Devotees watched live-streaming of Bhadrachalam Sri Rama Navami celebrations after EC reverses its decision
On Tuesday, April 16, the Election Commission of India revoked its decision to restrict a live broadcast of the Sita Rama Kalyanam at the Bhadrachalam temple in the Bhadradri Kothagudem district on Ram Navami. The celebrations were witnessed by the devotees through digital and electronic media.
After the EC revoked its decision, BJP MP Dr K Laxman said, “This is the triumph of Hindus. With a rifle slung over its shoulder, the Telangana Congress government and CM Revant Reddy attempted to thwart Bhadradri Sri Ramudi Kalyan Mahotsav’s live telecast. However, the BJP and Ram devotees were successful in obtaining permission from the Central Election Commission.
Venu, a lawyer from Hyderabad speaking on this issue with Organiser, said, “The live telecast of the Kalyana Mahotsavam of Bhagwan Sri Rama and Mata ss Sita went on without any issues, even though there was a code of conduct during the 2014 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections.”
What is the issue
Every year, the Sri Ram Navami celebrations at Bhadrachalam in Telangana are a grand affair. As per tradition, the state’s chief minister, ministers, and official administration visit to offer silk clothes and pearls as talambralu to the deity for the kalyanam ceremony. The entire event, including the celestial wedding of Bhagwan Rama and Sita along with commentary, is usually streamed live on TV channels, notably Doordarshan and All India Radio, reaching millions of viewers across the state and country.
The Telangana Endowments Department’s Screening Committee approached the Election Commission (EC) requesting permission for the live telecast during the period when the state is under the Model Code of Conduct. However, the EC rejected their appeal and issued orders on April 4.
The EC’s decision surfaced on April 15. The following day, 16 BJP Telangana leaders, including Dr. K. Laxman, MP, and N. Ramachandra Rao, ex-MLC, among others, approached the State Election Commissioner. They presented a representation requesting a review of the EC’s decision and urging permission for the live telecast and commentary for the public.
The Congress leader and Minister Konda Surekha also wrote to the EC, seeking permission for a live telecast of Bhadrachalam Seetharamula Kalyanam, with the condition that it should not show the political leaders attending the event.
History of Temple
Sri Sita Ramachandra Swamy Temple at Bhadracham town is an ancient and renewed temple in the entire state of Telangana, and it also falls in the Ramayana Circuit. Bhadrachalam town has been part of the Dandakaranya forest, where Lord Sri Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana resided during their exile.
Though, the temple was old, the current structure of the temple was constructed by Kancharla Gopanna, popularly known as Bhakta Ramadas, in the year CE 1674. Since then, the temple has held a traditional position to the government ruling from Hyderabad. Ramanavami, it receives an annual gift of mutyalu (pearls), talambralu (rice poured over bride and groom as blessings), and silk from the government ruling in Hyderabad.
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