An era closed today for Telugu people with the demise of media baron Cherukuri Ramoji Rao. He died in an hospital in Hyderabad.
He influenced entire Telugu diaspora a lot in terms of many things like vernacular news paper Eenadu, chit-fund business, pickles, movies, magazines of different generes and well-known Ramoji film city.
Ramoji Rao was an innovative spirit who always tried to stand forefront whatever work he has taken up. His brainchild Eenadu daily is one of the largest ones with the circulation of 13,51,956 as per the statistics of 2022.
Rao came into cinema field and produced two dozens of movies and his Ramoji film city is world's largest film and amusement park.
His business empire has not been created overnight , yet, it took some decades to become a legend with his shrewd business acumen.
Spread into many fields and his political strategies caused raising TDP party unto power and legendary NTR became chief minister because of his support.
Not only that, everyone knows that he was a king maker in both Telugu states.
He is a God like figure for his supporters and a monster for his rivals. His ETV network almost made its presence in every state with local language based programs.
His rivals would say Rao uplifted his caste people through all his capacities and triggered caste based politics in the Telugu states. For recent grand verdict favoring Chandrabau Naidu, Rao's contribution was immense through his media channels and publications.
However Ramoji Rao is a name of every household for what he has done in different fields of making money and power.
The novel "Nirantara Yatrikudu" will stand as a milestone in Telugu literature, the author Murthy K.V.V.S. has written the British history of Bhadrachalam division in a very simple style. Mallyashri Chinthuri, a noted poet and awardee of Telugu University, said. He also said that, Murthy K. V. V. S. who became famous by translating renowned English novels like Godfather, The Virgin and the Gypsy, The Old Man and the Sea into Telugu , now has chosen a rare subject of British era to present events filled to delve into a novel form.
uthor Murthy said that there is an underlying meaning in unveiling this work especially through the hands of Malyashri. He has been the guiding spirit for Bhadradri area and striving in literature for the past six decades and has not only trained many budding writers but has also inspired many others, that is why this unique novel has been inaugurated by him.
Vijaya Lakshmi, Sarath Babu, Satish, Sarita and others participated in this program held at Ashok Nagar Colony in Bhadrachalam town and conveyed their best wishes.
A farewell program arranged in the premises of SNAM ZPS school of Narsapuram, recently. And it was all about to bid adieu to the staff who have gone out on transfer and promotion. School children entertained with mesmerizing songs and dances. Reminiscences exchanged by every one in line of recalling the good old days. All the invitees have been given welcome note right from gates of the school. Dazzling and colorful cultural activities added more pep to the D-day. Narsapuram high school is one of the most accommodated and well equipped ones when considered the schools in the district. And which has been constructed by the NRI brothers belonged to the same village.
On the occasion , school staff and school management committee honored Dr. N. Madhusudan Rao to obtain a Doctorate in Hindi from Osmania University. Ex - staff donated some contribution to the school to enhance the development activities. Present Head Master Sri Bolla Venkateswarlu thanked them and he said that he would continue the good work until the last day in his service. Sweets were distributed to all the children. SMC chairman Sri M. Vidyasagar and all other invitees including ex-staff have participated in the gala event and said that their stint at the school was a major milestone.
Adivasi cultural festival (Rela Pandum) is going on in the grounds of Junior college, Bhadrachalam . and Tribal artists came here to showcase their skilled performances. Places like Adilabad and other districts sent their representatives. Padmasri Awardee Sakini Nageswara Rao inaugurated the event. Gussadi, Rela, ChochoDi like dances are being performed by various artists. Tribal arts lagging behind and have given cold shoulder in these days but the foundation of all arts are laid in itself only said by Padmasri Awardee Sakini Nageswara Rao. Dappu, Dolu, Flute and other instruments are used in the festival. Rhythms of the instruments and voices which are singing made the town music soaked. Green robes everywhere in the grounds were beautiful to behold. TAGS state leaders and local leaders participated in the event.
There is a considerable bondage between "Bhadrakali sametha Veerabhadra swamy" and respected Dr. Chintalapudi Venkateswrlu garu,who is also like a mentor for us. He penned Veerabhadrasathakam in 2010, on the request of m son Chi.Bhanuprakash. In fact,he studied M.A (Telugu).,Ph.D and has been working as a drawing teacher at Sri Seetharama Aided high school,located at Satanaraanapuram.where I also got educated as well.
