At This 100 Year-old Temple In Telangana’s Kothakonda, Devotees Offer Pumpkin – News18

Kothakonda is a beautiful village located in the Karimnagar district of Telangana. It is known for the famous temple dedicated to Sri Veerabhadra Swamy. He is a fierce form of the Hindu God Shiva. This deity was created by the wrath of Lord Shiva. The fierce-looking deity has three eyes, ten hands and a moustache. There are various temples dedicated to Sri Veerabhadra Swamy in India. The Kothakonda Sri Veerabhadra Swamy temple has a history of 100 years. The devotees believe that if pumpkins are offered to this lord, their troubles will be removed and their wishes will be fulfilled. As per the locals, in the 16th century, some potters went up the hill with an empty cart to catch prey and cook. After some time, they noticed that their cart was missing. At this time, Lord Veerabhadra appeared in their dream and said that he was in a cave on the hill. He instructed them to bring him down and build a temple.

Just as instructed, the potters went into the cave to bring down the statue of the lord and built a temple there. Rambabu, the priest of the temple said that the Lord is receiving special worship here. He said that after the potters performed the Veera Bonam dance, the carts were returned to them.

Kothakonda Veerabhadra Swamy Jatara is held every year during the Sankranti festival. This fair is held for three days with enthusiasm. Devotees not only from the Warangal district, but also from all over the state come to visit the lord. People having trouble conceiving a child pray to Lord Veerabhadra Swamy for a happy married life and a child. It is customary for the devotees to offer gourds and pumpkins to the Lord, the priests added. It attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world.