Bhakta Kannappa, born in Utukur near Rajampet—about 10 km from Annamacharya University—is revered for his fearless and selfless devotion to Lord Shiva. A tribal hunter from the Chenchu community, he offered raw devotion by placing meat and water from his mouth on a Shiva Lingam. When the lingam bled, he sacrificed his own eye and prepared to give the second before Lord Shiva appeared and granted him moksha. The lingam, now the Vayu Lingam at Srikalahasti, honors his devotion. Kannappa’s story symbolizes that true love for God transcends rituals, caste, and knowledge.