 There
are temples and then there are temples. This one is dedicated to plague.
Read on for more on the Sri Rajarajeshwari Plagueamma temple.
Ever heard of a temple dedicated to plague? Check out a by-lane in
the city's Thyagaraja Nagara - the Sri Rajarajeshwari Plagueamma
temple. About a century ago, there were just two stones in the temple's
place. When the dreaded epidemic, plague struck the city, people were
said to offer their prayers to these stones. People's faith was said
to be vindicated when the disease was cured.
It was only 20 years ago that a temple was built around the stones
and an idol of Rajarajeswari was also installed next to the
stones.
 "People
believe that whatever they wish is being fulfilled and that's why
they visit this temple coming from various places," says Ramesh,
the temple's local priest for the last ten years. Many famous personalities
including eminent actor Ananth Nag have visited the temple, the local
priest recalls.
The temple is open for devotees from 6:30 am to 10:30 am and 5
pm to 8:30 pm everyday. On Fridays and Tuesdays, it is extended
for two hours due to the heavy rush.
Lighting a 'lemon lamp' is the specialty here. The lemon is
cut into two pieces and the pulp is removed which is filled with oil
and is lit outside the temple. The Navarathri and the
Varshikothsava are the main festivals observed here.
Navar athri
celebrations are held for nine days, from the last week of October
to the first week of November. Varshikothsava, the birthday
of Goddess Rajarajeshwari is celebrated in the first week of December.
Homas are performed and people visit this temple in
large numbers. Devotees bring homemade prasadas for these special
festivals, including puliogre and curd rice.
A committee headed by L.M.G Naidu oversees the temple maintenance.
Funds are collected by way of the temple hundi apart from local contributions.
Rajarajeshwari Plagueamma Temple
2nd Block, 2nd Main,
Thyagaraja Nagara
Bangalore - 28
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Text and Pics: Jai Prasad Rai |
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12:14:43 AM 
