80-year-old Telangana man builds his own grave before passing away, offers lesson in letting go

Hyderabad: An 80-year-old man from Telangana, who calmly prepared for his own final journey years in advance by building his grave, passed away on January 11, leaving behind a powerful lesson on life, detachment and generosity.

A life prepared for the inevitable

Nakka Indrayya, a resident of Laxmipuram village, had drawn national attention while alive for an unusual yet deeply philosophical act, constructing his own grave despite being in good health.

His intention, he often said, was simple: to spare his children any burden during their time of grief and to accept death as a natural certainty rather than a tragedy.

Indrayya built the grave beside that of his wife and installed a plaque bearing a message on the eternal truths of life and death.

A daily ritual of reflection

Long before his passing, Indrayya made it a habit to visit the grave he had built. He would clean the surroundings, water the plants and spend time in quiet contemplation. For him, the place was not a symbol of sorrow but one of peace and acceptance.

Villagers recall that he spoke openly about death, often saying that fearing it served no purpose, as it was inevitable for everyone.

A legacy of giving

Indrayya’s life was defined by generosity and service to the community.

Speaking to the media, his elder brother Nakka Bhumayya said Indrayya had distributed his wealth during his lifetime, built houses for his four children and organised nine weddings within the family.

“He built his own grave… and a church in the village. He did several good things for the village,” Bhumayya said.

Apart from supporting his family, Indrayya was instrumental in building multiple houses, a school and a church, earning him respect among villagers.

‘What you give stays forever’

Srinivas, a villager, recalled Indrayya’s guiding belief: “Whatever you hoard will slip away, but what you give to others will stay with you forever.”

Indrayya himself had once reflected philosophically, saying that while the mention of a grave brings sadness to many, it gave him happiness and clarity. He often reminded people that no one carries their riches beyond life.

Final wish fulfilled

After his death on Sunday, Indrayya was laid to rest at the very grave he had built with his own funds, fulfilling his final wish. Many villagers gathered for the last rites, paying tribute to a man whose life stood as a quiet rebuke to material obsession.

For many, Nakka Indrayya’s journey remains a profound reminder that preparing for death with calm acceptance can be one of life’s most meaningful lessons.