Sri Lakshminarsimha Swamy temple in Yadagirigutta (Photo: X)
Yadadri-Bhongir: Devotees believe that renaming Yadadri back to Yadagirigutta and allowing overnight stays on the hill, where the Sri Lakshminarsimha Swamy temple is located, will revive its spiritual atmosphere.
According to mythology, Yada Maharshi performed intense penance for Lord Lakshminarsimha Swamy on this hill, giving it the name "Yadagirigutta." The name was later changed to "Yadadri" by the previous BRS government as part of temple development, but devotees missed the term "gutta," a local shorthand for the temple.
After the temple’s renovation, devotees also missed the tradition of overnight stays, which they believed removed negative energy and health issues. As part of development, the Kalyana Katta (tonsure hall) and Vratha Mandapam were relocated to the hill’s base.
The hill shrine retains Telangana’s culture through unique rituals, now with Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy announcing the name’s change back to "Yadagirigutta" and the restoration of overnight stays. During a visit on November 8, the Chief Minister confirmed these changes.
A devotee, G. Venkatesh, expressed gratitude, noting the six-year absence of the overnight stay tradition, which he felt would benefit thousands of devotees fulfilling vows. Another devotee, N. Tharun Kumar, stated that "Yadagirigutta" resonates more deeply with locals than "Yadadri."
Temple executive officer A. Bhaskara Rao announced updates in all temple displays and the website, confirming plans to set up overnight stay facilities on the hill as per the Chief Minister’s directions.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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