Khammam: Poor turnout of devotees at Bhadradri temple

Khammam: Despite the State government gave permission for temples to open from May 8, devotees' turnout to Sri Sita Ramchandra Swamy temple in Bhadrachalam is very low, against the officials' expectations. Other temples in the temple town also witnessing lesser number of devotees.

The temple authorities have made elaborate arrangements for devotees to have darshan as per Covid-19 norms. On the first day of temple reopening, i.e., June 8, only 1,236 devotees had Lord Rama darshan and temple got Rs 20,700 income.

On second day, June 9, income was Rs 24,800 with 969 devotees. On third day, June 10, 1,231 devotees visited with an income of

Rs 43,300; on fourth day, June 11, 1,160 devotees and Rs 32,780

income; and on fifth day, July

12, 1,064 devotees with income Rs 40,000.

The officials were disappointed with low rush in the temple as they had expected a big rush after the relaxation. According to information, only locals and people from the surrounding areas are visiting the temple while those living in far off places are apparently waiting for the situation to become normal.

A temple official felt that Bhadrachalam is not on the way and very long from major cities in the country when compared to other temples as a reason for devotees not coming to a satisfactory level.

Meanwhile, shops surrounding the temple wear desert look due to no business even though temple was opened. At present, the officials are allowing only drashanam and no puja and kalyanam, which may be one of the reasons for lesser devotees.

Another official said if the temple income does not improve, employees and priests will face problems as they took half salaries only for the last two months. A senior official said they had made all arrangements hoping heavy devotee rush.

A devotee, K Krishna Murthy said that he visited Lord Rama temple twice after relaxation. But not satisfied as the priests didn't give setaru and teerdham (holy water) due to Covid-19 norms, he added.