Tirupati, April 17: Rumours that the gopuram of Veyilingala Kona temple in Vedam village, about 10 km from Srikalahasti main temple, had collapsed all of sudden today, created panic among the people.
However, the temple authorities clarified that the gopuram did not collapse but was being renovated as it was in a dilapidated state. After Srikalahasti Rajagopuram collapsed on May 27 last year, an experts committee inspected all other temples and gopurams in the region. During the inspection, ‘Endowments Stapati’ Sundararaja Stapati, who visited the Veyalingala Kona temple found cracks in the 36fthigh gopuram. Expressing fears that it may collapse any time, he advised the Srikalahasti temple management in July last year itself to renovate the gopuram. The then temple executive officer Sriramachandra Murthy had approved of the initiative.
Quotations were called for from private contractors for the repair works. The works commenced about four days ago under the supervision of Srikalahasti temple AE Sushil Kumar.
“We decided to renovate the gopuram after Shiva Ratri. To prohibit people from entering the area, barricades have been placed around the temple. We are renovating only the 25fthigh Vimana Gopuram,” Sushil Kumar explained. The works are expected to be completed by tonight.
–Agencies