Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Devotees Gather for Centuries-Old Scorpion Festival in Kodumur
People gathered at Kondrayi hill for a special religious festival.
The event takes place every year during the Sravana month.
At the festival, devotees handle live scorpions.
Some placed the scorpions on their hands, heads or tongues.
They then offered the scorpions to Lord Kondalarayudu.
Devotees believe this practice brings protection and blessings.
The tradition has been passed down through generations.
Visitors from across the state came to see the unusual ceremony.
Hundreds of devotees gathered at Kondrayi hill in Kodumur, Kurnool district, for the annual scorpion festival.
The festival is held on the third Monday of the holy Sravana month.
Worshippers picked up live scorpions and placed them on their palms, heads and, in some cases, tongues.
Devotees offered the scorpions to Lord Kondalarayudu, whom they believe is an incarnation of Lord Venkateswara.
Participants believe the ritual protects them from harm, brings blessings and helps fulfill their wishes.
- Who
- Hundreds of devotees, including men, women and children, attended the festival.
- What
- They participated in an annual ritual involving the collection, handling and offering of live scorpions.
- When
- On the third Monday of the holy Sravana month.
- Where
- Kondrayi hill in Kodumur, Kurnool district.
- Why
- Devotees believe offering scorpions to Lord Kondalarayudu provides protection, blessings and fulfilled wishes.
- Event
- Annual scorpion festival
- Location
- Kondrayi hill, Kodumur, Kurnool district
- Timing
- Third Monday of the Sravana month
- Ritual
- Devotees handle live scorpions and offer them to the deity
- Deity
- Lord Kondalarayudu
- Belief
- The offering protects devotees, brings blessings and fulfills wishes
- Tradition
- A centuries-old practice passed down through generations