CM Chandrababu Pushes Fast-Track Plan for 5,000 New Temples Across AP

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials to accelerate the state’s ambitious plan to build 5,000 new temples, asking the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and the Endowments Department to complete the selection of construction sites without delay.

During a review meeting held on Tuesday night, the Chief Minister said construction should begin immediately after the proposed locations are finalised. He also called for a wider expansion of Hindu religious outreach and spiritual programmes, with the TTD playing a larger role in taking such initiatives across the state.

TTD Executive Officer Muddada Ravichandra told the meeting that proposals for the construction of 4,192 temples had been received from 161 Assembly constituencies across Andhra Pradesh’s 28 districts. Construction of 967 temples has already been completed, he said.

The proposed temples will be developed under three categories, with priority for SC and ST colonies, fishermen’s habitations, weaker-section settlements and general localities. Officials informed the Chief Minister that the pace of construction could be increased once the selection and final approval of sites were completed. Naidu also directed that funds received through the Srivani Trust be effectively utilised for temple construction and spiritual activities.

The Chief Minister suggested using the services of the state’s 11.8 lakh Srivari Sevaks in the newly built temples. He asked officials to examine the possibility of forming executive committees comprising temple governing body members, devotees and Srivari Sevaks.

With a large number of new temples planned, Naidu stressed the need for trained priests and directed officials to introduce specialised training courses. He sought a comprehensive plan covering priest training and idol consecration. He also ordered the restoration of 1,000 ancient temples, while calling for special attention to the development of Shiva temples and Shakti Peethas.

Naidu further proposed constructing Sri Venkateswara Swamy temples in the capitals of other states, in consultation with the respective governments. He noted that countries such as Mauritius had also shown interest in building Srivari temples. The Chief Minister said the state’s temples should be developed as important spiritual centres for devotees.

He directed officials to digitise and systematically manage details of the 28,000 temples under the Endowments Department, 65 temples under the TTD, and the proposed 5,000 new temples.

Naidu also asked officials to link TTD initiatives such as Annadanam, Pranadanam, Srivari Seva and temple construction with religious outreach. He called for strengthening the Pranadanam Trust, expanding cancer care, eye treatment and Ayurveda services in Tirupati with the support of specialist doctors, and involving medical professionals as Srivari Sevaks.

The Chief Minister also directed TTD to improve the management of its 33 educational institutions, double hostel capacity and encourage greater public participation to create an atmosphere reflecting spirituality and sanctity.