06/10/2024, SUNDAY
Vemulavada, the capital of the Chalukyas of Vemulavada, who ruled from 750 to 973 AD.It is situated about 35 kilometers to the west of Karimnagar. Vemulavada preserves an excellent temple of ninth century known as Bheemeshvara temple. This is said to have been constructed probably by VemulavadaChalukya king Baddega (850 – 895 AD) and called Baddegesvaralaya. This is the most important temple showing forceful architectural style in which the religious ideals were amply demonstrated. With the above historical facts, it can be assumed that the idea behind the gift of Rajadhi Raja Chola to his father, Rajendra Chola. I might have been rooted in the gift of Brihadeswara (Siva Linga) to Raja Raja Chola by his son Rajendra Chola who brought it from Vemulavada.
Shifting of Siva Linga from Vemulavada to Tanjavur by Rajendra Chola cannot be considered as a misdeed because the Dravidian predecessor, Ravansura used to carry the Siva Linga with him whenever he was on tours, in order to have undisturbed daily poojas to Lord Siva. Shifting the Siva Linga (Bruhadeshwara) from Vemulavada to Thanjavur and erecting a huge temple to Brihadeswara, is a great achievement to Cholas; whereas this incident provoked protests in a large scale throughout the then Telangana. They must have felt that great injustice is being done to Bruhathamma (Parvathi), so the women of Telangana might have taken this agony personally and created a Bathukamma protest by having processions that included singing of songs on Bathukamma. Those protests have today become a part of the culture of Telangana women. It can be noted that as time passed, the Bruhatamma transformed to Brakhukamma, and finally the Bathukamma of present day. She has been considered as a replica of Sahakthi (Srusti).
The Shifting of the popular Siva god of Vemmulavada, from the Telangana region by Rajendra Chola to Thanjavur, caused protests against the Chola kings. Taking the cause of Bruhatamma (Parvathi) left over in Vemmulavada in grief, Telangana women took processions taking Bruhathamma (variety of flowers arranged in a conical shape) followed by singing different songs in memory of Bruhath Linga. This took in to a final festival form celebrated for nine days prior to Dussehra (Vijaya Dashmi) in the month of Ashvijamaasam. The celebration of Bathukamma is the outcome of the movement against the crime of Chola ruler over Telangana in a nonviolent form. This type of nonviolent form of satyagraha against tyrant rulers may be first of its kind in India, and the credit goes to Bathukkamma.
Legends of Cultural and Religious Resistance
The Bathukamma legend may be the first of its kind but not unique in Indian history.
Several cultural traditions have emerged from similar acts of resistance against foreign or oppressive rulers. For instance, the Durga Puja in Bengal is not just a religious festival but also a symbol of the people’s defiance against foreign invasions and domination.
Likewise, the folk tales of Rajasthan’s brave women who performed “jauhar” in defiance of invading armies resonate with themes of sacrifice and cultural pride.
Sammakka Sarakka Jatara in Telangana is one of the largest tribal festivals in India, and it is a celebration of tribal pride, resistance, and reverence for the sacrifices of their goddesses. It symbolizes unity among the tribal communities and is a reminder of their historical struggle for freedom and justice.
Whereas Bathukamma festival focuses on life, renewal, and gratitude towards nature, it is a joyful festival of flowers, music, and dance, representing man’s harmony with the environment the Sammakka Sarakka Jatara represents bravery, sacrifice, and resistance against injustice.
It’s a deeply spiritual and historical festival, where people seek blessings from their goddesses for courage and protection.
బతుకమ్మ పండుగ