Temple ill-equipped for Bonalu rush

Karmika Nagar: The Maissama temple in Karmika Nagar is one of the oldest temples in the area and attracts a large number of devotees during the Bonalu festival. But the approach road is in a very bad shape and the temple authorities say lack of funds is a cause for worry.

With the Bonalu festival underway, devotees have started facing hardships. Hundreds of women visit the temple everyday during Bonalu. Mallika, a devotee says, "Our family has been coming to the temple for over three decades. It is sad to see the present state it is in. The civic body needs to repair the road."

"It is difficult for women to carry bonam on this damaged roads and overflowing drain roads." said Guru, priest of the temple. "Year by year devotees visiting to the temple are decreasing due to the same reason." he added.

"The Maissama temple is the only Goddesses temple in the Karmika Nagar," said Gopal Kasturi, resident of Missama Temple, Karmika Nagar. "Maissama temple is one of the popular and old temples in the Karmika Nagar. Due to lack of funds and collections we are unable to provide good facilities. We managed to handle this season with donations from local leaders but it is insufficient," he added.