With a significant surge of pilgrims, an atmosphere of heightened spiritual fervour and devotion pervaded the forest areas of Medaram tribal shrine and its surrounding villages in Mulugu on Wednesday, as one of the two main tribal deities — Saralamma (also known as Sarakka) — was installed atop the ‘Gadde’ (a sacred platform) at around 9.30 p.m. on Wednesday in adherence to centuries-old Koya tribal tradition.
The event marks the commencement of the biennial Sammakka-Saralamma Jatara, which is said to be Asia’s biggest tribal congregation. Saralamma was brought to the Gadde in a procession amidst tight police security from Kannepally village, three km away from Medaram, by Koya priests wearing red headgear after performing prayers at the temple. The procession was led by a priest carrying a flag bearing the image of Lord Hanuman.
Simultaneously, Pagididda Raju, the consort of Sammakka, from Punugondla village of Mahabubabad district, located about 80 km away, and Govinda Raju, the consort of Sarakka, from Kondai village of Eturnagaram, have been brought to their Gadde. Prior to their arrival at the shrine, the family members of four clans (Gotram) of Koya tribes performed special prayers to these deities at Jampannavagu rivulet, a tributary of the Godavari.