It made me very happy that he had penned Sathakam with a crown of "VinuthaThegadeccha Veerabhadra". As a chief priest , I would say our Veerabhadra Swamy (Tegada) is a God of serenity filled face. Like Bhadrachala Rama, our God also has his consort on his left thigh , which is so unique and never to be seen in an other place in the world. In general, he gives darshanam in standing posture. Our Veerabhadra Swamy's uniqueness is evidently seen.
Sri Chintalapudi Venkateswarlu garu was an erudite scholar , researcher and he liked to be a learner forever. Forward written for this book by him is a rare privilege. Having shouldered the work of the Lord and preface written b Dr.Chintalapudi garu, nothing short of fulfillment of my pious deeds in the past birth. I always feel so.
I am the fourth son of my parents, Sri Yallamandala Bhadrayya garu and Bhadramma garu. Without any effort from m side, Priestly duties came to me and which is a boon for me. Our Mangalasaasanams to my parents for this.
In the ninth poem of Veerabhadra sathakam,Dr.Chintalapudi sir described the glory of Tegada Ceerabhadra Swamy so vividly. And 10th poem portrayed how immensely Veerasaivas devoted to the Swamy.
He also urged Swamy to show the solutions to the present day problems, be it sociological, political or social whatever. It his good nature, to have personified written this sathakam. We can observe it in 107th poem.
Ma the blessings of our Tegada Sri Bhadrakali sametha Veerabhadra Swamy be with Sriman Chintalapudi Venkateswarlu garu always..!
----- Yallamandala Sravan Kumar
Manager, Bhadrakali Sahitha Veerabhadra Swamy vari Devasthanam.
Gongadi Trisha (17) , a girl hailed from the Temple town Bhadrachalam created history by being a part of women's U-19 to 20 world cup finals and she caused beating England in the finals. Billboards appeared in the town in appreciation of her. Her father Rami Reddy was a well known gym trainer in his own outlet apart from working for ITC paperboards. In searching of great future for her daughter , he left Bhadrachalam to Hyderabad and got trained her in the St. John's cricket academy under the coaches of John Manoj and Srinivasan. Even when in the town of Bhadrachalam, from the tender age , she has been trained hard in view of future aspects. Her father Rami Reddy's vision was praiseworthy and he tried his best to get his lad right up to the position of coveted cricketer.
This is the beginning in her long journey ahead and let's wish her to excel many milestones. Facebook and many other social media platforms stormed with greetings. A clear example of persistence and hard work can be seen in this case and no way lesser than any melodrama flick. In these days, women's cricket is also gaining momentum on par with men's cricket and Mithali Raj deserved all the credit as a pioneer in the field. Let our Trisha go in her footsteps to achieve more laurels.
Historical Significance of Sri Bhadrakali sametha Veerabhadra Swamy Temple,
Tegada Village, Charla Mandal
------------ Compiled by Y. Bhanu prakash
( English translation done by Murthy Kvvs)
Sri Veerabhadra Swamy, with the consort of Bhadrakali Ammavaru, now the reigning deity of Tegada village. In fact, they had been worshipped at the village of Gommugudem village earlier, almost for more than two hundred fifty years. Lakhs of devotees were used to worship the deity , on the occasion of Mahasivaratri festival celebrations. Such was the glory in those days. Two "Vibhuti Balls" were worshipped as the two deities in lieu of idols.
We, being hailed from Veerasaiva Jangama, have to adorn Sivalingam around our neck which was considered as our Atmalingam. That means Lord Siva is our Clan's deity and all in all for us. We should perform rituals and ablutions every morning to the Sivalingam that we wear around neck. In line of that, our ancestors were said to be worshipped "Bhadrakali sametha Veerabhadra Swamy".
Our Veerasaiva community is blessed with Peethams at Srisailam, Kaashi, Rambhapuri,Ujjain and Kedarnath. All these are called illumined Pancha acharya Peethams. Each principal temple inducted us as the chief priest , So we are fortunate to serve Lord Parameswara and As Veerasaivas, this is a great boon for us.
1st Generation : Our ancestors had been sent to Lingala village to perform traditional rituals at the Lord Siva's temple. Sri Yallmandala Sivayya garu came to this place on the order of Kakatiya rulers in that line. In fact, our ancestors were serving in the Thousand pillars temple, located at Warangal. With the donation of 600 acres of land for the purpose of expenses towards the temple, our ancestors were appointed as priests in those days.
