Raja Swami of Karnataka builds a temple

CHAMARAJANAGAR - Like the famous Taj Mahal of Agra, built in the memory of a lady, Raja Swami of Karnataka has built a temple in the memory of his wife to fulfill her long-cherished dream.

Raja Swami’s monument of love, the temple, may not be as magnificent as the 17th century built Taj Mahal. But this temple has been built with the same depth of love and passion for his late wife, Rajamma.

Raja Swami and Rajamma had a love marriage. Despite their poverty, he responded to her desire to build a temple in their Krishnapura village of Karnataka’s Chamarajanagar district.

But Swami abandoned it mid-way after his beloved wife died following an illness.

“When the temple construction work was being carried on, my wife passed away. She was the one who insisted on constructing the temple so I got upset, and I stopped further construction work. I did not even turn towards the temple,” said Raja Swami.

The decision to halt construction work, however, proved temporary, as his late wife came in his dreams and inspired him again to resume the unfinished work.

“After six months, my wife came in my dream and told me to inaugurate the temple, and said that she will stay in the temple. I love my wife very much .We had a love marriage. She was unlike other women who cry for sarees and ornaments. Her only desire was to construct this temple but by that time she was no more. This made me love her more,” said Swami.

People from the Krishnapura, as well as neighbouring areas, today come to pray at the temple where an idol of Raja Swami’s wife has also been installed.

Swami says he worships his wife as a Goddess.

Interestingly, there is a vacant space by the side of Rajamma’s idol at the temple. May be someone will establish his idol alongside.By Jaipal Sharma (ANI)