Archaka Suspended For Taking Photographs Of Bhadradri’s Presiding Deity 

Bhadradri Kothagudem: The archaka of Bhadradri temple, Madanmohana Chary, was suspended for allegedly taking photographs of presiding deity Sri Sita Ramachandraswamy in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. The orders were issued by Bhadradri Executive Officer Prabhakar Srinivas.

The temple authorities also issued notices to the chief Archaka and other purohits of the temple seeking their explanation as to how the archaka could take pictures. It is learnt that the incident occurred only because of lack of monitoring in the temple.

It may be recalled that images of the idols in the temple went viral on WhatsApp and Facebook for the past few days. Following media reports over these photos, the EO ordered an inquiry. Temple Superintendent Bhavani Ramakrishna probed the case.

The presiding deity was adorned on Friday last week with gold ornaments which were presented by a devotee who came from Bengaluru. The photos of the deity were taken on Friday. During the investigation, the authorities summoned the archakas who were on duty that day. They found that Madanmohana Chary had taken photographs on June 16. The authorities decided to suspend him for the offence.