Chandrababu Naidu's Rs 260 Crore Vision: Tirumala Temple Replica Rising in Amaravati

Chandrababu Naidu initiated the foundation stone ceremony today for the expansion of Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Amaravati.

Hyderabad:

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has unveiled a remarkable Rs 260-crore initiative to create a replica of the revered Tirumala temple in Amaravati. On Thursday, the Chief Minister presided over the foundation stone laying ceremony for a significant expansion of the Venkata Palem Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Amaravati. During the event, he outlined the state's vision to develop this shrine to mirror the iconic Tirumala temple, setting an ambitious timeline of two-and-a-half years for project completion.

"Amaravati represents the capital of the gods, and it shall continue as our capital as well. With the divine blessings of Lord Venkateswara, we commenced the construction of this temple in 2019, dedicating 25 acres along the Krishna River. Even the decision to name the capital Amaravati came through the Lord's grace," Naidu stated.

The vision aims to establish the Amaravati temple as a prominent spiritual destination. The Chief Minister has instructed the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) to ensure the project proceeds according to schedule.

The development will unfold in two distinct phases.

Phase 1 has been allocated Rs 92 crore, with an additional Rs 48 crore earmarked for immediate construction activities. Key components include building the temple Prakaram (compound wall), a magnificent seven-storey Maha Rajagopuram (main tower), and various devotional spaces such as the Arjita Seva, Addala, Vahana, and Ratha Mandapams. The plan also incorporates a new Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Pushkarini (temple tank), and cut-stone flooring.

Phase 2 carries a budget of Rs 120 crore. This segment concentrates on pilgrim infrastructure, encompassing the construction of streets surrounding the temple, approach roads, an extensive Annadana complex (for free meal distribution), pilgrim accommodation facilities, quarters for priests and staff, administrative buildings, a meditation center, and dedicated parking areas.

The foundation ceremony drew numerous dignitaries, including the TTD Chairman, Union Minister Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, state ministers, MLAs, farmers, and devotees. During the event, Naidu spoke passionately about the capital project and his spiritual devotion.

The Chief Minister expressed profound gratitude to the 29,000 farmers who voluntarily contributed 33,000 acres toward the capital's development.

"They united for a sacred purpose. Unfortunately, the previous administration did nothing except undermine what we had established. Those farmers, who placed their trust in Lord Venkateswara, endured considerable hardships and even participated in a massive padayatra seeking justice," Chandrababu Naidu remarked.

The Chief Minister referenced alleged difficulties faced by farmers under the previous government, which he accused of sabotaging earlier development initiatives. He emphasized that positive intentions attract divine blessings and cautioned that the Lord does not tolerate misconduct.

"I consider myself a devotee of Lord Venkateswara. Our family deity is the same Lord. Since childhood, I grew up with views of Tirumala from my home. I will never engage in anything disrespectful toward the Lord, nor will I permit others to do so. The Lord does not condone wrongdoing. He administers consequences within this very lifetime."

Recalling a previous life-threatening incident, Naidu shared, "While traveling for service activities at Tirumala, Naxalites detonated 23 claymore mines. The Lord preserved my life. Today, thousands voluntarily serve at Tirumala, inspired by the Srivari Sevakulu program."

He also revealed plans to construct Sri Venkateswara temples across all states, acknowledging the Raymond Group's generous Rs 100 crore contribution for a temple in Mumbai.