{M-H-O} Muslims celebrate Ugadi at Kadapa temple

KADAPA: It was a perfect picture of religious harmony on Telugu New Year day. Thousands of Muslim devotees thronged the temple of Devunikadapa on the outskirts of Kadapa town on Tuesday to celebrate Ugadi with fervour. Several burqa-clad women and men wearing 'namaz ki topi' (skull cap) with children in tow waited in long queues to offer prayers to the deity of Lord Venkateswara at the temple. They believe the entire year would be prosperous if they worship the god at Devunikadapa. Scores of Muslims from nearby Chittoor and Anantapur districts also flocked to the temple to offer prayers. Mehrunnisa of Rayachoti in Kadapa district said her family has been praying at the temple for the past 30 years. "Whether it is Allah or Balaji, there is only one supreme power. We strongly believe peace and prosperity will prevail by offering prayers at Devunikadapa temple," she said. Located 120 km from Tirupati, the temple became famous as it is considered the gateway to the famed Tirumala temple. The word Kadapa was derived from 'Gadapa' which means threshold. "The devout visit this temple before setting out on Tirumala pilgrimage or worship the Lord during their return journey from Tirumala," Tirupati Rao, a historian, said. Amir Saheb, an octogenarian from Proddatur, said the 500-year-old temple was constructed during the period of Vijayanagara dynasty. "Pattu vastrams (silk clothes) were used to be gifted to the presiding deity of Sri Laxmi Venkateswara Swamy on Ugadi," he recalled. Saheb, a regular to the temple, however, complained that the age-old traditions were given a go-by by the archakas now. Temple priest Srinivasacharyulu told TOI that the tradition of Muslims offering prayers dates back to 300 years. They offer coconuts, jaggery, pulses and ghee to the Lord in huge quantities on this occasion, he said. The legend has it that Lord Balaji married a Muslim woman Bibi Nancharamma, who was the daughter of a general, Malik Kafur, in 1311 AD, after he was immensely pleased by her devotion. "She was known as 'Thulukka Nachchiyar.' Her idol has a pride of place in Tirumala temple precincts," the priest said. Mohd Khaleel from Penukonda in Anantapur said he has immense faith in Devunikadapa Lord. "We offer prayers at Pedda dargah in Kapapa town and later come here to worship Lord Balaji," he said. Meanwhile, several Muslims also thronged Tirumala shrine to offer prayers on Ugadi day. Regards Shail

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