PM Modi visits Srisailam Mallikarjuna swamy temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday embarked on a significant visit to Andhra Pradesh, combining spiritual devotion with a strong development agenda. Arriving at Kurnool Airport from Delhi, the Prime Minister received a grand welcome from Governor S. Abdul Nazeer, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, Minister Nara Lokesh, and BJP state president K. S. Eshwar Madhav, among other dignitaries.

Spiritual visit to Srisailam

Marking his first recorded visit to the historic Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Temple at Srisailam, one of India’s twelve Jyotirlingas, Prime Minister Modi offered prayers to Lord Mallikarjuna and Goddess Bhramaramba. He was accompanied by Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan during the spiritual visit.

The Prime Minister was received by Vedic priests who performed the traditional Purnakumbha welcome. He was guided through the pradakshina path into the temple’s inner sanctum, where he participated in several sacred rituals including Dhwajasthambha Namaskaram , Shiva Sankalpam , Ganapati Puja , and Rudrabhishekam . He also offered Bilwarchana , Pushparchana , and took part in the Maha Mangala Aarti , receiving teertha prasad and blessings from the presiding deities.

Following the temple rituals, Modi visited the Shivaji Maharaj Smaraka Spurthi Kendra , a memorial dedicated to the Maratha warrior king. The visit symbolized a deep blend of spirituality, cultural reverence, and national heritage, highlighting Srisailam’s enduring significance as one of the country’s most revered pilgrimage centers.

Development push: ₹13,430-Crore projects unveiled

Later in the day, addressing a massive public meeting in Kurnool, Prime Minister Modi launched and laid the foundation for development projects worth ₹13,430 crore across Andhra Pradesh. The projects span power transmission, road infrastructure, industrial development, and defence manufacturing, reaffirming his vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047.

Among the key initiatives were the strengthening of the Kurnool-III pooling station transmission system at a cost of ₹2,880 crore, development of Orvakal and Kopparthi industrial areas with an investment of ₹4,920 crore, and construction of the ₹960-crore Sabbavaram–Sheelanagar six-lane greenfield highway. He also inaugurated the ₹1,200-crore Kottavalasa–Vizianagaram railway doubling line and the Pendhurthi–Simhachalam North flyover.

In a major step toward defence self-reliance, Modi inaugurated an Advanced Night Vision Factory established by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) at Nimmakur, built at a cost of ₹362 crore. The facility will produce state-of-the-art electro-optical systems, including night vision devices, missile sensors, and drone surveillance equipment.

‘This century belongs to Indians’: Modi

Addressing the gathering, Modi declared that the 21st century “belongs to Indians,” emphasizing that the nation of 1.4 billion people is moving steadily toward self-reliance and global leadership. He praised Andhra Pradesh’s rapid progress under the leadership of Chief Minister Naidu and Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, stating that the state “finally has the right leadership and direction,” with full support from the Centre.

He cited Operation Sindhoor as evidence of India’s growing technological strength, saying it demonstrated the world-class capabilities of Indian-made equipment. Modi also praised Kurnool’s transformation into a drone manufacturing hub and lauded Andhra Pradesh’s focus on emerging technologies that will “shape the future of Indian industry.”

Highlighting the synergy between the state and the Centre, the Prime Minister said, “In the last 16 months, Andhra Pradesh has witnessed remarkable progress because Delhi and Amaravati are working together for development.” He expressed confidence that with continued cooperation, India will fulfill its dream of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

Chandrababu Naidu, Pawan Kalyan, and Lokesh laud Modi’s vision

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, addressing the gathering, described Modi as the “driving force” behind India’s transformation. “I have worked with several Prime Ministers, but I have never seen a leader as tireless and visionary as Modi. Twenty-five years of his life have been devoted to public service, and he continues to work relentlessly for a powerful India,” Naidu said.

He credited the Centre’s support for the revival of Amaravati, the progress on the Polavaram project, new investments in semiconductors and quantum technology, and Google’s AI hub in Visakhapatnam. Naidu pledged to make Kurnool a hub for green energy, horticulture, defence, and aerospace industries.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan called Modi a “Karmayogi” —a selfless leader who inspires generations through his actions. “He is not just leading a government; he is inspiring a generation and reshaping India’s identity on the global stage through his Atmanirbhar Bharat vision,” Pawan Kalyan said. He also announced that ₹4,000 crore worth of industries would soon come up at Orvakal.

IT Minister Nara Lokesh lauded Modi’s decisive governance, saying, “Modi doesn’t just speak—he acts.” Citing Operation Sindhoor and recent economic reforms, he said the NDA government functions as a “double-engine bullet train” that drives both welfare and development.

Tragedy at the venue

The day’s events were marred by a tragic incident near the Prime Minister’s meeting venue. A 15-year-old boy from Munagalapadu village died after being electrocuted in the parking area designated for the event. According to Kurnool Town DSP Babu Prasad, the boy was carrying an iron pipe intended to serve as a flagpole when it accidentally came into contact with a high-tension power line. “The boy was trying to lift the pipe, which touched a live wire, leading to his immediate death,” the officer said.

Police have registered a case and launched an investigation to determine whether adequate safety measures were in place at the site. The tragedy has sparked concern over public safety during large gatherings, with officials urging stricter enforcement of electrical safety protocols at major events.

A day of faith and progress

Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Andhra Pradesh reflected a fusion of faith, tradition, and modern ambition. From offering prayers at the sacred shrine of Srisailam to launching transformative projects across the state, the day symbolized the dual path of spiritual heritage and developmental progress that defines the nation’s journey toward a Viksit Bharat .