Hyderabad: The sacred offering of Mutyala Talambralu by the state has remained a cherished tradition at the Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple in Bhadrachalam for over three centuries. This ritual, symbolizing prosperity and divine blessings, traces its origins to the 17th-century reign of Abul Hasan Qutb Shah, famously known as Tana Shah, the last Sultan of Golconda.
A Tradition Rooted in Divine Intervention
The story of this enduring practice is intertwined with Bhakta Ramadasu, a staunch devotee of Lord Rama who, as a revenue officer, took upon himself the noble task of renovating the Bhadrachalam temple. In doing so, he utilized treasury funds, an act deemed illegal by Tana Shah, leading to Ramadasu’s imprisonment.
Legend has it that after 12 years of imprisonment, Lord Rama and Lakshmana appeared to Tana Shah in a vision, disguised as celestial beings, and repaid the six lakh varahas (gold coins) used for the temple construction. Awakening to find the divine gold coins in his palace, Tana Shah, overwhelmed by Lord Rama’s presence, converted into a devout follower of the deity.
A tradition kept alive for centuries by royals and modern rulers
As a mark of his reverence, Tana Shah initiated the tradition of offering pearls and silk robes to Lord Rama and Sita during the grand Sita Rama Kalyanam, held annually on Sri Rama Navami. These pearls became an integral part of the Mutyala Talambralu, the ceremonial mixture sprinkled during the reenactment of Lord Rama and Sita’s celestial wedding.
The symbolic mutyalu (pearls) elevate the sanctity of talambralu, reinforcing Rama and Sita’s divine status. The practice was kept alive through successive dynasties and later adopted by modern governments, including the Telangana state administration, which continues the tradition by sending offerings every year.
A Ritual That Binds Devotion and Culture
Over the centuries, devotees from across India have traveled to Bhadrachalam to witness the celestial wedding and receive the sacred Mutyala Talambralu, believed to bring marital harmony and prosperity. The mixture is prepared meticulously, using pearls procured from Hyderabad’s markets and blending them with traditional ingredients.
In recognition of its deep-rooted significance, temple authorities ensure the distribution of Mutyala Talambralu during Sri Rama Navami, reaching devotees even through postal services and online platforms.
Legacy of Faith and Devotion
The offering of pearls and Mutyala Talambralu at Bhadrachalam stands as a testament to Tana Shah’s unwavering faith in Lord Rama. What began as an act of divine redemption turned into an immortal tradition, reinforcing Bhadrachalam’s stature as a sacred pilgrimage site, often referred to as Dakshina Ayodhya.
The continued observance of this ritual reminds devotees of the boundless grace of Lord Rama, ensuring that Tana Shah’s reverence remains alive through each pearl scattered in devotion.
