Four hundred years ago, a Shiva temple stood on the border of Dommata and Gajjulapally villages in Telangana. It was known as the Raja Rajeshwara temple, and for generations it was the heart of the region: festivals, poojas, marriages and every important moment of village life revolved around it.
Plundered and forgotten
About 250 years ago, the temple was vandalised and looted for its gold and silver ornaments. The Shivalingam was removed and cast into the well in front of the temple. For the next two and a half centuries it remained there, and the once-vibrant temple fell silent.
Kailasapuram's story is not unique. Over the centuries, a great many temples across Bharat, including many in the Telugu lands, were damaged, plundered or abandoned. Even after Independence, many still wait to be restored. Some lie forgotten, some are tied up in courts, and some have been neglected because of local disputes. Reviving them needs the whole community to come together.
Lord Shiva's call at Kashi
In 2021, Brahmasree Kodakandla Sree Rama Sharan Sharma Guruji was performing a nine-day pooja in Kashi, on the banks of the Ganga. During those days, Lord Shiva appeared in his dream in the form of a sage and asked him to revive the temple on the border of Dommata and Gajjulapally.
On returning from Kashi, Guruji's very first task was to visit the village.
With the help of the Sarpanches and the villagers, the work of restoring and reviving the temple began. The Chamundeswari Guru Datta Peetham Charitable Trust was formed to build a temple at the very place where the old temple once stood.
From the old temple to the new
Today, Shree Kailaseshwara Swamy has returned, and with Shree Akhilandeshwari Ammavaru, a new temple is rising at the same sacred place: Kailasapuram. Every Maha Shivaratri, the Shree Shiva Parvathi Kalyanam is celebrated here; every Monday, abhishekam, Rudra Homam and Chandi Homam are performed; and on every Arudra Nakshatram, Shree Kailaseshwara Swamy receives Annabhishekam.
The temple that was silent for 250 years is once again becoming the spiritual heart of the region. You can be a part of this revival by becoming a member, offering a seva, or simply visiting and taking darshan.
Jai Guru Datta, Sree Guru Datta. Om Namah Shivaya.