2 days ago
Devotees Offer Live Scorpions During Kodumuru Temple Ritual
People visited a hilltop temple in Kodumuru for a yearly religious ceremony.
The ceremony takes place on the third Monday of the Sraavana month.
Some visitors looked for live scorpions under rocks, in bushes and in fields.
They brought the scorpions to the temple and released them near the deity’s feet.
Some devotees also held scorpions in their hands, on their heads or in their mouths.
They believe the scorpions will not sting them during the ceremony.
They also believe the ritual can help their wishes come true.
Local residents said hundreds of scorpions were brought to the temple on Monday.
Devotees gathered at a hilltop temple in Kodumuru, Kurnool district, for an annual Sraavana worship ritual.
The ceremony is held every year on the third Monday of the Telugu month of Sraavana, including Monday, August 31.
Devotees searched fields, bushes and areas beneath rocks for live scorpions and brought them to the temple.
The scorpions were offered or released near the deity’s feet, with some devotees reportedly holding them in their hands, on their heads or in their mouths.
Devotees believe the scorpions do not sting during the ritual, or that a sting will not harm them, and say the tradition has continued for generations.
- Who
- Devotees from Kodumuru, nearby areas and other parts of the state.
- What
- They collected live scorpions and offered them during an annual temple worship ritual.
- Where
- A hilltop temple in Kodumuru, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
- When
- Monday, August 31, on the third Monday of the Telugu month of Sraavana.
- Why
- Devotees believe the ritual honors the deity, may fulfil their wishes and protects them from scorpion stings.
Devotee Beliefs
Reported Observations
Protection from stings
Devotee Beliefs
Devotees believe scorpions do not sting them during the offering, or that a sting will not harm them.
Reported Observations
The reports describe devotees handling live scorpions, but do not independently verify the belief that stings cause no harm.
Religious identity
Devotee Beliefs
One report identifies the deity as Lord Venkateswara Swamy, while another calls the deity Sri Kondala Rayudu Swamy; devotees regard the scorpions as especially dear to the deity.
Reported Observations
The articles differ in the deity’s name and describe the practice as a traditional Sraavana worship ritual at the Kodumuru temple.
Key facts
- Ritual
- Live scorpions are brought to the temple and offered or released near the deity’s feet.
- Timing
- The ritual takes place annually on the third Monday of the Sraavana month.
- Location
- A hilltop temple in Kodumuru, Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh.
- Scorpion sources
- Devotees search agricultural fields, bushes and areas beneath stones or rocks.
- Participation
- Devotees attend from Kodumuru, surrounding areas and other parts of the state.
- Reported scale
- Local residents said hundreds of scorpions were brought during Monday’s ritual.
- Tradition
- Participants and residents said the practice has continued for decades or generations.
Quotes
Boya Ravi Shankar
A resident of Kodumur who offered three scorpions to the deity
“As part of the Sraavana third-Monday worship, we believe the scorpions do not sting devotees while they are being offered to the deity. Even if one stings, devotees believe that nothing will happen to them. Our elders have always told us that scorpions are especially dear to Kondala Rayudu Swamy.”
deccanchronicle.com
“This has been our tradition for generations.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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