Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has asked Yadadri Temple Development Authority (YTDA) officials to complete the rebuilding of the temple complex in time to facilitate conduct of Maha Sudarshana yagam in February. Mr. Rao, who was here on Saturday to inspect the ongoing works, spent most of the time conducting review, and, reportedly, he was unhappy with the pace of works.
A release quoting Mr. Rao said about 3,000 ruthviks, vedic scholars and assistants would participate in the yagam at 1,048 sacred fire spots. Vedic scholars and priests from 45 countries, Chief Ministers, Governors, VIPs of the Union government and lakhs of devotees would turn up everyday during the yagam.
Reaching the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple by road from Hyderabad around 11.30 a.m., he was welcomed with purnakumbham by priests at the Balalayam.
On arrival, along with Endowments Minister A. Indrakaran Reddy, YTDA vice chairman G. Kishan Rao, District Collector Anita Ramachandran and project officials, the Chief Minister went on a giri pradakshina on the 5.2-km road being built at a cost of ₹143 crore.
Later, Mr. Rao, also the YTDA Chairman, inspected the main temple, sanctum sanctorum, Alwar statues, mada streets and the various mandapams.
According to an official, Mr. Rao reportedly rebuked officials and temple sthapathis and said: “I was planning for the yagam (Maha Sudarshana yagam to dedicate the redeveloped temple to the Lord) but the state of work shows you are not serious with anything.”
Elaborate and department-wise reviews were conducted post-lunch at the State's Haritha Hotel, where, according to sources, it was decided to appoint a Chief Engineer rank official of the R&B department with immediate effect.
YTDA officials said they had submitted proposals for ₹ 473 crore, to which Mr. Rao instructed officials to sanction ₹50 crore immediately.
As scheduled, inspection of Pedda Gutta and presidential suites did not take place.
Minister for Education G. Jagadish Reddy, R&B Minister Vemula Prashanth Reddy, and temple executive officer N. Geeta were present.
