The Telangana State Government has firmed up plans to develop Srirajarajeswara Swamy temple at Vemulawada as a major religious tourism centre in the State.
Endowments Minister A. Indrakaran Reddy wanted the officials of his department to take steps to ensure that the spiritual aspects of the temple were maintained in strict adherence of Agama Sastra and efforts should be made to develop the pilgrim centre as a major religious tourism attraction. Vemulawada, known as Dakshina Kasi, should have all the amenities on the lines of the Hill Shrine of Tirumala so that pilgrims visiting the shrine from within the country and abroad were not put to any inconvenience.
The Minister held a meeting with the officials of Vemulawada Temple Development Authority on Tuesday. The officials informed the Minister that the master plan for the development of the temple into a religious tourism centre was ready. They made a power point presentation of the temple design prepared by architects.
ADVERTISEMENT
Mr. Indrakaran Reddy reminded the officials that Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao was laying stress on the on the development of temples in the new State. Accordingly, the officials concerned should ensure that the Raja Gopuram, Pushkarini, Annadanam complex and other structures were designed in such a way that they were in consonance with the agamas.
Efforts should be made to develop Nampally near Vemulawada as a tourist destination and the officials should also explore the possibilities of setting up ropeway between Nampally and Vemulawada. The Minister said that the master plan for the development of the temple would be submitted to the Chief Minister and subsequently, development works would be launched in consultation with the Sringeri Peetham. The Chief Minister himself was likely to interact with the heads of Sringeri Peetham soon in this regard, he informed.
Vemulawada MLA Ch. Ramesh, Government advisor K.V. Ramanachary, Endowments Commissioner Shiva Sankar and others were present.
ADVERTISEMENT