Andhra Pradesh - Kadapa   

‘Ancient temple in state of neglect’

KADAPA: Former president of Citizens Forum R. Mallikarjuna Reddy on Friday alleged rampant corruption and inept maintenance in Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple at Vontimitta.

The Archaelogical Survey of India spent several crores of rupees to renovate a gopuram on the sanctum sanctorum and the A.P. Tourism Development Corporation developed a garden around the temple, he said. However, the Endowments Department was failing to maintain it properly, Mr. Mallikarjuna Reddy alleged in a statement.

The ancient temple which was termed as the ‘fifth Ayodhya’ by the 11th Peethadhipathi of Sri Samartha Ramadasu Peetham was in a pathetic condition, he alleged. The temple has extensive property worth several crores and several devotees donated lakhs, but corruption played spoilsport, he alleged.

He warned that he would complain to Minister for Endowments Gade Venkata Reddy, if temple authorities failed to improve its maintenance within the next ten days.

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