Latest news with #SriRajaRajeshwaraSwamy
The Hindu
3 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
Free distribution of ‘kodelu' (bulls) relaunched following death of 13 ‘kodelu' at Vemulawada temple goshala
The death of around 13 kodelu (bulls) at the Thippapur-based goshala of the historic Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple in Vemulawada within a span of 48 hours on Friday and Saturday (May 31), prompted the temple authorities to restart the free Kodelu distribution exercise on Sunday (June 1, 2025) after a long gap. The pathetic condition of most of the kodelu in the overcrowded goshala sparked outrage among devotees, triggering demands for a detailed inquiry to probe their death and relocation of the goshala to spacious premises. At present, the goshala has around 1200 kodelu against its capacity to house 450 to 500 cattle, mainly calves, donated by devotees to the temple, resulting in taking a toll on their health, sources said. In July 2024, the temple authorities launched free distribution of kodelu (bulls and cows) to eligible farmers for agricultural purpose only in a bid to ease burden on the goshala. After distribution of kodelu in different phases, the entire exercise came to a virtual halt so far this year following the alleged misuse of the scheme by some unscrupulous elements at the fag-end of last year, sources added. Following the death of more than a dozen kodelu in quick succession at the Thippapur goshala in the last three days, the authorities have relaunched the kodelu distribution scheme in the temple town on Sunday. Donation of kodelu to the temple by ardent devotees of Lord Raja Rajeshwara Swamy is an age-old practice symbolising their unflinching devotion towards the temple deity, noted Hanumandlu of Karimnagar. The free distribution of Kodelu has been launched under the direct supervision of Rajanna Sircilla Collector Sandeep Kumar Jha in Vemulawada, said temple executive officer K. Vinod Reddy. Speaking to The Hindu, he said: 'The elaborate exercise for distribution of 300 kodelu to the eligible farmers began in the temple town in adherence to a foolproof method. They are being handed over to the beneficiaries after geo-tagging them to ensure the proper maintenance and care.' A veterinary medical camp is being organised at Thippapur goshala to constantly monitor the health of some of the ailing kodelu, said District Veterinary Officer Ravinder Reddy. 'We have saved the lives of 16 kodelu by providing prompt medical care,' he said, adding that eight kodelu died on May 30 and five died on May 31 due to ill health. Around 500 kodelu were administered LSD vaccination as a safety precaution.
New Indian Express
5 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
Overcrowding at temple cattle shed leads to more calf deaths in Telangana
RAJANNA-SIRCILLA: Four days after the death of an ox and a calf at Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple cattle shed in Tippapur, Vemulawada temple town, eight calves reportedly died due to ill health early on Friday. The carcasses of the cattle were transported in a tractor and buried on the outskirts of town. According to sources, around 1,150 cattle are kept in the shed, which can accommodate only about 400. Due to irregularities in cattle distribution, the authorities stopped the process a few months ago. Every year, crores of rupees are spent on cattle health and maintenance of shed. Following the death of the cattle, on the directions of Collector Sandeep Kumar Jha, a team of veterinary doctors led by Dr Anji Reddy visited the cattle shed to find the cause of the deaths. The team said the mortality rate is increasing due to poor management. Recent heavy rains filled the shed floor with muddy water. Calves frequently die due to stampedes, the team opined. They segregated sick and healthy cattle, moving the sick ones to a dry area to prevent further deaths. They also appealed to devotees to bring healthy oxen instead of calves to offer to the temple. It may be recalled that it is an old tradition and belief that devotees from far-flung areas bring calves and leave them for Lord Shiva. The temple adopts these calves and uses them for the Arjita Seva programme.
New Indian Express
24-05-2025
- New Indian Express
Rumours of temple closure spike pilgrim surge at Telangana's Vemulawada
RAJANNA-SIRCILLA: As the government's previously announced plan to expand the Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple in Vemulawada approaches, rumours have triggered a massive surge in pilgrim numbers. A few days ago, Government Whip Aadi Srinivas announced that the expansion work would begin on June 15. However, with no official confirmation regarding the closure of the temple, there has been a spike in footfall, with local reports indicating that daily pilgrim numbers have jumped from the usual 20,000 to over 50,000 in recent days, especially on Fridays and weekends. Responding to the situation, both temple officials and Aadi Srinivas have clarified that no final decision has been made regarding the commencement of expansion works. Speaking to TNIE, temple executive officer K Vinod Reddy dismissed the rumours, stating, 'The news that the temple will be closed from June 15 is far from the truth. Detailed plans regarding darshan arrangements and the Bheemeshwara Temple facilities will be announced soon.' He further explained that the expansion of the main temple premises will only commence once proper facilities for devotees are in place at the Bheemeshwara Temple. The expansion will follow the principles of Agama Shastra, ensuring spiritual and architectural sanctity. 'The temple will not be closed entirely during the expansion. Daily rituals and pujas will continue. However, the procedure for allowing devotees will be finalised soon,' said Srinivas, urging devotees not to fall for unverified rumours. Among the crowd was Raju Naik, a devotee from Warangal district, who visited the temple with his family. 'We decided to come now, fearing we might not get another chance once the renovation starts,' he said.
