Master plan for Bhadradri temple in fortnight

​Bhadrachalam: Noted architect Anand Sai on Thursday went around the Sri Sitaramachandra Swamy temple here and observed the temple’s surroundings before holding discussions with Agama pundits.

He said the final version of the master plan would be out in 15 days and would be submitted to Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao with the approval of Seer Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamy.

He said he was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to design the temple master plan, which would conform to the ideas of Bhakta Ramadasu, who got the temple built in the 16th century.

The architect shared his views with The Hans India. The following are the excerpts:

Q: How is the master plan going to shape up?
A: The master plan would reflect the desires of Bhakta Ramdasu and give a lot of weightage to the tradition. The plan would steal the hearts of devotees of Lord Sri Rama.

Q: What are the specialties of the master plan?
A: The main temple and Raja Gopuram would remain as it is, while others change. It would give weightage to the temple security.

Q: What about the final version of the master plan?
A: To give final touches to the plan, I came to Bhadrachalam and held parleys with Agama pundits. Taking their suggestions into consideration, the plan would be submitted to the Chief Minister with the approval of the plan by China Jeeyar Swamy.

Q: How the locales like Godavari, Rama temple and surroundings are beautifully integrated into the plan?
A: Bhadradri temple is located on the shores of River Godavari. River bund, Lord Rama’s greatness, temple’s historic value all go into the making of the master plan. At present, the plans are on the drawing board to ensure that every devotee will relax in the Nandana Vanam, a park to be developed on the banks of the river. Also, there is an idea to extend the Nandana Vanam on the other bank of the river.

Q: How do you feel in handling the master plan project of the temple?
A: I am indeed lucky to have handled the master plan, which will help the temple transform into a beautiful place. My father’s name is Bhadrachalam. I feel that there is an inseparable link between the temple and me.

Q: How the temple will be featured in the master plan?
A: Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao and Chinna Jeeyar Swamy put forward several suggestions. The suggestions were taken to the notice of Agama pundits who suggested minor changes. The changes will reflect in measurements, although there would be no variation in the design.

Q: How the temple compound walls would be?
A: The outer compound wall would be built in stone, while the inner one would be of RCC. Nitya Annadaanam dining hall would be built in such a way that it would accommodate at least 2,000 people at once. Queue lines, lifts and security aspects would receive priority. The first compound wall and the second one would be separated by six feet. Looking at the temple from a distance will make people feel that the structure is on a hill. From whichever view, the temple appears beautiful. The width of Mada streets would be 40 ft. If
necessary, very few houses will have to be relocated.

Q: Is there any plan to build Rama Stupam?
A: The master plan features depositing of Rama Koti books of devotees in a place built of bronze, which could be called Rama Stupam.

Q: How do you feel to design the master plan?
A: The master plan has come to the final stage after holding a series of 40-50 meetings. With this experience, I strongly believe that I will be able to submit the master plan in August to the Chief Minister and initiate the tender process. I feel lucky to have designed the Yadadri, Amaravati and Bhadradri temples.