They have started performing pujas to the Vibhuthi Balls earlier. The Holy deities installed in that form instead of idols. They also keep doing pujas to the Atmalingams that they have on their bodies. And at the same time, they were performing their priestly duties. Arrangements were made on large scale on the occasion of Mahasivaratri festival.
2nd Generation : In the time of Sri Yallamandala Bhadrayya garu (s/o Sivaa garu) also worship had been done for Vibhuthi Balls , considering them as holy deities. Mahasivaratri Jatara started on a grand note at Gommugudem in this phase.
3rd Generation : Sri Kantayya garu (s/o Yallamandala Bhadrayya garu) shifted his base to Gommugudem and several other kinsfolk also followed him to serve in the work of the God. He performed Mahasivaratri in a grand manner at his residential place. With Vibhuthi Balls inside the teak box, they would offer Prasadam.
When ,one day, sri Kantayya garu was out of the place to meet the zamindar of Venkatapuram,some burglars barged into the house and tried to destroy iron box and other boxes but no harm happened. Desperately the evil people had set ablaze the house but by the grace of Almighty their effort went futile.
Sri Kantayya garu came to home and slept happily, leaving everything to Sri Bhadrakali and Veerabhadra Swamy. How could evil be won when the grace of the God was with pious people..? In the same night, Swamy appeared in the dream of Sri Kantayya garu and ordered to make Panchaloha idols. Artisan was in Dhowleswaram, so he has to bring Artisan secretly to make the idols. It was a revelation of the Almighty.
There was no road facility to Dhowleswaram in those days. He took boat upto Dummugudem and from there travelled by steamer upto Dhowleswram. Artisan Narasimhachary was brought and made the Panchaloha idols secretly. With penances of 5 day long, taking only water and using 16 kgs of ghee, the Panchaloha idol was made. It was created so elegantly.
Sri Kantayya garu paid the Artisans more than what he promised earlier. He placed them safely back at Dhowleswaram. That's how the Divine couple made their journey from Vibhuthi Balls to Panchaloha Idols. Mahasivaratri celebrations drew people in a large way, right from Ummidaaram to Gommugudem.
4th Generation : Mahasivaratri celebrations had done in a grand manner during the life time of Sri Lingayya garu (s/o Sri Yallamandala Kantayya garu). Large gatherings were seen all across the banks of Godavari, at the side of Gommugudem.
5th Generation : Sri Yallamandala Lingayya garu had three sons., Somaya garu,Sivaya garu,Bhadraya garu. Bhadrayya garu was more pious and he performed pujas. Being a zamindar by birth, he conducted Mahasivaratri with great pomp and gaiety. During the floods of 1953, base of divine couple shifted to Tegada village. Bhadrayya garu served as a district president of Congress party. He was a humble and down to earth person. He was always applauded by his brothers for his devotional nature.
While shifting, the people of Gommugudem pleaded with him not to do so, he promised them that the holy idols would come here to have offerings on the festival of Mahasivaratri. In that way, the holy idols would stop here for a rest and accept their offerings even to this day, especially on the occasion of Mahasivaratri.
Right from 1954, the same custom has been going on, having done ablutions in the nearby Godavari waters and stopping at Gommugudem is still in vogue. Then only Swamy moves from here to Tegada village with a great procession.
Sri Bhadrayya garu, in the same year, wanted to build a huge temple, own house and to buy two cars but unfortunately he attained Sivasaaujam and his dreams remained unfulfilled. Sri Kasu Brhmananda Reddy and Sri Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy came to the house to solace the spouse. One can understand his stature through this incident.
6th Generation : Sri yallamandala Somaya garu has two sons, named by Sri Kantayya garu and Nagendrayya garu. Sivaa garu has no issue. Nagalingayya, Sivapratap, Somasekhar, Sravan kumar, Veerabhadra swam garlu are the sons of Bhadrayya garu. Nagalingayya garu performed priestly duties for more than 3 decades. Along with siblings, he conducted Mahasivaratri celebrations for 5 years.
Dignitaries of Tegada and remaining villages of Charla mandalam started to provide their contributions to help Nagalingayya garu since his financial position was not in good condition. All people, barring age differences, had extended their wholehearted support as the were very responsive in nature. Even 10 days before to the Mahasivaratri, Tegada village would become joyful with festive atmosphere.
