Kanaka Durga temple officials plan restoration of ancient Pasupateswara temple on Indrakeeladri

The authorities of Sri Durga Malleswaraswamyvarla Devasthanam have initiated steps for the restoration of the ancient Pasupateswara temple located on the Indrakeeladri hill, which is associated with the legendary episode of Arjuna obtaining the Pasupatastra from Lord Siva.

On Sunday morning, the temple Executive Officer V. K. Seena Nayak, Chairman Borra Radhakrishna (Gandhi) and members of the Trust Board visited the historic shrine, which is presently in a dilapidated condition, to examine its historical significance and assess the scope for restoration.

Accompanied by temple priests and engineering staff, the team began their ascent of the hill at around 6.45 a.m. and reached the remote location where the Pasupateswara temple stands.

Officials closely inspected the temple, which was built in a style resembling traditional Varanasi architecture with four gateways. The shrine, which now lies in ruins, is believed to hold considerable historical and mythological significance.

According to the Vanaparva of the Mahabharata, Arjuna performed intense penance on Indrakeeladri prior to the Kurukshetra war to obtain divine weapons. Lord Siva, testing his devotion, is said to have appeared in the guise of a hunter named Kirata and engaged Arjuna in combat. Impressed by Arjuna’s valour, Lord Siva later revealed his true form and granted him the powerful Pasupatastra. It is believed that Arjuna himself installed the Siva Linga at the site to commemorate the divine encounter.

Historical evidence in the form of a stone inscription connected to the Kiratarjuneeyam episode, believed to date back to the 7th or 8th century, also refers to this legend. Over the centuries, however, the Siva Linga is believed to have gradually sunk into the ground.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Seena Nayak and Mr. Radhakrishna said the temple authorities had been receiving numerous requests from devotees seeking restoration of the Pasupateswara temple. They said a report had already been submitted to the government regarding the proposed restoration works.

They further stated that steps would be taken to improve the access path to the hilltop and clear the temple surroundings. The matter would also be brought to the attention of the Endowments Minister and the Commissioner to initiate restoration work at the earliest. Trust Board member Harikrishna, temple engineering staff, priests and other temple personnel were also present during the inspection.