Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, built by Vijayanagara emperor Sri Krishna Devaraya, should have occupied a pride of place in the government’s tourism plans. Unfortunately, it doesn’t. Though the government has taken initiative to develop Penukonda, said to have been the second capital of Sri Krishna Devaraya, as a tourist hub, the works are going on at a snail’s pace.
During the quincentenary celebrations of Sri Krishna Devaraya (marking 500 years of his rule) three years ago, the then chief minister K Rosaiah doled out several promises for the development of the historical town as well as the Narasimha Swamy Temple, which was built on the Penukonda hillock.
Accepting the need to lay a road of 6.8 km to the hillock, the government had sanctioned `5 crore for the purpose, thanks to the efforts of district minister N Raghuveera Reddy.
Of the `5 crore, `3 crore was spent for laying clay roads up to a distance of 5.8 km and the remaining amount was spent on laying cement concrete roads in Penukonda.
The temple, which was damaged in the attacks by Bahmani Sultans, also suffered subsequently due to treasure hunters, who dug up pits in and around it. The idols of Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and Sri Lakshmi were brought down and kept in the Anjaneya Swamy temple in Penukonda. Now, stripped of its past glory, the temple epitomises the monumental neglect and lack of historical sense of the authorities.
Legend has it that merchants used to sell diamonds and pearls in the Vipani Veedhi (market place) opposite the temple during Sri Krishna Devaraya’s rule.
Tourism Minister Vatti Vasanth Kumar had announced several measures but none has materialised till date. Apart from constructing a boundary wall around the temple, there is a need for road facility up to the hillock, provision of drinking water and electricity as well as a police outpost.
The tourism department officials recently visited the temple and asked CATPRO consultancy agency to prepare a project report regarding the need of funds for taking up all the assured works. The consultancy members visited the temple a couple of days ago and will submit their report to the tourism department soon.