NALGONDA: The plans of district administration to install processional deities of local temples (including Wadapally and Mattapally) in front of the respective temples to facilitate hassle-free darshan in view of the Krishna Pushkaram rush was opposed by the temple priests at Wadapally and Mattapally. The priests were of the opinion that this step would reduce the prominence of the temples.
Owing to the huge rush of devotees during the ongoing river fete, the district administration is mulling displaying the deities in front of respective temples for making darshan easier for devotees. During last year's Godavari Pushkarams, most of the devotees could not have have a glimpse of the deities at various temples because of the heavy rush.
Keeping this in view, on August 12, the day Pushkarams commenced, the district administration arranged deities in front of the respective temples. However, on demands of priests, administration removed the deities.
What priests say
The priests from Wadapally and Mattapally, giving their opinion on the issue, explained the district officials that the Shivalayam and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temples were built in the 12 century at Wadapally village of Damaracharla mandal.
"If the devotees can have darshan outside the temple, they wouldn't care to visit the premises and would never know about the historical importance related to them," they said.
Temples' significance
Wadapally is located at the confluence of River Krishna and Musi. The place is famous for the temple of Sri Meenakshi Agasteswara Swamy which was constructed by the Kakatiya rulers in 12th century.
The uniquness of the temple lies in a crevice atop the Shivalinga which is reportedly always full of water. Even if some water is removed, the original level is maintained. The phenomenon defies logic as the Shivalinga is situated about 120 metres above the water level in the river.
Another temple at Wadapally is that of Sri Narasimha Swamy. There is a wide belief that the idol breathes. The temple authorities have arranged two lamps. The flame of one of the lamps, placed close to the idol's face, quivers testifying the fact that the idol is breathing. The flame of the other lamp, kept below, remains still.
One of the Panchanarsimha Swamy Temples in the two Telugu speaking states, in Mattapally, is Sri Yogananda Narsimha Swamy Temple.
There is a belief that incurable diseases can be cured and evil spirits can be driven out if one stays at Mattapalli for 11 days and 11 nights and performs 32 pradakshinams thrice a day with wet clothes after taking a dip in the Krishna river.