Gugudu Kullaya Swamy Temple gears up for last three days of Muharram

ANANTAPUR: Centuries’ old Gugudu Kullaya Swamy Temple – the historic edifice having elements of Hindu and Islamic architecture, is gearing up to mark the last three days of Muharram.

District authorities are expecting heavy crowds with around 3 lakh devotees expected for the event. This is because not many could arrive during last two years due to Coronavirus pandemic.

District SP Fakkeerappa Kaginelli said additional forces are being deployed in the area as huge crowds are expected.

Gugudu in Narpala mandal of Anantapur district has been famous for Peerla Pandaga (Muharram) being organised Kullaya Swamy Temple since centuries, from the times of area’s Muslim rulers Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan of Mysore (1750–1799). Rituals performed at the temple, which is adjacent to a Hanuman temple, are as per both Hindu and Muslim traditions.

Gugudu means nest of Guha, the boatman who helped Rama, Sita and Lakshmana cross the river when they went on the vanavas. There is strong belief that Lord Sri Rama came to the area in the avatar of Peer Kullayappa, meaning God with the cap. Local muslims believe Kullayappa was one of the fakirs sent by Baba Fakhruddin to spread the message of Sufism in the region.

APSRTC will be plying special bus services to Gugudu from Anantapur, Kurnool and Kadapa, as many of the devout arrive from these regions.