West Godavari district: In a decisive move, the Akividu Municipality has passed a resolution approving the reconstruction of a century-old Ramalayam in Peddapeta. The resolution was adopted during a municipal council meeting held on 21 April at the Akividu Municipality office, where 19 out of 20 members voted in favour of rebuilding the temple.
The Ramalayam temple, which has been in a dilapidated condition for several decades, is now set for reconstruction with strong peoples backing. Officials confirmed, based on 1932 records, that a Ramalayam existed at that site. The decision comes despite objections raised by sections of the local converted Christians, who had earlier expressed concerns over potential social tensions.
MLA Raghurama Krishnam Raju, speaking to the media, said that although no formal resolution was required for the reconstruction of the old temple, the Municipality passed one to respect the will of the people, thereby clearing any presumed legal hurdles.
Backgroup:
The municipal resolution follows a violent incident reported on 27 March, during Sri Rama Navami, which brought the issue into sharp focus.
The unrest began after Andhra Pradesh Deputy Speaker and Undi MLA Raghurama Krishnam Raju visited the Sriramalayam temple in Peddapeta, Akividu, along with devotees to offer prayers.
According to his statement, while he was having darshan of Bhagwan Rama, a group allegedly identified as “Christians in the guise of Dalits” raised slogans, and shortly after his departure, attacked devotees present at the temple with knives, injuring several individuals.
Police registered a case naming 58 accused, all of whom were arrested and produced before a court on 28 March.
On March 29, MLA Raghurama Krishnam Raju stated that the reconstruction of the ancient Ramalayam in Peddapeta, Akividu, will be undertaken under the leadership of prominent Hindu organisations and renowned sthapati Dr. Emani Sivanagireddy.
He said that the temple will be constructed in accordance with traditional principles of Shilpakala, Vastu, and Agama Shastra, using Krishna stone, and will be built in such a way that it remains intact and undamaged for at least 800 years.
