Nellore: Temple ends decades-old myth

Nellore: The Managing Committee of Sri Talpagiri Ranganadha Swamy shrine in Nellore has put an end to the decades’ old myth against opening the main entrance to the Sanctom Sanctorum of the Lord.

A concrete wall was constructed between the ‘Dwajastambam’ (flag staff) and the main entrance on the western side of the shrine to prevent access into Garbha Gudi (Sanctum Sanctorum) around seven decades back and the present generation is not aware of the reasons for this. It was assumed that that some repulsive events in the temple led to the closure and no one attempted to open it all these years due to fear over the consequences.

Chairman of the present committee Manchikanti Sudhakar and a member R. Venkatesh dared to open the entrance recently even as some senior citizens warned them over possible repercussions. Thanks to their courage, the committee is delighted now as the opening led the reflected rays of the evening Sun from the adjacent Pennar River fall on the Vakshasthalam (Chest area) of the idol of the presiding deity of this historical shrine built by Pallava rulers during seventh or eighth century.

Buoyed with the positive signs, the committee decided to ignore another myth pertaining to the age old Rajagopuram atop the exit, leading to Pennar River, and build a new one.

Though the temple was given a facelift several times in the past, the Rajagopuram on the western side was left untouched because the Executive Officers and Chairmans of the temple said that the proposal faced unpleasant situations in the past.

Speaking to DC, Chairman of the temple Sudhakar said that noted philanthropist Vemireddy Prabhakar Reddy came forward to build the Rajagopuram and they are planning to go ahead even if there are no donors for the construction.

He said that they have built a separate facility to change clothes after taking bath in Pennar River besides toilets for gents and ladies separately after noticing the troubles faced by the devotees.

Member of the committee R. Venkatesh has thanked Municipal Commissioner S.K. Alim Basha for constructing two platforms at the entrance of the temple on their request to prevent rainwater from entering the temple.

A devotee S. Dasaradharam Moorthy has appreciated the temple administration for removing all electrical lights and opting for traditional lights using ghee in the Garbha Gudi.

He has also patted them for illuminating the entire premises and giving facelift to the sub shrines of Lord Anjaneya and Vinayaka in the historical temple, popularly known as Uttara Sri Rangam (Sri Rangam of the North).