikashakiTri' Kali deity Nakshatram Star Kas!/turi· . '.. Musk Nandi Sacred bull vehicle of Lord Kavadi Sling Siva Kireetam " Crown Na I' agrll has Nine planets viz., Surya, Kirthanas .. Songs Chandra, Angaraka, Kolatam A dance to the beat of short Budha, Guru, Sukra; sticks held in hands Sani, Rahu and Ketuvu [ 61 ] Nippuluthokkuta Walking on fire-pit Rajasuyayagam Proclamation of challenge Nityadeeparadhana Lighting of oil lamps daily of unrivalness by a king to a deity or an emperor through sending a horse with mes sage inscribed on its fore Padyams poems head Palaharam Eatables Raktapu anaamu Raktamu in Telugu means Pamba Musical instrument blood and annamumeans Panakam Spiced jaggery water food; food of blood Rathothsavam Car festival Panchaloha Five metals Ravanabrahmavahanam Ravana Brahma of Rama Pancharatra Five nights yana epic as vehicle to Paruveta paru means run and veta Lord Siva means hunt Rayabaram Sending message through a: Pasupu Turmeric powder dignitory: Negotiation Patasala School for compromise through Pattabhishekam Coronation sending a dignitory by a Patrams Leaves king to another king Panneram Split green gram Rayi Stone Pindapradanam Food presented at a sraddha Rudrabhishekam Abhishekam to Lord Siva to the spirit Pindideepa[u Lights prepared with flour Sweet rice Pongali Sahasradeeparadhana .. Burning of thousand oil Poovu Flower lamps before the deity Prabha A IQng vertically projected stand conically shaped at Saligramasila A kind of sacred stone; a the top and covered with species of black ammo_ a designed cloth nite worshipped by the Vaishnavites which bears Pradakshinam Going round a deity circular or spiral lines Place Pradesam supposed to have a my Prasadam Eatables distributed after thical meaning and to be offering to the deity typical of Vishuu Prakaram A rampart: a compound wall of a temple Samaradhana Free feeding Pruthvi Earth Sankhu Conch Pujari Priest; one who conducts Santrapana Free feeding worship to deity Sa trams Choultries Palabhavi Well of milk Sati Woman entering her hus- Pulihora A preparation of rice, band's funeial pyre tamarind juice, turmeric Seshavahanam Serpant vehicle powder, etc. Simhavahanam Lion vehicle Puranakalakshepam Listening to epics or stories relating to God Sirassu Head Poornima Ful! moon day Sun da lu A sweet prepara tion with Pushkarani Sacred pond rice, blackgram dal etc. Pushpapallaki Planquin decorated with Sreepadarenuvu Sacred dust of Lord's feet flowers Stalapurana Story narrating the impor Pushpaharamu lu Flower garlands tance ot a place - village Puttuventrukalu Tonsuring a child at a deity or town puttillu parent's house Stupa Pillar [62 ) Suprabhatam Early morning worship Vadapappu Soaked greengram dal Sl1Iayambhoo Self-manifested Vadha Killing Vahanam Vehicle Tarpanam Offering gingelly water to Valam Tail the departed souls Vasanta uthsavam Holi festival, Sprinkling of Teja Fire coloured water Thandais Anklets Vastrapaharanam De-dressing; Removal of Theru Car clothes usually rcffered to the treacherous act Thirtham Sacred water attempted on Drowpadi Thoranams Festoons by the Kauravas Thota uthsavam Garden procession Vayu Air TllU/asi The holi basil (ocimum Vepacheeralu Neem leaf saris sanctum) Veedhibhagal'atam Folklore sung to the accom Tirunalabandlu Carts