RANGAMPET VENUGOPAL SWAMY TEMPLE- A 12thCENTURY SHIVA TEMPLE
Sometimes history confuses us due to improper evidences quoted. Likewise, the Rangampet Venugopal Swamy temple is also been confused as a Vyshnava Kshetra but way back dating its sculptures and constructions are of 11th or 12th century. And according to the history vyshnava temples were built during 15th and 16th century. At Rajannasircilla district, Veeranna mandal, Rangampet village outskirts, Venugopal Swamy temple is located. It is so famous that till today when at ellareddypet Venugopal swamy chariot yatra will be done, if called as Rangampeta Venugopal Swamy by the bhakts the chariot yatra used to move forward as said by the villagers.
In the temple garbhagudi (Sanctum sanctorum),a square paanavattam on which Baanalingam can be seen which is so intact and this type of Shivalinga in the surroundings is very rare. Another specialty is that not only Shivalinga but also ancient Mahishasuramardhini idol can also be seen in sanctum sanctorum. Vyshnava door keeper’s idols were found to be half demolished, so this temple was thought to be vyshnavalayam by the villagers. Around this temple, Chinnavaagu also known as Venugopala swamy vaagu can be seen.Ancient history always surprises us with its hidden beauty which needs to be explored in a proper manner by connecting the broken lines.
—-Alle Ramesh
