Devotees Marvel at Dashabhuja Ganapathi of Rayadurg
Devotees from across AP and Karnataka have been visiting the shrine over many centuries during the Ganesh Chavithi festival
ANANTAPUR: The five centuries’ old Dashabhuja Ganapathi Temple in Rayadurg town of Anantapur district with its unique features is a major shrine that devotees from across AP and Karnataka have been visiting over many centuries during the Ganesh Chavithi festival.
The massive self-manifested (Swayambhu) idol of Siddhi Devi embracing Dashabhuja Ganesha is believed to have been discovered within the historic Rayadurg Fort during the 14th Century Vijayanagara rule.
The idol's characteristics, including ten arms, three eyes, and right-facing trunk, are believed to fulfil the wishes of devotees.
Devotees believe the idol has been growing over time. As per the local belief, if a devotee offers a whole, unbroken coconut (purna tenkaya) with sincere prayers, their wishes will be fulfilled within 41 days.
A large number of devotees, whose wishes have come true, keep returning to the temple for their thanksgiving prayers, apart from making new wishes.
Rayadurg MLA and whip Kalava Sreenivasulu told Deccan Chronicle that the temple has been readied to receive devotees during the Ganesh festivities. He said they have plans to develop historic Dashabhuja Ganapathi Temple along the lines of the Kanipakam temple.
