The management of festivals at the Bhadrachalam Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy Devasthanam, also known as Dakshina Ayodhya, is becoming a financial burden. Devotees and temple trust members are asking the government to organize the Mukkoti and Sri Ramanavami festivals at the Lord Rama Temple.
In the past, these festivals were funded by the temple alone. However, with more devotees attending, there is a need for extra funds to provide better facilities. These festivals attract devotees from neighboring states and even from other countries, making them important events for the temple.
The temple management estimates that over Rs 5 crore are needed to ensure the comfort and safety of the thousands of devotees expected to attend. For the two-day Sri Ramanavami festival on April 17 and April 18 this year, provisions are required for temporary accommodations, drinking water, food, LED screens for festival viewing, beautification of the temple premises, prasadas, changing rooms, toilets, and other necessary amenities along the Godavari riverbank.
The Lord Rama temple has asked the government for financial assistance to cover these expenses annually. They have also requested the government to continue the tradition of providing silk clothes and pearl talambaras during the Sri Ramanavami festival, a cost that the Devasthanam will cover.
The Executive Officer of Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamy temple, L Ramadevi, has promised a smooth and comfortable experience for devotees during the festivals. Proposals for funding have been submitted to the Endowment Commissioner for approval and sanction.
Devotees like K Krishna Murthy are disappointed with the previous government’s lack of attention to the temple’s development under BRS rule. Murthy is urging the Congress government to allocate funds for the temple’s main events and overall growth.
