Vemulawada Rajanna Temple Closed Due to Renovation Works; Devotees Upset Over Lack of Prior Notice

Devotees visiting the famous Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple in Vemulawada, popularly known as Dakshina Kashi, were left disappointed as temple authorities suddenly closed the main entrance with iron barricades on Monday morning.

Due to ongoing temple development and reconstruction works, the main gate was completely sealed off, preventing devotees from having darshan of Lord Rajanna. The decision came as a shock to thousands of devotees who had arrived in large numbers during the auspicious Karthika Masam.

Over the past month, several structures within the temple premises — including the southern and northern prakaram, naivedya hall, and EO office — have been demolished as part of the renovation. Currently, only temple priests are allowed inside to perform the regular chatuskala pujas.

However, devotees expressed strong anger at the authorities for not issuing prior notice about the closure, especially during the holy Karthika month. Thousands of pilgrims who came for darshan were left disheartened and returned home in disappointment. Many devotees were seen offering prayers before the LED screens placed outside the temple, which displayed live visuals of the deity.

As a temporary measure, officials have arranged darshan at the nearby Bhimeswara Temple, where devotees can offer their kode mokku (bull vows) and participate in paid rituals (arjita sevas). The temple premises, once crowded with devotees, now appear deserted.