Prabhala Teertham Festival Konaseema 2026 – History, Ekadasa Rudras & Sankranti Celebrations

Location & Spread

Celebrated across 84 places in Konaseema (East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh).
Major centers: Kothapeta, Ravulapalem, Uppalaguptam, Avidi, Katrenikona, Tondavaram, Ambajipet.
The Jaggannathota celebration is the most famous, with 400 years of history.

Deities

Central deity: Lord Shiva (various local forms).
Each village prepares a Prabha (arch structure) with bamboo sticks, cloth, flowers, and colorful papers.
Village deities are placed inside the Prabha and brought in procession.

Ekadasa Rudras (11 Shiva forms) participating at Jaggannathota:

1. Vyaghreswaram – Shree Vyaghreswara Swami (with Bala Tripura Sundari)

2. Pulletikurru – Abhinava Vyaghreswara Swami (with Bala Tripura Sundari)

3. Mosallapalli – Madhumananta Bhogeswara Swami

4. Gangalakurru – Chennamalleswarudu

5. Gangalakurru (Agraharam) – Vireswarudu

6. Pedapudi – Menakeswarudu

7. Irusumanda – Anandarameswarudu

8. Vakkalanka – Visveswarudu

9. Nedunooru – Chennamalleswarudu

10. Mukkamala – Raghaveswarudu

11. Palagummi – Chennamalleswarudu

Festival Significance

Makara Sankranti – Kanuma Day: Main occasion for Prabhala Teertham.
Prabha Competition: Villages compete to build the tallest and most decorated Prabha, a matter of prestige.
400‑Year Tradition: Origin traces back to a time when Konaseema faced difficulties; Rudras from villages united to protect the land.
Meeting of Rudras: Symbolic annual gathering of Shiva forms, hosted by Bhogeswara Swamy of Mosallapalli, presided over by Vyaghreswara Swamy of Vyaghreswaram.
Sacred Procession: Prabhas move through fields—farmers believe this brings divine blessings to crops.
River Ritual: Prabhas of Gangalakurru and G. Agraharam descend into the Kausika River, a breathtaking spectacle witnessed by thousands.

Associated Traditions

Bonfires, Rangoli, Kite Flying, Haridas Bhajans – festive atmosphere across Konaseema.
Community Gathering: Strengthens village unity and devotion to Lord Shiva.
Electrifying Visuals: Bamboo arches, colorful decorations, and river processions create a vibrant cultural display.

2026 Festival Date