Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, Medaram

Medaram, Telangana

Sammakka Saralamma Jatara in Medaram is a revered and time-honoured place of worship that continues to inspire deep devotion among countless devotees. Surrounded by a serene atmosphere and enriched with cultural charm, the temple stands as a symbol of faith, tradition, and community bonding. Its sacred premises have witnessed generations of prayers, festivals, and rituals that reflect the spiritual heartbeat of the region. Visitors are often drawn not only by the temple’s divine presence but also by its beautiful surroundings, intricate craftsmanship, and the sense of peace it offers. Whether you are a pilgrim seeking blessings or a traveller exploring heritage sites, Sammakka Saralamma Jatara remains an unmissable spiritual landmark that speaks of the region’s enduring cultural and religious legacy. As part of the broader heritage of Famous temples in Telangana, it continues to attract devotees and travellers alike.

Sammakka Saralamma Jatara History and Significance

The Sammakka Saralamma Jatara, celebrated in Telangana, is one of the largest tribal festivals in the world, honoring the goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma, and is mainly conducted by Koya tribe priests following their traditions.

In the forests of Telangana, tribal hunters discovered a miraculous baby girl glowing with light and playing among tigers. They named her Sammakka and took her to their chief, who raised her as a leader. As she grew, Sammakka became a fierce protector of her people and married Pagididda Raju, the Koya tribal chief.

During the rule of the Kakatiyas, King Prataprudra imposed heavy taxes on the Koyas. When they couldn’t pay, war broke out. Pagididda Raju died in battle, and Sammakka, alongside her children Saralamma (also called Sarakka), Jampanna, and son-in-law Govinda Raju, led the fight. Though they fought bravely, Saralamma was killed and Jampanna, mortally wounded, fell into a stream that turned red with his blood—now called Jampanna Vaagu.

Later,Sammakka disappeared into the forest, said to have transformed into a jar of sacred kumkuma on Chilakala Gutta hill.

In memory of their sacrifice, the Koya tribe and devotees worship Sammakka and Saralamma as divine protectors. Every two years at Medaram, the jatara is held where devotees bathe in Jampanna Vaagu and offer jaggery, celebrating their courage and divinity.

Sammakka Saralamma Jatara Pooja Timing
Sammakka Saralamma Jatara Interesting Facts
Sammakka Saralamma Jatara Nearby Temples
Famous Temples from around

Sammakka Saralamma Jatara Pooja Timing

Pooja Name	Timings
Morning Abhishekam	6:00 AM - 7:30 AM
Special Archana	9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Afternoon Maha Aarti	12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Evening Aarti	6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Sammakka Saralamma Jatara Location Details

How to Reach Sammakka Saralamma Jatara

By Road:

Medaram is well-connected by road to major towns in Telangana. State Transport Buses and private taxis operate regularly from Warangal, Hyderabad, and other nearby cities.

By Train:

Nearest railway stations: Warangal Railway Station and Kazipet Junction. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Medaram.

By Air:

Nearest airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Warangal and then proceed to Medaram via connecting buses or taxis.

Sammakka Saralamma Jatara Nearby Temples

Best time to visit (season/months):

The best time to visit is during the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara festival, which occurs once every two years (biennially) in January or February. Avoid the monsoon season due to potential travel disruptions caused by heavy rainfall.

Sammakka Saralamma Jatara Interesting Facts

Legends Beliefs

Sammakka was found as a child among tigers and later became a saviour of her people. The Koya tribe believes Sammakka and Saralamma are manifestations of Adi Parashakti, sent to protect them. The Jatara honours their divine presence and sacrifice.
Deities and Sub Deities

Sammakka and Saralamma are the main deities of the Jatara, worshipped as powerful goddesses by the Koya tribe. The festival also pays tribute to their family members, Pagididda Raju and Govinda Raju, who played key roles in the legendary battle.
Offerings

Devotees offer jaggery, locally called Bangaram, to the goddesses, often matching their own weight. This offering, symbolizing gratitude, is believed to grant wishes for marriage, children, and prosperity, making it an important part of the Jatara rituals.
Architecture

The Jatara centers around the natural setting of Medaram rather than temple architecture. Held within the Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, the festival enjoys a serene forest backdrop, with temporary structures built to accommodate the massive gathering of devotees.
Festivals

On the first day, Sarakka’s idol is brought from Kannepalli and Pagididda Raju’s idol from Poonugondla to Medaram. On the second day, Sammakka’s idol and the Kumkum casket arrive from Chilakala Gutta, along with Govinda Raju’s idol from Kondai. The third day, Friday, is the peak of the Jatara when devotees worship Sammakka, Sarakka, and their spouses, bathe in Jampanna Vaagu, and offer jaggery equal to their weight. The festival concludes on the fourth day with the goddesses’ vanapravēsham on Māgha Shuddha Pōōrnami.
Religious Practices

The Jatara has various rituals led by Koya priests. Devotees take a holy dip in the Jampanna Vaagu, a stream believed to have purifying powers. The festival also includes secret pujas and the worship of the goddesses and their family members, following traditional Koya practices. The Sammakka Sarakka Jatara is a major tribal Hindu festival held every two years at Medaram, about 100 km from Warangal. Spread over four days, it marks the arrival of the goddesses to the Gaddelu and ends with their vanapravēsham (return to the forest). The Jatara is one of the world’s largest tribal gatherings, attracting around 10 million devotees from across India. In 2016, the first Jatara after the formation of Telangana, the event took on greater significance with special attention from the state government.

FAQ's

Where is the Sammakka Saralamma Jatara located?

The Sammakka Saralamma Jatara is located in Medaram, Telangana, India. Specifically, it is situated in the Mulugu district.

Which God is Sammakka and Saralamma?

Sammakka and Saralamma is a major Hindu deity.

What is the best time to visit Sammakka Saralamma Jatara?

How to reach Sammakka Saralamma Jatara from near City or Town?

Nearest railway stations: Warangal Railway Station and Kazipet Junction. From these stations, buses or taxis are available to Medaram. Nearest airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Warangal and then proceed to Medaram via connecting buses or taxis.