decorated with festo paniment of drums ons etc. Vibbuti Sacred ash Urisulam Trident Vidyabllyasa Initiation of child to lear ning Upadesam Enlightnment Bull vehicle Upanayanam Thread marriage Vrushablzavahanam Undrallu Round balls of rice flour, milk and jaggery cooked YagnapIJalam Fruit of a sarrificial benifit in stearn or good effect of a yagna Uthsal'am Festival INDEX Name.of the Village Taluk or Page Name of the Village Taluk or Page or Town Sub-Taluk or Town Sub-Taluk (I) (2) (3) (I) (2) (3) Adavaram Kalahasti 114 Cha valilingamanaidu- Kalahasti 115 Agarala Chandragiri 67 palle Agaram Puttur 145 Cha varambakam Satyavedu 11& Agraharam Madanapalle 54 Chembakur Punganur 36 AithepaI1e Chandragiri 65 Chembedu Kalahasti 110 Akkarama pall e Chandragiri 98 Cheekatipalle Kuppam 29 Alathur Puttur 141 Chiguruvada h/o Chandragiri 72 Amandur Kalahasti 112 Uttarapukandriga. Ambara Maharajapuram . Puttur 140 Chilamathuru alias Satyavedu 126 AmbodharapaUe Chittoor 5 Banglow Ambur Satyavedu 130 Chintamakulapalle Punganur 33 Ammagaripalle Punganur 34 Chinthalapalem Kalahasti 109 Chinthaparthi Vayalpad 57 Anagallu hamlet of Narasingarayanipeta Chittoor 6 Chinnagollapalle Kuppam 28 Ananthapuram Chittoor 10 Chinnasingamala . Kalahasti III Animakulapalle Puttur 139 Chinnathayyur Puttur 140 Aranyam Kandriga Puttur 139 Chinnatippasamudram Madanapalle 51 Arathila Chittoor 6 Chittapara Chittaor 9 Arepalle Chandragiri 66 Chittathur Kalahasti 113 Arudur Satyavedu 131 ChJttattur Kalepalle ruttur 135 Arur ·Satyavedu 132 Chittoor Chittaor 2 Athur Satyavedu 121 ChowClcpalle l'unganur :'7 Avilala Chandragiri 72 D.mClapaue l'alamaner ..::0 Avulapalle Punganur 39 Devadoddi Palamaner 19 Baipagaripalle Palamaner 22 Devalampet Cnanara~lri 63 Baitakadiambedu. Satyavedu 127 Diguvatadakara bangarupalem 17 Bandapalle Chittoor 9 Dirasamala Kalahasti 110 BeggiJapalle Kuppam 30 Dirgasamudram Chandragiri 70 Beerakuppam Satyavedu 127 Ellaman>am Kandriga KalahasH 115 Beerangi Madanapalle 50 EUapalie Chlttoor 4 Bhakaranarasingarayani· . Chittoor 5 Ellavanellore Punganur 39 peta Errathivaripalle Punganur 35 Bheemaganipalle . Punganur 38 Gajulamandyam Chandragiri 101 ,64 Bhimavaram Chandragiri 66 Ganigapenta Chandragiri Bodevaripalle Punganur 36 Gangadhara Nellore Chittoor 3 Ganginayunipalle . Palamaner 19 Bommarajupalle Punganur 43 Ghattu Madanapalle 50 Punganur Booragamanda 35 GolIapalIe Bangarupalem 18 Belupalle Palamaner 19 Gollamadugu Chittoor 12 Chalamangalam Punganur 43 Gollapalle Chandragiri 71 Chandragiri Chandragiri 68 Gonugur Kuppam 31 Charala Punganur 38 Gundrajukuppam . puttur 143 [ 64 ] Name of the Village Taluk or rage Name of the Village Taluk or rage or Town Sub-Taluk or Town Sub-Taluk (I) (2) (3) (1) (2) (3) GlIndlur Vayalpad 60 Karvctinagaram Puttur 142 GlIndugallu Punganur 44 Kasaram alias Rudra- murthipuram. Kalahasti Gundlasagaram Kuppam 30 109 Guruvarajapalle hamlet Kesavarajupura Agraharam Puttur of Kothapalem . Chandragiri 99 140 Katiperi Punganur 38 Guttapalem Vayalpad 59 KatrapalJe Kalahasti 115 Irala Ban~aruDalem 15 Jagannadhapuram S'ltvavedu 118 Kavetigaripalle Chandragiri 63 Jakki0 O'1a Ch'wdrap.:iri 64 Kenamanipalle Kuppam 25 Jangalanalle Kalahasti 112 Kethumalmahara- Jangalar>alle Punganur 44 japuram Puttur 141 Jingi! inalv'lm Kalahasti 111 Keeiapall Palmaner 