Free temple darshans for SC, ST, BCs

Eluru: Endowments Minister Pydikondala Manikyala Rao has said that the government was providing free darshan to the SC, ST, BC and economically backward classes through ‘Divya Darshanam’ programme in famous temples.

He flagged off four ‘Divyadarshan’ buses at Lord Bala Venkateswara Swamy Temple in Pentapadu on Tuesday. Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the economically backward SC, ST and BC people would be selected by endowments officials to take them for free darshan in famous temples across the state. He said about 180 SC, ST and BC devotees were selected in Pentapadu Mandal.

“They would be sent to the pilgrim centres in four buses.  The eligible pilgrims can apply online with Aadhar card number for the ‘Divya Darshanam’ programme,” the minister informed. During the Divya Darshanam, free meals and free darshan on par with the VIP Darshan would be provided to the devotees.

Under Divyadarshan programme, the devotees visit Malleswara Swamy Devasthanam (Peda Kakani), Kamakshitai Temple (Jonnawada, Nellore district), Lord Srikalahastiswara Temple (Srikalahasti), Goddess Padmavati Temple (Tiruchanuru, Chittoor district), Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple (Tirumala), Ahobilam, Srisailam and Tripurantakam (Prakasam district) temples.

The Divyadarshan buses started here would return to Pentapadu on January 27.  He assured that more buses would be run under Divyadarshan programme by increasing the target for this year.

Mandal Tahsildar A Venkata Ramana, Endowments Assistant Commissioner Ch Durga Prasad, Mandal President Pedaprolu Venkateswara Rao, Executive Officer P Abbulu, Sastry, Bandi Balusula Rao and Endowments Inspector TVSR Prasad took part in the proceedings.