Pithapuram set to become a spiritual tourism hub

In a bid to develop Pithapuram as a prominent spiritual tourism destination, the government has approved ₹20 crore for the renovation and development of 19 temples in the constituency. The funds will be sourced from the Common Good Fund, officials said.

Deputy Chief Minister and Pithapuram MLA Pawan Kalyan recently held a review meeting with officials from the Pithapuram Area Development Authority and the Endowments Department to discuss the development plans.

Temple development fund allocation

Out of the total ₹20 crore, ₹6 crore has been allocated for the development of Sri Puruhuthika Amman and Sri Kukkuteswara Swami temples. For the Sri Kukkuteswara Swami temple, nearly ₹6 crore will be used for the construction of the main hall, annadanam (community dining) hall, and renovation of the temple tank. Additionally, ₹2 crore has been allocated, through a matching grant from the Common Good Fund, for the development of Sri Pada Sri Vallabha Swami temple.

Support for other temples

The government has also approved funds for several other temples in the constituency:

• ₹60 lakh for Sri Sitaram Anjaneya Ashram

• ₹65 lakh for Sri Jai Ganesh Swami Temple

• ₹70 lakh for Sri Venkateswara Swami Temple, along with Sri Devi and Bhudevi, in Chitrada

A detailed project report is being prepared for the development of the Sri Puruhuthika Amman temple, one of the 18 Shakti Peethas.

Dhupa-Deepa Naivedyam scheme

Four additional temples - Sri Nakkullamma Amman Temple in Navakhandravad, Ramalayam, Sri Siritalli Temple in Gollaprolu, and Sri Markandeya along with Bhadravati Bhavanarushi Swami Temple in Tatiparthi - have been included under the Dhupa-Deepa Naivedyam scheme to ensure proper facilities for devotees.

Preparations for Kartika Month

During the review, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan also inquired about arrangements for devotees during the Kartika month, which is expected to see large crowds, especially on the final Kartika Monday. He instructed officials to make necessary arrangements to avoid any inconvenience to devotees, particularly women, during darshan and rituals.

Pawan Kalyan emphasized that the coalition government under Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu remains committed to the development and preservation of temples. He added that active public participation is crucial for protecting temples, which are symbols of Sanatana Dharma.