₹813-Crore Package to Revive 692 Forgotten Temples Across Andhra

In a major heritage conservation initiative, the Andhra Pradesh government has approved ₹813 crore for the restoration and modernization of 692 ancient temples , many of which have suffered years of neglect and inadequate maintenance. The move is being seen as one of the largest temple revival programmes undertaken in the state's history.

Announcing the decision, Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy said the funds have been sanctioned under the Sarva Shreyo Nidhi scheme, reflecting the government's commitment to preserving Andhra Pradesh's rich spiritual and cultural legacy. He reviewed the achievements of the Endowments Department during the coalition government's first two years in office and outlined several ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening temple administration and pilgrim services.

The minister said the state, in collaboration with Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) , plans to construct 5,000 Srivani Bhajana Mandirams at a cost of ₹750 crore to promote spiritual activities at the grassroots level. Approvals have already been issued for the construction of 1,270 Bhajana Mandirams involving an investment of ₹267 crore.

The government has also enhanced support for daily temple rituals by increasing allocations under the Dhupa Deepa Naivedyam Scheme from ₹35 crore to ₹73 crore, benefiting more than 6,100 temples across the state.

A key reform announced by the department is the blockchain-based digitisation of temple properties. The project aims to secure records related to nearly 4.5 lakh acres of temple land belonging to 22,672 temples , helping prevent encroachments and improve transparency in asset management.

Heritage experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that Andhra Pradesh is home to temples dating back to the Satavahana, Chalukya, Chola, Kakatiya, Eastern Ganga and Vijayanagara dynasties . While major shrines such as Tirumala and Srisailam attract millions of devotees, several historically significant temples—including the Siddeswara Swamy Temple near Krishnapatnam, the Panchalingeswara Temple in Kurnool and ancient structures in Palnadu and Guntur districts—have long required restoration and conservation.

The minister said nearly three crore devotees receive free meals annually through the Anna Prasadam programme at 111 major temples. He added that pilgrim footfall at prominent shrines has increased by nearly 70 per cent over the past two years.

The government is also preparing for the upcoming Godavari Pushkaralu , with 162 infrastructure and pilgrim-facility projects worth ₹72 crore already under way. Officials believe the combined focus on heritage restoration, digital governance and pilgrim welfare will strengthen Andhra Pradesh's position as a leading centre for religious tourism and cultural preservation .