Temple-goers in Gugudu Kullayi mourn Hussain

ANANTAPUR: The centuries-old Gugudu Kullayi Swamy and Hanuman temples at Gugudu village in Narpala mandal of Anantapur district are all set for Muharram.

At least three lakh devotees are expected to have darshan at the temple and give offerings to the deities during the ongoing Muharram.

Gugudu, a small village, around 27 km from Anantapur, is home to the shrine of Kullayi Swamy, also known as Pir Kullayappa. Some believe that Pir Kullayappa is Imam Hussain, the eldest grandson of Prophet Muhammad.

This belief is evident in the way Muharram in Rayalaseema region is observed; every manjlis (congregation) is a blend of Hindu and Islamic customs and rituals.

An interesting story is repeated by many devotees in Gugudu on how the two faiths are linked. According to the legend, Gugudu means the nest of Guha, who is none other than the boatman who helped Rama, Sita and Lakshmana reach the other side of the river. The legend goes on that Sri Rama came to the area in the avatar of a Pir Kullayappa, ‘God with a skull cap’.

Local Muslims believe that Kullayappa was one of the fakirs sent by Baba Fakhruddin to spread the message of Sufism.

Residents of Gugudu believe the fakirs took refuge in a dry well on the outskirts of Gugudu and built their khwankhas (halls for meditation) adjacent to the Hanuman temple. Devotees worship both Lord Hanuman and Kullayaswamy.

Erstwhile Muslim rulers - Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore (1750–1799) introduced the public rituals of Muharram in Rayalaseema region. These rituals are under an umbrella of Sufi practices and with the participation of Hindus, have spawned a pluralistic devotional culture .

Endowment department officials said that elaborate arrangements are being made for the 13th day of Muharram where at least three lakh devotees from south India are expected to take part in the Agnigundam.

Anantapur SP Satya Esubabu visited Gugudu and reviewed the arrangements for Muharram rituals.