Shiva Lingam at Andhra’s Draksharamam temple vandalised

A century-old Shiva Lingam at Draksharamam in Ambedkar Konaseema district was found vandalized on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, creating a stir among devotees.

According to police, unidentified miscreants damaged the Shiva Lingam at the temple pond at the rear of the Draksharamam temple late on Monday midnight. Popular as Sri Bhimeswara Swamy Temple, the temple is one of the Pancharama temples dedicated to Lord Shiva (Bhimeswara Swamy) and Goddess Manikyamba.

Devotees pray to the Shiva Lingam and take a dip in the ‘koneru’ on the banks of Godavari river.

Devotees spotted the destroyed Shiva Lingam on Tuesday morning and informed the temple priests. Police Inspector Rahul Meena, who arrived at the scene, said that four teams have been formed to nab the accused. Police are verifying CCTV footage near the temple as part of the investigation.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, who is abroad on a personal visit, called Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy late on Tuesday night to inquire about the incident. Mr. Ramnarayana Reddy informed the Chief Minister that he spoke to the district collector and the SP and a new Shiva Lingam was consecrated in place of the destroyed one. Mr. Naidu instructed the police to catch the culprits as soon as possible.

In a statement condemning the vandalism, Mr. Ramnarayana Reddy asked the authorities to take steps to increase security in temple areas to prevent such incidents in future. He said the temple would come under the jurisdiction of the Archeology department and an action plan would be prepared to ensure better coordination between the police and the archeology department.

The Minister said that the State government will take all possible steps to protect the sanctity of the temples.