Archive · 29 Jul 2026
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.
The Sri Chennakesava Swamy Temple in Veepanagandla mandal has been neglected, with no daily worship since the priest's death two years ago.
The temple owns 60 acres of fertile land, which is highly sought after for cultivation.
Villagers allege that the Endowments Department has not conducted auctions for the land in the last three decades.
The Endowments 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.
- Who
- Villagers, Endowments Department, Mandal EO Shekhar Goud
- What
- Allegations of neglect in temple maintenance and irregularities in the management of its valuable endowment lands
- When
- The issue gained prominence recently after a hunger strike was launched
- Where
- Veepanagandla mandal, Wanaparthy
- Why
- Villagers allege that the Endowments Department is focusing on lease income while failing to safeguard the temple’s religious activities
Villagers and Activists
Endowments Department
Temple Maintenance and Rituals
Villagers and Activists
Villagers allege that the temple has been neglected, with no daily worship since the priest's death two years ago and basic upkeep ignored.
Endowments Department
The Endowments Department has not publicly addressed the issue of temple maintenance and rituals.
Land Management and Auctions
Villagers and Activists
Villagers claim that the Endowments Department has not conducted auctions for the temple lands in the last three decades, leading to a single family cultivating the lands for decades.
Endowments Department
The Endowments Department has granted cultivation rights for 30 acres under the Sitting Tenant Act and plans to auction the remaining 30 acres.
- Temple Name
- Sri Chennakesava Swamy Temple
- Location
- Veepanagandla mandal, Wanaparthy
- Land Owned by Temple
- 60 acres
- Annual Lease Amount
- Rs 1.74 lakh
- Lease Duration
- 3 years
- Lease Calculation
- Rs 6,000 per acre