revanth chithaluri
Pilgrimage to Medaram Jatara is not complete without a bath in Jampanna Vagu. Devotees feel that the bath at Jampanna Vagu heals their health problems and removes their sins. But, the fact remains that Jampanna Vagu does not have enough water to satify the pilgrims.
Jampanna Vagu is almost dry as water level is not sufficient for having a dip in the water. Another problem is water is stagnant which may causes health problems to the devotees. However, water taps have been arranged at the steps of the Vagu, but usually, devotees feel that Jampanna Vagu water is holy as it flows at the sacred place.
Though the government’s intention may be to prevent deaths in rivulet, it could release enough water for at least the devotees to have a holy dip. Water to Jampanna Vagu flows from Laknavaram.
Tribals have already started performing rituals at Sammakka, Sarakka, Pagididdha Raju and Govindh Raju pilgrim centres. Some NGOs are helping the devotees to form queues so that there is no congestion at the sanctum sanctorum.
Tribals are themselves the priests at this Jathara. Since ages, the tradition is continuing.
There is no entry fee. A number of stalls have been put up by nearby villagers and tribals. There are stalls selling toys, food stalls, Ayurvedic herbs, animal fur and many more.
The innumerable autoricksdhaws coming to the Jatara are creating traffic jams. Sources said that 11,000 police personnel have been deployed at Medaram.
Private vehicles also have to park their vehicles at a distance of more than 1 km from the Jatara site. TSRTC buses parking area is around 1 km from the Jatara.
Though both the Central and State governments have funds to the jatara, water tanks have not been constructed for the devotees to have a holy bath. Devotees are using only the old water tanks. The government has constructed toilets but they have not been provided water. More than 5,000 toilets have been constructed here. Water facility has not been provided to most of them.
Ministers and MLAs are creating awareness to the devotees that the pilgrim centre should be plastic-free. But in reality, it is not visible here. People are selling flowers, coconuts, plastic water bottles and other items. Though plastic flexies have been fixed not use plastic, plastic covers are being used at all the stalls set up here.
A devotee Ch Linganna said, ‘There are just a few days left for the Jatara. I am hoping that the government arranges water in the washrooms. It is clearly visible that no pipes have been arranged inside the washrooms. Authorities should take strict action against plastic users and sellers in Medaram.”
