The temple of Dharmaraja near Gantavur village on the national highway from Palamaner to Chittoor is used to serve as a holy point for the devotees who visit Tirumala from Karnataka. Around 60 years ago, Akkangari Ramakrishnappa from Palamaner town used to donate the money he earned by selling flowers to the people of 26 villages who came to the temple for the 14-day regular Maha Bharat Yajna. The devotees who used to come to this temple are still remembered as their tombs are set up in the surrounding areas of the Dharamaraja temple.
As the temple has fallen into disrepair over time, the local Vishwa Hindu Parishad member Siddaiah -an ex-Air Force soldier, and his friends are intensifying the work to redevelop the temple. The Bhumi Puja was done recently to build new buildings to accommodate around 500 devotees who are going to Tirumala from Karnataka. The family members of the Siddaiah elder sister reportedly performed the ceremony. They praised it as a place for the comfort of the devotees.
Siddaiah said that he will work with the same dedication as Akkangari Ramakrishnappa who donated his everyday earnings for the temple 60 years ago. Bhajans, Kolattam dance, drama and Mahabharat are also organised here to revisit the history of the nation and keep the culture alive.
In the times, when it was visited by many, the devotees considered the Yajnas performed here as a holy event. They would accept the offering distributed here and enjoy nature as the temple is placed near the forest area. Near the temple, they dress up and narrate historical stories.
In the 14-day Maha Bharat Yajna held here, they are the ones who entertain the devotees and the people who come here. Arrangements are being made in this order.
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