Ancient shrine to get its past glory

Hanamkonda: Despite located in the heart of the city, Siddheshwara temple, which is lying neglected for centuries, has finally got some good news.

Thanks to the Warangal Police Commissionerate’s initiative that includes development of the temple and its temple tank, believed to have built some 3,000 years ago.

Known to be one of the rare temples that have Paschimadwara Mukha entrance, Siddheshwara temple is just a stone’s throw away from Padmakshi temple and Bhadrakali Lake.

The temple which reflects the Chalukyan style of architecture is also known as Dakshin Kasi. Despite this fact, the temple has been craving for government’s attention.

Although the temple is looked after by the Siddheshwara clan since the times of Kakatiya dynasty, the temple tank has become a muddy pool. The government which revived and restored several tanks including the Padmakshi Gundam under Mission Kakatiya didn’t lay its focus on Siddheshwara temple tank.

Against this backdrop, the Commissioner of Police G Sudheer Babu adopted the temple tank along with five others to restore them to their original capacity, thus giving a fillip to government’s flagship programme Mission Kakatiya.

Considering the historical importance of the temple, the Commissioner has decided to construct steps along the waterbody to give it a Pushkarini look.

“We have plans to beautify the temple precincts developing the temple tank after restoring it to its original water holding capacity.

The serene surroundings of the temple that nestled amid hillocks has a lot of potential to draw tourists,” Sudheer Babu told The Hans India, referring to his plans that also include plantation of saplings.

“If all goes according to the plan, devotees stand to witness Teppotsavam of the Lord Shiva in the Pushkarini,” the three priests of Siddheshwara clan - Ravi, Madhu and Suresh said.

According to a legend, Renukacharya and several other saints achieved Yoga Siddhi at this very temple tank.

Meanwhile in a rare incident, a snake entered the temple and coiled around the Shiv Linga on Wednesday.