During 1977-78, Sri Maddi Ramayya garu took Sravan kumar garu (fourth son of Sri Yallamandala Bhadrayya garu) to devotees for a rapport and he taught Sravan garu what he had learnt from Bhadrayya garu. He was always with Sravan garu in disbursing priestly duties with the help of Nagalingayya garu. From that onwards, Sravan kumar garu started to shoulder the work of Mahasivaratri celebrations every year.
It was 1987. Just 9 days before to Mahasivaratri festival, Veerabhadra swamy appeared in my father's dream ordered to build a new temple. My father met elders at once. Sri Datla Ramachandra Raju garu donated 30 bags of cement with kind heart. Sri Nadimpalli Suryanarayana Raju garu provided a tractor. With all these new construction had been done and Swamy vaaru entered the new temple on the Mahasivaratri festival, after having completed ablutions performed with the Godavari waters.
All pujas have been performed in this temple during 1987-2018. Since Swamy was Utsavamurthy, devotees were unable to have Darshanam when the idols went to Godavari for ritual bath. My father, then, thought of "Alaya sikhara nirmanam" and "Mulamurthy" installation. Another temple has to be built to start Sikharam because older one has some flaws in its foundation which was suggested by expert sculptor.
New temple sankhusthapana had taken place on April 30, 2008. And completed by 2018. Under the aegis of Sri Vilaparti Veera venkta satanarayana murthy garu (Machavaram) installed Sri Bhadrakali sametha Veerabhadra Swamy and all Sivaparivaram in the temple, all it has done during June 30 and July1 and 2 of 2018. Now it has become a Panchayatana Kshetram.
Sri Padala Ramakrishna garu and his team built the temple and financial assistance rendered by Sri Doddi Lakshminarayana garu. Right from 1987, the elders of Tegada village and remaining villages of Charla mandalam have been helping Sri Sravan kumar garu with their contributions, which are collected from the people.
Brothers of Sravan kumar garu and children of his brothers like Maddi Bhaskar Reddy,Yenuganti Chadrasekhar, Kona Murali, Kandrapu Chittibabu keep helping him apart from the people of Tegada village.
Present Generation : Children of my father's brothers keep extending their co operation to me. Mandapam, Mukhadwaram, Wall around the temple have to be constructed in the future. So I, Yallamandala Bhanuprakash, request you all earnestly to extend your financial support to get completed the due works. My heartfelt salutations to one and all.
Yours
Sri Bhadrakali sametha Veerabhadra Swamy vaari Devasthanam
Narsapuram, a small village is just about 16 km from the temple town of Bhadrachalam. It's the place for which I wanted to write a few words long back. But time permits me now to do so. Here a temple was built in a small way and with the donations from the philanthropists evolved into a considerable temple construction. The temple is named as Chinna Arunachalam. Chief deity is Arunachaleswara and additionally several sub shrines were also there dedicated to different Gods.
There is some person named Siva guru swami behind all this gigantic construction. He is a staunch devotee of Arunachaleswara and with his strong desire the construction got mostly completed. All the needed inaugural rituals like Kumbhabhishekam and other things fulfilled some months back. There are many acres of land donated by father of Sivaguru swami. And some other land was purchased for different purposes like Nitya Annadaana satram and other requirements.
There were many beautiful idols of Lord Siva and other ones, all these have been sculpted by experts in traditional art form. Food is always ready to serve the devotees free of cost as there is a Nitya annadaana satram attached to the temple. Not only that, a school for studying of Vedas is also in the premises. From here, Parnasala is almost 20 km, so the devotees or visitors who are starting from Bhadrachalam can also visit it in their return journey.
With the start of this temple, the place has turned into a busy hub with several small hotels, shops and other outlets. Recently, the temple provided Rudrakshas to the interested devotees to wear. Day by day, it is getting attracted by devotees. On special days and festivals, visitors come in large numbers. And one more thing is a shelter for protection of cows, there we can find a beautiful Lord Krishna's statue. That was really a great idea. Altogether, this is a place of calm, serene and spiritual ambiance.
Sri Somaraju Ramanuja Rao(1896-1934), a name that definitely be a most widely known one amongst the Telugu playwrights. He secured a great place by writing a number of historical, mythological and social playlets. And some of his plays tasted the ire of the British government as they had provoked national ideology in those days.
