Kurnool: In the heart of Kurnool district, Andhra Pradesh, lies the Devaragattu Temple, known for its unique and intense ritual that combines devotion with a display of raw physicality. Every year, this temple becomes the site of a fierce and mysterious tradition where devotees engage in a ritualistic clash, wielding sticks and striking one another in a celebration known locally as “lathi puja” or “lathi procession.”
Imagine being in the middle of the night, surrounded by a crowd where sticks are flying, and blood is flowing—this is the scene at Devaragattu Temple during its annual event. The tradition begins after sunset and continues until the break of dawn, with participants—armed with sticks—attacking each other in a frenzied display of devotion. For onlookers, the sight can be both shocking and terrifying, but for the participants, it is an act of faith and reverence.
The ritual, believed to be more than a century old, commemorates the legend of Lord Shiva slaying a demon with a stick. It is said that the devotees, by engaging in this fierce battle, are invoking the grace of Shiva and symbolising the triumph of good over evil.
On the designated night, devotees gather at a specific location near the temple, dressed in traditional attire, ready to participate in the ritual. As the night progresses, they engage in a fierce clash with sticks, resulting in several participants getting injured, often with blood streaming down their faces. Despite the injuries and the chaotic atmosphere, the tradition is seen as an ultimate act of devotion.
The practice has continued for over a hundred years, undeterred by the potential dangers. For many, it is a sacred duty, a way to honour their beliefs, and a testament to their unwavering faith.
To ensure the event proceeds safely, police and medical personnel are deployed in large numbers. The police presence is aimed at maintaining order and ensuring that the ritual does not escalate into serious harm. Meanwhile, medical teams are on standby to provide immediate first aid to those injured in the ritual, ensuring that the situation remains under control.
While the tradition may seem intense and alarming to outsiders, for the people of Kurnool, it is a part of their cultural heritage and an expression of their devotion to Lord Shiva. The ‘lathi puja’ is a vivid reminder of how faith and tradition can create extraordinary spectacles, where devotion knows no bounds.
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