“Priority for Common Devotees”, Asserts Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy

In view of the forthcoming Maha Shivaratri festival, Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy conducted a comprehensive review of arrangements at Shaiva temples across the state. The review was held via video conference on Monday and covered major pilgrimage centres including Srisailam Mallikarjuna Swamy Devasthanam, Srikalahasti, Kotappakonda, and other prominent Shaiva shrines.

Anticipating a heavy inflow of devotees during Maha Shivaratri and the ongoing Brahmotsavams, the minister instructed officials to make advance preparations. He emphasised the need for effective crowd management and close coordination between the Endowments Department, police, and district administration. Continuous monitoring of facilities and arrangements was stressed to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims and timely completion of darshan , especially for those travelling from distant regions.

The minister made it clear that there would be no compromise on security arrangements or the convenience of devotees. He cautioned officials against any actions that could cause inconvenience or disrespect to devotees observing vows and undertaking long pilgrimages. Priority should be given to common devotees, he said, and VIP darshan should not result in delays or hardship for the general public.

Minister Anam also directed that officials must not interfere in temple rituals, festivals, or matters related to Vedic and Agama traditions. At the same time, he instructed authorities to ensure continuous sanitation and maintain cleanliness in and around temple premises. Basic amenities such as drinking water, milk, and biscuits should be made readily available to devotees. He also directed strict implementation of the SOPs already issued by the Endowments Department Commissioner.

Clear plans should be executed to regulate crowds, and prasadam distribution must be carried out smoothly without any delays, the minister said. Temple and festival officers were instructed to ensure equal importance to both VIPs and common devotees and strictly adhere to the allotted darshan schedules.

Calling upon all departments to act responsibly, Anam Ramnarayana Reddy urged officials to work in coordination to ensure the successful conduct of Maha Shivaratri celebrations across the state. The video conference was attended by senior officials of the Endowments Department, district authorities, and executive officers of major Shaiva temples statewide.