Deputy CM: Vigilant Boards Can Stop Temple Misconduct

AP Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has called for vigilance and responsibility from temple management boards, stressing that only proactive oversight can prevent misconduct in sacred spaces. He virtually inaugurated the Srikalahasti Giripradakshina Road from the state secretariat in Velagapudi , marking a significant step in improving pilgrim facilities.

Reflecting on past lapses, Kalyan criticized the negligence of former boards that allowed irregularities even in revered temples like Tirumala , hurting devotee sentiments. He urged newly appointed boards under the coalition government to learn from history and take strict measures to safeguard the sanctity of temples.

Highlighting the cultural significance, he said, “Our temples are more than buildings; they are the foundations of our civilization, heritage, and arts.” Drawing attention to Srikalahasti ’s unique Giripradakshina tradition, Kalyan expressed a personal desire to perform the ritual himself and announced plans to visit the temple soon for darshan, just two days before Maha Shivaratri .

The 22-kilometer Giripradakshina route, built at a cost of ₹10 crore, has been upgraded with cement roads. To enhance the pilgrimage experience, the Forest Department will plant trees along both sides of the road after the Shivaratri Brahmotsavam, creating a serene environment for devotees. Kalyan hopes every pilgrim undertaking this circuit will gain spiritual merit akin to Kailash Parikrama.

The government is also promoting spiritual tourism statewide, with over ₹40 crore allocated for road and transport improvements in 22 major temples. Notable allocations include ₹3.7 crore for IS Jagannathpuram Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple ghat road , ₹4 crore for Kotappakonda–Nothapalem route , and ₹6 crore for Vadapalli Eeduwara Venkanna temple access .

The inauguration saw participation from Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy , MLAs Bojjala Sudheer Reddy and Arani Srinivasulu , Endowments Secretary Dr. Hari Jawaharlal , and virtual attendance by District Collector Venkateshwarlu , temple chairman Kotte Sai Prasad , and CEO Bapi Reddy .