4 months ago
3
The State Forest Department granted devotees two-day (February 14 and 15) support to sojourn Gundla Malleswara Swamy temple, located successful the dense Nallamala forests.
The temple is located successful the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), connected the borders of Nandyal and Markapuram districts. According to legend, the Swayambhu Shiva Lingam astatine the temple was consecrated by sage Ashwaddama and has been revered by devotees since centuries. As it is located successful the dense Tiger Reserve area, devotees are allowed to sojourn the temple lone for 2 days successful a twelvemonth during Maha Sivaratri, with definite restrictions.
The Forest Department had earlier denied devotees support to sojourn the temple this year, citing the ongoing tiger census. However, pursuing the involution of Minorities Welfare Minister N. Md Farooq, the substance was referred to Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, who oversees the Forests and Environment portfolio.
Mr. Pawan Kalyan responded positively and directed the Forest Department to connection devotees support to sojourn the temple. Following this, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, P.V. Chalapathi Rao issued orders allowing devotees to sojourn the temple for 2 days.
Expressing his gratitude to Mr. Pawan Kalyan, Mr. Farooq urged devotees to person darshan astatine the temple portion strictly adhering to the guidelines and suggestions of the Forest Department.
