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Dargah inside temple:
Rajarajeshvara temple of Vemulavada (Telangana) is an ancient temple.
It is mentioned in Bhaviṣyottarapurāṇa. Inscriptions dating back to 8th century have been found in temple. As such, it predates Islam in India.
How did Dargah get inside the temple?
Rajarajeshvara temple of Vemulavada (Telangana) is an ancient temple.
It is mentioned in Bhaviṣyottarapurāṇa. Inscriptions dating back to 8th century have been found in temple. As such, it predates Islam in India.
How did Dargah get inside the temple?
Popularly known as "Dakshina Kashi" (Southern Kashi), Vemulavada is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Dargah in the middle of the temple complex makes this place very unique.
For Indian secularists, Vemulavada is a model of communal harmony.
newindianexpress.com
Dargah in the middle of the temple complex makes this place very unique.
For Indian secularists, Vemulavada is a model of communal harmony.
newindianexpress.com
How did the Sufi Dargah come about inside this temple?
In his book "History of Vemulavada", BS Shastri throws light on this dargah based on his examination of inscriptions and the local tradition.
According to him, this Dargah is a Sufi invader (presumably from Aurangabad).
In his book "History of Vemulavada", BS Shastri throws light on this dargah based on his examination of inscriptions and the local tradition.
According to him, this Dargah is a Sufi invader (presumably from Aurangabad).
A Sufi invader came to the temple with an intention to destroy the sacred Linga.
He broke the horns of Nandi and the nose of the image of the Goddess.
He was kiIIed in the ensuing action inside the temple.
He broke the horns of Nandi and the nose of the image of the Goddess.
He was kiIIed in the ensuing action inside the temple.
Of course, the local tradition mythicizes the incident. It says that the Sufi rode on a tiger & attributes his demise to Shiva.
However, this mythification is perfectly understandable as it is nothing but literal translation of the name of the Sufi: Bagh Sawar (riding on tiger)
However, this mythification is perfectly understandable as it is nothing but literal translation of the name of the Sufi: Bagh Sawar (riding on tiger)
During Aurangzeb's age, the Mughal officials wanted to demolish the temple and construct the Dargah of the Sufi at this place.
However, the local Hindus persisted and a compromise was worked out: A Dargah inside the temple premises.
However, the local Hindus persisted and a compromise was worked out: A Dargah inside the temple premises.
The Hindu devotees coming to the temple are told that the Sufi was a great Shiva Bhakta.
Naturally, they unsuspectingly pay their veneration at the Dargah as well.
Naturally, they unsuspectingly pay their veneration at the Dargah as well.
PS- The local tradition says Sufi invader was decimated by the fire of Shiva's wrath.
This is a common medieval literary motif. Victors did not ascribe their victories to themselves as it was seen as egotism. Everything happened as per Shiva's will and humans were mere agents.
This is a common medieval literary motif. Victors did not ascribe their victories to themselves as it was seen as egotism. Everything happened as per Shiva's will and humans were mere agents.
The current temple management of Vemulavada is very secular.
This year, the temple authorities authorized a Muslim woman to perform an age old ritual at the temple.
newindianexpress.com
This year, the temple authorities authorized a Muslim woman to perform an age old ritual at the temple.
newindianexpress.com
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