Salleshwaram Jatara to Conclude on Friday as Nearly Two Lakh Devotees Thronged Jungles
The shrine of Lord Lingamayya, worshipped by the Chenchu tribes, is situated beneath a waterfall, drawing pilgrims for both religious significance and the forest setting.
Hyderabad:The Salleshwaram Jatara, often referred to as the ‘Telangana Amarnath Yatra’, has drawn nearly two lakh devotees in the first two days, with authorities expecting a further surge on the final day on April 3 before access to the forest shrine closes for the year.
Held deep inside the Amrabad Tiger Reserve in the Nallamala hills, the three-day festival centres around a shrine located in a narrow valley about 1,000 feet below ground level. Devotees undertake a 4-km trek from the parking point to reach the site.
The shrine of Lord Lingamayya, worshipped by the Chenchu tribes, is situated beneath a waterfall, drawing pilgrims for both religious significance and the forest setting.
Devotees from Hyderabad and nearby districts travel via the Srisailam route, entering through Mannanur before continuing on foot along a rocky trail. Pilgrims, including elderly participants, undertake the trek with walking sticks, chanting “Wastunnamm Lingamayya” along the route.
Authorities have deployed forest personnel and response teams to regulate vehicular and pedestrian movement while monitoring wildlife activity. Health camps, drinking water facilities and temporary shelters have been arranged along the route.
Forest officials have issued advisories against the use of plastic materials, urging pilgrims to carry reusable items and dispose of non-biodegradable waste at designated collection points before entering the core forest area. With the festival entering its final day, officials said a large turnout is expected as this year’s Salleshwaram Jatara concludes.
