Warangal: The state government sanctioned Rs 1.88 crore for the reconstruction of the Sammakka and Saralamma temples in Medaram following a request by the temple priests. The government has set a deadline to complete the reconstruction in accordance with tribal culture and traditions before the Medaram Maha Jatara in 2026.
There are four temples — Sammakka in Medaram, Saralamma in Kannepalli, Pagididdaraju in Penugondla, and Govindaraju in Kondai villages — that are constructed with mud and grass. They were rebuilt in 1971.
During the biennial Maha-Jatara and Mini-Jatara, tribal priests clean and perform rituals at these temples. Weapons of forest deities, along with materials such as betel nuts, bells, swords, Kumkum Bharani, turmeric, and other important items, are stored in these temples.
With the request of Medaram Pujaralu Sangham president Jagga Rao, main priests Arun, Munendar, Krishnaiah, and Saraiah, the government sanctioned the funds for the reconstruction of the temples.
Jagga Rao told the Deccan Chronicle that with the large influx of devotees during Jatara every year, temple priests faced challenges and found it difficult to protect the items that are believed to be sacred and valuables stored in the respective temples.
The authorities are also planning to provide better facilities to devotees, including drinking water, toilets, and rest areas. The focus will be on road construction from areas like Pasra, Chintal, Kondai, and Tadvai to the temple complex, he added.
The executive officer of the temple, S. Rajendar, said the state government allocated funds for the reconstruction of the temples.
Kakkera Krishnaiah said millions of devotees from across the country and abroad flock to Medaram for the Sammakka and Saralamma Jatara every year. Bringing the goddesses to the throne is a significant challenge. Due to the narrow space in the temples, tribal priests face a lot of difficulties. The reconstruction of these temples will resolve the issues, he added.
