‘Pushpa 2’ has received an overwhelming response from the audience at the box office, many of whom have shared it on social media platforms like X and Instagram. Many fans have praised the performances of Allu Arjun and Fahadh Faasil in the film. Interestingly, a common point of praise across all the reviews is the mention of Allu Arjun’s Jaatara scene, where he is dressed as Goddess Gangamma. The 19-minute video, which is becoming a fan favorite, was censored by censors in Saudi Arabia before the final cut.
Why was the scene removed?
According to reports, the executives found it objectionable that Allu Arjun was dressed as a goddess for the special scene, despite being portrayed as the hero of the film. Also of concern to him was the fact that the film contained several references to Hindu deities.
Big ji congratulations @alluarjun Anna and Team… From PK FANS❤️
Blockbuster Mass Jathara….🔥🔥🔥
Jathara lo dance and fight absolutely cinema…💥💥💥💥🥵🥵🥵🥵🥵@alluarjun#pushpa2 #Pushpa2ThaRule#pushpa2 #pushpa2 #Pushpa2TheRuleReview#pushpa2 pic.twitter.com/xu1eDurBSu– Sunny Choudhary (@SunnyCh12916160) 5 December 2024
Who is Gangamma?
According to Hindu mythology, Gangamma is worshiped as the younger sister of Lord Sri Venkateswara. This festival is traditionally celebrated by the local residents of Tirupati. This annual event, known as Jatara, takes place every year during the first two weeks of May.
On this day, Tirumala sends a sacred offering, known as ‘Parisu’, from Lord Sri Venkateswara to Goddess Gangamma during the Tirupati Devasthanam Jatar. This gift includes things like saree, turmeric, kumkum and bangles.
What is the legend of Gangamma Jatara?
Legend has it that a local chief named ‘Palegadu’ used to seduce beautiful women. Due to her cruelty, many women jointly prayed to Goddess Jaganmata, who took birth as Gangamma in Avilala village near Tirupati. When Gangamma grew up, Palegadu cast his lustful glances at her and publicly insulted her by pulling her hand. Angered by this, Gangamma shows him her terrifying Vishvaroopam, causing Palegadu to get scared and run away and hide.
According to oral narratives, Gangamma disguised herself in several dresses for three days until the fourth day, when she disguised herself as her master Dora and wooed him. Palegadu came out of hiding in public, and so the goddess took her revenge.
This victory is celebrated by devotees throughout the country, with pagoda-like structures, called sapparlau, being carried up to the temple. On the last day of the festival, men dress up as women to offer prayers at the temple.
In ‘Pushpa 2’, Allu Arjun is seen taking part in age-old rituals as he dresses up as Gangamma in a traditional blue saree with a garland made of lemon.
