A shrine that once aided Yadadri lies in neglect

Jeedikal (Janagaon): What remains today of the historical Veerachala Ramachandra Swamy temple in Jeedikal, 90 km northeast of Hyderabad, that once provided sustenance to Yadadri (Yadagirigutta) temple, is just a pale shadow of its past glory.

What went wrong to this temple, believed to be of Tretayuga times that once commanded huge devotee influx besides figuring among the top bracket of revenue grosser, is an unfounded mystery. A few decades ago, the temple authorities say that a part of temple’s revenue was also used for the maintenance of Yadadri temple that later became more popular in Telangana.

Incidentally, this is the only temple where devotees can witness Lord Rama’s celestial wedding twice a year – once on Sri Rama Navami and again in Kartika Masam (November). The 13-day Brahmotsavam in Kartika Masam here is popular and attracts a sizable crowd.

The reason behind Lord’s celestial wedding twice is attributed to two reasons – the Swayabhu temple happened in Kartika Masam and one of the Nizam kings started the tradition when he was blessed with a baby boy after he visited the temple. Thereafter, the priests of Jeedikanti and Gattu clans under whom the temples were administered used to get financial support from the Nizam rulers. 

The Nizams used to send silk robes for the Lord’s celestial wedding to Jeedikal as they did in case of Bhadrachalam Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy temple, a tradition that State government continuing even today.     

While the Chief Minister carries the sill clothes to Bhadradri, it’s Station Ghanpur MLA who offers at Jeedikal.
The significance of Jeedikal temple is that it has a koneru (pond) in the sanctum sanctorum that never goes dry even in summers. There are Jeedi Gundam and Pala Gundam on a hillock behind the temple, where devotees take a holy dip.  The legend has it that in Treta Yuga, following the sage Veera’s penance, Lord Rama who during his Aranyavasam (exile) promised to appear in the form of Swayambhu temple at Jeedikal. 

It’s also said that Lord Rama killed Maricha who was in the guise of bangaru ledi (golden deer) here. There are other tales as well surrounding temple significance.Speaking to The Hans  India, the temple executive officer Nellutla Venkateshwar Rao said: “Of late, the temple has started to witness a good footfall of devotees, however, not similar to that of huge patronage that it once enjoyed. Devotee influx is more during the Brahmotsavam compared to Sri Rama Navami.”

The temple which recorded an assessable income of Rs 28 lakh during 2017-18 has a huge tourism potential. It’s learnt that temple assets include around 170 acres, including 12 acres in Guntur district. Meanwhile, the temple is geared up Sri Rama Navami fiesta on Monday.