20 Kadn"'lgunta hamlet Keelapatla Punganur 43 of Bhakara Narasinga- Keelapudi Satyavedu 117 T1V'lnil"'eta Chittoor 6 Kolamadugu Kuppam 21i Karhn'lmtham Palamaner 23 KolamanasapaJle . Palamaner 22 Kadur Satyavedu 129 Konagunta hamlet of Kagathi Punganur 37 Eduvaripalle • Puttur 141 Kailasanadhakona Puttur 138 Kondamarri MadanapalJe 53 Kalahasti Kalahasti 103 Kondireddikandriga Chandragiri 65 Kalakada Vayalpad 57 Kosalanagaram Satyavedu 121 Kalatllur Satyavedu 129 Kosuvaripalle Madanapalle 47 Kalathur Kalahasti 114 Kotala Chandragiri 67 Kalicharla Madanapalle 46 Kotala Madmlpalle 45 Kalijavedu Chittoor 3 Kothakota Chitto3r Kalikiri Vayalpad 59 Kothamarikuppam SBtyavedu 132 Kamachennayyapalle Chittoor 2 Kothapalle Punganur 43 Kamathanur Kuppam 31 Kothavaripalle Madanapalle 51 Kambhamvaripalle Punganur 33 Kothurvenkatapuram Satyavedu 120 Kaminayunipalle . Bangarupalem 16 Krishnajammapuram Chittoor 11 Kammapalle Chittoor 8 Krishnapuram Satyavedu 124 3 Kanchanaballa Kuppam 26 Kukkalapalle Chittoor Kuppam 30 Kandadu Kalahasti 113 Kuppam Puttur 135 Kandur Punganur 33 Kuppambaduru 52 Kangundi Kuppam 32 Kurabalakota Madanopalle Chittoor 10 Kannavaram Satyavedu 132 Kurchivedu Palamaner 22 Kappagunta Kandriga Kalahasti 110 Kurmayi Kappalle Punganur 37 Laddi~am Punganur 38 Karakambadi Chandragiri 99 Lakkanapalle Palamaner 19 Karani Satyavedu 126 Mallavaram Chandragiri 71 Karasanapalle Punganur 42 Mamandur ChandT8giri 64 Karipakam Satyavedu 131 Maddinayunipalle MadanapaUe 48 Kariagatta Kuppam 26 Madanapallc Madanapalle ~3 Karur alias Krishnagiri Satyavedu 125 Madhavaram Chittoor 7 [ 65 ) Name of the Village Taluk or Page Name of the Village Taluk or Page or Town Sub-Taluk or Town Sub-Taluk (I) (2) (3) (') (2) (3) Mahadevamangalam Chittoor 5 Padi Chandragiri 101 Mambakam Kahhl~ti 109 Padircdll Aranyam Puttur D7 Mangadu Puttur 144 Palamaner P,lamaner 21 00 Manchurtl Vayalpad 5R f'alamanda Punganur -~ _, 3R Mangalam Pllnganur Pafasamudram Puttur 145 Mangalam S ,tyavedu l~O Pannur Satyavedu 118 Marakalakuppam Chittoor 11 Panguru. Kalahasti 111 Marripalle-Dakshana- Papasamlldram Chittoor 9 pukhandriga h/o I\ ladanapalle 45 Katikapalle Puttur 13~ Papepalle Punganur 4~ Marripadu Vayalpad ::~ Pasupathur Pathapalem Kalahasti 1!4 Marudavada S~tyavedu I~O Paltemvandlapalle Madanapalle 49 Medikurthi VayaJpad 59 Pathiputlur Puttur 137 Mclumoyi Palamancr 21 Pathikonda Palamaner ~O Mittapalem Chandragiri ('9 Peddavelagaturu Punganur 42 MogiJi Bangarup 'lem 17 Pedagopannapalle Kuppam 31 Moogavadi Punganur 40 Pedduru Kuppam 25 Musalipedu Kalahasti 113 Penchupadu Madanapalle 52 Mudivedu Madanppalle 50 Penubaka Madanapalle III Mukkalatturu Chittoor 6 Penumuru Chilloor Mulakalacheruvu MadanapalJe 4R Pisatur Satyavedu 122 Mushtllr Madannpalle 53 Pravalavaraneswara- Nadavalur Puttur 136 puram Salyavedu 128 Nagari Puttur 144 Pudi Puttur 137 Nagalapuram Satyavedu 124 Pudipatla Chandragiri 72 Nindra Satyavedu 118 Pullaiahgaripalle . Chandragiri 66 Nangamangalam Chittoor 12 Pullur Bangarupalem 15 Narasingapuram Chandragiri 66 puttur BengJrupalcm 16 Narayanavanam • Puttur 138 Puller Puttur 140 Narigapalle Chittoor 7 Pung nur PlIngznur 40 NeJlatur SHyavedu 131 Puny.samlldram B'ng rllpalam 16 Nellipalla Palamaner 23 Nelvoy Satyavcdu 130 Rajaku1l1aravenkata- Nennur Puttur 136 