Oracle Swarnalatha, delivering the traditional Rangam prophecy during the annual Bonalu festivities at Secunderabad’s Ujjaini Mahankali Temple, has warned of floods, fire accidents and heavy loss of life in Telangana this year, while also urging devotees to stay humble and vigilant.
What the oracle predicted
During the ritual on Monday, Swarnalatha stood on a wet earthen pot, entered a trance and conveyed what she said were the goddess’s messages for the coming months. She forecast:
- Heavy rains and flooding: Telangana is expected to see abundant rainfall, but with a high risk of deluge and people being swept away in floodwaters if precautions are not taken.
- Fire accidents: A rise in fire-related incidents across the state, with potential for significant damage and casualties.
- Loss of life: She warned that if adequate safety measures are not adopted, the combination of floods and fire mishaps could lead to heavy human loss.
In earlier years’ Rangam prophecies, she had also cautioned about the possibility of a new pandemic and asked people to remain alert on health and safety fronts.
Warning to devotees and temple authorities
Swarnalatha expressed dissatisfaction over delays in installing a new idol at the temple, saying devotees had assured her two months ago but the work had not been completed. She criticised what she described as arrogance and a lack of discipline among people and temple authorities, and warned that if the idol installation is not completed within six months, loss of life would be inevitable.
She urged devotees to remain humble, follow moral values, and carry out their religious duties with sincerity, saying that the goddess continues to shower blessings but receives little in return.
Bonalu context
The Rangam ritual is a key part of the Lashkar Bonalu celebrations at the historic Ujjaini Mahankali Temple in Secunderabad. Thousands of devotees gather to witness the oracle’s prophecy, which is believed to reflect the goddess’s will and guidance for the year ahead.
