Rajamahendravaram: Sarangadhareshwara temple, a famous tourist hub

Rajamahendravaram: The Telugu people in general and senior citizens in particular, would never forget NTR-Bhanumati starer Telugu movie 'Sarangadhara' released in 1957.

A small stone slab measuring three feet long and two feet wide at 1,000-year-old Sarangadhareshwara Swamy temple in the historical city is attracting many people including tourists and historians even today. The stone, which is placed in a Mandapam of the temple, has a stirring tale to tell.

The historical story related to Eastern Chalukya King of Vengi, Raja Raja Narendra, who ruled during the 11th century and Prince Sarangadhara is his only son who is an epitome of all virtues and valour.

Neighbouring Princess Chitrangi, an embodiment of beauty fell in love with Sarangadhara and wanted to marry him. But, Raja Raja Narendra marries the Princess setting aside his son Sarangadhara.

Even after entering into wedlock with the king, Chitrangi, now the step-mother of Sarangadhara, finds it difficult to forget him and asks him to meet her. But, Sarangadhara who was in a hurry to go to the forest fails to meet his step-mother Chitrangi.

Enraged over this, she decides to take revenge against him. Knowing this, Vijayaditya, the cousin of King Raja Raja Narendra spreads rumours that Chitrangi and Sarangadhara had an illicit relationship and even succeeds in his endeavour.

After hearing the news Raja Raja Narendra could not be able to digest it. He orders the removal of the legs and hands of Sarangadhara. His staff executes his orders on a hill near the fort. On the three feet long and two feet wide stone slab the King's staff chops of the limbs of the prince. That is why the stone had become the centre of attraction. Moreover, lying on the stone slab, Sarangadhara, on the advice of Meghananda, an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, prays to the Almighty for the restoration of his legs and hands which was granted to him by Lord Shiva.

Meanwhile, Chitrangi who came to know about the fate of Sarangadhara admits her mistake before Raja Raja Narendra. The furious king orders his men to bury Chitrangi alive as a punishment. She was buried on the outskirts of the city later. That area later became to be known as Katheru. It is said that the area was once called Patheru which means buried and in due course of time it had become Katheru.

Sarangadhara's history was made into Telugu movie in which NT Rama Rao played the role of the prince and Bhanumati as the Princess.

Temple executive officer N Nageswara Rao said that many people keep visiting the temple every day and steps were taken to give much publicity about the temple and its history.

Temple chief priest Kameswara Rao said it was a real story that occurred about one thousand years ago and the Sarangadhareswara Swamy manifested himself after appearing before Prince Sarangadhara.