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The Kandakurthi village, the ancestral home of RSS founder Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, witnessed a historic cultural and spiritual resurgence as the Pran Pratishtha of four newly constructed temples concluded with Vedic grandeur during the three-day Mahotsavam, held between 16–18 April. This event marked a significant milestone in the broader effort to revive Kandakurthi as an inspirational centre, with a larger mission to develop it into a ‘Spoorthi Kendra’ (Centre of Inspiration) in honour of Doctor Ji. The building currently under construction will enshrine the inspiring life story of the Sangh founder.
The temples consecrated during the Mahotsavam at Kandakurthi, in Nizamabad district of Telangana, include: Sri Vighneshwara Mandir, Sri Skandamata Mandir, Sri Rukmine Sameta Vittaleshwara Mandir, and Sri Keshava Mandir.
On 16 April, the ceremonies commenced with a grand village-wide procession of five deities, followed by traditional Punyahavachanam, Ganapati Puja, Agni Pratishtha, and the formal entry into the Yagashala. The following day, 17 April, was marked by a series of elaborate rituals including Gau Puja, Vighneshwara, Navagraha, Rudra Homa, and various other ceremonies. In the evening, a vibrant Kumkumarchana was performed by over 150 women, signifying community participation and feminine devotion.
The culmination came on 18 April with the formal Pran Pratishtha of all four temples, alongside the installation of a statue of Ahilyadevi Holkar on the banks of the River Godavari – a symbolic gesture honouring one of Bharat’s greatest temple-builders. Ritual Abhishekams, Alankarams, Deepa Haratis, and Prasadam distribution brought the spiritual celebrations to a close.
The final day also featured a grand public meeting, drawing hundreds of devotees from various regions.
On this occasion, Hampi Peethadipati, Sri Sri Sri Virupaksha Vidyaranya Bharati Swamiji, in his benedictory speech, said: “Serve and protect culture. The services you render will surely reach Bhagwan Ram. Through Puja you gain 25% merit, protecting culture grants another 25%, and serving society bestows the remaining. Serving your family and those around you brings blessings and positive karma”.
Swamiji’s keynote address set the tone, calling for unwavering commitment to Dharma through service.
Tippeswamy, RSS Dakshin Madhya Kshetra Karyavah, spoke on grassroots cultural resurgence and explained how Doctor Ji demonstrated service to humanity through the Sangh.
Sri Sri Sri Mangi Ramulu Maharaj, Sri Sri Sri Pitla Krishna Maharaj, Sri Sundar Reddy, RSS Telangana Sanghchalak, and Sri V.R. Mohan Reddy, a social worker, CBR Prasad, emphasised the collective responsibility in preserving sacred spaces and traditions. Several descendants of Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar were also present on this occasion.
President of Seva Bharati Telangana, and Dr. Ramamurthy highlighted the pivotal role of service-led spiritual engagement. Prabhu Kumar, along with Sudhakar Reddy and Subramanyam of Seva Samiti, echoed similar sentiments.
Kunti Surender
