The temple of Dharamraja near Gantavur on the national highway from Palamaner to Edited by- Atul, writer- Tanisha Choudhury, category- Local18
in Andhra Pradesh is quite famous. It sees many devotees thronging to worship the lord. But did you know that six decades ago, Akkangari Ramakrishnappa from Palamaner town used to sell flowers all day daily to devotees who came from nearby 26 villages to the temple for the 14-day Mahabharat Yagna held annually? With the profits he earned from his flower business, he used to provide food to these devotees. In his memory, a memorial was built in the vicinity of the temple.
The temple needed repair and the local Vishwa Hindu Parishad members and their friends are working hard to renovate the temple. A Bhumi Poojan (ground-breaking ceremony) was done to construct facilities like providing food and accommodation to around 500 devotees who will be walking from Karnataka to Tirumala. The main intention of renovating and restoring the temple is to be able to offer comfort and amenities to devotees as was done by the family members of Akkangari Ramakrishnappa.
About 60 years ago, Akkangari Ramakrishnappa utilised the profits from his flower business to serve God and the devotees who came to Him. To continue his legacy, the residents are also contributing in their own way. Many cultural activities like bhajans, dramas and Mahabharata enactment are performed here. The yagna was considered holy by the devotees who came from 26 villages here. They carried out the rituals and received sacred offerings.
The Mahabharata Yagna comprised of re-enactment of different episodes of the mythology daily to entertain and engage with the devotees. It also became a source of teaching values. Shops were also set up for the event. Now, the residents want to bring these traditions back, and open shops which will be reminiscent of the marketplace decades ago. The community wants to restore the ambience and make similar arrangements for devotees.
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