Wadapally temple all set for Shivaratri fest

Wadapally (Nalgonda): Sri Meenakshi Agasteswara Swamy temple of Wadapally comes alive on the day of Shivaratri with thousands of devotees converging to get the glimpse of the Lord Shiva.

The temple that was constructed during the reign of Kakatiya rulers in 12th century is also known as Kashi of south India and stands near the confluence of Krishna and Musi rivers. It said that the Shivalingam which is of 6,000 years old was installed by saint Agastya.

The large fissure found above the Shivalingam has been attracting the visitors from the time immemorial. No matter how much water is drawn from the crevice, it always gets filled with water and the water level remains unchanged. The Shivalingam is placed about 120 metres above the water level, and this nonstop supply of water still remains mysterious.

Devotees from Telangana and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh throng the temple during Mahashivaratri, Tholi Ekadashi, Karthika Masam and in November soon after the monsoons when the flow of water is maximum. It can be noted here that the urn containing the ashes of Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee was also immersed at the confluence of Musi and Krishna rivers. Similarly, people who lost their dear ones also dissolve their mortal remains here at the confluence. There are train and bus facilities to Wadapally from Nalgonda, Miryalaguda and others areas of the State.

Meanwhile, Wadapally is also famous for Laxmi Narasimha Swamy temple. Legend has it that the great saint Vyasa Bhagwan observed penance and requested Lord Vishnu to appear in Wadapally. Pleased with the saint's penance, Lod Vishnu appeared before Vyasa in the Lord Narasimha avatar. Sage Vyasa requested him to stay in Wadapally as Narasimha, and Vishnu accepted it.

Meanwhile, the Wadapally temple authorities made all necessary arrangements for celestial wedding of Lord Shiva with his consort Goddess Parvathi on Shivaratri festival day. The officials are expecting about 20,000 devotees to attend the wedding and in this connection, the authorities concerned have made all necessary arrangements like setting up of queue lines, bathing spaces at Pushkar Ghat, drinking water etc. The temple has been illuminated and decorated with flowers for the occasion, informed temple Executive Officer Mrutyunjaya.

By Deekonda Ravishankar