Temple lands and rituals under scrutiny

The Sri Chennakesava Swamy Temple in Veepanagandla mandal has been at the center of a controversy.

Villagers say the temple has not had daily worship since the priest died two years ago, and the temple grounds are not being maintained.

The temple owns 60 acres of fertile land, which is highly sought after for cultivation.

Villagers accuse the Endowments Department of not conducting auctions for the land in the last three decades, allowing a single family to cultivate it for years.

The department has granted cultivation rights for 30 acres and plans to auction the remaining 30 acres.

Villagers want the department to protect the temple's assets, conduct transparent auctions, and restore regular religious services.

The Mandal EO has assured that the matter will be examined and a solution will be found.