Ganta Objects to Corporate Brands at Simhachalam Temple
Ganta Srinivasa Rao says only Lord’s name should be displayed; urges spiritual tourism push
Visakhapatnam: Bhimili MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao on Sunday asked Simhachalam Temple authorities not to entertain corporate advertisements at the shrine, calling them highly objectionable.
Srinivasa Rao reacted to the display of the title of a corporate college when it laid the foundation stone for building a Rs 3-crore permanent shed near the northern gate of the Rajagopuram.
Speaking to media, the MLA underlined that only Lord Narasimha Swamy’s name should be represented on the hill. He maintained that the temple authorities can explore alternative ways of acknowledging donors. He felt that public display of corporate names could offend devotees.
Srinivasa Rao wanted a notice issued immediately to remove business logos. He suggested that donor details can remain confidential.
The MLA underlined that Simhachalam must be developed as a spiritual tourism hub, with promotion of historic sites like Vaikunthavasula Metta and Sri Krishna Devaraya’s Vijaya Stupa. He suggested that cottages and guest houses be built to allow families to stay overnight. He said he would discuss these plans with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
On the land controversy at Yendada, Srinivasa Rao asked district authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and present a transparent report. He confirmed that he and Speaker Ayyanna Patrudu have written a letter calling for strict action if any wrongdoing is identified in the Yendada matter.
