Vemulawada, Telangana: The Vemulawada Rajarajeshwara Swamy Temple, famously known as the “Kashi of the South,” has temporarily suspended darshan (viewing of the deity) starting Sunday. The decision comes amid ongoing expansion and development works at the temple, which is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Telangana. Thousands of devotees from across the Telugu states and the country visit daily to offer prayers and perform rituals.
Temple authorities stated that during the suspension, devotees can perform all types of offerings and rituals, including abhishekam, annaprasadam, nitya kalyanam, Chandi homam, and other paid services, at the Bhimeshwara Swamy shrine. Only solitary rituals (ekanta seva) will be conducted at the main Rajarajeshwara Swamy shrine during this period. Devotees have been requested to cooperate with the temple authorities as the suspension may continue for several months.
Bandi Sanjay Voices Concerns: BJP leader Bandi Sanjay expressed strong disapproval of the temple closure. He warned that the feelings of devotees should not be hurt and stated that party workers would step in to reopen the temple if needed. He questioned how rituals for Rajanna could be performed during the closure and urged BJP leaders to remain vigilant. His remarks have gone viral on social media.
Sanjay further emphasized that while many temples across the country are undergoing development, none have been completely closed for devotees. Citing Yadadri as an example, he noted that expansion work began only after the Balaalayam was consecrated. He also questioned how long the Vemulawada temple would remain closed, giving a stern warning that abrupt closures would not be accepted by devotees.