Elderly man in Telangana builds his own tomb while still alive

While the thought of death often makes people uncomfortable, an 80-year-old man from Telangana has chosen to face it with calm acceptance. Nakka Indraiah, a resident of Lakshmipuram village in Jagtial district, has built his own tomb while he is still healthy and active.

Indraiah constructed the tomb beside his late wife’s grave and placed a stone plaque there carrying a message about the realities of life and death. Built entirely with granite, the structure is around five feet deep and over six feet long, designed to withstand the passage of time. The construction reportedly cost about ₹12 lakh and was completed with the help of skilled workers from Tamil Nadu.

Indraiah’s life has been marked by hardship and perseverance. He lost his father at a young age and began working as a daily wage labourer before moving to Dubai, where he spent nearly 45 years in the construction industry. After his wife passed away a few years ago, he returned to his native village. A father of four, Indraiah says he has so far conducted nine marriages within his family.

Explaining his decision, he said he wanted to ensure that his children would not face any difficulties after his death. “Death is inevitable,” he believes. “No one can take their wealth with them.”

Far from feeling sad, Indraiah says the experience has brought him peace. “I have built four or five houses, a school and a church. Now I have built my own tomb too. I feel happy,” he told the media. What may seem unsettling to others, he says, gives him a sense of completeness.

Visiting the tomb has become part of his daily routine. He cleans the surroundings, waters the plants and spends some quiet time there, reflecting on life with a sense of contentment and acceptance.