Hyderabad: A growing controversy over the temporary closure of the Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple in Vemulawada has prompted the government to take a closer look. Endowments Minister Konda Surekha has now asked temple officials to involve locals and all concerned parties before starting any work.
On Wednesday, the Minister met with the Endowments Commissioner and the temple’s Executive Officer to get a full update. Officials explained that there were misunderstandings about the temple’s expansion plan. They said the aim is to improve facilities for the thousands of devotees who visit the temple, especially at the Bhimeshwara Temple, which is part of the complex.
However, the Minister made it clear: no construction or changes should begin without open dialogue with the community. She stressed the need for transparency to avoid confusion or public unrest.
The issue heated up after the Rajanna Temple Protection Committee declared a bandh in Vemulawada on Wednesday. The group is protesting the government’s decision to shut down the temple from June 15 for redevelopment. They called on local shopkeepers to close their businesses in solidarity.
This committee includes leaders from multiple political parties, such as the BJP, Congress, and BRS, and is led by BJP district president Prathapa Ramakrishna. He criticized the plan to remove smaller deity idols under the pretext of modernization. He also questioned why the government has not acted on demands to remove a Dargah close to the temple, a long-standing issue raised by some devotees.
Ramarkrishna urged the public and traders to support the bandh, calling the government’s move unfair and insensitive to religious sentiments.
Temple authorities and priests clarified that the temple, often called Dakshina Kashi, struggles with space during peak pilgrimages. They said expanding the temple area is necessary to serve devotees better.
Temple EO Vinod Reddy denied claims that the temple will shut down completely on June 15. He assured devotees that plans are still being finalized, and any major changes will only happen once proper arrangements are made at the Bhimeshwara Temple. Details about the expansion will be shared soon.
The temple expansion will follow Agama Shastra guidelines and has the approval of the Sringeri Peethadhipathi along with recommendations from the Endowment and Charitable Endowments Department.
The government has allocated Rs 76 crore for the overall temple development. An additional Rs 36 crore has been set aside for building an Annadana Satra, a facility that offers free meals to devotees. Officials made it clear that none of this funding will come from the donations made by devotees.
