Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan inaugurated the newly constructed 22-kilometer Giri Pradakshina road in Srikalahasti via a virtual ceremony from the State Secretariat in Velagapudi. Built with an estimated budget of ₹10 crore, this project aims to facilitate the spiritual practice of circumambulating the sacred hill. During his address, Pawan Kalyan expressed his personal desire to perform the Giri Pradakshina, likening the spiritual significance of Srikalahasti to that of Arunachalam in Tamil Nadu. He announced his intention to visit the shrine soon to seek blessings from the deities.
Addressing the governance of religious institutions, the Deputy CM stressed the heavy responsibility on Temple Trust Boards to preserve the sanctity of shrines above political interests. He criticized the previous administration for negligence, alleging that numerous “sacrileges” occurred even at Tirumala due to irresponsible boards. He urged the newly appointed boards under the NDA coalition government to ensure such mistakes are not repeated. He also lauded Endowment Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy for his commitment to temple protection and his initiative to build temples in agency (tribal) areas.
The Deputy CM outlined a broader vision for spiritual infrastructure, noting that the government has allocated ₹40 crore to improve transportation for 22 major temples. This includes ₹3.70 crore for the Ghat road at Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple in Eluru, ₹4 crore for roads around Kotappakonda, and ₹6 crore for the Vadapalli Venkateswara Swamy temple. He further instructed the forest department to plant saplings along the Srikalahasti Giri Pradakshina path after the Maha Shivaratri festivities and suggested organizing special “Kailasagiri Pradakshina” events on full moon days.
