Telugu movie buffs can recollect at least half-a-dozen movies at the very first glimpse of ‘Pattisam Temple.’ Located on a small hillock rounded by the Godavari, the temple attracts the tourists and gives a divine feel to the devotees.
Even in the present days of fast track roads and bridges, one has to take a boat to reach the island and walk in the sandy stretch for at least a kilometre to reach the temple. Constructed during the Chola period, the temple is an abode for both Lord Siva and Lord Vishnu and ‘Maha Sivaratri’ is the festival during which the pilgrim turnout would be about two lakh in a day. The turnout, however, is nominal during the ordinary days.
“During the auspicious Kartika Masam, at least 1,000 people visit the temple daily. We have at least two to three film shoots every year. During those times, along with the film crew, people in large numbers gather here to watch the shoot,” says Ryali Suryanarayana Murthy, chief priest of the Siva temple. ‘Megha Sandesam,’ ‘Bhakta Kannappa,’ ‘Tolikodi Koosindi,’ ‘Janaki Ramudu,’ ‘Ayanaki Iddaru’ and ‘Ninne Premista’ are a few films to name that were shot at the temple.
“For some film units, shooting at least a couple of scenes here is a sentiment,” observes Mr. Murthy. During the recent Godavari Maha Pushkaralu, over three lakh pilgrims visited the two temples. “Boat is the only mode of transport to reach this temple, as there are no plans to construct a bridge. When the Godavari is in spate, the water touches the temple steps,” says Nalam Surya Chandra Rao, Executive Officer of the temple.
The age old temple was given a complete facelift when the government sanctioned Rs. 4 crore on account of Godavari Pushkaralu in 2003. Until then, eight families of the temple priests had their houses abutting the temple. As part of the renovation, the houses were removed, forcing the priests to shifting to rented accommodations in Pattiseema village. “In the absence of temple kitchen, we have been suffering a lot to undertake the daily rituals,” says Mr. Murthy.
