Wild plants overtake Dhyana Mandir, locals press for action
By Doruvu Paul Jagan Babu:Bureau Chief
Mudigonda – Telangana: The iconic Sri Sitaramachandraswamy Devasthanam in Mudigonda’s Muttaram village is facing neglect as the Dhyana Mandir, a meditation hall built with government funds, is overrun by wild plants and grass. Locals are demanding its restoration and proper use.
Temple’s historical significance
The Sri Sitaramachandraswamy Temple, often called the “second Bhadrachalam,” holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. Located in the Muttaram Village Panchayat of Mudigonda Mandal, the temple is known for its unique Kalyanam tradition, where the wedding ceremony of Lord Rama and Sita is performed in the evening, unlike the morning rituals in other temples of Telangana.
Neglect of the Dhyana Mandir
In 2017, the Telangana government allocated Rs 50 lakh for the construction of a Dhyana Mandir on the temple premises, under the guidance of the Devadaya Charities Department. The foundation stone was laid by the then Minister Allola Indrakaran Reddy, with hopes that the hall would serve as a tranquil space for meditation and spiritual programs. However, the hall has since fallen into disrepair, with wild plants and grass overtaking the area, making it unusable for its intended purpose.
Locals demand action
Frustrated by the state of the Dhyana Mandir, locals are questioning why such a large sum of money was spent on a structure that has been left to decay. They are calling on the temple authorities and the Endowment Department to clear the overgrowth and restore the hall. “If the officials do not act soon, we will raise the issue with the Minister of Endowment,” warned concerned residents.
Unused temple land
The temple originally held 150 acres of land, but over time, 50 acres have been lost, leaving only 100 acres under temple control. Despite this, the meditation hall, intended as a place of peace and reflection, has been neglected, turning into an overgrown, unwelcoming space. Locals are now pushing for action to restore the property to its former glory.
