Minister offers silk robes at Kanipakam temple

The Andhra Pradesh government is intensifying its support for temple-based spirituality through the Dhupa Deepa Naivedyam scheme, which benefits 6,254 temples, according to Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy. Speaking after presenting silk robes to Sri Varasiddi Vinayaka Swamy at Kanipakam temple on the inaugural day of its annual Brahmotsavams, Reddy announced that the monthly assistance under the scheme has been increased from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.

The government has allocated ₹908 crore via the Common Good Fund for temple development and reconstruction projects in 767 temples. Additionally, the State aims to construct 5,000 bhajana mandirs through the Sri Vani Trust, with an estimated budget of ₹750 crore, having already sanctioned ₹609 crore for 1,788 such centers. Preparations are underway for the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams, scheduled from June 26 to July 7, with 375 proposals valued at approximately ₹87 crore currently in development.

Reddy disclosed that 996 temple trust boards have been established since the coalition government took office, while work is progressing for another 404. Annadanam (free meal service) is provided at 111 temples, including daily meals at 65, with around 80,000 devotees receiving complimentary meals daily, at an estimated annual cost of ₹158 crore.