North Andhra region, particularly Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts, turned as major hubs for temple-tourism, thanks for the existence of historical temples apart from construction of new religious structures such as Ramanarayanam and Devi Ashramam.
Arasavilli, Srikurmam, Srimukhalingam and other temples are attracting more number of pilgrims every year in Srikakulam District. The flow of pilgrims is also increasing for the temples such as Ramateertham, Pyditalli Ammavari temple in Vizianagaram, although there is no much support from the government authorities for the promotion of temple tourism which can spur economic activity and make citizens to move in the path of Dharma. Ramanarayanam which was established one-and-a-half years ago in Vizianagaram by Narayanam family has become a must visit place in Vizianagaram.
The temple, built in the form of Lord Rama’s arrow, depicts the entire Ramayanam with pictures. The temple spreading 15 acres is believed to have attracted 24.8 lakh people in a span of 18 months. The structure has two floors with Sri Maha Vishnu temple on the one and Sri Rama temple on the other.
Linking both the temples in the shape of a bow is the ‘Pranava Margam’ that bears all-important ‘khandaas’ of Saint Valmiki’s Srimadhramayana in visual forms. With Lord Vigneswara temple at the entrance, the path in the shape of an arrow leads to the complex that has colour fountains. At the tip of the arrow, a 60-feet-high Hanuman statue has been installed which is visible even from a distance of 1km. In foreground of the two-floor complex, Sri Lakshmi and Sri Gnana Sarswati idols have been installed.
“My late father Narayanam Narasimham Murty dedicated his whole life for the construction of Ramanarayanam. He planned this devotional project to enable young generation to know the importance of Lord Rama and his great deeds so that they would become good citizens in future,” said N Srinivasa Rao of Narayanam Charitable Trust. “TTD was impressed with the project and established Veda Pathasala here. It enhanced spiritual activities in Ramanarayanam,” he added.
Devi Ashramam, located on the outskirts of Srikakulam, is attracting thousands of devotees both from AP and Odisha. As many as 1,001 Srichakra merus were installed on the premises. Founder of the Ashramam Tejomurthula Balabhaskara Sarma said offering of prayers to Srichakra merus would invoke divine power. He said the Veda Patashala and other temples would be established very soon. Many pilgrims coming to Arasavilli temple are visiting Raja Rajeswari temple of Devi Ashramam and expressed happiness with the establishment of 1,001 Srichakra merus in a single place. “More number of pilgrims would visit temples if government provides facilities such as cottages, dedicated bus service, cloakroom and bathing facilities,” said Baratam Kameswara Rao, vice-president of TTD’s Dharma Prachara Parishad of Srikakulam district.
(With inputs from
V. Chalapati Rao)
Thousands of pilgrims visit Ramnarayanam,
Devi Ashramam
