Andhra Pradesh: Scorpions Offered As ‘Mahaprasadam’ To Deity
Strange tradition continues at Kodumur temple in Kurnool district: Reports
KURNOOL: Devotees offered live scorpions to Sri Kondala Rayudu Swamy at a temple in Kodumur on Monday as part of a traditional Sraavana worship.
The ritual is observed every year on the third Monday of the Sraavana month. Devotees search agricultural fields, bushes and areas under stones for live scorpions and bring them to the temple, where they are released near the deity’s feet.
Kodumur resident Boya Ravi Shankar said he collected three scorpions and offered them to the deity. “This has been our tradition for generations,” he said.
Another devotee, B. Shekarappa, said devotees believed that the scorpions did not sting them while they were being brought to the temple.
“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,” he said.
The practice continued for decades and attracted devotees from Kodumur and surrounding areas to the temple in large numbers. Local residents said hundreds of scorpions were brought to the temple during Monday’s ritual.