​Kadapa: Once patronised by kings of 18 dynasties, Siddavatam, a tiny village which has more than 120 temples is on the brink of vanishing. Now it has turned in to a refuge for unscrupulous elements.

Siddavattam was the place where religious fervour was at its peak once upon a time. But now they have all become a pile of debris.

Recently, treasure-hunters resorted to cutting the legs of the idol of the deity of Rangathanatha Swamy in the temple. Temples like Bala Brahmeswaralayam, Dakshna Dwaram, Anjayaneyaswamy temple, Ganta Sidheswaralayam , Varasidheswralayam, Vimalasidheswaralayam, Ranganatha swamy temple, Jyothinathalayam, ruled by 18 dynasties from 7th century to 17th century has lost its historical significance.

Temples are in a dilapidated condition and some idols broken beyond restoration. The Siddavatam fort is said to have been constructed by Matti Rajulu who belong to the Nayakars under the Vijayanagara Empire in 1303 AD.

A 1,000 feet width and 2-km radius moat which was constructed around the fort to prevent the entry of enemies has turned into fields.

“It is unfortunate that Siddavatam village once called the ‘Gods’ abode’ has now turned in to a place where the devils reside,” bemoaned Dr Y V Chalapathi, who proposes to conduct spiritual programmes like Tiruppavai and Bhagavat Gita in the temple.

Recalling the legend to The Hans India, another old-timer P Venkatasubbaiah said that Veerabrahmendra Swamy, well-known sage in the 16th century, had performed meditation for several years in this village.

The stone inscription in the temple precincts depicts Emperor Padma Chola and a staunch devotee abstained from food and water till he prayed in all the temples of the village.

The queens, who were equally pious used to take bath in the Penna river and offered special pujas in the temples.

For the maintenance, the emperors bestowed several gifts and gold ornaments to the temples. Even today the village is a big draw for many treasure hunters.

According to another inscription, ‘the Jyothi Sidheswara Swamy temple believed to have been constructed by Pallavas about 13 km from Sidavattam is another ancient temple where number of Shivalingams are installed in the open.

The place used to reverberate with the chats of “Hara Haara ‘ Mahadev..” by the devotees from the nearby villages. The devotees had to make through dense forests by foot. It was also known as Tapo Bhoomi (meditation centre).”

About 100 years ago, this temple was perished in the floods of the Penna river.With Srisailam Devasthanam adopting the temple twenty years ago, there were hopes that it would restore the old glory of the temple. But alas! The temples lie in neglect.

By: M Srinivasa Rao