Teenmaar Mallanna Highlights Historical Significance of Kolanupaka for BC Communities

Telangana Rajyadhikara Party president Teenmaar Mallanna visited the historic Kolanupaka shrine in Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district on Wednesday as part of the BC Rajyadhikara Yatra. During the visit, he offered special prayers at the Sri Someshwara Swamy Temple, popularly known as the Koti Lingala Temple (Thousand Lingas Temple), and sought the blessings of the deity. He subsequently visited the renowned Kulpakji Jain Temple, where he explored its historical, architectural and spiritual significance.

Kolanupaka holds an important place in Telangana's history, particularly for its association with various traditional occupational and social communities. Party leaders accompanying Mallanna said the region had once flourished as a major centre of cultural, spiritual and administrative activities. Several communities engaged in traditional occupations and labour-related activities had established their own monasteries in the region, which played a significant role in preserving their social and cultural identities.

According to party leaders, Kolanupaka was once home to approximately 18 to 22 community monasteries, many of which had historical connections with social groups currently recognised as Backward Classes (BCs). These institutions served purposes beyond religious activities, providing accommodation to pilgrims from respective communities and functioning as centres for social welfare and community engagement. Leaders said the historical association of these communities with Kolanupaka deserved greater recognition.

During his visit to the ancient Jain shrine, Mallanna examined its remarkable sculptural heritage and architectural features. The temple, which occupies a prominent position in Jain religious history, is particularly known for its intricate craftsmanship. He was also briefed about the green-stone idol of Bhagwan Mahavira, one of the temple's most distinctive attractions.

BC intellectuals and party representatives observed that Kolanupaka reflects Telangana's diverse religious traditions and the historical contributions of different social communities. They said documenting and recognising this heritage was important for understanding the region's cultural evolution.