Villagers restore 800-yr-old temple

Sculptors From Chennai Roped In To Renovate Temple Built  By The Kakatiyas

Kondapaka (Medak): Setting a good example for others to emulate, villagers of Kondapaka restored a dilapidated ancient temple in Medak district. What’s more, they are planning to celebrate the coming Mahasivaratri in the refurbished Rudreswara (Lord Shiva) temple in this small village, 90 kms from Hyderabad.  

The over 800-year-old temple of Kakatiya era, which was in ruins, was renovated at a cost of Rs 1 crore. The villagers requisitioned trained sculptors from Chennai to restore the temple by liberal use of the material used by Kakatiya soldiers. The temple was constructed by Rudra Deva I in 1194. “Every possible care was taken before dismantling the temple so as to retain the same aesthetic look,” Marumaamula Venkata Ramana Sharma, one of the key members of the temple renovation committee, said.

As per the archaeology department records and temple inscriptions, the soldiers used sand technology to build the base of the temple, which was intact for almost 750 years. “Thirty soldiers belonging to Kolanupaaka regiment of Rudra Deva I built the temple following Agama sastra and using stones,” Peerla Veeresh, a village elder, told TOI.  

Although attempts to renovate the temple began 30 years ago, it gained momentum a couple of years back. A priest, Marumaamula Sitarama Sharma, gathered funds to revive the temple but did not live to see his efforts bear fruit.

 However, other villagers began taking an interest in the revival of the old temple. “But there was a lot of red tape and help was not forthcoming from the endowments department. The help of the local MLA and other well-wishers in Hyderabad had to be enlisted,” says Shyam Mohan, formerly chairman of the Congress party think tank.  

Apart from the 15,000-odd population, Kondapaka was served by nonresident Indians who donated liberally. “We received Rs 40 lakh from them and donations kept pouring in from various quarters,” Renikindi Balaiah, a member of the temple renovation committee, said. The villagers themselves collected Rs 30 lakh. 

Courtesy : Times of India