Sri Raja Rajeshwara Temple expansion to begin by June

23 Apr 2025 CW Team

The long-awaited expansion of the Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple in Vemulawada is set to begin soon, with the Detailed Project Report now approved by Sringeri Peetadhipathi and state clearance granted for Rs 760 million under Phase 1.

According to Vemulawada Temple Development Authority (VTDA) Secretary and District Collector Sandeep Kumar Jha, tenders will be floated shortly, and the Rs 3.3 billion project is expected to break ground by June.

During reconstruction, only "Ekantha Pooja" will be performed for the main deity, while devotees can have darshan at the nearby Bhimeshwara Swamy temple.

Jointly handled by the Endowments and Roads & Buildings departments, the entire expansion is likely to be completed in 15–18 months. A new 2 lakh sq ft Annadanam Satram is also in the pipeline at a cost of Rs 360 million, with tenders already finalised and work set to begin soon.

The plan also includes widening the Mulavaagu–temple stretch to 80 feet. For this, Rs 470 million has been sanctioned towards compensation and construction, and encroachment clearance will begin shortly.

Principal Secretary (Endowments) Shilaja Ramaiyer, Collector Jha, Government Whip Adi Srinivas, and other officials recently reviewed the project site.

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