p~rumalraja- baladurvaripeta Puttur 142 Nekkondi Pungilnur 42 Rajanagaram S ,tyavc(b 123 Nerabylu PUllganur 61 Puttur Puttur 137 Neervoy Satyavedu 122 Pajulapalem Ka ahasti III Nethakuppam Puttur 135 R allabudtlguru Kuppam 25 Outipalle Kuppam 28 Ramagiri Satyavedu 122 OruthangalgoJlakuppam Satyavedu 119 Ramakllppam Palamaner 24- Pachikapalem Puttur n5 Ramapllram Chiltoor 9 Padigalakup pam . Palamaner 24 Ramasamlldram Punganur 39 [ 66 ] Name of the Village Taluk or Page Name of the Village Taluk or Page or Town Sub-Taluk or Town Sub-Taluk (1) (2) (3) (1) "(2) (3) RasimireddipaJJe Thencpalle Chittoor hamlet of Bhakarana- Therani Puttur 144 rasingarayanipeta Chittoor 6 Thimmapalle Chittoor 10 Reddivaripalle Chandragiri 63 ThimmanaY'1nipalle Punganur 36 Rcddivaripalle Madanapalle 51 Thondavada Chandragir.i 6<) Rcnigunla Chandragiri 99 Thondambattu Satyavedu 129 Samudayam Puttur 139 Thoruru Puttur 138 Sanambatla Chandragiri 70 Thugundram Chittoor 4 130 Santhavelur Satyavedu Thettu MadanapalJe 52 Sandramakulapall i Punganur 35 Tirupati Chandragiri 72 Saraswathikhandriga alias Sowbhagya Kalahasti 113 Tripurantakapuramkota • Satyavedu 127 Vijayapuram T; Sattevaripalem. VayaJpad 62 Sathravada Puttur 144 T. Sadam Madanapalle 4<) Satyavedu SatYdvedu 117 Urandur Kalahasti 112 Palamlmer 19 Settipalle Utharabrahmanapalle Bangarupalem 16 Kuppam 29 SettipalJe Uthrapalle Puttur 135 Shamsheerbahadurpet Satyavedu 126 Vallivedu Chandragiri 61 Sirasanambedu Kalahasti 110 Vayalpad Vayalpad 57 Somala Punganur 36 Veligallu Madanapalle 47 SompaJle Mad'lnapalle 45 Velukuru Chittoor 7 Sorakayalapalem • Puttur 136 Vemuru Chandragiri 100 Sooramala Kalahasti 115 VengamvaripaJJe Madanapalle 54 Surendranagaram Puttur 143 Venkatagirikota Palamaner 23 Swarnalingeswara - Vijayapuram Satyavedu 12() puram Kalah sti 114 Talupula Vayalpad 60 Vinjam Chittoor 4 Tamballapalle Madanapalle 47 Vittalam VayaJpad 5& Tavanampalle Bangarupa!el1l 17 Vootupalle Funganur 33 Thandlal1l Chandragiri 100 Yadamari Chittoor 8 Tharigonda Vayalpad 57 Yamaganipalle Kuppal1l 26 Thalambedu Chittoor 10 Yerramarajupalle Puttur 141 ERRATA Page Col. Line No. For Read No. No. (1) (2) (3) (4) (S) Vi 1 1-2 from b:loN ado-ted adopted Vii 2 11 Vad!lntam Vedlinlam Viii 2 S from below ("Gotra"t ("Gotra") 4 from below pries priest 2 2 21 lost lalt 3 2 7 6 3/8 milestone 6 3/ 8th milestone 4 1 14 from 1:elow besides. Special besides special , 2 9 from be-low Vinayaka is VinaYbka was 4 from below Situation Situated 9 22 from below th ewest tbe wen 21 from below were rocks, are rocks 20 froJ! below village. It vill,ge,it 2 25 s is 26 village. villagen 15 from below in at 2 from bel~w Balljas Balijas 10 13 runs. runs 15 2 8-9 suprevises supervises 16 2 12 from below commuoites communi ties 17 £ 22 Nllodi Nandi 19 1 5 Chandeswari Chowdeswari 21 :2 19 Puspapallaki Push pap : llaki 2 21 from below ahd and 26 1 5 Kencham b lli 3 Kanchanab .ilia 27 1 6 (~~ 0" n\X::;Oi$O) (~~ 0" ~0~EO.) 9 Gadba Gada 12 (~~ XBK) (oS,:),j XBi\) 2. from below well with 28 1 25 eract~d erected 26 villages villagers 30 I 14 tourches tourchs 1 17 12. Beggilapalle 12, Beggiiipalle 2 14 from below Chitra Chaitra 2 from b,]ow Shasti Shasti, 31 1 3 ~o~ ~o6 Last but 1 line Kal!latamur Kamathanur 2 10 bronze and bronze 32 2 11 Brahmis Brahmins 33 2 15 Ioca lo:al :34 1 r. Page Col. Line No. For Read No. No. