The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh News : Annavaram temple to get facelift

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Monday, Jan 26, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh

Annavaram temple to get facelift

Staff Reporter

Gold covering of ‘Rudraksha mandapam’ and ‘Dhwajastambham’ on the cards

Kakinada: The hill shrine of Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy at Annavaram, which is also known as Ratnagiri, is going to witness major development in the months ahead at an estimated cost of Rs. 110 crores. The project comprises construction of 550 rooms for pilgrim accommodation, dormitories and other facilities spread over 300 acres on the hill named as ‘Satyagiri’.

Green cover

Besides, plans have been drawn to renovate the main temple, cover ‘Rudraksha mandapam’ and ‘Dhwajastambham’ with gold sheets, lay black granite stones inside the temple premises, provide a central lighting and sound system and more such facilities. These measures are set to literally add a new glow to the entire hill. Due priority is given to improving greenery to create a green, peaceful ambiance better than what is being currently experienced by the pilgrims.

Tenders will be called for before the end of March for various components of this mega project through e-procurement, according to Regional Joint Commissioner of Endowments and Annavaram temple Executive Officer S. Kondala Rao.

Vratams at Kanigiri

Speaking to The Hindu, Mr. Rao said the ongoing ‘Samoohika Satyanarayana Vratalu’ are evoking tremendous response throughout the State. The next round of this event is scheduled to be organised at Kanigiri in Prakasam district on February 12. Arrangements are being made for 1,000 couples to perform ‘Satyanarayana vratam’ under this programme. A team of 150 ‘Vrata purohitulu’ and temple staff conduct these rituals.

To further popularise the temple, hoardings were being erected at 50 important cities and towns in Andhra Pradesh. A proposal was made to install boards indicating the distance to Annavaram temple along the national highway between Vijayawada and Srikakulam. Two ornamental arch-gates are under construction and a second ghat road has been readied for opening.

Free meal scheme

Mr. Rao said the free meal (‘Annadanam’) scheme was being implemented successfully with interest accruing from a corpus fund of Rs. 12 crores. At present, 1,000 people are being served free meal everyday and 2,000 plus on auspicious days. Unlike in the past, ‘Swamyvari prasadam’ is being offered along with the meal. A sizable sum is being donated for this scheme at the counter set up inside the dining hall.

Temple closure

Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy temple at Annavaram will be closed from 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on January 26 due to solar eclipse. ‘Vratams’ and ‘kalyanams’ will be performed from 5.30 a.m. to 8.30 a.m. only for which tickets will be sold from 4 a.m. itself.

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