Where Lord Shiva descends as Lingamanthulu Swamy, and his sister Choudamma blesses the faithful. The Peddagattu Jatara (also known as Gollagattu Jatara) is a magnificent biennial festival held at Durajpalli in Suryapet district. For five days, the hillock transforms into a sea of humanity as over 25 lakh devotees gather to worship the divine siblings — Lingamanthulu Swamy (an incarnation of Lord Shiva) and his sister, Goddess Choudamma. Though primarily the Yadava (Golla) community leads the celebrations, people from all castes, religions, and states come to seek blessings.
What makes this festival extraordinary is its continuity since the 16th century, preserved through unique rituals — especially the sacred Deverapetta (religious box) containing idols of Pothuraju, Ganga, Yelamanchamma, Akumanchamma, and other village deities. This box travels across villages, held in rotation by traditional Yadava families, and its arrival heralds the start of the jatara. Government support and community devotion have kept this living heritage thriving for over 400 years.
Legend of Lingamanthulu Swamy & Choudamma
According to local tradition, Lord Lingamanthulu Swamy is an incarnation of Lord Shiva who manifested on the Peddagattu hillock in Durajpalli. His sister, Goddess Choudamma, accompanies him as the guardian of the Yadava (Golla) community. Centuries ago, ancestors of the Menthaboina, Munna, and Golla Ganna Reddy families are believed to have spotted the divine presence on the hillock, leading to the establishment of the temple and the festival. The deities are offered various pujas during the five-day fete, with special emphasis on Abhishekam, Kumkumarchana, and Annadanam (mass feeding).
The Yadava community considers Lingamanthulu Swamy as their Kula Devata (clan deity). The festival reinforces social bonds, resolves community matters, and provides a platform for cultural expression through folk songs, dances, and dramas.
The Divine Box – Deverapetta, the Heart of the Jatara
What is the Deverapetta? It is a religious box that contains the idols of Pothuraju, Ganga, Yelamanchamma, Akumanchamma, Pothu Lingalu and many other village deities worshipped in rural Telangana. This box holds the key to the celebration of the Peddagattu Jatara. Ten days before the commencement of the biennial festival, the box is traditionally sent from a family in Cheekataipalem village (Thorrur mandal, Warangal district) to the Lingamanthulu Swamy temple at Durajpalli.
The families in rotation: The families of Menthaboina, Munna (both from the Yadava community) and Golla Ganna Reddy (whose ancestors first spotted the deities) get the opportunity to keep the box at their house in rotation. This year, the Menthaboina family (specifically Chowadaiah Yadav) hosted the box. After the five-day festival, the Deverapetta is kept at a Menthaboina family home for 18 days, then presented to other Lingamanthulu Swamy temples in Nalgonda and Warangal districts.
Menthaboina Chowadaiah Yadav, elder of the local Yadav community, explains: "This tradition has been followed for centuries. The family in Cheekataipalem sends this box to Durajpalli ahead of the jatara, and the procession to bring it to the temple is a grand affair."
Core Rituals – From Disti Puja to Grand Processions
Disti Puja (Evil-eye warding): Days before the jatara, a ritual called Disti Puja is performed at the temple to ward off negative energies and ensure a smooth festival.
Deverapetta procession (key event): On the first day of the jatara, in the wee hours, the Deverapetta is brought from Kesaram village (where the hosting family keeps it) to the temple premises in a colourful procession. Pilgrims accompany the box with drumbeats, traditional songs, and offerings. The procession follows strict traditional protocols, with priests (Thanda Pullaiah family from Cheekatipalem) leading the way.
Daily pujas & offerings: For five days, special abhishekams (ritual baths) with milk, curd, honey, and sandalwood are performed on the idols. Devotees offer kumkum, turmeric, coconuts, and naivedyam (traditional food offerings). Annadanam (free meal distribution) is organised by community groups, serving thousands daily.
The Biennial Congregation – Second Largest in Telangana
Peddagattu Jatara is second only to Sammakka Saralamma Jatara (Medaram) in terms of devotee turnout. At least 25 lakh people are expected to participate in each edition. The congregation peaks on Maha Shivaratri day, when devotees stay awake all night, singing bhajans and performing Rudrabhishekam. The festival has received government funding and support for infrastructure — temporary roads, drinking water, sanitation, and medical camps are arranged by the Suryapet district administration.
