Like all other sectors, prevailing drought conditions adversely impacted the pilgrimage in the district. The four-day jatara that was commenced at this pilgrim village witnessed a low turnout on Monday than what was expected. As the usual morning rush was missing, officials were expecting that the pilgrim rush may surge in the evening. “It cost me about Rs. 300 to come here and offer prayers along with my family members. It was a considerable amount for any low income family,” said Yadagiri, a farmer who visited the temple on the first day.
“The drought has adversely impacting the rush to the jatara and the turnout was low. It costs a minimum of Rs. 500 for a family of three to come and visit the temple, including offerings to the Goddess. In addition, lack of flowing water at Yedupayala and commencement of examination season were also the reasons for the low turnout,” said an official supervising the arrangements.
The offerings at Yedupayala was commenced in the wee hours with Panchamrutham for the Goddess, with the temple being opened for devotees. Endowments Minister A. Indrakaran Reddy, Irrigation Minister T. Harish Rao and Deputy Speaker M. Padma Devender Reddy offered ‘pattu vastralu’ for the Goddess. They came from Hyderabad in a helicopter, and after darshan at Yedupayala visited Kethaki Sangameswara temple and offered pattu vastrams before leaving back for Hyderabad. Superintendent of Police B. Sumathi and legislator Chinta Prabhakar were also present.
In a unique effort, the Forest Department officials put up a stall in the jatara and offered different varieties of saplings as ‘vana prasadam for Rs. 5 each. Many people showed interest in visiting the stall.
Meanwhile, Mr. Harish Rao said that the government was committed to develop Ghanapur anicut at a cost of Rs. 93.5 crore. About Rs. 43.5 crore would be spent to increase the height of the anicut, while Rs. 50 crore would be spent for construction of canals. Speaking to the media, he said that the government was committed for the development of temples and as part of that Rs. 1 crore was sanctioned for Yedupayala last year followed by Rs. 1.5 crore this year. The amount would be spent for the construction of Yagashala and choultries, he said.
