Adivasis warn against installation of new deity at Padmalpuri Kako temple
Adilabad: Adivasis are hugely disappointed with the alleged installation of a deity, which has a striking resemblance to Telangana Talli statue in their newly constructed Padmalpuri Kako temple at Gudirevu in Mancherial district’s Dandepally mandal.
Padmalpuri Kako temple is amongst the most sacred of places of worship for Adivasis, as it is symbolic of their culture and traditions. Considered the temple of Ethmasur pen, there are only two such temples in the country. Adivasi devotees from Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh visit the temple. The Ethmasur pen is Gussadis’ god and Adivasis consider Gussadis as sacred.
Most Adivasis wear a Gussadi cap made of peacock feathers and traditional attire conclude their Diwali festivities with a cultural event at the Padmalpuri Kako temple. Kako in Gondi dialect implies grandmother.
Many Adivasis alleged that a deity with features of Telangana Talli was installed secretly by the temple committee, under the patronage of some TRS leaders, on Saturday night. Adivasi leaders said that they will oppose such practices tooth and nail as the move was an onslaught on their unique culture.
Kumra Shyamrao of Adilabad said the temple committee on the behest of some TRS leaders neglected the ancient deity of Padmalpuri Kako, which they shifted to the rear while installing the new one.
He said the local temple committees should realize the importance of preserving their culture and protecting their sacred places from being encroached by non-tribals.
Adivasis from across the state expressed their anger through messages on social networking sites.
A majority appealed to the temple committee members to replace the newly installed deity with the old deity of Padmalpuri Kako. They warned that Adivasis as a community would decide the future course of action after Diwali.