But most of the people don't know about the great writer that he had brought up and educated at Dummugudem and Bhadrachalam, although he born in Vijayawada. Their ancestor's home still at Dummugudem but in worn-out condition. His most famous drama is "Rangoon Rowdy", every drama lover might have known it. Without it, the history of Telugu drama would never be completed.
He penned stories along with almost fifty dramas. Also played a significant role in the Library movement. Somaraju participated in the freedom movement and met Tilak,Gokhale and Gandhiji in course of it. To avoid the arrest by the British government, he fled to Burma (Now Myanmar) and passed away there with ill health.
This generation hardly knew about him and his contributions to the Telugu literature and freedom movement. He lived only 38 years and brought laurels to the area of Dummugudem, nearby Bhadrachalam.
I am not an accomplished Guitar player but yes an immense enthusiast when it comes to the instrument of strings at times. Got trained somewhat playing major and minor scales apart from strumming passionately. It really would stir the inner realms of soul and give us joy when we start playing. There is lot of subject, having based on seven musical notes CDEFGABC just like what sa ri ga ma pa da ni sa for our Indian traditional music. Learning on surface is different from getting the core subject of the Guitar. This is what I understood from my little knowledge.
Without having hours of practice daily it's impossible to master over any instrument. But many people think that having grip over an instrument is as simple as that of an online or offline course. Truly which needs lots of love and dedication along with the practice. As myself is many things rolled into one went through the road of music and grasped all these nuances from my experience. I have never resorted to eke out a living nor have seen a sought after profession in it but gave a try out of my passion on the stringed instrument for a while. Really those were the moments of inexpressible mirth and joy.
Coming to the point, leaving my ramblings aside, Today is an important day for me and something to remember as I have donated a Guitar to the Music instructor Eliya sir, who happened to be the director of Shruthilaya Academy. My sole aim behind this is, it can be useful as a teaching instrument for many pupil in the future and which is to be garnered in the hands of music virtuoso. Do all this really deserve encomiums whatsoever...? Not a bit in my view, just an opportunity to give back to our society.
The other day, date is not striking, went to Dummugudem. It has now nothing great to say but some old buildings which had been built during the ruling of the British. A small sleepy village situated close to the banks of river Godavari. Senior citizens told me many times about the unique existence of this place, though it looks small and nondescript now, once upon a time, lot of action had taken place with busy bazars and colonial British employees. A navigation work shop had been built nearby it to have communications through the river. Here, on the road, A building in dilapidated condition attracted my attention. And I captured the same to post on my social platforms. Once the feudal families lived in it to execute the farming in the villages around it.
After passing the construction, there were some cattle so leisurely taking rest under a banyan tree. Heatwaves souring high but these bovines remained cool. Why should I lose the chance..? Immediately captured that pose for my blog. Village was calm with serene ambiance and mysterious past. Many tales could have been told but nobody was there at the moment to make further inquiries. There were some tombs of colonial employees just a couple of miles away. And they would say historical dates and other details about the place.
Cricket fever started at the temple town by kicking off the 21st Bhadradri Cup, today in the premises of Junior college pavilion ground. Bhadradri Cup tournament has been on every year for the last 20 years and this is the 21st year. Teams are used to participate from several other states apart from both the Telugu states. Donors, dignitaries and sport lovers thronged here in the inauguration event.
All the ground was decked up with welcome banners and enthusiastic vibes. Usually this ground is the one where daily walking people attend here to have rounds briskly. That was the case with mornings and late evenings, just as a unmissable ritual. With this Cricket event, all sports lovers could enjoy watching the playing skills of cricketers hailed from different places.
Having united for a cause is one thing and getting support from donors is another important thing. Both seemed to be going hand in hand and to make it possible without fail. This time, though it's not high with mercury levels, a bit of heat one could feel by the midday. However, the players would never fail giving their best as usual.
A little known outlet which serves delectable meals since almost four decades and being in existence even for now with all that nostalgic taste located at Charla. A small town just 45 km away from Bhadrachalam. My recent visit to the place on a personal work compelled me to see the hotel which I have visited almost forty years before to have had the meals. Then I was naturally an young lad and my senses recorded the quality of gastronomic offerings. First I was a bit doubtful of its existence whether it got survived against the odds of time. Yes, it was there in the same humble place with modest furniture. In fact, it's a house cum hotel sort as first two rooms were allotted for customers and remaining ones for the purpose of kitchen and domestic life of the owner's family.
