Ram Navami: Vemulawada temple likely to remain closed for devotees

In the wake of rise in Covid-19 cases in Vemulawada and its surrounding villages due to the second wave, the temple authorities have taken this decision

Rajanna-Sircilla: The officials of Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple at Vemulawada are planning to close the shrine for devotees for five days from April 18 to 22 to conduct Sri Rama Navami celebrations scheduled to be held on April 21. The temple authorities brought the proposal to the notice of the Endowment Commissioner as well as the District Collector in this regard.

The temple Executive Officer Krishna Prasad along with other temple staff on Friday met Collector D Krishna Bhaskar and explained the need to close the temple for the celebrations considering the Covid outbreak in the temple town.

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In the wake of rise in Covid-19 cases in Vemulawada and its surrounding villages due to the second wave, the temple authorities have taken this decision.

In a unique practice, the celestial wedding of Lord Rama would be held in Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy shrine in Vemulawada. Scores of pilgrims from different parts of the state and surrounding states such as Maharastra, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh take part in the five days ceremony to be held from April 18 to 22. In the wake of the Corona outbreak, temple authorities have decided to close the temple for devotees for five days. However, the Rama Navami celebrations as well as other daily rituals to Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy will be continued as usual.

Speaking to Telangana Today, Temple EO Krishna Prasad informed that they have decided not to allow devotees into the temple on the occasion of Sri Rama Navami and informed the same to the endowment commissioner and district collector. The decision would be implemented after obtaining permission from the higher officials. During the period of Shiva Kalyanam, pilgrims were allowed to have darshan of the presiding deity but were denied to take part in the celestial wedding of Lord Siva. This time, devotees will not be allowed into the shrine, EO said.

Scores of pilgrims thronged Vemulawada to take part in the celestial wedding of lord Siva (Shiva kalyanam) held on March 31. Streets of the temple surroundings were jam packed with the devotees.

Since then the number of corona positive cases have been increasing in the temple town. While about 500 people were tested positive for the virus, two women died with Covid-19. All the traders running businesses in front of the temple were infected with the virus.

Six of the temple staff including two priests were also infected by the virus. Alerted over the outbreak, authorities have closed Annadana Satram (free meal canteen) and are distributing packed food to limited people.

On the other hand, district medical and health officials asked temple staff, traders and local people to come forward to undergo corona test.

Municipal authorities made it clear that the traders who tested positive for the virus would not be allowed to open shops.

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