As the galigopurams of three more temples are on the verge of collapse, the cash-strapped endowment department is searching for suitable donors. Besides, the department has locked horns with the Archeological Survey of India on renovating or reconstructing the galigopurams.
The Srisailam temple galigopuram, which was constructed by Chatrapati Sivaji, collapsed partially on Wednesday night. Srisailam Trust Board member Adinarayana Reddy came forward to rebuild the galigopuram and started the scaffolding work. When the endowment department decided to pull down the galigopuram (tower or steeple over the gate) and construct a new one, the ASI objected to it and suggested that minor repairs were sufficient. But, due to continuous rains, the 10-foot part of the gopuram collapsed. Already, Srikalahastiswara temple’s galigopuram, which was constructed by Sri Krishna Devarayalu, collapsed completely some time back. As the department is short of funds, it is searching for donors to reconstruct the galigopuram of Srikalahasti temple. Meanwhile, reports have come in that the galigopurams of three more temples, which also come under the ASI, are in a dilapidated condition. The Kondandarama Swamy temple at Vontimitta in Kadapa district is one such. Its gopuram was originally constructed by the Chola kings and was renovated by Sri Krishna Devarayalu.
The Chennakesava Swamy-Ramalingeswara Swamy temple at Sanivarapupet in Eluru in West Godavari district is another temple whose galigopuram too is need of repairs. Officials decided to reconstruct a new galigopuram for it. Though the decision was taken as long back as January 2011, ASI’s objection came in the way of work being taken up. However, the endowment department, keeping the safety of devotees in mind, has decided to go ahead with its reconstruction plan and is now searching for donors. The third temple whose galigopuram also needs reconstruction is the famous Mahanandiswara Swamy temple at Mahanandi in Kurnool district which will be renovated at an estimated cost of Rs 20 lakh.
Three more temples _ the Ramalingeswara Swamy temple at Dharampuri in Karimnagar district, Ramalingeswara Alayam at Kusumanchi in Khammam district and the Bheemeswara Swamy temple at Vemulawada in Karimnagar district _ are also in a dilapidated condition. These temples are also under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India. The endowment department will reconstruct the temple buildings with original designs.
According to endowment minister C Ramachandraiah, as many as 43 ancient temples are in dilapidated condition. As the department has no funds it is searching for donors.
The minister, who has been to the US recently on a private visit, met representatives of SAWE and Hindu Heritage Foundation. They came forward to donate for the renovation of temples in their native villages or districts. If NRIs contribute 50 per cent of the cost, the department can bear the balance.
“If NRIs contribute Rs 2 lakh to the Dhoopa, Deepa and Naivedyam Scheme, archana will be performed for a period of one year in the name of each donor. Some donors offered donations to me in the US. But I did not accept them as the department has to build a machinery for accepting donations. These proposal will be accepted soon,” the minister said.
“If ancient and historic temples are renovated, the developed temples will not only protect our culture and promote spiritualism but will also become money-spinners,’’ the minister said.
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