Khammam: Bridge linking to holy sites washed away

Khammam: Rains over the last three days have inundated at least three spots associated with Lord Rama near Bhadrachalam. An iron bridge across the Sitavagu, which provides access to Parnasala and Vamanagundlu, was washed away. Sitavagu is a tributary of the Godavari.

The Rama temple at Parnasala, about 30 km from Bhadrachalam, marks the place where Lord Rama spent some time during his 14-year aranyavasam. Nearby are the Narachirala Pradesam, which has an idol of Sita and Vamanagundlu, where Rama and Sita spent time. All these places are under water.

The washing away of the bridge means there is no access to the holy spots. Many devotees who perform puja at the Bhadrachalam Rama temple, also visit Parnasala. At Bhadrachalam, accumulated rain water reached the steps of the main Rama temple. Officials said due to lack of sufficient sluices on the bund on the Godavari, which flows adjacent the temple, rain water had accumulated at the temple. The water is being slowly discharged.

The Godavari at Bhadrachalam is currently flowing at 25 feet. The first warning level here is 43 feet. Streams and rivulets in all Godavari catchment areas are in spate and many tanks have witnessed breaches. Work on two ghats being constructed for the forthcoming Godavari Pushkaralu, being constructed at a cost of Rs 3.44 crore, was swamped by the water from the Sitavagu.