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) 38 1 9 alone stone 24 Zam'ndays Zamindars 2 3 Navami Padyami 8 mile miles 9 from fIrm 17 du puja 2 11 from below w"rsbip worshipped 2 9 from below a JJcal of I ;cal 13 Ugadi, i.e., 39 3 Pebruary February adhishekan abhishekam " 17 vitla~e. vill 1ges. 4 from below with witll 2 4- S ravanam Sravanam 4 from below wiih y;ith 40 1 4 effered offered 16 Duo Due 17 Gollpalle Gollapllle " oranaments crnaments " 18 from below 6 from below ~aint saint's " 5 from below procession processions 2" 5 mises miles 15 herself by throwing by drowning II from below tern pie temple 41 1 15 Jagirdars Zamindars 1 18 & 19 from below nemiche paval.nu nemicheyavalenu 16 from below purifire purifier 2 11 Zamioder Zamiadar 16 toys eartb. toyes of earth " 18 cboItriea Choultries 19 nigbto night 28 hat Jaamejaya, a descedant that JJoamejaya. a descendant 15 from bdow distridu tion distribution 12 from below of locality (l f the I cca lity 4 from brlow fe.livel festival 42 :5 eatable eat:ltl:s, ,; 24 tne the 13 from below Vtbsavam Uthsavclm 12 frGm below S5 is " 5 from below poc.ssioD rrocessiOD 3 from below Dhwaj arobanam Dhwajavarahanam .. 3 seveoht seventh 2 3 from below jaguanay jag Hana 10 Sr Sri 11 from below Davagaoyal (nymphs), .. Dlvakaayas (nymphs). " 9 from below yard. yards from " 4 frem bllow peopll, people 43 1 7 vows silver VOWil. Silver 9 ara are " 18 from below Rama, Rima 16 from belOW ship worship 2" 8 from below Chittor Cbitt\)or 44 2 21 narrratina narratioa 4) 1 4 ihe tbe 14 from below riluvall rituals 13 from below fitist firs' 46 1 , imr,es imagrs " 25 Cocanuts Coconut. :z 2 Pasuvala Pasuvula l' PAb.d, Pabpd. iii Page Col. Line No. For Read No. N@. (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) 46 2 17 penace penance 19 incence incense J7 from below vhtors visitors 13 from below celecrated celebrated 47 21 e'ected el;:cted 2 13 vcndrnkalu ventrukalu Il:l extended Mysorc extended to Myscre 48 2 14 from below temple in the village temple 49 2 II from below (confluence) (co!lfluen ~e', 51 14 Gangamma. Gangamma 15 from below dal are dal) are 52 2 15 s urroun jings surrounding I 13 pa tros. patro- 2 17 from below eonfioled confined 8 from b.Jcw SIHntinike'ian Shantiniketan Kishna Krishna 53 Last lioe piaGes p:aces 58 2 14 town town- 59 1 19 from below north north, 2 12 from below takes take 4 from below 10 due ('our.e ]0 course 60 J 1 Laksnmi Narayana L',kshmi Narasimha 2 10 from below formerfly. fcrmerly -61 I 8 from belo'N COmmuDlties communities, 2 8 from bel)w (Jannuar~-Fabruary). Durin~ (Januuy-Februaryl, during 62 2 7 owes vows {j3 i 8 fur from ,i .. Baaula Bahula 12 ralhostsavam rathotuvam 15 dhwajarobana dhwajwaronanam ., 11 from be!,)w ramily famLy 2 6 road road, ., 11 from below Klikbika Knthika -65 1 1Z spen spent 14 Yadavast Yadavas 2 12 from below It i, a said It is said f,7 1 6 cabilistic cabalistic 2 5 Chandragir Chandragiri 25 from below. Kodachuttur Kondachuttu -69 1 6 from below celebratem celebrated 71 1 15 from below Vaisa Vaisya 23 73 1 betwre . betw~en 28 These There .. last 790 25' 79 0 -'25' 2 14 bas look up at the sky has to look up at the sky "';)~ , 16 Afier After 18 from below, Madhava Madhva 74 2 16 Grishasta Grihasta 2 24 Dwajasthambham Dhwajastham.ham, th'ree three prakaram prakarams, 1 75 6 gava gave 2 12 from below ~ ioS.