Telangana CM opens restored Medaram tribal shrine
The Jatara honours Sammakka and Saralamma, celebrating their brave uprising against unjust taxes imposed on tribal communities.
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Monday inaugurated the renovated shrine of tribal goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma at Medaram in Mulugu district, marking a significant moment ahead of the biennial ‘Maha Jathara’, scheduled to be held from January 28 to 31.
Accompanied by his family members and cabinet colleagues, the Chief Minister offered special prayers at the sacred site early in the morning. The visit underscored the state government’s emphasis on preserving tribal heritage and honouring traditions deeply rooted in Telangana’s history.
The government has reconstructed the ‘gaddelu’ (altars) of tribal deities Sammakka, Saralamma, Govindaraju and Pagididda Raju at a cost of Rs 101 crore. In addition, extensive infrastructure and development works worth Rs 150 crore have been undertaken to facilitate the smooth conduct of the Maha Jathara 2026 and to ensure convenience and safety for devotees.
According to official estimates, around three crore devotees are expected to visit Medaram during the four-day festival this year, making it one of the largest tribal congregations in the world. Roads, water supply, sanitation, lighting, medical facilities and temporary shelters have been strengthened to accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims.
The state government is making elaborate arrangements for the festival, deploying over 42,000 personnel from various departments including police, health, transport, revenue, and municipal administration. In a move aimed at involving the local community, about 2,000 tribal youth will serve as volunteers, assisting pilgrims and supporting administrative efforts throughout the event.
On Sunday, Revanth Reddy announced that the Maha Jathara would be conducted on the lines of the Kumbh Mela, reflecting its spiritual significance and the scale of participation it attracts. To further underline the importance accorded to the festival, the state cabinet, chaired by the Chief Minister, held its meeting at Medaram on Sunday — a first for Telangana.
This marked the first time the state cabinet convened outside Hyderabad, symbolising the government’s commitment to decentralisation and respect for tribal culture. Officials described the move as a strong gesture of solidarity with tribal communities and recognition of Medaram’s historical and cultural importance.
Calling the Medaram Jathara a “living symbol of courage transformed into divinity,” Revanth Reddy invoked the legacy of Sammakka and Saralamma, the legendary mother-daughter duo revered by tribals across Telangana and neighbouring states. He said their story continues to inspire generations as a powerful reminder of resistance against injustice.
The Maha Jathara is celebrated at Medaram during the period when the tribal goddesses are believed to visit their devotees. Nestled deep within the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Medaram lies in the heart of Dandakaranya, the largest surviving forest belt in the region. Despite its remote location, the site becomes a sea of humanity during the festival, drawing pilgrims from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra and beyond.
The Jathara commemorates the historic revolt led by Sammakka and Saralamma against the Kakatiya rulers in the 12th century. According to legend, the rulers imposed heavy taxes on the tribal populace during a severe drought, pushing the community into extreme hardship. Refusing to submit, Sammakka and Saralamma led a courageous uprising against the injustice, choosing resistance over surrender.
Though the rebellion ended in sacrifice, the mother and daughter became enduring symbols of bravery, self-respect and defiance. Over time, they came to be worshipped as goddesses, with the Medaram Jathara evolving into a powerful expression of tribal identity, faith and collective memory.
As Telangana prepares to host millions of devotees, the renovated shrine and large-scale arrangements reflect not only administrative preparedness but also a deeper acknowledgment of the state’s tribal roots. For devotees, Medaram is not just a place of worship, but a sacred reminder of a timeless struggle for dignity and justice.