Telangana: Devotees ask for immediate repairs to Kakatiya era’s ‘Mothe Gadda Temple’

The temple was said to have been built during the 13th century and the tribals worship Veerabhadra Swamy as their favoured deity.

Kothagudem: The Kakatiya era Mothe Gadda Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple situated on an island in river Godavari in Burgampad mandal in the district is seeking urgent attention from officials.

Due to the recent flooding in the river, the temple’s outer wall has collapsed and its base has been damaged. The soil beneath the temple base has eroded, posing a threat to the temple.

The locals and devotees are asking the Endowment department to immediately take up repairs to preserve the temple.

The temple was said to have been built during the 13th century and the tribals worship Veerabhadra Swamy as their favoured deity.

Thousands of devotees from across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Chhattisgarh States visit the temple crossing Godavari in boats to take part in special pooja rituals on Maha Shivaratri festival.

A devotee R Gokul Sadashiva Vishal of Paloncha, speaking to Telangana Today, wanted the officials to take urgent steps to repair the damaged portion of the historic temple.

Delay in carrying out repairs could lead to further damage to the temple base, where the soil was loosened. Officials should strengthen the base so as to prevent its erosion in future, he said.

Pinapaka MLA Payam Venkateshwarlu, who visited the temple, said that there was no immediate threat to the temple, only a portion of the outer wall was damaged. Devotees could visit the temple and offer prayers.

Officials are asked to prepare estimates for carrying out repairs at the temple. After the estimates are ready, Endowment Minister Konda Surekha and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy would be asked to grant required funds, the MLA said.