It strictly serves only vegetable meals. No alteration made in these days also. A young man came to me and took lunch order courteously. Perhaps he should have been the offspring of the owner I met him some forty years back. A wry smile flashed on my lips. I am sure that nobody can decipher its true meaning. Some best moments are to be cherished. Not to be revealed. He served steamy rice, broad beans curry, potato fry, mango chutney, appadam and sambar. The same nostalgic smell of a simple and delicious meal. Rasam is also brought forth along with a glass of curd. Adjoined a gulab jamoon as a finishing touch delight. What else should be needed..? , nothing and I devoured all the meals with a note of utmost satisfaction.
Customers were coming in with due interval and all they looked like repeated lot. There was no rush or unnecessary spree of token taking etc., a small board kept inside the first room reads Mohan Vilas so on. It made me chuckle that I have now recalled the hotel owner's name. In those days also, people called it as Mohan hotel but no board was seen outside like it does with others. His very name was enough in that small town for a mouth smacking meal. I wanted to unravel the best kept secret to this present hotel owner to test how he would respond over the amazing fact. On informing it when I was coming out, he flushed and blurted out something excitedly. There was a gaze transfixed at me, for a little while. I took leave of him as there were customers waiting for the lunch. How couldn't I resist taking some pics of the unforgettable moments..?
Today is the De day and perhaps to say, concluded a blend of exceptionally rich experiences regarding imparting the knowledge whatever we have in different areas. A month of coaching for constable aspirants has been ended today. A handful of teaching staff picked up delivered their best and on the last day, a send off sort meet held on the venue of coaching i.e., Reguballi Asram school,Laxminagaram.
Let me say a few words more about it. With the advent of Police department of Dummugudem mandal, for the first time, initiated a coaching centre for the local youth to brush up their skills to get succeeded in the upcoming constable written test. One month long coaching came to an end successfully and subjects like English, Maths, Physics, Social and Bio science covered judiciously. All teachers delivered their best to enlighten the aspirants.
N.Venkateswarlu garu , C.I. of the Police station, extended all his co-operation to make it a fruitful event in all respects. And he has spoken about his humble beginning and how he confronted it and cracked the job with the limited sources intact. Also he thanked Dr.Vineet garu ASP on the occasion who happened to be the brain behind this event. Teaching Staff and the aspirants have shared their experiences. Sumptuous meal was served to all the attendees. After that, all the teaching staff have been honored with shawls. A group photo was taken to freeze the memorable moments.
Back to our colonial story. As I entered the place where zombies,spirits and ghosts are expected, by the grace of Almighty nothing of the sort encountered us. Well, let me present my collected facts. Last time I have posted some pics and info about the residential blocks of British officers and employees. As you already knew that the place is nearby Dummugudem, to be exact work shop location. Bygone days are always enchanting and packed with some mystery. And this time I am here with posting multiple pics and interesting details.
Details engraved on the tombs
This is all about a burial ground. Yes, you heard it right. There we can find tombs of British people. Some were of missionary teachers like Ms. Sarah Cain, Ms. Dorothy and others. And Mr.Angus alstair Fernandez was died young at 29. Interestingly he was an ICS officer. All they were buried during 1917 to 1921. And there was a tomb of an young girl named by Charlotte Henritta. Her father worked as a superintendent of medical department, Madras. But it's clueless how come she buried at this interior corner.
A View from Outside
There was also a tomb belonged to one George Henry Walter Shelverton, served as a superintendent of .G.T. Survey and he buried on 26th January 1871. This is the oldest tomb according the details noted by me. In fact, almost 15 years back I visited this place on the tip off provided by some friend. I found that a clear difference now. Most of the tombs are collapsed, dug out and dilapidated. Really in a bad condition.
Maybe, they were from other nation but these tombs are signatures of a valuable history. Very few people knew the importance of this burial ground. We don't know where these souls were born and grew but they had served the colossal machine of imperial government as nuts and bolts and slept here in this corner. A place of solitude. In this age of information explosion, who knows, it could attract a couple of readers to come over and to have a glance.
Recently, I have visited two unique places along with our friend B.Sudhakar garu. The two were quite opposite to each other in nature but there was a link between them. First one was a building which was almost on the verge of its last phase and started ruining in parts. Yes, It was the place where some British officers lived in the part of their duties to be discharged. Constructed before the freedom ,yet got face lifts in course of time but gave in to the onslaught of odd conditions. Be it climatic or hooliganism or something else.
