Shri Godha (Aandal) Sametha Mannaru Ranganayaka Swamy Temple, Edulabad.

Last Sunday, that is on 10th January we went to Shri Godha Sametha Mannaru Ranganayaka Swamy Temple. It is an ancient Temple, over 350 years old and very close to Secunderabad, but we heard of it just a few days back. It was a very satisfying trip; we were in the temple in front of the deities for close to one hour and witnessed Archana and Vodibhiyyam rituals. Unlike many other Temples, there is no fee charged for any of these Sevas. The Temple is being maintained by the family members of the Archaka Swamis since generations with the Harathi and Hundi offerings. And this also contributes to their livelihood. We performed Archana with an offering of coconuts and bangles as per the practice here. Though we did not carry the items required for Vodibhiyyam, my wife and sister-in-law got to perform this ceremony. They were given the bangles placed at the deities along with flowers. We also received a variety of Prasadams. Adjacent to this Temple is Sri Gopala Swamy Temple.

As you can see in the above photographs, I interacted with an 89-year-old member of the Archaka Swamis family and got his version of this Temple’s history. According to him; his ancestors found a girl child all alone in this village and tried to find out to which family she belonged. On not getting any response they began to rear the child as their own. After some time they returned to their native town in Tamil Nadu. The Girl was not happy there and pleaded to return to this village. Back at this village, she insisted on the construction of this Temple of Ranganayaka Swamy. Being poor it seemed an impossible task for the foster parents. Then the girl talked to the villagers and brought forward many people who contributed to the construction of this Temple. When the girl was of marriageable age the parents started looking out for a suitable match. The girl was not interested and insisted on getting married to the God in this Temple - Lord Ranganayaka Swamy. The parents said it is ridiculous and not proper to talk in this manner. One day, in their presence the girl walked into the Temple and was not seen thereafter. When her father started calling out her name he heard her replying from the Temple that she is with Lord Ranganayaka Swamy.

This Temple is in a beautiful village with a large lake and greenery all around. The village is called Edulabad. It is exactly 32 Km. from our house in Secunderabad. The Ambedkar Statue of Ghatkeshar town on Warangal highway is 26 Km. from our house and at this junction, we took a right turn to reach Edulabad. We wish to go there again.

On our way back we had a sumptuous meal at a good restaurant. It was a well-spent holiday morning – Soul-satisfying and stomach satisfying.