BHADRACHALAM: The concept of offering Goti Talambralu (peeling paddy using fingers) as akshithalu to Lord Sitaramachandra Swamy and Goddess Sita in Bhadrachalam during their celestial wedding is spreading fast.
Offering of Goti Talambralu commenced at the temple 18 years ago when about 100 devotees belonging to Srirama Adhyathmika Samstha, Jangareddygudem, first offered 36 kg of these Talambralu. The quantity of Goti Talambralu may cross 600 kg this year.
Krishna Chaitanya Sangham of Korukonda in East Godavari district became famous for offering Goti Talambralu. Members of the Korukonda team submit paddy seeds first to the footsteps of Lord Rama. They then take bath and peel seeds with their hands. These are then offered to Lord Rama and his consort Sita with great devotion.
Bhadradri temple Vedic pundit Lingala Ramakrishna Avadhani noticed the immense devotion of these devotees in 2011. He took this to the notice of then temple executive officer Chandrasekhara Azad. From then onwards, officials have been providing accommodation and serving food to such devotees.
The concept of Goti Talambralu has now been adopted by devotees in Bhuapalapalli, Manuguru, Pinapaka, Paloncha, Hyderabad and other places.
Ramakrishna Avadhani said, “A lone ardent woman devotee from Hyderabad has offered 60 kg of Goti Talambralu for the divine wedding. She took 45 days to peel such a huge quantity of paddy seeds,” he pointed out.
It is believed problems of devotees are solved when they offer Goti Talambralu and participate in the yagnam at the Bhadrachalam temple.
