Located about 35
kms from Kadiri, and 100 kms from Anantapur, it is famous as it has
a banyan tree, which
is locally called as "Thimmamma Marrimanu''. It is regarded as
the biggest of its kind in South India. It's branches spreads over
nearly 5 acres. It is named after 'Thimmamma' who was considered to
be the representative of the Almighty. To the pride of India, the "Marrimanu" was
recorded as the biggest tree in the Guinness Book of World Records
in 1989. |
A small temple dedicated to Thimmamma lies under the tree. An account of this lady in Telugu kept at the shrine reveals that she was the daughter of a Setti Balija couple Sennakka Venkatappa and Mangamma, born in AD 1394. She was married to a Bala Veerayya who died in 1434, and Thimmamma committed 'Sati'. The banyan tree is believed to have sprouted at the place where she ascended the funeral pyre. The people of this area strongly believe that if a childless couple worship "Thimmamma" they will have a child the very next year. A big 'Jatara' is conducted here on the day of "Shivaratri" when thousands and thousands of people flock here to worship 'Thimmamma' on this occasion. |