Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had laid the foundation stone for the temple’s expansion in November last year
KARIMNAGAR: The state government will kickstart the long-awaited expansion of the historic Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple from June 15, taking a significant step towards revamping one of the state’s most iconic spiritual landmarks here in Vemulawada of Rajanna Sircilla district.
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy had laid the foundation stone for the temple’s expansion in November last year. The government earmarked ₹100 crore in the state budget out of which it has already sanctioned ₹47 crore.
While Lord Shiva is the presiding deity, the temple complex houses shrines of Lakshmi Ganapathi, Anantha Padmanabha Swamy and Sitarama Chandra Swamy, giving it the status of a Hari-Hara Kshetram. A Dargah within the premises symbolizes communal harmony as both Hindus and Muslims take part in religious offerings and vows.
On major festivals like Maha Shivaratri, Sravana Masam, Karthika Masam, Sri Rama Navami and Ugadi, the temple sees lakhs of devotees who traditionally bathe in the Dharma Pushkarini and tonsure their heads.
Executive officer K. Vinod Reddy told Deccan Chronicle that senior officials from the endowment department will visit Vemulawada to prepare a detailed action plan. A special meeting led by endowments minister Konda Surekha will be held which will be followed by a visit to the Sringeri Peetham to seek spiritual guidance.
The revamped temple will reflect the region’s rich traditions and architectural beauty. A Shiva idol will be installed in the middle of the temple pond (Pushkarini), creating a visually captivating experience. Surrounding the pond will be walking paths and landscaped parks, enhancing the overall pilgrimage, he added.
Government chief whip and Vemulawada MLA Aadi Srinivas stated that the temple’s revamping will reflect a 1,000-year legacy with world-class facilities for devotees. He credited Chief Minister Revanth Reddy's visit for initiating the development of the temple and the town. He criticised the previous administration for neglecting the temple, saying they deceived devotees with only temporary measures.
