Telala Panchami at Kandukuru, Yadgir: The Rare Scorpion Worship of Nagula Panchami
In Kandukuru village of Yadgir district, Karnataka, devotees mark Nagula Panchami with the rare Telala Panchami — worshipping the scorpion goddess Kondamavva on the hill instead of serpents, an ancient border-region tradition.
In Kandukuru village of Yadgir district, Karnataka, devotees mark Nagula Panchami with the rare Telala Panchami — worshipping the scorpion goddess Kondamavva on the hill instead of serpents, an ancient border-region tradition.
Quick answer: Telala Panchami (Scorpion Panchami) is observed on Nagula Panchami at Kondamavva Hill in Kandukuru village, Yadgir district, Karnataka. In this rare tradition devotees worship the scorpion goddess instead of serpents; according to local belief, the scorpions do not sting on this day.
Across the country, Nagula Panchami is celebrated with great devotion on Sravana Shukla Panchami — the fifth day of the bright fortnight of Sravana. Devotees pour milk into snake anthills and worship the Naga Devata and serpents. But in Kandukuru village of Yadgir district, Karnataka, a remarkable and unusual custom called Telala Panchami — "Scorpion Panchami" — is observed on this very day. It is an ancient tradition that astonishes all who witness it.
Worship of the scorpion goddess on Kondamavva Hill
On the Kondamavva (Kondameshwari / Kondamma) hill in Kandukuru village, special worship is offered to the scorpion goddess. Devotees climb the hill, pour milk and perform archana to the deity. When the rocks are lifted, many scorpions emerge. According to local belief, on this day the scorpions do not sting anyone. Devotees hold them in their hands and place them on their tongues, heads and bodies; from children to elders, all seek the goddess’s blessing without fear.
Even if a scorpion does sting, locals firmly believe that applying the vibhuti (sacred ash) from the temple brings instant relief. To the community here this is not merely a belief — it is a living tradition carried on for generations.
Why is it so special?
Worshipping scorpions instead of serpents on Nagula Panchami is one of the rarest traditions in the country. The people here revere the goddess Kondamavva as the scorpion goddess, and this custom has continued from time immemorial in the Karnataka–Telangana border region. Every year, thousands of devotees from Telangana, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh travel here to witness this extraordinary sight and to offer worship.
The devotees’ experience
Searching for scorpions beneath the rocks on the hill, holding and playing with them, and pouring milk for the deity — devotees describe all of this as filling them with deep joy. "It is by the power of the goddess that the scorpions do not sting," they say. As people arrive from far-off places to see these scenes, Kandukuru village becomes a special attraction on Nagula Panchami.
Preserving the tradition
It is striking that this custom survives even in the modern age. The locals regard it as their cultural heritage and protect it carefully. Telala Panchami is not merely a festival — it is a living testament woven from faith, courage and devotion to the goddess.
May everyone live in happiness by the grace of goddess Kondamavva. If you ever visit Kandukuru in Yadgir district, do witness this wonderful tradition — the experience of Telala Panchami on Nagula Panchami will make your devotional journey all the more memorable.
ఓం కొండమవ్వ దేవతాయై నమః | Om Kondamavva Devatayai Namah | Shubham Bhuyat (May there be auspiciousness)
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is Telala Panchami celebrated?
On Nagula Panchami (Sravana Shukla Panchami), at Kondamavva Hill in Kandukuru village, Yadgir district, Karnataka.
Why are scorpions worshipped instead of snakes?
The people here revere the village goddess Kondamavva as the scorpion goddess — a rare tradition that has continued from time immemorial in the Karnataka–Telangana border region.
Do the scorpions really not sting?
According to local belief, the scorpions do not sting devotees on this day, and locals hold that applying temple vibhuti brings relief if stung. This is a traditional belief held by the community.
Who visits the festival?
Every year thousands of devotees from Telangana, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh travel to Kandukuru to witness this extraordinary tradition.
