Poor infra affects Edupayala temple, CM likely to announce package

Hyderabad: The Edupayala Vana Durga Bhavani Temple is a favourite destination for religious tourists as well as nature lovers. It attracts hordes of tourists — from Hyderabad and neighbouring Karnataka during Sivaratri as well as in the rainy season when the seven streams (Edu Payalu) of the Manjira river merge at this place.

Though a sea of devotees make a beeline to the temple located in a picturesque location amidst lush green forest and natural stone formations, the pilgrims rue over lack of basic infrastructure at this 12th century temple.

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who is expected to visit Edupayala temple on Wednesday, is likely to announce a package for the improvement of infrastructure.

The package could help the administration to provide better facilities to the tourists. Currently, Edupayala has no permanent choultries, lodges and other structures to accommodate pilgrims. The makeshift tents around the temple greet them in Shivaratri festival days in summer, when the three-day long Jatara commences.

Many pilgrims often suffer from dehydration, heatstroke and discomfort due to high temperatures as the temple is located near rocky formations. The temporary shelters or tents provided at this congested place are not enough, leaving many exposed to scorching sun.

The scarcity of drinking water supply and bathing ghats in the area often results in people struggling, mainly in summer. The heatwave exacerbates the stench from poorly maintained toilets, causing discomfort and hygiene concerns to pilgrims. The devotees struggle for even basic health emergencies as the temple is located away from habitation.

Rajeshwar, a regular visitor from the city, says the health department runs a medical camp during the Jatara days. But he is more concerned over the lack of lodging facilities for overnight stay, which he follows as a family tradition and ritualistic practice.

The devotees throng Edupayala temple and many other temples on the eve of Magha Amavasya for holy dip. But the chemical waters from several pharma and chemical companies located on the either side of the 120-km-long Manjira river in Medak district is a serious issue, says Gouramma, a resident of Nagsanpally village in the Papannapet mandal, which is close to the Edupayala Vana Durga Bhavani temple.

The lack of proper roads, water logging and muddy terrain greet the nature-loving pilgrims in the rainy season. The roads at the temple and surrounding areas are waterlogged, making it difficult for pilgrims to move around.

The muddy ground increases the risk of slips and falls, especially for elderly pilgrims. The heavy rains also disrupt road connectivity to Edupayala, making access difficult. Since Edupayala is located near a river confluence, heavy rains also lead to flooding, hindering darshan.

Rajeshwar urged the endowment department to put the temple on priority as it is attracting a heavy number of pilgrims and make arrangements for accommodation, drinking water, toilets, bathing ghats and Anna Prasadam facilities besides proper roads on par with Yadagirigutta temple.