~o ~ ioS.:!_ 0 77 2 17 ..previleged privjleged 2 14 from below The Sampangi Padakshinam The Sampangi Pradakshinam 18 1 17 from below Phavi bavi 12 from below Agams Agamas " 4 from below Tiruimalai Tirumalai 79 1 2 Bhavi Bavi 5 20 22 ) 2 9 Devadasa Dwadasa iv Page Col. Line No. For Read No. No. (1) (2) (3) (4) 15) 79 2 11 & 12 Hrishkesa, Hrishikesa, 80 1 15 from belO\v elect erect 81 1 20 from below Ugra Srinivasa Ugra Srinivasa, 2 16 iconograpically iconographically 8 from below H iranyaksha Hiranyakha, 82 3 beore before 21 " Shathi Shakthi 22 Suddari Sundari 11 from re'ow breat breast 2 6 viwing viewing 2 19 crime and left crime, left 20 penace penance 2 from below Kalhapur Kolhapur last line Mangapur am Mangapuram 83 1 12 Chakra. Chakra, 13 from below Vuaktha Vyaktha 5 hithyasuris. nithyasuris. 2 21 from below" trivities trinities 12 from below or of last system system, 84 1 14 Muthology Mythology 18 obsarbed absarbed .. 22 from below Kshettam Kshatram 21 from below " Sankalapam sankaJpam 6 from below Sravanam Sravanam, 2 20 fr·)m below Pnshkarini Pushkarini 19 disciplies disciples 5&6 penace penance 85 "1 10 requested. requested: 17 fro111 below " accomedate accomodate 2 1 sprikling sprinkling 2 11 to this to their 2 11 from below Kanayakaparamcswari Kanya k a parameswari 86 1 9 so far so for 13 idol there idol 2 10 pillard pillared 87 1 2&3 Bhogasrinivasa. moorthy Bhogasrinivasamoorthy 9 rlatives relatives IS " Brama Brahma 13 from below temper-men temperment "2 10 KapiJathreetham Kapilatheertham 2 18 it issued Lr the form it issued from last munificient munificent 88 1 7 from below (as 26-1'-71) (as on 2f-I-'71) 2 4 the by by the 26 " so payment so on payment " 16 from below contine continue 8~ " F<>ot Dote Monthly· festivals place placed Against 3. line 2 ., Annual festivals 2 the in bathe in Against 5, line 3 "- line 4 moritori1ls meritorius under Asthanams line 3 almanu is read out almanac is read Ollt- 9() 2 2S confined confined to under programme of mall mail Brahmoth~am. line S last but one line ume of programme same pro gramme 91 1 . 10 fight of for fight for .. 17 under the under Page- ;'~Col. lineN,'. -For R\)ad No. N •. (1) (2) (3) (4) .(5) 92 5 i& accoUllted are accounted 13 profits r 9) o- J 9 h('lndi hundi -, 1 1 Z marriage beg marrh ge, beg }. !ioc- abDve shaving shavings prostutio IS ;2 Itne 3 uDder prost!;.+,\ions prolangt'd prolQlJged _Jiml 7 under. prostrations ports parts 94 ! 1 ;3 greately greatly I 1 ] a domina bdorning 11 from bOI:.om Tahallapak ThalJapak ._ 2 :; l1isending discovering ?3 describes rec.uiJes 31 marj,o,e marg.csa 3-t places vlaces' 2 from bottom 10adginl I dging 95 1 11 choultry choultry. 26 before infrf'llt of 96 line 3 above 'f8, b ... • ~( 8(~-'(j9 water supply 9-, 9 pqrasadam pra98dam iO'J _, 1 lioe 3 under 32. Veatu'u form form, 4 und -r 32·; Vemutu d ilapi Col. Line No. For ··Read - e , - PJs..o. No. (I) (2) (3) (4) (') . uthsavam 12' 2 8 from,bcttom uthsavams from bottom Pujaris Moulvies " "3 fr,m bottom Mina Saheb Mian Saheb 127 1 22 people af people of i. 13 Wednesday anl Wednesday Ion 17 f1 he-buffelo a he- buffalo 25 Sri \ adlvelu. Pillai Sri Vadivtlu :Pillai. J5 fr, m b ttQm plase please 128 1 .J cegin1ing beginning 2 .21 Pujari is Ii ca,te of Jangam Pujari is of Jal1&am caste. b ttom Beedakuppam l-eeraku ppam 130 2 0 iD'age im ges 131 J. bOltom breaks out break (' ut 133 1 0 dilapidate diJapid~ ted J36 1. 