Centuries-old rain and healing ritual observed in Yemmiganur

Kurnool: Kurnool district, widely known for its age-old traditions and peculiar customs, witnessed a bizarre religious ritual at Venkatapuram Colony in Yemmiganur mandal, where devotees ran over people lying on the ground.

Held at the Sri Gunti Rangaswamy temple on the eve of the first Monday of the holy Shravan month, the event attracted thousands of worshippers from surrounding villages.

As part of the traditional practice, nearly 1,000 devotees from Venkatapuram Colony embarked on a midnight journey carrying swords, sticks, and agricultural implements. Chanting religious slogans, they undertook a 40-km march on foot to the Tungabhadra River near Gangavaram.

After collecting sacred river water, they returned to perform a special abhishekam to Lord Gunti Rangaswamy.

Following the ritual, devotees carrying flower-decorated weapons circled the temple five times while chanting “Govinda, Govinda.” Locals believe the deity accompanies the procession when sacred river water is carried.

Meanwhile, people suffering from physical and mental ailments lay down on the ground around the shrine. The devotees carrying water then ran over them, as participants believe the dust raised by their feet helps alleviate diseases.

The villagers firmly believe this procession and weapon-carrying ritual invoke the rain God, ensuring timely rainfall and bountiful crop yields.

Despite concerns regarding the hazardous nature of such practices, the traditional custom has continued uninterrupted for generations. Thousands of devotees and curious onlookers thronged the village to witness the unusual spectacle, which remains one of the most deeply rooted customs of the region.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Narendra Kr Varikuntla

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