Hopes brighten on facelift to 11th century temple

​Suryapet: A wonderful temple, built in the eleventh century by the Kakatiyas in the heart of the town here with exquisite sculptures and secret tunnels, is today crying for attention.

Interestingly, old-timers in the vicinity are still gushing about its antiquity and significance, while harbouring hopes that the TRS government would take steps to give the ancient shrine a facelift.

The temple once had numerous rare statues and stone structures. According to the local people, the temple has been a picture of neglect for the past 100 years. At one time, it was called as ‘Varadarajulugudi’.

Senior citizens living in the vicinity of the temple, particularly Bodrai Bazaar, are of the view that the main idols of Varadarajulugudi depict forms of Lord Vishnu.

They bemoan that the temple is now devoid of any kind of pujas. The situation was different during their childhood.

Today, the temple is full of weeds and wild growths of bushes. Stench emanates from all parts of the temple so much so that people can no longer venture into its precincts.

The idols in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple were stolen long back. The rear portion of the temple is in now a dilapidated condition. Still, the temple reflects the sculptural glory of the yore.

Legend has it that there were secret tunnels from the temple to Pillalamarri temple and Nagulapadu temple.

The people of the district are hopeful that the KCR government would take steps for reviving the temple, considering the focus on giving facelift to prominent temples.

The people are eagerly waiting for the temple to get a shot in the arm, more so because Suryapet is represented in the State Cabinet by Jagadeesh Reddy.

By: D Srinivas