Telangana’s Vemulawada temple runs out of fodder: 39 bulls die; farmers send 75,000 kg grass to help | Hyderabad News

HYDERABAD: At Vemulawada’s famed Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy temple, it’s not money but green grass that the authorities are urgently seeking-to feed hundreds of bulls left behind by devotees as part of a long-standing religious tradition.Responding to the temple’s call for help, a group of local farmers has already supplied 75,000 kg of green grass to the temple goshala, providing much-needed relief after a recent crisis where 39 bull calves died due to health-related issues. The deaths brought attention to the overcrowded shelter, prompting swift action from the Rajanna Sircilla district administration.Devotees regularly offer bulls-referred to as kodelu-to the temple as part of religious vows, leaving them at the goshala. Over time, the numbers have far outgrown the shelter’s capacity. “There are currently around 1,150 bulls at the goshala. We have already distributed 750 bulls to needy farmers, but with 250 arriving each month, the pressure continues,” explained district animal husbandry officer V Ravinder Reddy.He emphasised that the key to improving conditions at the shelter lies in ensuring proper nutrition and hygiene. “What we need to give the bulls is nutritious fodder and maintain clean surroundings,” he said. “A group of farmers cultivated grass specifically for the goshala and brought it using their own tractors, even covering the transport costs. Their generosity has made a big difference,” he said. Encouraged by the support, authorities are now urging more farmers to contribute fresh grass, instead of monetary donations.