Devotee rush intensifies at Medaram after Sammakka’s arrival

MEDARAM

The Medaram tribal shrine has been witnessing a heavy influx of devotees since the arrival of Goddess Sammakka on Thursday night.

Minister for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Danasari Anasuya Seethakka and District Collector T.S. Divakara have been closely monitoring the arrangements, with officials taking steps to ensure smooth darshan for pilgrims arriving from across the country.

Large number of women devotees were seen standing in long queues, carrying jaggery blocks on their heads and children on their waists. Families spanning three generations were a common sight, reflecting the deep-rooted tradition associated with the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara. The Jatara commemorates the valour and sacrifice of the mother-daughter duo, who are believed to have fought against the mighty Kakatiyas and were martyred.

The expansion of the temple premises, including newly developed covered queue lines, has largely helped in easing crowd movement and facilitating darshan.

Near stampede situation?

However, an alleged lapse in crowd management led to tense moments on Thursday night following Sammakka’s arrival from Chilakalagutta, as devotees gathered outside the designated queue lines, resulting in commotion and a near-stampede situation.

“A few devotees reportedly sustained injuries in the incident, and vehicles belonging to Tribal Welfare Minister Adluri Laxman Kumar were damaged by irate devotees,” a devotee said.

The situation was further aggravated by power outages in several areas of the jatara grounds on Thursday night, leading to impatience among devotees. Some local shops were also damaged allegedly by an unruly mob, which include Hijras. There was criticism that the police failed to effectively regulate the crowd and were more focused on VVIP movement, causing inconvenience to general devotees.

Steep hike

Devotees also complained of a steep hike in the prices of essential commodities at Medaram, with the cost of jaggery (bangaram) and poultry reportedly witnessing a sharp increase. “Even basic necessities have become costlier, with one-litre water bottles being sold at ₹30,” a devotee said.

After offering prayers, Ms. Seethakka interacted with devotees and enquired about the difficulties they faced. Speaking to the media later, she said elaborate arrangements had been put in place and maintained that the Jatara was proceeding smoothly. She described the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara as a unique symbol of Telangana’s cultural heritage.