3 fn'm bottom devotJ;s de\ ottes 1 0 2 lj frem b_tl m constracted , ( onslructed 14 is meet is n et H~ ,Sl 2 16 harizontal horizontal ,51-I. 2 writ-ng writing Paksha 152 2 2 fn m bottom Pabha * foot note - 2 frf>m b, hom G nerallY Generally !( 153 2 2 profeeskn. profeSSiOn\ ~ foot rate 5 Fairs and Fe$tivals Statements. ( March-April ( 3) 5 Against 2. Rallal-udugur (February-March) (May-June) (June -July) (24) 5 Against 12. Beerangi Lakshminarayana Swam)' L:ikshminar. simha !wamy (28) 4 ',Agair 5t 10. Medik(lrtbi- < <; weak w GLOSSARY 2 d.noted do aled ? 1/i"::J.1oer",;;:Q !3v1!,N:;Oj"':):) w~oOj"6J ~O"15s>olT' lEe::: ~oi,jtp, l~oa;.).o;ftJ"O e3cXl05e)~ n • '-.: ~ .D~ J il" [;3 S 't 6 oJ;;:)' ~ fJ" 6 N"~ cJS:J-o? ~Ow,? e. e. 'is ~:;J.-'""" Z:fe3S O'oAo this ceremony, part of which consists in offering milk ~e.; Thejopuram kanakavasanam swarnabhushojwalangi rn to snakes with the object of propitiating them, The tff~~60 S~$$eJilo -;_..-,;.il;;S6d, 0 ~1;l'N"O general observance of this festival which is common to all castes of Hindus, irrespective of social status, is Bheejapuram kanakakalasam hemapadmam dadhanarn to observe the day as a festive day; clean the reside ~W'~o il§ 0 ;;)' (jc!~,~() ~~ .,.~... o~ 5:il nces, have oil-bath, don new clothing and worship Manyam'" sakthim sakalajananeem Vishnu vamanka ant-hill. Generally each family has an ant-hill ;:5o~5:I Q which is being worshipped for years. CIz a lim idi, Samstham" panakam and vadapappu are offered. Miniature eyes and hoods of N-:tgendra made of silver are The women who perform vratham wear nine placed on the ant-hill and fresh cow's milk is poured rounds of saffron coloured thread to their right wrists. into it after breaking cocoanuts. A bit of earth from Muthaiduvas (women in married status) are invited. 151 • .1wratld is offered. flowers and thambulam are distri the new born baby from the prison where it was born • buted to them. Va.vanams are given to a Brahmin to the house of Yasoda, the wife of Nanda, on the other keeping in a new winnow, fruits, l1owers, tlzambulam side of river Yamuna, and from there brought a and dakslzina with new clothes and the nine varieties female child, which he placed by the side of his of preparations at th~ rate of twelve each and cove "Jeeping wife. The serpent king Vasuki followed ring all with another new winnow. The festival is Vasudeva across the Yamuna with his hood spread COOI]i-,;:1 to Brahm;n~ and well-ta-do Vaisyas. A few over the infant God to protect from the inclemency V:erasaiva and non-8ra:1:11in families observe it as an of weather, and it is said that the river made a way at .a!~nual fcst!nl on one of these Fridays, though hased the place where Vasudeva crossed it. on diJf~rent leg~nd. The legend is that Veerasimha, the King of rv1agaJha prayed Lord Siva to save his Sri Krishna was born in the night. The general suojects from epidemics and famine. Lord Siva told him observance is to fast the whole day. His decorated in a c:rcam about the efficacy of Sravalla Sukravara image or His picture is kept in a cradle and worshipped Vra!