The Chenchu tribes’ indigenous culture was in the limelight during the religious festival at ‘Palanka Kshetra’ in the thick Nallamalla forests, 45 km from here, on Tuesday.
Braving the tough terrain, tens and thousands of pilgrims from both sides of river Krishna trekked on the beaten path to visit the temple dedicated to Lord Veerabhadraswamy, a fiery form of Shiva, and His consort Bhadrakali, while enjoying the scenic beauty.
The temple was constructed during the rule of Vijayanagar emperor Srikrishnadevaraya.
Continuing the family tradition, Mallikarjuna Naidu, one of the descendants of chieftains Boda Venkatapati Naidu and Nalagati Pedda Timma Naidu, performed special poojas on the auspicious ‘Toli Ekadasi’.
The legend goes that the two warriors were given the task of making the area free of robbers by the Vijayanagara emperor. The tribals armed with bows and arrows ensured a safe passage for the pilgrims in the forests up to ‘Peddakonda’.
Devotees offered prayers after a holy dip in the Palanka Kunta, which joins the river Krishna downstream. Couples who visit the temple pray for progeny and christen their babies after the Lord of Palanka.
Medical campThe pilgrims were provided ORS packet and anti-malaria drugs at a medical camp organised at Kolukala centre here on the eve of the festival. “We have kept a special police party in readiness to rush to Palanka in case of any emergencies,” Yerragondapalem SI P. Mukkanti told The Hindu .
