‘Demon Bakasura’ is worshipped here

Local lore has it that once upon a time Bakasura ruled the land. He protected his subjects but killed those outside his kingdom.

Temples are constructed only for gods and goddesses but here is a temple named after mythological character Bakasura who is identified as a ‘rakshasa’ (demon).

Far away from the district headquarters at Nainpak village in this mandal of Telangana is the temple built centuries ago. It houses a huge boulder on which four statues were sculpted – Yoga Narasimha, Kaliya Mardhana Krishna, Balarama and Sita Rama Lakshmana.

The Yoga Narasimha idol resembles demon Bakasura and people living around came to believe that it was the Bakasura temple.

Local lore

Local lore has it that once upon a time Bakasura ruled the land. He protected his subjects but killed those outside his kingdom.

While he came to be known as a demon, his subjects considered him their god and as a tribute, this temple was built.

The structure reflects excellent sculpture. The whole of sanctum sanctorum was carved out of single huge boulder. The ‘sikhara’ was built with bricks. Over the years, this was plundered and damaged by treasure hunters.

Donthula Rajender, a local farmer, said that until two decades ago, people found gold wherever they dug and even farmers found gold coins while ploughing their land. “Many people come here and we do not talk to them out of fear. They drive us away and dig up all over for treasure,” he explained.

This temple came to light in recent times. Retired deputy director of the Archaeology and Museums Department, S. S. Ranga Chary, who is engaged in research on ancient monuments, said the idol was of Yoga Narasimha and not Bakasura as is widely believed. “Since Narasimha is not found with his consort, people think it is Bakasura,” he said.

Unique inmany aspects

According to him, this Vaishnavite temple belongs to the 14th century, corresponding with the post-Kakatiya period. “Undoubtedly, this is a unique temple which is not found anywhere in South India. The State government has recommended for its protection and preservation but the Central government has to consider it,” Mr. Ranga Chary said.

The temple is located adjacent to a sprawling tank and is in a dilapidated state. It is one of the many monuments found across the district, which need to be preserved for their historical value.