Amrita alias Sambaraju lives alone in the TV tower area of the Hanmakonda town. She lives in a temple and performs poojas to the deity in the morning and preaches to people throughout the day. Gifts and donations from her devotees help her to lead her life peacefully. Some months are especially busy as they are auspicious. During these months the rituals are longer and continue till late in the night.
During the last auspicious month, there was heavy foot falls in the temple. One of the rituals performed is to use the skin of the lemons as a lamp and also break coconuts. Few neighbours who had a problem with Amrita earlier, thought she was performing black magic. Without seeking any clarifications, they barged into the temple and started hitting Amrita and vandalised the place.
The crisis committee of MAS was informed and they immediately reached the spot and brought the situation under control. They took Amrita to the hospital to get her medical attention. They also got the Medico legal certificate. They went along with Amrita and lodged a police complaint against the attackers. Fortunately, the police had been sensitised through MAS’s efforts on advocacy. The police called the neighbours, warned them and MAS explained to them about the Shivashakthi lifestyle. The neighbours gave a written statement in the police station that in future they will not disturb Amrita again. Amrita is proud of who she is and says she will not move away from this place due to fear of people who do not understand her. She continues to worship Lord Shiva and perform poojas and guide the devotees who visit her.