Renovating an ancient temple is both a sensitive and stupendous task. The age-old Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in a few yards has now spread over 3.30 acres.
The Yadadri Temple Development Authority (YTDA) vice-chairman and retired IAS officer G Kishan Rao, who is known for his dedication and efficiency, shared his experiences involved in the ongoing renovation of the temple.
“I am amazed at Chief Minister Mr KCR’s eagerness and pin-pointed observation. Can you imagine that the CM visited 17 times to inspect the works and spent an average of six hours every time interacting with the officials on work here?” Mr Kishan Rao said.
The renovation of the historic temple involves a lot of care. One should not meddle with the Agamasastra principles, hurt the sentiments of devotees, should not disturb the sanctity of sanctum and Sanctorum of the temple. “We have involved several departments, third parties, experts, agencies specialized in each field to re-build this outstanding place of worship,” the YTDA vice chairman explained.
Chief Minister Mr K Chandrasekhar Rao who resolved to renovate the temple has sanctioned Rs 1800 crore initially and work started in 2015. So far the government spent Rs 1,000 crore and needs approximately another Rs 400 crore to complete the works.
The temple was getting revenue of Rs 60 crore per annum is now getting Rs 100 crore per annum. The number of devotees rose to 30,000 on weekends from a mere 5,000.
“We expect 50,000 devotees every day after the inauguration of this renovated temple here in Yadadri,” Mr Kishan Rao said.