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Durga temple to get TTD-like makeover
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has called for introduction of convenient devotee people facilities that could be of international standards.
Taken under any yardstick, the Sri Kanaka Durga temple over Indrakeeladri has been only a popular pilgrimage center in and around Vijayawada. There is some refreshing news because this is to shortly become passé.
If the government has its way, and if it begins to implement the grandiose plans it has drawn up, the temple’s vicinity is all set to get a makeover that has the potential to transform itself into a beautiful tourist destination, a la the famed Lord Sri Venkateswara Swami temple atop the Seven Hills in Tirumala.
Bringing about an the element of charm will be idyllic additions like enchanting gardens, plants, waterfalls, colorful musical fountains, laser show, historical stupas and Sri Chakram. The talk already is that the shrine will help woo tourists to Amaravati.
Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu has called for introduction of convenient devotee people facilities that could be of international standards.
Towards this experts from Hyderabad and Chennai have been entrusted with the task of putting in shape the proposals against an estimated budgetary allocation of Rs 200 crore budget.
The temple has history that dated back to Tretayuga and also has huge significance to the capital city. In the Amaravati master plan, Singapore planners envisaged the positive energy emanating from the temple premises.
Presently the temple’s annual income is Rs 100 crore and it attracts 25,000 pilgrims as on an average each day.
The new proposals include expanding the ghat road with the entry restricted only to pedestrians. However, VIPs’ vehicles will be allowed to ply on the ghat road. In order to avoid problems for other devotees, plans are afoot to lay a new ghat road from Bhavanipuram, which is a kilometre away from the temple.
Besides, Arjuna Street will be main entry for pilgrims in near future. Already the State government has expanded the road up to 100 feet. The laser show and musical lighting fountains have been included at the behest of Naidu. Exclusive bus-bays and parking lots will be added features.
On the other hand, already several structures including temple administration complex, small temples, shopping complexes, free meals dining hall, and Prasadam kitchen have been shifted beneath the Indrakeeladri.
Meanwhile, the state government wants to de-notify the 125 acres’ hill area adjacent to temple premises.
A wall would be constructed around the area and the entire premises will be allotted for temple needs especially tourist-related developments, according to the temple executive engineer T Vaikunta Rao.
By Patibandla Srinivas
