A shtavadhanam is a great literary feat that requires amazing memory power, utter concentration, complete command over Telugu grammar, poetic excellence, spontaneity and many other qualities. The Pruchakas , eight in number, and well acquainted in literary aspects, shoots puzzling questions at the Avadhani, who answers them instantly and spontaneously with an undercurrent of humour.
One of the masters in the field, Bramhsri Garikapati Narasimha Rao conducted the Ashtavadhanam with successfully for Mummaneni Subbarao Sidhardha Kala Peetham, Vijayawada and the crowd enjoyed every minute of it.
The Ashtavadhani brilliantly and deftly gave fitting replies to the puzzles posed by the Pruchakas . The Pruchakas were Dr.Palaparti Syamalananda Prasad ( Nishidhakshari ), Dr.Gumma Sambasiva Rao ( Samasya ), Dr.Sasri ( Dattapadi ), Dr.Jandhyala Paradesi Babu ( Varnana ), Dr.Kalavapalli Balasubramanyam ( Asuvu ), Dr.Nagabhairava Adinarayana ( Vyastakshari ), Dr.Smt.N.Jwalamamba ( Purana Pathanam ) and Ravula Sambasivarao ( Aprastuta Prasangam ). Nagella Guruprasada Rao, secretary of the Kalapeetham explained the rules of the Ashtavadhanam and introduced all the participants.