Heavy rush of pilgrims at Vemulawada

Karimnagar: Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Devasthanam, the historic Shiva temple of Telangana, also called 'Dakshin Kashi' located in Vemulawada in Karimnagar district has been witnessing heavy pilgrims rush on holidays (Sundays) and on Mondays (considered auspicious day by devotees of Lord Shiva) ahead of Maha Shivaratri festival which will be celebrated on February 17.

On Monday, thousands of devotees visited the temple and fulfilled their vow (Kode mokku) by offering young bulls to the presiding deity.

Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Devasthanam generates highest income for the Endowments Department in Telangana. But devotees visiting the shrine complain of lack of amenities such as accommodation, parking, drinking water and poor sanitation.

There is no proper drinking water facility at the temple. The accommodation facilities for devotees are also inadequate. The devotees’ woes begin as they enter the temple by passing through a narrow by-lane. Even the rooms whichever are available are not suitable for a stay in as there is no proper upkeep. The temple sources said that they were making arrangements for the supply of water from the surrounding villages to meet the demand of the pilgrims. They promise to provide elaborate arrangements for Maha Shivaratri festival.