Bodrai : A Significant & Important Gate For Village Entrance

Bodrai : The village entrance, known by various names like Uri Vakili, Urakili, Chavidi, or village gate, holds significance in many villages. Typically, in the middle of the village entrance, a stone is placed on the ground. The culture and traditions associated with the village entrance may vary from region to region. In some villages, a stone called Lingamayya is consecrated and worshiped outside the village, while in others, it may be tied up outside the village.

Bodrai & Certain Occasions

During certain occasions like marriages, when village girls get married or when new brides from outside the village enter, they worship the Bodrai (the stone) at the village entrance before leaving or entering the village. The priest for the Bodrai is usually a member of the village, such as a Boya, Talari (village servant), or someone from the working class. It is also a tradition to offer animal sacrifices (Devarapothula) in front of the Bodrai during the worship of village deities like Idamma, Savaramma, Peddamma, and others.

Furthermore, when someone passes away in the village, the body is also taken through the village entrance, crossing the stone path in Urakili.

Over time, with the expansion of villages and the influence of different religions, some changes have occurred in these rituals. Previously, a large boulder was kept at a significant height, approximately the height of a bullock cart. However, due to road development programs, the stones have become smaller and are now closer to the ground. When the stone sinks completely, it is repositioned. On such occasions, large-scale festivals are organized in the villages to mark the repositioning of the stone.

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