West Godavari fortune tellers have famous clients

Rajahmundry: Astrologers from Pinakadimi village of Pedavegi mandal in West Godavari are popular among rich industrialists and businessmen in Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Hyderabad and other parts of the country. They are believed to be experts in fortune telling and perform “Kshudra Puja” to help their clientele become successful. They earn in lakhs for their services.

Many travel to Mumbai and other cities and stay there for four to five years. Popularly known as Sidhanthis, these astrologers lead a life of luxury and live in palatial houses. Some of them even have links with the Mumbai mafia. The village has a population of nearly 2,800, of whom 30 per cent belong to the Jangala community which practices astrology. The others hail from Gowda, SC and Kamma communities.

The community is usually united, except for isolated case like the one murder in the past that led to the three revenge killings. Ironically, in the triple murder case, none of the astrologers saw their own deaths coming. They usually do not have any professional qualification and ply their trade through experience and expertise.

Their children too often follow in their footsteps and spend the money earned by their fathers, leading a lavish life in metros like Mumbai. Villagers say that some of them even nurture expensive hobbies like bike and horse racing etc. The village has a population of nearly 2,800, of whom 30 per cent belong to the Jangala community who practice astrology. The others hail from Gowda, SC and Kamma communities.

The community is usually united except for isolated case like the one murder in the past that led to the three revenge killings. Any wrongdoing by a member of the community usually draws the attention of the gram panchayat and fines amounting to lakhs are imposed on the guilty party. In case of a severe crime, the family is even boycotted socially.

A villager said, "One can find expensive and latest electronic gadgets and household appliances in their houses. They travel by air and move in big cars and their women possess huge amounts of gold." A Hyderabad based noted astrologer said, "Though they are unfamiliar locally and do not have any basic knowledge of astrology, they are able to exploit the sentiments of the rich and make good money."