BUGGA RAMALINGESHWARA TEMPLE VIKARABAD: AT SOURCE OF MUSI, A TRICKLE OF WATER

At source of Musi, a trickle of water

C R GOWRI SHANKER

July 25, 2016

The perennial flow of water at Bugga Ramalingeshwara temple had stopped.

 Water trickles

C R Gowri Shanker

Hyderabad: The famed spring waters of the Bugga Ramalingeshwara Swamy temple in Anantagiripalle near Vikarabad, 75 km from here, where the river Musi originates, appears threatened.

For ages, spring water has fallen into Shiva Ganga Pushkarni or Telangana Mahanandi (holy tank) through the ‘mouth’ of the Nandi in the temple premises, but for the past three months the water flow has stopped.

The water overflowing from the Shiva Ganga Pushkarni is the origin of River Muchukunda or Musi.

“For three months there has not been a drop of water. One reason is lack of rains and some say it is due to the growth of the eucalyptus trees in the forests around temple which reportedly sucks up ground water,’’ said temple priest Srikant Swamy.

He added, “after a gap of three months, the water has begun trickling. We performed a puja. The water is believed to have medicinal values and worshipping at the temple fulfils one’s wishes.’’

According to the Puranas, the Bugga Ramalingeshwara Swamy temple is believed to have been consecrated by Lord Rama in the Treta Yuga.

The story goes that Lord Rama who killed Ravana and returned to Rameswaram was advised by Sage Agastya and others to undertake penance for killing Ravana, a Brahmin. He was advised to instal Jyotirlingams.

Lord Rama is believed to have visited this area and installed a Shiva Lingam. While looking for water for abhishekam, he shot an arrow into the ground and water sprang in the shape of a balloon (bugga). Hence the name Bugga Ramalingeshwara Swamy.

When contacted, Mr A. Shankaran, consultant to the forest department, said there was no scientific basis to show that the eucalyptus plantation had dried up the sub-soil moisture, thus lowering the water table and affecting 

Bugga Rameshwaram Temple - Anantagiri Hills

The Ramalingeshwara Swamy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple has more than 500 years of history. 

There is an underground stream which originates beneath the shiva linga of the temple and flows continuously throughout the year. The water collected into a pond near the temple. 

River Musi which flows through Hyderabad is originated from this place.

Maha Shivaratri is the major festival here and it is celebrated pretty well. A major number of pilgrims visit this temple on this special occasion.

At a distance of 7 km from Anantagiri Hills (Padmanabha Temple), 6 km from Vikarabad and 78 km from Hyderabad, The Bugga Ramalingeshwara Swamy temple is located in Bugga Rameshwaram Village. This place is the origin of River Musi.

Vikarabad District Formed on 11.10.2016. The district is spread over an area of 3,386.00 square kilometres (1,307.34 sq.mi). It’s boundaries shared by the districts with Sangareddy, Rangareddy, Mahaboobnagar of Telangana state and the Karnataka state. As of 2011 Census of India, the district has a population of 927,140.

Vikarabad District formed with 18 mandals from erstwhile Rangareddy and Mahaboobnagar Districts and divided into 2 Revenue Divisions. Vikarabad Revenue Division formed with Marpalle, Mominpet, Nawabpet, Vikarabad, Pudur, Kulkacherla, Doma, Pargi, Dharur, Kotepally, Bantwaram mandals from Rangareddy District. Tandur Revenue Division formed with Basheerabad, Doulthabad, Tandur, Peddemul, Yelal mandals from Rangareddy District and Kodangal, Bommaraspet mandals from Mahaboobnagar District.

Ananthagiri hills, one of the most attractive tourist spots in Telangana is the pride of Vikarabad district. Anantagiri hills, the birthplace of river Musi that flows through the city of Hyderabad, attract many nature lovers who are enthralled by the mesmerizing beauty of the hills.

The ancient Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple which is located in Ananthagiri hills draws many visitors. Lord Vishnu is in the form of Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy and Ananthagiri is named after the main deity. 

The district is also home for many other temples viz. Pambanda Ramlingeshwara Temple, Bhavigi Bhadreshwara Temple, Bugga Rameshawaram, Bhukailas, Ekambareshawar, Jhuntupally Rama and Kodangal Venkateshwara Swamy temples.

Projects such as Kotipally, Jhuntupally, Laknapur, Sarpan Pally cater to the irrigation needs of the district besides being the places of tourists’ interest.

Tandur, one of the important towns in the district, is the industrial hub of the district. Tandur is the main producer and distributor for blue & yellow limestone. Tandur is also famous for Redgram (Pigeon pea) production. Laterite and other stone mines, cement factories and many toor dal mills located in and around Tandur employ many.