The Yadava community forms the majority, but you will see devotees from all walks of life — farmers, labourers, businesspeople, and government officials — standing in long queues for a glimpse of the deities. Folk troupes perform Golla Suddulu (Yadava narratives), Dappu dances, and devotional songs throughout the night.
The traditional priests
The Thanda Pullaiah family from Cheekatipalem village (75 km from Durajpalli) are considered the hereditary priests for the Deverapetta. They perform the initial rituals before the box is dispatched. Their role has been passed down for generations within the Yadava community.
Box rotation & hosting
After the jatara, the Deverapetta stays with a Menthaboina family for 18 days, during which daily pujas are conducted at their home. Then it is taken to other Lingamanthulu Swamy temples in Nalgonda and Warangal districts, allowing more devotees to seek blessings.
Bullock cart tradition
Despite modern transport, many rural devotees still arrive in bullock carts, recreating the traditional pilgrimage. The procession of the Deverapetta also traditionally uses bullock carts, though now supplemented by vehicles.
The hillock climb
The temple is located on a small hillock (Peddagattu means "big hill"). Devotees climb barefoot as a mark of devotion, and many roll on the ground around the hill as a vow for wishes fulfilled.
Witness the Festival – Traveler’s Guide
When to go
Magha masam (January–February), prior to Maha Shivaratri. Exact dates vary biennially. Main rituals (Deverapetta procession, Maha Shivaratri night) occur over 5 days. Check with Suryapet district tourism or local news for the next edition schedule.
How to reach
Nearest airport: Hyderabad (155 km). Railway: Suryapet railway station (8 km) or Khammam (60 km). Road: Well-connected by TSRTC buses from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Warangal to Suryapet, then local buses/taxis to Durajpalli (5 km from Suryapet).
Where to stay
Suryapet town has budget hotels, lodges, and guesthouses. During the jatara, temporary shelters and camps are set up by the government. Many pilgrims stay overnight at the festival grounds. Carry your own bedding and essentials.
What to expect
Massive crowds (25 lakh+), long queues, colourful processions, folk performances, and a vibrant bazaar selling toys, bangles, traditional snacks, and linga offerings. Night temperatures in Jan-Feb can dip to 12-15°C; carry a light jacket. Be prepared for dust and large gatherings.
Photography & conduct
Ask permission before photographing individuals during rituals. Avoid photographing the Deverapetta's interior as it is considered highly sacred. Do not touch the idols or the box. Maintain cleanliness and follow queue lines for darshan. Alcohol and non-vegetarian food are prohibited near the temple.
Explore Suryapet – Heritage & Nature Circuit
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can attend Peddagattu Jatara?
The festival is open to all, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. While the Yadava community is the primary participant, you will see people from all backgrounds seeking blessings from Lingamanthulu Swamy.
Why is it called both Peddagattu and Gollagattu?
"Peddagattu" means big hill (referring to the temple hillock), and "Gollagattu" refers to the Golla (Yadava) community who are the traditional custodians of the festival.
What is the significance of the Deverapetta?
The Deverapetta contains the representative idols of village deities. Its arrival marks the formal commencement of the jatara. It symbolizes the presence of the divine among the people and is treated with the same reverence as the main temple idols.
How often is the jatara held?
Once every two years (biennial) in the lunar month of Magha masam, just before Maha Shivaratri. It is not an annual festival.
Is there any special dress code?
No strict dress code, but modest attire is appreciated. Many women wear traditional saris and men wear dhotis. Devotees are expected to remove footwear before entering the temple hill area.
Are non-Hindus allowed inside the temple?
Yes, the festival is inclusive. All visitors are welcome to observe and participate in the cultural activities, though access to the inner sanctum may be restricted during specific rituals.
References & More Information
- The Hindu – All set for five-day Gollagattu Jatara
- The Hindu – Divine box holds key to Peddagattu Jatara
- Wikipedia – Peddagattu Jathara
- Nalgonda.info – Peddagattu Jathara coverage
- Suryapet District Official Website – Festivals & Tourism