Irrigation officials take part in Ganesh idol immersion at Dummugudem anicut

DUMMUGUDEM (BHADRADRI): The Ganesha idol immersion ceremony from the Vinayaka temple on the banks of River Godavari in Dummugudem is unlike the immersion of other idols.

Built 155 years ago, though small, the temple has a good history behind it.

There is a link between the Dummugudem anicut that was built by British engineers in 1865 and the Vinayaka temple. A Vinayaka idol was unearthed when workers were digging for the anicut on River Godavari. The labourers took the issue to the notice of the engineers, whose team was led by Sir Arthur Cotton.

An idol was set up on the banks of River Godavari adjacent to Dummugudem anicut. The locals earmarked a place near the project site and began offering prayers at the spot, where a small temple was built for the idol in later years.

Dummugudem anicut is even now deemed technically sound, despite the structure being built by the British. A navigation channel was carved to transport forest produce to Rajahmundry and other places. It is believed that the project was constructed without any glitches after the temple came up.

The temple priest Krishna Murthy said “I heard that pujas began in the temple from the first day and irrigation officials used to come there for every Ganesha Chaturthi”.

Sir Arthur Cotton had also visited the idol in those days. Suresh, a local activist, said “I am told that people used to consider the temple as an office of the irrigation department”.

Ganesha Chauturthi is held every year. Irrigation and revenue officials attended Sunday’s program.

Raj Suhas, an irrigation engineer, said “The Vinayaka temple is famous. People from Dummugudem and government officials participate in the nimajjanam program every year. The temple remained rock-solid even after the 1986 Godavari floods inundated the entire Dummugudem village.”