Heritage · Faith · Tradition
About the Temple
Introduction
Lingamanthula Swamy Temple near Suryapet, Telangana, is the shrine at the heart of the Peddagattu Jatara – also called the Gollagattu Jatara – one of the largest folk festivals in Telangana. The temple stands on a rocky hillock (gattu) and is held especially sacred by the Golla (Yadava) community, the traditional shepherds and cattle-herders of the Telugu lands, though devotees of every background come here to seek the Lord's blessings.
Main Deity and Worship
The presiding deity is Sri Lingamanthula Swamy, revered as a form of Lord Shiva, worshipped together with his sister Chowdamma (Choudamma Talli). For the shepherd families of Telangana he is a kuladaivam – a family deity – who protects their flocks, their homes and their livelihood. Devotees pray here for the health and growth of their sheep and cattle, for good rains, for children and for the welfare of the family.
Folk Tradition
Lingamanthula Swamy belongs to the living folk tradition of rural Telangana. His story is passed down through generations by traditional storytellers of the Golla community, sung and narrated to the rhythm of drums at festivals. The worship here keeps alive old customs of the shepherd communities – processions with drums and dance, the carrying of the deity's sacred items, the offering of bonams, and offerings made according to each family's custom in fulfilment of vows.
The Peddagattu Jatara
The great jatara is held once every two years, in the month of Magha (around January–February), and lasts for about five days. It is counted among the biggest jataras in Telangana, second only to the Sammakka–Saralamma Jatara at Medaram, and draws lakhs of devotees from across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring states.
- The festival begins with the ceremonial procession that brings the deity's sacred items to the hillock, accompanied by drums, music and dancing devotees.
- Over the following days, devotees offer bonams, fulfil their vows and seek darshan of Lingamanthula Swamy and Chowdamma.
- The jatara closes with traditional rituals, after which the sacred items are taken back in procession.
During the jatara, the Government of Telangana makes large-scale arrangements for transport, drinking water, sanitation, health care and security, and special buses run from many towns.
Temple Timings
- Outside the jatara, the temple is generally open from morning to evening, and Sundays see more devotees.
- During the jatara, worship continues for long hours each day. Please check the official jatara dates before planning your visit.
How to Reach
By Road: The temple is close to Suryapet town, which lies on National Highway 65 (Hyderabad–Vijayawada), about 135 km from Hyderabad and about 140 km from Vijayawada. TGSRTC and APSRTC buses run frequently to Suryapet, and special buses are operated during the jatara. Autos and taxis are available from Suryapet.
By Train: Suryapet does not have a major railway station. The nearest convenient stations are Nalgonda (about 45 km) and Khammam (about 60 km).
By Air: The nearest airport is Rajiv Gandhi International Airport (HYD), Hyderabad, about 150 km away by road.
Visitor Information
- Dress code: traditional attire is recommended.
- Crowds: the jatara draws enormous crowds; expect traffic on NH-65 and plan travel and stay in advance.
- Stay: hotels and lodges are available in Suryapet town.
- Best time to visit: during the jatara for the full festival experience, or on a quiet weekday for a peaceful darshan.
- Nearby places: Phanigiri Buddhist site, Nagarjuna Sagar, and the temples and fort of Nalgonda.
