Bhakta Ramadasu birthplace forgotten

Nelakondapalli (Khammam): While Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy temple is decked up with all pomp and circumstance for the celestial wedding of the Lord on Friday, Saint composer Bhakta Ramadasu aka Kancharla Gopanna’s residence-turned-Dhayna Mandir at Nelakondapalli, 23 km south of Khammam, continues to remain a neglected lot.

Thanks to the apathetic approach of the temple authorities. Despite the fact that the shrine was built by Bhakta Ramadasu in 17th century rakes in an income of about Rs 20 crore per annum, the temple administration has a scant respect to preserve the rich legacy of the saint poet.

In a bid to promote the greatness of Ramadasu, who left behind an indelible impact on music world with his ‘keertans’ extolling Lord Rama, the government turned his residence into Dhyana Mandir long ago. Though the Mandir was adopted by the Bhadradri temple management in 2000, it hadn’t seen any development till now.

Moreover, it is learnt that the temple, which organises Lord’s wedding on a grand note spending lakhs of rupees, had been earmarking just Rs 25,000 every year to conduct the celestial wedding of the Lord at Dhyana Mandir. For the conduct of Lord’s wedding, the temple released Rs 15,000 in advance and had not paid the remaining Rs 10,000 last year. Despite this, the Archaka Swamy with the help of villagers organises wedding and other cultural activities. This year also, the temple had released Rs 15,000.

The temple, which provides material for Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyams, gives a salary of Rs 5,000 to Archaka Swamy. Rajinikantacharyulu, the Archaka Swamy of Dhyana Mandir, told The Hans India: “With the help of local philanthropists, we are able to organise the Lord’s ceremony as the fund given by the temple is not enough. Moreover, I did not get my salary since October last.”