Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has set a bold vision for the revered Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamyvarla Devasthanam in Srisailam. He has instructed the Endowments Department to craft an extensive master plan aimed at elevating this ancient site into a world-class pilgrimage destination, comparable to the iconic Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirumala.
To bring this grand vision to life, Mr. Naidu announced that the State government will formally request the Union government to allocate 2,000 hectares of vital forest land. This allocation is crucial for the holistic development planned for the Srisailam temple precinct.
During a review meeting held at his camp office on Sunday, the Chief Minister underscored that securing this forest land is paramount. It will enable the provision of essential modern facilities desperately needed by the lakhs of devotees who throng Srisailam annually.
He further elaborated, stating, “This ambitious project aims to significantly enhance amenities like parking, accommodation, and connectivity, all while maintaining a delicate balance between temple development and vital environmental protection.”
The Temple’s Enduring Significance
Mr. Naidu highlighted the immense spiritual importance of Srisailam, noting its status as both a revered Jyotirlinga Kshetra and a powerful Shakti Peetha. He stressed the imperative to expand its infrastructure to gracefully manage the substantial influx of pilgrims from Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and other states. He also suggested improving accessibility by connecting the temple town to nearby national highways at key points like Dornala, Srisailam Sunnipenta, and Eegalapenta.
Acknowledging Srisailam’s rising prominence as Andhra Pradesh’s second most vital pilgrimage site after Tirumala, Mr. Naidu nevertheless noted the existing challenges. The temple town currently struggles with insufficient parking and other basic amenities to accommodate its massive crowds. He reiterated that any development must be seamlessly integrated with stringent ecological conservation efforts.
Prioritizing Tiger Conservation
Furthermore, the Chief Minister issued directives to the Forest Department to formulate a robust action plan for tiger conservation within the Srisailam Tiger Reserve. This plan must operate in conjunction with temple development, ensuring that all new initiatives actively contribute to safeguarding the region’s lush greenery and precious natural heritage.
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi slated to visit the Srisailam temple on October 16, the Chief Minister confirmed his intention to personally discuss these crucial temple development plans with the Prime Minister.
Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan also weighed in, emphasizing the urgent need for expanded infrastructure in Srisailam to cope with the ever-increasing number of devotees. He suggested a comparative study of facilities at other prominent forest-situated temples, such as Sabarimala, to identify and adapt effective models for Srisailam’s unique environment.
The meeting saw the attendance of Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy and other senior officials from both the Endowments and Forest departments, signaling a collaborative approach to this significant undertaking.