Dharmaram Villagers Worship Monkey They Feared 50 Years Ago

 Adilabad: Across many villages, residents often express anger towards monkeys for attacking people, stealing food and, in some cases, causing injuries and even deaths, particularly among the elderly. At the same time, there are villagers who view monkeys with devotion, showing love and affection rooted in religious belief.

Some villagers consider monkeys to be an avatar of Lord Hanuman and worship them, choosing not to harm the animals. In contrast, the growing menace of monkey attacks has made the demand for their capture a major issue in several villages. During the recent gram panchayat elections, many sarpanch candidates even promised to address the monkey problem if elected.

However, villagers of Dharmaram took a unique turn of events. A monkey that had troubled the village for years died after being attacked by villagers who were unable to bear its repeated aggression. Following its death, many residents began to feel a deep sense of loss and remorse.

According to villagers, the monkey had arrived in Dharmaram about 50 years ago and soon became part of daily village life. Initially friendly, it mingled freely with residents and stayed in the village for nearly two years. Over time, however, the animal became aggressive, attacking villagers, biting children and injuring domestic animals. Efforts to chase it away failed, and during one such incident, the monkey was beaten with sticks and died of its injuries. Its body was buried on the outskirts of the village.

After its death, many villagers said they felt its absence deeply. Discussions began about the bond they had shared with the monkey and the void it had left behind. According to local belief, one villager later claimed that the monkey appeared in his dream and asked that a temple be built in its honour, assuring him that it bore no grudge against the villagers.

Moved by this belief and their lingering attachment, villagers decided to construct a temple at the spot where the monkey was buried. The temple, known as the Kothidevuni Temple, was built in 1976 as a symbol of devotion and affection.

Since then, a two-day jatara has been held annually at the temple. As part of the celebrations, Rathotsavam is organised on December 19, followed by the jatara on December 20. Devotees from neighbouring villages also attend, and special pujas and rituals are performed for the monkey deity.

Thippani Rajeshwar of Peechara village in Laxmanchanda mandal said the annual jatara at the Kothidevuni Temple reflected the deep emotional bond villagers shared with the monkey. He said many residents had become devoted worshippers, treating the monkey as a deity and offering prayers regularly.