Rajahmundry: 12th Century inscriptions tell tale of a king's devotion

Rajahmundry: Stone inscriptions dating back to the 12th to 15th Century AD have been found neglected at Lord Uma Koppulingeswara temple at Palivela village of Kothapeta mandal in East Godavari. Rare inscriptions of Veerabhadra Reddy of Rajamahendravara Reddy kingdom, who ruled the Godavari area from 14th to 15th Century AD, were found on the walls and pillars of the temple in Telugu script.

The stone inscriptions clearly mention king Veerabhadra Reddy and his queen Anitalli who made generous  donations to temple deities during Salivahana era. An inscription, dated Salivanana era 1338, mentions the ‘Kalyana Mantapa’ in the temple that was constructed by Allada Reddy Dodda of the Rajamahendravara Reddy dynasty. Reddy Dodda was the younger brother of Veerabhadra Reddy and he ordered performing of Kalyana of Lord Uma Koppulingeswara. The practice of performing Kalyana is still being followed at the temple.

Some inscriptions dated Salivahana era 1239 of Kakatiya Prataparudra area were also found on the temple premises and they are in a bad condition for want of maintenance. An inscription, belonging to the 10th century AD of Velanati Chodas, was being used by the devotees to break coconuts to offer to the Lord at the temple. Archaeologist Varanasi Rahul said, “It is time the state government takes interest to protect and preserve ancient stone inscriptions, as these are getting either damaged or ruined for want of care.”