The temple has also been recognised as an Ancient Monument by the Archaeological Survey of India
AP CM Chandrababu Naidu
Anantapur: The endowment department has prepared two master plans for development of historic Sri Kodandarama Swamy temple at Vontimitta in Kadapa district.
The first master plan is for immediate development activities and the second one for long run activities of big-ticket projects. Endowment authorities have sent both project reports to the state government for clearance. Despite a government order to hand over Kodandarama Swamy temple to Tirumala Tirupathi Devastanam, the endowment department prepared ma-ster plans to begin developmental activities following assurances made by Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu during celebration of Srirama Navami two months ago.
The state government selected Vontimitta temple as alternative for Bhadrachalam after state bifurcation for annual celebration of Srirama Navami this year. With centuries old history for Lord Sri Rama temple that was built by the Chola and Vijayanagara kings. The temple has also been recognised as an Ancient Monument by the Archaeological Survey of India. Temple executive officer Shankar Balaji said both master plans also involve beatifying the locations along with renewing structures.
Besides, endowment department has attached priority to construction of at least 50 rooms to accommodate minimum of 500 devotees to stay at the temple premises.
The existing mada streets are to be renewed along with Rathasala. A prasadam counter has also been proposed, inclu-ding queues from outside the temple. Further, the first master plan has sought beatification of two hills adjacent to the temple. Pothana hill would be developed as a park along with plantation. Pushkarini has also to be restructured for traditional offerings.
The second master plan concentrates on big projects, including development of Vontimitta surroundings. “The temple is already having 300 acres of land, a Kalyanamanta-pam, mini-auditorium and a new bus stand is proposed to improve facilities for the devotees,” the endowment official stated.
A Vedic University has also been proposed inside the temple premises. With existing splendid architecture, walls and pillars of the temple embellished with intricate carvings, the endowment department proposed to strengthen structure.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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