Handloom weaver conferred INTACH award, posthumously, for temple ritual

Chirala: A rare and deeply symbolic temple ritual performed in complete darkness during Maha Shivaratri has brought national recognition to a humble handloom weaver from Andhra Pradesh, with the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) conferring its prestigious Martand Singh Memorial Award posthumously on Prudhivi Venkateswarlu of Chirala. Venkateswarlu passed away last year at the age of 73.The honour recognises Venkateswarlu's extraordinary six-decade-long dedication to performing the sacred ‘Paagalankarana' (turban decoration) ritual at the revered Srisailam Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy temple. The ritual, observed at midnight on Maha Shivaratri, is marked by a unique spiritual practice during which the entire temple town is plunged into darkness as power supply is switched off.In keeping with the belief of Lord Shiva as Digambara — one who transcends material coverings — Venkateswarlu used to perform the ritual in a state of undress, symbolising purity and detachment. In pitch darkness, he would climb the temple tower and ceremonially wrap the sacred turban, completing the centuries-old practice with devotion and precision. The ritual is considered an integral part of the temple's traditions and has been performed with rare consistency across generations. VIPs jostle for a seating to witness the ‘Paagalankarana' ritual in darkness at Srisailam temple.A native of Jandrapet in Bapatla district's Chirala, Venkateswarlu balanced his life as a handloom weaver with his spiritual responsibilities, carrying forward a family legacy of service at the temple. His commitment ensured the uninterrupted continuation of the ritual for nearly 60 years, earning him deep respect among devotees and temple authorities. "Venkateswarlu and his family members treated the honour of turban decoration as God's gift and weaved the cloth while observing fasting. It takes at least 100 days to complete the weaving of the deity's turban," said INTACH member Vijayalakshmi, who recorded the history of the ritual.The award was presented at the national conclave of INTACH. Venkateswarlu's son Subbarao received the honour on behalf of the family. The recognition highlights not only an individual's devotion but also the role of traditional artisans in preserving India's rich intangible heritage.INTACH Nandyal chapter convenor MV Sivakumar Reddy, who steered the proposal to the national level, noted that such rare practices, sustained quietly over decades, form the backbone of temple traditions and deserve wider recognition. "By honouring Venkateswarlu, INTACH has brought national attention to a unique spiritual practice that blends devotion, symbolism and cultural continuity," he said, adding that Vijayalakshmi spent several months preparing a comprehensive report on the ritual and submit it to the national awards committee. National Federation for Handlooms and Handicrafts (NFHH) president Macharla Mohan Rao said Venkateswarlu's legacy will continue to inspire and strengthen the enduring link between faith, tradition, and craftsmanship in India's temple culture.