Nellore: Endowment department plan to renovate 12th century shrines of Sri Rukmini Sathya-bhama Sametha Sri Venugopala Swamy and Sri Kamakshi Sametha Sri Siddeswara Swamy Devasthnams located in the coastal area close to Bay of Bengal at Krishnapatnam has been drawing criticism from locals who doubt the quality of construction. Siddeswara Swamy temple is under Archeology protection.
The two temples were renovated during the period of Chola king Manuma Siddhi in 1270 as per the scriptures found in the temple. Temple chief priest Gudali Subba Rao Sarma said poet and minister in Manuma Siddhi empire, Tikkana Somayaji played a key role in renovating the temples following the emergence of Shaivism and Vaishnavism as new religions in the light of the rise of Buddhism and Jainism then.
Subba Rao said, "The original name of the temple was Manuma-Siddhisvaram, from which the (present) name of Siddheswara for the deity is derived. He added that Krishnapat-nam was a famous port, pointing out two inscriptions found on the walls of the shrine.
He added that the commercial community comprising the various trading societies or companies met and transacted business from the port and also contributed funds and land for running the temple.
The land they gave was procured by Reliance Power in 2008 and a compensation of 40 crore was given to the temple. However endowment wing failed to give a facelift to the temples. The compound wall and Vahanams at Sri Siddeswara shrine are in a dilapidated condition. The '40 crore grew to '70 crore with interest.
The endowment department took up renovation of Sri Venugopala Swamy at an estimated cost of Rs 6.61 crore following public outcry but there are complaints on construction quality.
Some temple committee members also raised objections over the works. Temple in-charge Executive Officer K. Janardhan Reddy, however, said it was fine. He attributed the allegations to local politics.
Referring to the Rs 70 crore, he said a part of it would be used to run the two temples while there are plans to establish a Veda Patasala using part of the amount.
