Rajahmundry: Stone inscriptions dating back to
the 12th to 15th Century AD have been found neglected at Lord Uma
Koppulingeswara temple at Palivela village of Kothapeta mandal in East
Godavari. Rare inscriptions of Veerabhadra Reddy of Rajamahendravara
Reddy kingdom, who ruled the Godavari area from 14th to 15th Century AD,
were found on the walls and pillars of the temple in Telugu script.
The stone inscriptions clearly mention king Veerabhadra Reddy and his
queen Anitalli who made generous donations to temple deities during
Salivahana era. An inscription, dated Salivanana era 1338, mentions the
‘Kalyana Mantapa’ in the temple that was constructed by Allada Reddy
Dodda of the Rajamahendravara Reddy dynasty. Reddy Dodda was the younger
brother of Veerabhadra Reddy and he ordered performing of Kalyana of
Lord Uma Koppulingeswara. The practice of performing Kalyana is still
being followed at the temple.
Some inscriptions dated Salivahana era 1239 of Kakatiya Prataparudra
area were also found on the temple premises and they are in a bad
condition for want of maintenance. An inscription, belonging to the 10th
century AD of Velanati Chodas, was being used by the devotees to break
coconuts to offer to the Lord at the temple. Archaeologist Varanasi
Rahul said, “It is time the state government takes interest to protect
and preserve ancient stone inscriptions, as these are getting either
damaged or ruined for want of care.”