A religious theme park instills moral values

Vizianagaram: Vizianagaram district, which is emerging as tourist spot, with a string of attractions like Thatipudi reservoir. Now, a new religious recreational spot ‘Ramanarayanam’ is bound to give a boost to the tourism efforts. ‘Ramanarayanam’, about 6 kilometres away from Vizianagaram, was established by a philanthropic family, Narayanam Chalamayya and sons, which is in entrepreneurship for decades.

The religious theme park is attracting tourists from Vizag as well as Odisha and Bengal. With decreasing moral values in society, Chalamayya family wants to propagate the ideals of Lord Rama to new generation. The theme park established on a 10-acre land transports the visitors into a mythological world with its mellifluous music of Rama Keerthanas.

The design of the theme park presents the entire story of Ramayana. Baala Kaanda, Aranya Kanda, the episode of Lakhmana chopping off nose of Surpanakha, golden deer, and the list goes on. Every episode of Ramayana is depicted in tastefully sculpted idols.

Apart from this, the glittering Anantha Padmanabha statue leaves visitors awe-struck. The echoes of mantras which come from the Veda Paathasala leaves a soothing effect on the stressed minds. Narayanam Srinivas, director of the project, says: "Our forefathers began their life hard way up. They started will little investment, never cheated anyone.

They tread the path of dharma and made big in life. They always told us to follow the ethics and morals and insisted us to follow the ideols of Sri Rama. We are simply following the footsteps of our forefathers. We are here to popularise the concept of Sri Rama. We want to see Rama Rajyam."

K Harini, a class nine student who likes to visit Ramanarayanam frequently, says: “I like to make new friends here to play. We even took our relatives on our visits.” Dynamic lighting puts a spot light on idols of Hanuman, Srilakshmi and Saraswathi.

The organisers conduct various cultural programs like classical dances, Chekka Bhajana and Harikatha to entertain the public. Interestingly, the entire park is constructed in the shape of bow, which is in the hands of Sri Rama. This iconic tourist spot has become popular in this area.

K Simhachalam, an auto driver, says: “Earlier it was a forlorn area. The theme park has brought a lot of activity in the area. Now we are getting visitors. Generally, we charge Rs 15 per person to reach there. Around 50 auto drivers are depending upon the new tourist spot." A visitor will leave definitely with heartful of devotion and mindful of peace.

By Koppara Gandhi