Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Century-Old Temple Raised Five Feet Against Waterlogging
A very old temple in Undrajavaram was having trouble because nearby roads had been built higher than it.
During rainy weather, water was entering the temple.
Instead of tearing it down, villagers decided to lift the whole temple.
Engineers used 120 hydraulic jacks to raise it slowly by about five feet.
They also moved it nearly eight feet backward.
About 140 people worked on the project for 45 days.
The temple was kept in its original form and was not damaged.
Villagers and devotees paid for the work.
A religious ceremony called Samprokshana is planned soon.
The 1896 Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy temple in Undrajavaram was raised about five feet.
The temple had become lower than surrounding roads, allowing monsoon rainwater to enter.
Workers used 120 hydraulic jacks to lift the original structure gradually and safely.
The temple was also shifted nearly eight feet backward, along with its Dhwaja Stambham.
About 140 workers, engineers and artisans completed the 45-day project at a cost of around Rs 7.5 lakh.
- Who
- Devotees, village elders, engineers, local artisans and about 140 workers carried out the project for the Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy temple.
- What
- The century-old temple was raised about five feet and shifted nearly eight feet backward using hydraulic lifting technology.
- When
- The temple was built in 1896; the lifting work took nearly 45 days and was completed before a planned Samprokshana ceremony.
- Where
- Undrajavaram village in East Godavari district, near Rajamahendravaram.
- Why
- The temple had become lower than surrounding roads and buildings, allowing rainwater to enter during the monsoon and threatening the old structure.
- Temple
- Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy temple
- Construction year
- 1896
- Lift height
- About five feet
- Backward shift
- Nearly eight feet
- Equipment
- 120 hydraulic jacks
- Workforce and duration
- Around 140 workers, engineers and artisans over nearly 45 days
- Project cost
- Approximately Rs 7.5 lakh