(Inside...)
It's situated in the vicinity of Dummugudem, particularly work shop area. Once this place housed the office of navigation works. River Godavari just flows via this place and in those days, steamers and launches busy travelling this way loaded with people and commodities. Some buildings had been constructed for the purpose of running office, work shop and to provide accommodation for living. And with passing years, most of the constructions ruined except our present one to which we visited.
(Upstairs way...)
Detective Conan in us got active. We have had number of photographs in and outside of such old building. Here I am giving you all of them and feel the ambience with your intuition. No names engraved was available but hardly one or two families were residing in the vicinity. They have given us info to get into it. Well, are you guessing about the second spot apart from it..? That's really a bit frightening one. Yes, it was a burial ground. Have found some tombs with real English names engraved, just keep fingers crossed. Let's have more of it in our next post.
Here I would like to share an enchanting spectacle that I have ever received in the recent past and it's all about growing a garden in the school. It happened to me by seeing on whatsapp status. And a beautiful sight of colorful flowers made me write this piece. All these flower plants got from Kadiyam nursery with the initiative of its head mistress Mrs.BPRL Kumari. I was really elated to see the elegant ambience with fresh greenery and of course added exquisite premises. Yes, Nannapaneni Mohan ZP high school is one of the best equipped schools in our district and which deserved all appreciation.
I should say one more thing, of course it could sound a bit nostalgic but worth remembering on the occasion. Mrs.BPRL Kumari, HM of the school was my class mate during the graduation days and she is there in my mind as a devoted Christian soul besides a compassionate human being. Right now, turned an hard working and able executioner of the good deeds for the renowned school. It made me happy and I expressed my desire to share this wonderful thing in my blog. Thanks for the bonhomie and congrats to the entire staff.
"Amba Satram" is as famous as the temple of Lord Rama at Bhadrachalam. It's situated almost in the vicinity of the temple. We should know something about this place, do you know why,a devotee called Sri Pamidighantam Venkata Ramana Dasu , out of his selfless love towards the inflow of pilgrims to the temple town, all wanted to feed them in his capacity. Of course, by now we have ample hotels and accommodation facilities etc., but in those times,almost 100 years back,all this place was covered with dense forests and no thought of feeding at hotels like nowadays.
So he established a satram to feed the devotees without taking any money. He kept going to take alms from the householders nearby. He took only paddy and Daal from them and used to cook the items at this satram.As days passed by, this satram remained synonymous for free meals for pilgrims of the town. A small start has become a big accomplishment. That great man lived an ascetic life without expecting any return from the people.There were many miraculous anecdotes about him how he was helped in the tough times.
on this July 22, That great saint's 100th death anniversary was celebrated in the premises.He was born in 1896 at Ananamuru village of Prakasam district of Andhra pradesh. With bifurcation of state, of course,The Temple town went to Telangana state as it's already known. As of now, satram has been taken by Srungeri Peetham.
Premises of Amba Satram
Both the Brass Utensils used for cooking in those days
Today is a D Day in terms of my literary pursuit. I have already penned 4 titles in Telugu and it's the maiden attempt in English with eleven stories packed for the readers. Sri Rajesh Chandra garu IPS, Asst.Superintendent of Police inaugurated the latest publication titled "The Riverside man and other short stories ", a collection of eleven short stories.
All these pieces are varied in the nature of the theme and at the same time epitomizing the hidden anecdotes of the Bhadrachalam and its vicinity. Along with locals, the people who don't know Telugu should know the special features confined to this area. That's how I started writing all these with a unique mission.
On the occasion of it, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Sri PV Satyanarayana garu, my friend who happens to be the district correspondent of The Hans India (English daily) helped me a lot in the program. And he also clicked a set of beautiful photos to freeze the moments.
Dummugudem, a mandal in the division of Bhadrachalam has two toppers in the results of the tenth class results announced for 2018-19. Usha Rani, studying in the school of ZPHS, Parnasala achieved 9.2 G.P.A and Sowmya, studying in the school of SNAM ZPHS, Narsapuram achieved 9.2 G.P.A., heartily congrats to both of them. And both have studied in the schools of Zilla Parishat management and got that exemplary achievement.
