Chandrababu Naidu directs TTD to expedite construction of 5,000 temples

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed TTD and Endowments Department officials to expedite the construction of 5,000 temples and restore 1,000 ancient shrines. He also called for expanding the TTD’s spiritual, educational, healthcare and charitable services

Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and Endowments Department officials to expedite the construction of 5,000 temples across the State and finalise the sites at the earliest.

The Chief Minister said the TTD should expand its programmes for promoting Hindu Dharma and spirituality and directed officials to begin temple construction once the proposed sites were finalised.

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“Officials should expedite the construction of 5,000 temples across the State and finalise the sites at the earliest,” Naidu said in an official release late on Tuesday.

During a review meeting, TTD Executive Officer Muddada Ravi Chandra said proposals had been received for 4,192 temples from 161 constituencies across 28 districts, while 967 temples had already been completed, the release said.

He said temples would be constructed under three categories, with priority given to SC and ST colonies, fishermen’s settlements, colonies inhabited by weaker sections and general areas.

Officials said work could be expedited once sites for the temples were finalised, while Naidu suggested using funds received through the Srivani Trust for temple construction and religious programmes.

He said there were 11.8 lakh Srivari Seva volunteers and suggested utilising their services at newly constructed temples.

The Chief Minister directed officials to examine the possibility of forming executive committees comprising board members, devotees and Srivari Seva volunteers.

Naidu also suggested constructing Lord Venkateswara temples in the capitals of other States in consultation with their respective governments.

He said countries such as Mauritius were also seeking the construction of Lord Venkateswara temples and suggested developing Srivari temples into spiritual centres for Hindus.

He directed officials to conduct special courses for priests required for the temples and formulate a comprehensive plan for idol installation and the training of priests.

The Chief Minister also ordered the restoration of 1,000 existing ancient temples and suggested special focus on developing Shiva temples and Shakti Peethas in the State.

He directed officials to digitise comprehensive details of temples across the State and undertake advance planning for managing the 28,000 temples under the Endowments Department, 65 TTD temples and the proposed 5,000 new temples.

Naidu called for the efficient management of government-controlled temples with people’s participation and suggested linking the TTD’s Annadanam, Pranadanam, Srivari Seva and temple construction programmes with the propagation of Hindu Dharma.

He directed officials to develop the Pranadanam Trust as a model for the TTD’s medical services, with the services of expert doctors being utilised.

Naidu called for integrating all hospitals under the TTD and expanding medical services in Tirupati, including cancer care, eye care and Ayurveda services. He also suggested making doctors Srivari Seva volunteers and utilising their services in medical care as well as teaching programmes.

Further, the Chief Minister directed officials to make the system of 33 educational institutions under the TTD more efficient and suggested doubling hostel capacity.

He stressed the need to expand education, healthcare and charitable services on a large scale.

Naidu called for the creation of a special ecosystem reflecting spirituality and sanctity and urged officials to ensure that TTD services reach people on a wider scale with the participation of expert devotees.