Villagers Uphold Ancient Varadha Pasham Ritual in Jagtial
Once a year, they gather to perform a special ritual known as Varadha Pasham, believed to appease Sri Ugra Narasimha Swamy and ensure good health, prosperity, and plentiful harvests for the year ahead. This annual event is not merely a prayer, it is a profound testament to the deep-rooted beliefs passed down through generations
KARIMNAGAR: In a powerful display of community faith and reverence for age-old customs, villagers from Beerpur mandal in Jagtial district continue to uphold a unique and sacred tradition.
Once a year, they gather to perform a special ritual known as Varadha Pasham, believed to appease Sri Ugra Narasimha Swamy and ensure good health, prosperity, and plentiful harvests for the year ahead. This annual event is not merely a prayer, it is a profound testament to the deep-rooted beliefs passed down through generations.
The Sri Ugra Narasimha Swamy Temple, believed to be self-manifested, along with the surrounding hills, now attracts devotees not only from nearby villages but also from across the Jagtial district. Those who undertake the challenging climb are rewarded with both a spectacular view of nature and the darshan of the presiding deity.
The ceremony is performed on Pedda Gutta, a mountain nestled in a scenic valley between two hills. The journey to the site requires devotees to trek 3 km through dense forest terrain.
Villagers carry raw ingredients for the offering, rice, jaggery, milk, coconuts, and other puja materials, during this arduous climb. Despite the lack of a proper route, their determination is sustained by faith. Upon reaching the temple, they immediately begin the central act of the ritual.
They cook the ingredients to prepare Payasam, a sweet rice dish. This offering is first presented to the deity and then, in a unique act of tradition, poured onto a specific rock on the mountain. The remaining Payasam is distributed among devotees as sacred prasadam, strengthening their communal bonds and shared devotion.
Local villager Sudhakar, speaking to Deccan Chronicle, described the trek as a spiritually and visually rewarding experience. He noted that the path is surrounded by vibrant greenery, fresh breezes, and thick vegetation clinging to the slopes. The rugged rocks and scattered trees create a picturesque scene that calms the mind, he added.
The temple’s pujari, Madhu Kumaracharyulu, told Deccan Chronicle that Varadha Pasham is an ancient tradition observed only once a year, at the end of Sravana Masam. For centuries, their ancestors have followed this ritual with the belief that offering devotion to Sri Ugra Narasimha Swamy brings health, prosperity, and abundant crops.
After completing the ritual on Pedda Gutta, devotees also offer prayers at the temple located on Chinna Gutta, which is currently under renovation, further reaffirming their commitment to a tradition that blends spiritual reverence with communal unity and hope for a prosperous future.
