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Kolanu Bharati is AP’s Basara
Kolanu Bharati Temple in the Nallamala forest has emerged as the only Saraswathi temple in Andhra Pradesh after the State’s bifurcation. The other two Saraswathi temples in the country are located in Jammu and Kashmir and Basara in Adilabad district. Apart from the surrounding districts, devotees from neighbouring Karnataka also visit the temple and pray the Goddess.
Atmakur: Kolanu Bharati Temple in the Nallamala forest has emerged as the only Saraswathi temple in Andhra Pradesh after the State’s bifurcation. The other two Saraswathi temples in the country are located in Jammu and Kashmir and Basara in Adilabad district. Apart from the surrounding districts, devotees from neighbouring Karnataka also visit the temple and pray the Goddess.
The existence of the temple has historical significance. Legend has it Jayamejaya, the grandson of Abhimanyu constructed this temple. Later in 11 century, Badami Chalukyas re-constructed the temple. In 500 AD, Adi Sankaracharya installed ‘Sri Chakra’ here before installing two more Sri Chakras at Srisailam and Vijayawada.
Another story is also in circulation that three local leaders destroyed ‘mandapas’ and ‘upaalayas’ and excavated a treasure trove. But no evidence is available for this anecdote. In 2016, Endowment department tried to restore the main temple by initiating new constructions.
Although famous and holy, the temple is neglected. As a result its own employee, Narayana, an attender on deputation from Atmakur, has allegedly been swindling the temple valuables. He is alleged to have hidden jewels of the Goddess and sarees offered by devotees without the knowledge of temple Executive Officer Chandrasekar Reddy.
The income of this B category temple is Rs 8 lakh. Narayana is said to be earning Rs 70,000, quietly pocketing the ear-studs, rings and other jewellery offered to the Goddess. When questioned, he has said that the jewellery was deposited in SBH Atmakur and SBI Kothapalli, according to the chief archaka.
Already devotees have complained against Narayana to the Endowments department officials. The EO said an inquiry would be taken up against Narayana after June 12. Still local people believe that due the bad vastu, the temple has not gained popularity it deserved and unfortunate incidents have been occurring so often.
By:M Satya Peter
