A rare Rama temple without Hanuman

Hyderabad: As Sri Rama Navami is celebrated on Friday, an ancient 11th century Sri Kalyana Ramachandra Swamy temple in remote Gummadidala village in Medak district stands out. The unique temple, in a state of neglect, is hoping for help.

The temple is the only Lord Rama temple without Hanuman. It is also the only one in the country having idols of Lord Rama and wife Sita, brothers Laxman and Urmila, Bharata and Mandavi and Shatrughna and Shrutakeerthi on one platform and normally clean shaven Lord Rama here dons a moustache!

Located about 40 kms from Hyderabad in Jinnaram mandal, the temple dates back to 11th/12th century AD and is very popular. “Normally every Sri Rama temple has Hanuman, but not in this one. As per folklore, this temple is dedicated to Lord Rama’s marriage.

Lord Hanuman met Lord Rama in the forest hence he doesn’t find place here,” Vijayaraman, hereditary priest and founder of temple told Deccan Chronicle.

He added, “Another story is since Hanuman is considered incarnation of Lord Shiva. Followers of Veera Vaishnavism cult of Sri Ramanuja Charyulu did not install Hanuman idol in the temple. Sri Rama is seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, a Vaishnava sect who prefer Jambavanth.”

The temple is housed on a 10 acre land. “It doesn’t come under endowments due to lack of income. If developed, the place would become a pilgrimage centre,” he said.

Tight Security in place for Rama Navami yatra
Hyderabad city police has put in place an elaborate security ring for Friday’s Sri Rama Navami Shobha Yatra that will begin at Seetharambagh and conclude at the Gowliguda Ram Mandir after winding its way through Mangalhat, Shahiyanathgunj, Afzal-gunj and Sultan Bazaar.

Police wil have 250 CCTV installed along the 6.5-km yatra route. Police will also deploy camera-mounted vehicles, to be used for the first time last year.

Senior officials including police commissioner P. Mahendar Reddy will monitor the yatra  at the command and control centre through CCTV coverage.
Mr Mahender Reddy has deployed 45 additional police platoons. Nearly, 3,500 police personnel will provide security.

The yatra route has been divided into 15 segments. Each will be monitored by an ACP-rank official. DCPs will monitor the situation along the route. Senior officials will be dep-loyed at the beginning and end points of the yatra.

Traffic diversions at Puranapul, Dhoolpet, Begum Bazaar, Nampal-ly, Afzalgunj, Sultan Bazaar and Gowliguda has been ordered.