Forest Dept. grants devotees permission to visit Gundla Malleswara temple on February 14, 15

The State Forest Department granted devotees two-day (February 14 and 15) permission to visit Gundla Malleswara Swamy temple, located in the dense Nallamala forests.

The temple is located in the Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR), on the borders of Nandyal and Markapuram districts. According to legend, the Swayambhu Shiva Lingam at the temple was consecrated by sage Ashwaddama and has been revered by devotees since centuries. As it is located in the dense Tiger Reserve area, devotees are allowed to visit the temple only for two days in a year during Maha Sivaratri, with certain restrictions.

The Forest Department had earlier denied devotees permission to visit the temple this year, citing the ongoing tiger census. However, following the intervention of Minorities Welfare Minister N. Md Farooq, the matter was referred to Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan, who oversees the Forests and Environment portfolio.

Mr. Pawan Kalyan responded positively and directed the Forest Department to offer devotees permission to visit the temple. Following this, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, P.V. Chalapathi Rao issued orders allowing devotees to visit the temple for two days.

Expressing his gratitude to Mr. Pawan Kalyan, Mr. Farooq urged devotees to have darshan at the temple while strictly adhering to the guidelines and suggestions of the Forest Department.