Mulugu: Jampanna born at Medaram

Medaram (Mulugu): Even though the customs often restrict the pregnant women visiting temples, apparently it's no bar for the pregnant woman to pay obeisance to Goddesses Sammakka and Saralamma in this part of the hinterland.

In fact, some ardent devotees choose to give birth to their offspring in Medaram believing that the valour of Sammakka and Saralamma is still exists in the thickets of Tadvai.

Considering this, the administration which ensured healthcare facilities for the devotees turning to the biennial jatara has also set up a 50-bed hospital along with labour room. The hospital has the services of two gynaecologists from Warangal and staff nurses from local primary health centres. In the 2018 jatara, as many as six pregnant women gave birth to their offspring.

The administration has also ensured operation theatres in Medaram, Tadvai and Pasra hospitals to perform C-section deliveries. However, the C-Section deliveries are said to be rare in these hospitals as almost all the pregnant women prefer normal deliveries.

It's no surprise that majority of these children were named after tribal deities Sammakka, Saralamma and Jampanna. The devotees perceive that giving birth to their children in the jatara is auspicious for them and their child.

On Thursday, the day of deity Sammakka's arrival to altars at Medaram, a woman from Maharashtra who came here to offer prayers delivered a baby boy at 11.48 am. And it was no surprise that the couple wanted their boy named after Jampanna, the legendary character and son of deity Sammakka. The DMHO Dr Appaiah said that Dr M Laxmi Reddy assisted by R Swarupa Rani performed the normal delivery.