Muslims, davanam integral to Kadiri Brahmotsavams

ANANTAPUR: Davanam, a small aromatic herbaceous plant that grows in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, is an integral part of the annual Brahmotsavams of the historic Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple at Kadiri in Satya Sai district.

Around 44 per cent of Kadiri’s population comprises Muslims. These Muslims have traditionally been offering davanam, along with pepper, to Lord Narasimha Swamy during all days of the Brahmotsavams, more so on the day of Brahma Rathotsavam.

This year, the Rathotsavam is scheduled on March 13. On the occasion, the temple chariot considered the heaviest in south India with numerous intricate carvings, will be taken around the mada streets.

As per mythology, the Utsava Idols had been handed over to Bhrigu Rishi by Lord Narasimha Swamy Himself in a petika box for His worship.

Further, the temple hill, called Stotradri, is the place where the devas worshipped Lord Narasimha Swamy after he killed the demon Hinranyakasipu in the Durgam at Godduvelagala near Kadiri.

The davanam – Artemisia Pallens – offered to Lord Narasimha Swamy is said to appease Him.

“Rich quality davanam grows only in the Kadiri area. It has traditionally been offered to Lord Narasimha Swamy,” underlines K. Satyanarayana Rao, a devotee from Kadiri.

The markets of Kadiri are currently flooded with davanam because of the Brahmotsavams.

Incidentally, a major product of davanam is its oil. It is largely exported to France, USA, Germany, Japan and The Netherlands.