In a rare tradition at Kandakur village, hundreds of devotees handle live scorpions on Nagara Panchami, believing that the divine grace of Goddess Kondammai protects them from stings.

  • The 'Scorpion Fair' has been observed for nearly 60 years at the Kondammai Temple.
  • Devotees from Karnataka, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra participate.
  • A temporary medical camp is stationed to treat accidental stings.

In a striking departure from the conventional celebrations of Nagara Panchami, the village of Kandakur in Gurumitkal taluk, Yadgir district, witnessed a peculiar ritual on Monday. While the rest of the country typically offers milk to snake idols, devotees here gather to worship and handle live scorpions.

The annual "scorpion fair" takes place on a hillock housing the Kondammai Temple. For nearly six decades, this tradition has seen hundreds of pilgrims, including women and children, searching for scorpions beneath rocks. Once found, these venomous creatures are placed on the devotees' hands, shoulders, and faces as a mark of faith.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such rituals highlight the persistence of localized animistic beliefs within larger religious frameworks. The geographical spread of the participants indicates that these 'miracle-based' traditions act as significant cultural magnets, drawing crowds across state lines despite the inherent biological risks.

"Such practices are a manifestation of collective faith, where the perceived spiritual shield overrides the instinctual fear of venomous animals."

The core of this belief system is the 'divine protection' offered by Goddess Kondammai. Devotees claim that the scorpions emerge in abundance on this day but refrain from stinging due to the Goddess's influence. Jayalaxmi, a regular visitor from Narayanpet, expressed her complete lack of fear, citing her annual participation in the ritual.

Despite the faith, the reality of nature sometimes prevails. Following a few reported cases of scorpion stings over the last two years, the Kandakur Primary Health Centre has implemented a safety protocol by setting up a temporary first-aid camp at the venue. While believers swear by the healing properties of 'Bhandar' (a sacred yellow powder from the temple), medical professionals remain on standby.

Did You Know?: While Nagara Panchami is widely associated with snakes, various regional pockets in India have evolved unique versions of the festival involving other creatures based on local deities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why do devotees handle scorpions specifically at this temple?
A: They believe in the divine protection of Goddess Kondammai, whose idol is shaped like a scorpion.

Q2: What happens if a devotee is stung during the ritual?
A: While some use sacred temple powder for relief, a professional medical first-aid camp is now provided by the local health center.