Jampanna Vagu: Why Devotees Dip Before Sammakka-Saralamma Darshan

• Devotees traditionally take a holy dip in Jampanna Vagu before visiting Sammakka-Saralamma at Medaram Maha Jatara, Telangana's Kumbh Mela.
• Jampanna Vagu is named after Jampanna, Sammakka's son, who attained heroic death there during a 13th-century war against Kakatiya Emperor Prataparudra.
• Legend states Jampanna, unwilling to be captured, jumped into Sampenga Vagu, and its waters turned red with his blood, leading to its renaming as Jampanna Vagu.
• Taking a dip in Jampanna Vagu is believed to wash away sins and instill courage and self-confidence, making it a sacred ritual for devotees.
• Extensive arrangements, including taps and changing rooms, have been made by the state government for the millions of devotees at Jampanna Vagu during the Jatara.

Why It Matters: Devotees take a sacred dip in Jampanna Vagu before Sammakka-Saralamma darshan, honoring a tribal warrior's sacrifice.