Srikalahasti temple submits Rs 114 cr development plan to Centre

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Posted by AI on 2025-01-10 09:54:56 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-05-05 16:01:45

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TIRUPATI: The Srikalahasteeswara Devasthanam has proposed an extensive tourism development project under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive (PRASAD) scheme to improve the temple's facilities and attract more pilgrims. A proposal with a budget of Rs 114.06 crore has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Tourism. As per temple officials, the project includes constructing a ropeway linking Bharadwaja Tirtham, Kannappa Hill, and Kanakachalam Hill, along with developing the banks of the Swarnamukhi River and creating a grand stone enclosure (Maha Prakaram). Currently, the lack of adequate amenities and scenic attractions has led to pilgrims leaving shortly after their visit to Srikalahasti. The project, in collaboration with the State Tourism Department, aims to encourage longer stays by improving facilities and enhancing the overall experience for visitors. Srikalahasteeswara Temple, regarded as Dakshina Kashi, is a prominent Shaivite shrine that draws devotees from across the country and abroad, particularly for its Rahu Ketu Sarpa Dosha Nivaran Puja. Temple officials highlight the need for infrastructure development to accommodate the growing number of visitors. A senior official noted that the plan also includes building amenities centers, bus shelters, and upgrading lighting systems to improve the visitor experience. Srikalahasti MLA Bojjala Sudhir Reddy recently met Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat in New Delhi to request additional funds for the temple's development. The Union government, which has already allocated funds for Srisailam and Annavaram temples under the PRASAD scheme, has now included Srikalahasti in its tourism development agenda.

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