Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the grand expansion of the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Amravati. This temple will be developed along the lines of the Tirumala Temple and is targeted for completion in two and a half years.
New Delhi: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the extensive expansion work of the Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Venkatapalem, Amravati. This temple expansion, to be built at a cost of Rs 260 crore on the lines of the Tirumala Temple, is targeted for completion in just two and a half years. Rs 140 crore will be spent in the first phase of the project and Rs 120 crore in the second phase. This expansion will develop modern facilities such as a seven-story Rajagopuram, Pushkarini (temple pond), Annadanam complex, guesthouses, and large parking areas.
Detailed Development of the Temple
Chief Minister Naidu announced that the temple will feature a seven-story Rajagopuram, Pushkarini (temple pond), Annadanam complex, guesthouses, parking for pilgrims, and other facilities. The objective of this temple is to further enhance Amravati's prestige not only as a religious but also as a spiritual capital.
Chandrababu Naidu emotionally stated, “It is by the grace of Lord Venkateswara that Amravati became our capital, and now it will also become the spiritual capital.” He also mentioned that the construction of this temple began in 2019, with 25 acres of land allocated on the banks of the Krishna River.
Works in the First Phase
In the first phase, out of a total of Rs 140 crore, Rs 92 crore has been allocated for the temple's main construction works, and an additional Rs 48 crore for immediate construction activities. The major works to be undertaken in this phase include:
- Construction of the temple Prakaram (circumambulatory path/complex wall)
- Construction of a seven-story Maha Rajagopuram (main tower)
- Devotional mandapams such as Adala, Vahana Mandapam, and Ratha Mandapam
- New Anjaneya Swamy Temple
- Pushkarini and stone flooring for the temple complex
The first phase aims to complete the construction of the temple's official structure and religious mandapams, facilitating easy access for pilgrims and devotees.
Focus on Infrastructure in the Second Phase
The cost for the second phase is set at Rs 120 crore. In this phase, infrastructure for pilgrims will be developed around the temple. The major works include:
- Access roads and pathways to the temple
- Large Annadanam complex
- Guesthouses for pilgrims
- Accommodation for priests and staff
- Administrative building and meditation halls
- Dedicated parking and convenient transportation arrangements
Chandrababu Naidu stated that Amravati is the capital of deities, and further developing it from a religious perspective is his priority. He accused the previous government of hindering development efforts and affirmed that the temple would be built while upholding the reverence for God. CM Naidu also announced plans to construct Sri Venkateswara temples in other states. In this regard, a donation of Rs 100 crore has been received from the Raymond Group for the construction of a temple in Mumbai.
