Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao‘s decision to rename Yadagirigutta, the abode of Lord Lakshminarasimha Swamy, as “Yadadri” has drawn protests from the Opposition and others who questioned the need for changing the name of a famed temple.
He had decided Yadagirigutta would be renamed on the lines of Simhadri and Bhadradri.
The pontiff Chinna Jeeyar Swamy, who rechristened ‘Yadadri’ also drew flak.
He was also criticised for describing Mr Rao as “Telangana Jathi pita” (father of Telangana state) and “Yugapurushudu”.
“It is ridiculous to rename the temple. The temple has historical significance and is named after the sage Yadarishi. Changing the name of Yadagirigutta, which is popular the world over, is unacceptable to the Telangana people. Where is the need to change the name of such an ancient temple?” asked Congress spokesman Dr Shravan.
Yadagirigutta, located 60 kms from Hyderabad in Nalgonda district, was renamed “Yadadri” by Chinna Jeeyar Swamy on the CM’s request during their visit to the temple. The Telangana Cabinet also approved the decision.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader P. Sunil Kumar Reddy expressed surprise at the government’s decision to rename a temple.
“We have heard of the change of name of streets, buildings, structures, roads etc, but this is the first time that I am hearing of a change in the name of a historic temple. This is unprecedented and uncalled for,” he said.
Mr Reddy further said that if this trend continues another government may also indulge in a name changing spree of temples and this would reduce its sanctity.
Telugu Desam MLA A. Revanth Reddy said, “If Chinna Jeeyar Swamy calls the CM as “Jathi Pitha” and “Yugapurushudu”, what happens to Professor Jayashanker and Mahatma Gandhi?”
He added, “Let him (Chinna Jeeyar Swamy) do his work. If he wants to join politics he can do it straightaway. He can contest elections or become a TRS Politburo member. But heaping praises on Mr Rao is too much.”
BJP spokesman A. Srinivas opposed the change of name saying the CM’s decision was highly reprehensible. “The very sanctity of the temple gets spoilt by such political decisions. It should be dropped immediately.”
TRS spokesman Nomula Narasimhaiah defended the decision saying “Yadadri causes no harm. Let us not try to make a mountain out of a mole hole and indulge in Mr Rao-bashing.”
