Revanth Reddy inaugurates renovated Sammakka–Saralamma shrine ahead of Medaram Jatara

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Monday (January 19, 2026) inaugurated the renovated shrine of tribal goddesses Sammakka-Saralamma at Medaram, ahead of the biennial Medaram Maha Jatara scheduled from January 28 to 31.

Accompanied by family members and Cabinet colleagues, including Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Seethakka, the Chief Minister offered prayers at the shrine and left for Hyderabad as he was scheduled to leave for Davos to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit.

Sacred platforms

The State government has reconstructed the gaddelu (sacred platforms) of Sammakka, Saralamma, Govindaraju and Pagididda Raju at a cost of ₹101 crore. The main gaddelu enclosure covers 271 square metres with 46 granite pillars, while a circular gaddelu with eight pillars forms the core of the complex. The project also includes multiple welcome arches and a main entrance arch.

As part of the other redevelopment works, roads leading to Medaram were widened into four lanes, with upgraded queue lines, inns, watchtowers, drainage and flood management systems. Parking facilities were expanded to accommodate thousands of vehicles near the shrine complex. Officials said the works were carried out without felling trees, preserving the existing forest cover that includes 12 varieties of sacred trees such as banyan, bamboo, neem and mahua (ippa). The Government has also planned the plantation of 140 varieties of medicinal plants in the area.

Drawing lessons from the management of large religious congregations such as the Kumbh Mela, a team of experts studied crowd movement, access routes and pressure points at Medaram and offered recommendations. A drone show, cultural programmes and the screening of a documentary on the jatara are planned during the four-day event.

The Government has sanctioned ₹251 crore for the comprehensive development of Medaram, including ₹101 crore for the expansion of the gaddelu.