Devotees perform pujas before closed gates of Vemulawada temple

The Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple in Vemulawada was closed for renovation on Wednesday, prompting protests from devotees who performed pujas outside the shrine. Authorities cited ongoing works, while police deployed personnel to prevent unrest and guide devotees elsewhere.

Karimnagar: A peculiar situation prevailed at Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple in Vemulawada following the complete closure of the shrine on Wednesday.

With renovation works underway, authorities have suspended darshanams and sealed the temple premises. Although alternative arrangements were made at the nearby Bheemeshwara temple, several devotees gathered at the closed entrance of the main shrine and performed pujas there.

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Devotees were seen breaking coconuts, lighting lamps, and offering prayers at the main gate and at the statue of Lord Shiva located on the western side of the temple. They expressed dissatisfaction over the closure, saying the temple should have remained open for a few more days as Karthika Masam is considered the most auspicious month for the presiding deity.

A large number of police personnel were deployed to prevent any untoward incidents. Officers were seen advising devotees to visit the Bheemeshwara temple for darshanam instead.

Speaking to reporters, senior BJP leader Pratapa Ramakrishna criticised the temple authorities for closing the shrine soon after the Jubilee Hills by-election. He said they were not against temple development works but questioned the decision to suspend darshanams suddenly without prior notice.