Rajanna temple takes up Bilva plantation

​Vemulawada: Massive plantation of Eka Bilva and Maha Bilva (bel tree), believed to be Lord Raja Rajeshwara Swamy’s favourite, has on Wednesday got underway in four acres at Nampally Guravaiah Nagar near temple town.

Minister for Endowments A Indrakaran Reddy’s wife Vijayalaxmi launched the plantation drive, what the temple authorities call it as Maha Deva Linga Avarana project.

The design of the plantation would be in such a way that it will look like Shiva Lingam from aerial view. As per the plan, Eka Bilva saplings are planted in the shape of Shiva linga surrounded by Maha Bilva on the demarcated land. The saplings are sponsored by AG Bioteck Laboratories Limited managing director Punnam Veera Reddy of Hyderabad.

Reddy said for the first time Maha Bilva is being taken on a massive note. The species of Bilva is associated both with science and religious activity. “Bilva is highly regarded in Hindu religious rituals. On the other hand, Bilva absorbs a lot of pollution,” Reddy, who had supplied nearly two lakh saplings to various temples in the country, said.

“Once the trees are raised, the temple authorities can use Bilva leaves procured from this garden for Lord’s puja,” Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple executive officer Dusa Rajeshwar said.