Amaravati temple project revived: ₹260cr expansion underway

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Thursday morning performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Venkateswara Swami Temple in Amaravati’s Venkata Palem area. The temple development project will be carried out in two phases, with a total investment of ₹260 crore.

In the first phase, ₹140 crore will be spent on various constructions. Of this, ₹92 crore is allocated to build a protective enclosure around the temple. Key structures in this phase include a seven-story grand Rajagopuram (temple tower), the Arjita Seva Mandapam (service hall), Addala Mandapam, vehicle and chariot mandapams, an Anjaneya Swami temple, a Pushkarini (sacred tank), and cut-stone flooring. The estimated cost for these constructions is ₹48 crore.

The second phase, costing ₹120 crore, will focus on developing the temple’s surrounding infrastructure. This includes temple streets, approach roads, an Annadanam (community kitchen) complex, rest houses for pilgrims, quarters for priests and staff, a rest house, administrative building, meditation hall, and parking facilities. With the first phase already completed, the new groundbreaking marks the start of the second and third phases, while the fourth phase is expected to begin soon through a tendering process.

The decision to build a temple similar to the one in Tirumala in Amaravati was originally taken by the previous TDP government before 2019. Around 25.417 acres along the banks of the Krishna River were allocated for the project. However, under the subsequent YSR Congress government, the temple land was reduced, and expansion plans were halted. Following the return of the coalition government, work on the temple’s expansion resumed.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu said, “We are committed to the expansion of the sacred Venkateswara Swami Temple. Amaravati is the city of the gods, our capital, and it is a privilege to play a part in naming and developing it. I am grateful to the farmers who voluntarily contributed 33,000 acres of land for this cause. Of this, 25 acres are dedicated to the temple’s sacred precincts along the Krishna River. There is no doubt about Amaravati’s status as the divine capital. I hope this temple serves as a model for the city.”

Recalling past initiatives, he said, “The Annadanam service was started by NTR in 1983, and I continued it in Tirupati in 2003. During Brahmotsavam festivals, while offering ceremonial garments to the deity, the blessings I received were like life itself. My family considers Venkateswara Swami as our household deity. From my home, I can see the deity against the backdrop of Sheshachalam hills, which guides and inspires us.”

He added, “No disrespectful acts will be allowed near the temple, and everyone should maintain purity and devotion. True service comes from clean thoughts and sincere intentions. Even when I visit Tirupati, I stand in the queue with devotion, not privilege. The temple is a protector of the city, and we will complete this ₹260 crore project. The divine presence here will safeguard Amaravati and its surrounding region. I have requested TTD to finish the work within two and a half years. Devotees must come forward to support the temple. May Lord Venkateswara bless everyone with health, wealth, and happiness.”