Renovation of Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple in Vemulawada gains pace

Renovation of the historic Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple in Vemulawada has gathered pace with the demolition of old structures and construction of new facilities. The Rs 76 crore project includes a new mandapam and Annadana Satram, along with town development works.

Rajanna-Sircilla: Renovation works at the historic Sri Rajarajeshwara Swamy temple in Vemulawada have gathered pace, with demolition of old structures and debris clearance progressing briskly.

The State government has sanctioned Rs 76 crore for the project, which includes renovation and expansion of the temple complex along with the construction of a new Annadana Satram. A massive temple mandapam, featuring about 70 pillars, is also being developed.

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Initially, work was delayed due to objections from political parties and Hindu organisations over the temple’s closure to devotees. However, the project gained momentum following the visit of Jagadguru Sri Vidhushekara Bhavarthi Swamyji, the pontiff of Sringeri Sharada Peetham, to Vemulawada on October 19.

Renovation is being carried out across four acres around the main shrine. Demolition of several old structures, including the Executive Officer’s administrative building, laddu prasadam manufacturing unit, queue lines, and adjoining constructions, has been largely completed. Demolition of the open slab area is in progress, while the EO’s residence and the VVIP guest house will be taken up in the second phase.

To prevent entry into the temple premises, the East and West sides and the old Andhra Bank side have been cordoned off with iron sheets.

For the convenience of devotees, alternate arrangements have been made at the Bheemeshwara temple at a cost of Rs 3.60 crore. All arjitha sevas have been shifted there. Facilities such as the Kodemokku queue line, prasadam counters, Shankara Mutt, Nithya Kalyana mandapam, two sheds on the South and West sides, a shed near the Navagraha statue, CC flooring, a compound wall, and other amenities have been developed.

LED screens have been installed outside the main temple to provide live darshan of the presiding deity for devotees.

Simultaneously, development works in Vemulawada town are also underway. These include the expansion of the bridge across Mulavagu, modernisation of the Baddipochamma temple, and construction of BT roads and drainage systems, taken up with an outlay of Rs 97 crore.