Vijayawada MP seeks Central aid to develop Kanaka Durga temple as global pilgrimage hub
Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) on Wednesday urged the Union government to extend special assistance for the comprehensive development of the Sri Kanaka Durga temple
Vijayawada MP Kesineni Sivanath (Chinni) on Wednesday urged the Union government to extend special assistance for the comprehensive development of the Sri Kanaka Durga temple atop Indrakeeladri and develop it into a world-class spiritual and pilgrimage destination. Raising the issue in the Lok Sabha, Mr. Sivanath said the temple, one of Andhra Pradesh’s most prominent pilgrimage centres after Tirumala, attracts lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad, particularly during Dasara, Sharan Navaratri, Teppotsavam and Bhavani Deeksha.
With the steady increase in pilgrim footfall, there was a pressing need to create permanent infrastructure and improve facilities, he said. He urged the Centre to sanction funds under the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme for the temple’s holistic development. He proposed the construction of multi-level parking facilities, spacious waiting halls, modern pilgrim amenity centres, road widening, a permanent traffic management system, drinking water and sanitation facilities, rest areas, and digital information centres to enhance the pilgrimage experience.
The MP also sought approval for a modern ropeway under the Centre’s Parvatmala scheme to provide easier access to the hill shrine, particularly for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and families with children. The ropeway would help ease traffic congestion and make travel to the temple faster and safer, he said. Drawing parallels with the Centre’s redevelopment of Varanasi and Ayodhya, Mr. Sivanath urged the government to transform the Sri Kanaka Durga temple into a global spiritual tourism hub.
Such a project would boost tourism, generate employment, and stimulate economic activity in Vijayawada by benefiting hotels, transport operators, small businesses, and local artisans, he added.
The BriefWire