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Endowments department neglecting Kolanu Bharati
The lone Saraswati temple, Kolanu Bharati in the State, which has a history dating back to the Satavahana and Pallava kings continues to
Denied Regional Joint Commissioner (RJC) status
Atmakur: The lone Saraswati temple, Kolanu Bharati in the State, which has a history dating back to the Satavahana and Pallava kings continues to be neglected by the Endowments department by denying the Regional Joint Commissioner (RJC) status, although it is categorised as a 6-B temple. In contrast to this, the Mahanandi and Ahobhilam shrines have been recently accorded the RJC status, along with three others.
The Kolanu Bharati temple, with an annual revenue of over Rs.15 lakh, enjoys a unique status in the country, as it is only the third such structure, after one in Kashmir and another in Basara in Telangana. It was recently allotted Rs 1 crore from the Common Good Fund for upkeep. It has bank deposits of Rs.19 lakh and 45 acres of land, besides gold and silver ornaments.
Yet the department has downgraded the temple to 6-C category (with an income of less than Rs 2 lakh). A retired department official told The Hans India that it would take at least three years to be upgraded to 6-A status. Although recommendations to upgrade the status have been sent to the department the negligence of the powers-that-be has resulted in the temple’s development taking a beating.
The recommendations have been made, thanks to the efforts of Deputy Commissioner Gayatri Devi. Eventhough the temple’s income is increasing the priests and others are allegedly swindling lakhs of rupees donated to Goddess.
However, the tourism department has come forward to develop Kolanu Bharati temple as a tourist centre, trying to encash the natural beauty spots like the Nallamala forest, the Sangameswara shrine, the Krishna river bank which are swarmed by tourists. Besides, philanthropists are ready to offer donations in lakhs for its development.
M Satya Peter
