Ram Mandir issue haunts AP

Bhadrachalam enjoyed undisputed status in the undivided State, now the AP Govt is caught in a dilemma in selecting one or the other Ram temple as the official shrine to celebrate Sri Rama Navami

Hyderabad: This is another kind of ‘Ram Mandir’ issue that is persisting in the residuary state of Andhra Pradesh. It’s not about building a new temple, but for official recognition for the one among many temples for the SriRama Navami celebrations. It was a tradition for the Chief Minister of the united Andhra Pradesh to present silk clothes and pearls to the deity at Bhadrachalam during Rama Navami festival.

As Bhadrachalam enjoyed undisputed status in the undivided State, now the government is caught in a dilemma in christening one or the other Ram temple as the official shrine to celebrate the festival. Ramatheertham Temple near Vizianagaram, Kodanda Ramalayam at Gollalamamidada in East Godavari district and Vonitmitta Temple of Kadapa district are in the fray for official status.

Now people of Valmikipuram in Chittoor district are also demanding that Sri Pattabhirama Swamy Temple be given the due official recognition. They want the temple to be developed on the lines of the shrine in Bhadrachalam. Among all, Ramateertham Temple of Vizianagaram is ahead in the race. It was built during the Vijayanagar Empire and devotees here believe that lord Rama visited the place during the years of his exile.

The recent visit by Thridandi China Jeeyarswami on Maha Shivaratri has bolstered the chances for the temple to get the coveted status. Union Minister Ashok Gajapathiraju is throwing his weight behind the proposal. On the other hand, Endowments Minister P Manikyala Rao has reportedly assured the people of Kadapa district that official Brahmotsavams would be organised at Vontimitta Rama Temple.

Also leaders of all parties in the district have decided to come together to launch an agitation to get the status for the temple. Meanwhile, Rajampet MLA M. Mallikarjun Reddy said that he had spoken to the Chief Minister about the demand of the people from Kadapa to bestow the official status to the Vontimitta Rama Temple and the CM had responded favorably.

Already various social outfits and political leaders joined hands and launched a vigorous campaign to press the government for making Valmikipuram as AP’s Badradri. The local leaders have met Endowment Minister P Manikyala Rao and Forest and Environment Minister Bojjala Gopalakrishna Reddy who is from the district in support of their demand. This apart, a post card campaign in which 3500 post cards were posted to Chief Minister N Chandrababau Naidu was also taken up by the people.

They have also planned to meet the CM during his visit to B Kothakota which was slated for Thursday. Another temple in the race is situated at Gollalamamidada in East Godavari district. The temple is nestled in lush green surroundings and has a splendid architecture. There is also a temple dedicated to the Sun God nearby. The temple has huge gopurums. While the east gopurum is 170 feet high, the West gopurum is 200 feet. People can get a glimpse of 20 towns from the top of the gopurum.

One from north coastal, another from coastal and two from Rayalaseema region are competing for the official status. Hectic lobbying, political pressure and people’s agitation are gaining momentum in the related regions. Rama Navami will be celebrated on March 28 this year and the government has little time to take a decision on the issue.

By:G Balakrishna