In a remarkable display of unity and resilience, the local Hindu community of Kodad, Telangana, have come together to protect their cherished Yerravaram Sri Narasimhaswamy Temple from a potential government takeover. The temple, built entirely by the villagers, has gained regional acclaim and a growing number of devoted worshippers.
The temple’s popularity led to increased donations and contributions from visiting devotees. However, recent attempts by the endowment department to assume control of the temple stirred controversy and concern among the temple’s custodians and local Hindu organisations.
The residents of Kodad, along with the heads of Hindu organisations, have united to defend the temple against what they perceive as a government overreach. They have stood their ground, preventing any takeover attempts and protecting the sanctity of the Sri Narasimhaswamy Temple.
In an incident where government officials tried to convince the Hindu devotees of the temple, this is what one of them told the endowment official.
“Our first demand, We know that you don’t take care of many temples and they don’t get even Dhupa – Deepa – Naivedyam. This is not an old temple, this is entirely built and managed by devotees. What is the intention behind asking for control over our temple?
Second, did we ask the government for funds? When we did not ask, how can you demolish the temple? Thirdly, there is a trust already created for the temple. We are already using the funds for the development of the temple. How can you disturb such a trust? This is not a temple only for the Hindus. This is a temple for the devotees.
We have already created a trust for this temple. On Friday, we will hold a rally with 50,000 people from Kodad. Hindu organisations are coming from Hyderabad. You take every other temple and develop them. But don’t touch our temple. We have 40,000-50,000 people coming here every week. We are getting crores of rupees. An endowment board temple priest of Nelakondapalli has just said he has not received the salary.”
The villagers’ unity and unwavering commitment to safeguarding their place of worship has become a symbol of courage and determination. The incident has also ignited a broader conversation about the need for vigilance within the Hindu community to protect our religious institutions and traditions.
In a state where love jihad and conversions by missionaries is rampant, such instances are heartwarming and provide the much needed hope for the Hindu community.