/l'l;;Z aau ordained that it should be observed by indicatiug His Birth. The next evening there is a pro l:le king himself, his queen, children and all his cession of the Lord and there is a celebration of lulu SU0jCCtS. Accordingly tbey performed the vratllam i. e., two vertical poles are erected on either side of a and there was relief and ~ubsquent prosperity to all road; a harizontal bamboo is tied aCfQSS and a pulley subj~cts of the kingdom. is nxed in the middle over which a rope is passed. To one end of the rope a small bamboo basket is tied and The concerned legends are recited and listened to. a cocoanut and few rupees are placed in it. The basket In the Rayalas~ema districts of Andhra, this is observed is decorated all around with cOloured cloth and heads only by a few families in towns and big places. of maize. The other end of the rope is pulled up and In Chittoor district the newly marri.::d brides (!:own tempting competitors to catch and take tbe invariably p~rf0rm this and the motha givcs her a contents of the basket which is called lItti. As the present, however, small. The daughters arc brought competitors try to catch, the utt i is pulled up and to th.::ir parents' house. water thrown against their faces. Though all the Hindus participate in the festival the Vaishnavites and 5. Sri Krishna Jayanthi or Sri Jayanthi is celebrated a few of the of other Hindus fdst. In most of the on Sral'ana Bahula Ashtami and Navami (July villages one or two members in the Vaishnavite fami August). The first day is Lord Sri Krishna's birih lies fast and perform the festival in their homes. In a day. Sri Maba Vishnu took this as His eighth in few places, the Krishna temples are first washed with carnation in the series of his ten avatlzaras. jaggery water and then with plain water in the morning and the usual functions are held only within the temple. Peop!e celebrate the great events of Srikrishna's This festival is observe d in rural parts on a modest birth on this day. Fruits like Neredu, Jama and scale by Vaishnavites in their hous~s and by the rest severai kinds of eatables are offered to the Lord. of the Hindus at the temple of Lord Krishna. The Palakayalu, janthikalu, chakkilaht are invariably utti function takes place in front of the temple or in prepared for the festivaL the main street of the village. According to the Bhagavatha Purana, Kamsa, a 6. Vinayaka Chavithi is a common Hindu festi demon VOwed to kill all the children born of his sister Devaki, because he was told that his destroyer would val celebrated by the rich and the poor of the Hindu be born of her. Accordingly, he imprisoned his community, the scale of celebrations depending upon sister Devaki and her husband, Vasudeva and kept the social and economic status of the family. This is strict vigilence over them. When Krishna was born, De celebrated on the fourth day of the waning moon vaki immediately after her accouchment, fell asleep and in the month of Bhadrapadam (August-September). a general torpor seized all the guards at the prison, due to the spell known as yogamaya1 of Sri Krishna. Ganesa is the God of wisdom. All sacrifices and During her sleep, her husband Vasudeva carried away religious ceremonies, all serious compositions in writ·