Ravana Seva at Ancient Jonnawada Temple in Nellore District Today
The temple’s origins are linked to ancient legends narrated in the Brahmananda Purana and Skanda Purana
Nellore:The spiritually vibrant village of Jonnawada in Buchireddypalem mandal of Nellore district is drawing thousands of devotees during the ongoing annual Brahmotsavam celebrations at the famed Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy Kamakshi Thayi Devasthanam.
One of the major attractions of the festivities — the traditional Ravana Seva — will be organised on Wednesday, May 13, followed by the Silver Nandi Seva on May 14, the grand Rathotsavam on May 15, and the celestial Kalyanotsavam and Teppotsavam on May 16.
Apart from elaborate temple rituals and colourful processions, the temple premises has turned into a cultural hub with devotional music concerts, dance performances, and mythological stage plays, entertaining pilgrims during the festival period.
Believed to be more than 1,000 years’ old, the temple dedicated to Lord Sri Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Kamakshi Thayi, deeply rooted in mythology and faith, stands on the banks of Penna River. Both deities are believed to be Swayambhu — self-manifested idols. According to local belief, devotees who sleep in the temple premises are blessed with divine visions of Goddess Kamakshi in their dreams and fulfilment of their wishes.
The temple’s origins are linked to ancient legends narrated in the Brahmananda Purana and Skanda Purana. Mythology says Sage Kashyapa Maharshi performed a grand yajna at the site during Treta Yuga, leading to the manifestation of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy from the sacred fire altar. Goddess Parvati later arrived at the sacred Yajnavatika and remained there as Kamakshi Thayi at the request of Lord Shiva to bless devotees for eternity.
Jonnawada — historically known as “Zannawada” — derives its name from the Sanskrit words Yagna and Vatika, referring to a sacred sacrificial garden. The temple architecture reflects a blend of Chola and Vijayanagara styles, with intricate carvings, and majestic gateways. The sacred Sri Chakram is believed to have been installed by Adi Shankaracharya.
Temple executive officer Arvabhumi Venkata Srinivasulu Reddy appealed to devotees to participate in large numbers, receive teertha prasadam, and seek the blessings of the divine couple during the auspicious Brahmotsavam celebrations.
