Pothurajus Sacrifice a Lot to be Bonalu’s Fearless Guardians

Srikanth Jawaji has served as the Pothuraju at the Akkana Madanna Temple for the past 12 years. “From the time of the Balkampet Yellamma Kalyanam I observe nishta,” he explains. “I walk barefoot and abstain from non-vegetarian food until the Abari (elephant) procession is over. I fast the entire Sunday, and it takes at least two hours to apply turmeric, vermilion, oil, lemon juice and neem leaves on both Sunday and Monday.”

Many Pothurajus belong to families that have performed the role for a century and a half. Posani Ashwin Mudiraj, the chief Pothuraju at Sri Simhavahin Mahankali Devalayam in Lal Darwaza, comes from a lineage that has served for about 120 years. “I rise early, bathe, and perform puja to the Goddess at home, also honouring the Pothurajus in our family who have passed away,” he says. “The temple committee then escorts me to the temple and collects the bandara, turmeric, vermilion, oil, lemons and neem leaves. The waist belt and ankle bells I use have been handed down through generations.”

According to legend, Pothuraju is the younger brother of seven sister‑deities. When the goddesses were first taken out in procession they asked that their brother accompany them, and ever since, he has led their processions, embodying their protective spirit and adding a unique vibrancy to the Bonalu festivities.

Smeared in turmeric, with vermilion on their foreheads, they wear waist belts and anklets strung with bells. Devotees believe the goddess courses through his veins as he brandishes a whip, guiding each electrifying step. Traditionally, the Pothuraju bit the neck of a goat as a sacrificial act; today he symbolically bites a pumpkin before leading the Baligampa procession, carrying the offered bonam (food) and sprinkling it over houses throughout the locality.

Mohan Pothuraju, who recently concluded his duties at the Golconda Bonalu, adds, “After the puja and other rituals, it takes me about two hours to get ready. Helpers coat my entire body with turmeric mixed in oil. We keep the same traditional appearance our grandfather used, though some younger Pothurajus now experiment with body paint and contact lenses.”

The twin cities are immersed in the traditional Bonalu Panduga celebrations. While half of the GHMC region has already completed its festivities, the remaining areas are gearing up for the grand event. The festival continues throughout the month as families invite relatives and friends to take part in celebrations in their own localities.

The Old City’s Bonalu has been renowned since ancient times. Temples of historic significance across the area are adorned for the occasion, and hundreds of village deity shrines are richly decorated as devotees seek the Goddess’s blessings for protection and prosperity.