Restrictions and sudden cancellations of darshan schedules at Ishta Kameshwari Temple in Nallamala are causing difficulties for devotees.
Restrictions and sudden cancellations of darshan schedules at Ishta Kameshwari Temple in Nallamala are causing difficulties for devotees. (Image: DC)
Kurnool: Restrictions and sudden cancellations of darshan schedules at Ishta Kameshwari Temple in Nallamala are causing difficulties for devotees.
Jeep operators and autorickshaw drivers from Srisailam are charging high fares, making travel expensive. Devotees also complain about a lack of basic facilities and demand that ticket counters be set up in Srisailam for their convenience.
The temple, located deep in the Nallamala forest near Srisailam, is protected by the forest department due to its proximity to tiger habitats. Visitors need special permission from forest officials. Dedicated to Goddess Parvathi, the shrine is believed to heed the wishes of devotees.
Nestled amidst lush greenery and a serene environment, the shrine offers both spiritual solace and an adventurous journey for devotees. Its origins are shrouded in myths but projections are that it dates back to the time of the Vijayanagara Empire.
The temple’s stone structure is not only historically significant but also stunning, with the forehead of the Ishta Kameshwari Devi “resembling” human skin.
Forest officials issue tickets under the name "Jungle Ride" at Rs 1,000 per person. Middlemen are selling tickets at inflated rates of Rs 1,500–2,000. Jeeps, arranged by forest officials, charge Rs 1,500 per person.
Srinivas from Nizamabad said black marketing of tickets is a major issue and that many vehicles operate without proper permits, allowing drivers to charge random fares. However, devotees say there is no actual ride; the ticket only serves as an entry pass to the forest.
Ramulamma from Nalgonda complained that there are no basic facilities like drinking water and shelter. Devotees wait for hours, sometimes overnight, for tickets, but officials cancel darshan without prior notice. A special ticket counter is set up at Shikhareshwaram, 8km from Srisailam, but devotees must take autos, which charge Rs 100–150 per person.
Venkateswara Rao from Bapatla said devotees wait for hours but receive no proper updates from officials. They must streamline the darshan process. Srisailam police said a letter has been sent to the Nandyal RTO about unauthorized vehicle operators, and “action is expected from the transport and forest departments.”
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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