Pithapuram is set for a major transformation as a spiritual tourism destination, with the Andhra Pradesh government planning comprehensive development of prominent temples across the constituency. Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan reviewed the progress of temple development works on Friday (November 14) with officials of the Pithapuram Area Development Authority and the Endowments department.Mr. Pawan Kalyan said that Pithapuram is home to several sacred sites, including the powerful Shakti Peetham of Sri Puruhutika Ammavaru, Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, and the revered Sri Pada Sri Vallabha Peetham. He stressed the need to accelerate plans to elevate the constituency into a leading spiritual tourism centre. He noted that several temples that had fallen into neglect were identified earlier and that the Endowments department would provide funds for their revival and restoration. Comprehensive development plans have been prepared with the department’s support.The Endowments department has given in-principle approval for ₹20 crore under the Common Good Fund for the development of 19 major temples. Of this, ₹6 crore has been earmarked exclusively for the upliftment of the Sri Puruhutika Ammavaru and Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy temples. Mr. Pawan Kalyan expressed gratitude to Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy for including four more temples under the Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam Scheme. He stated that the government, under the leadership of Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, is committed to the preservation and development of temples across the State.During the review, Mr. Pawan Kalyan examined the arrangements made for devotees during the auspicious Karthika Masam. He directed officials to ensure adequate facilities, anticipate heavy footfall on the last Karthika Monday and on the concluding day of the month, and make special arrangements accordingly. He also instructed them to ensure hassle-free darshan for women devotees and to strengthen security around temple premises.Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said that multiple development initiatives were already underway to make Pithapuram a model constituency in the country. As part of promoting temple tourism, detailed project reports are being prepared for the key temples, Sri Puruhutika Ammavaru, Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy, and Sri Pada Sri Vallabha Swamy.As part of the comprehensive development plan for Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, the government has approved nearly ₹6 crore under the Common Good Fund for the construction of a Pinda Pradhana Mandapam, an Annadanam Mandapam, and for the renovation of the temple tank. For Sri Pada Sri Vallabha Swamy Temple, ₹2 crore has been sanctioned under the fund with matching grants. A detailed project report is also being prepared for the development of the sacred Sri Puruhutika Ammavaru Temple, one of the Ashta Dasha Shakti Peethas.The Endowments Department has also agreed to allocate ₹60 lakh for the development of the Pithapuram Sri Sitaram Anjaneya Ashramam, ₹65 lakh for the Sri Jai Ganesh Swamy Temple, and ₹70 lakh for the Sri Devi–Bhoo Devi Sameta Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Chitrada. Several other temples in the region will also be restored under the department’s support. Further, temples such as Sri Nakkullamma Ammavari Temple and Sri Ramalayam at Nava Khandravada, Sri Sirithalli Temple at Gollaprolu, and Sri Markandeya– Bhadrawati– Bhavanarushi Swamy Temple at Tatiparthi have been brought under the Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam Scheme due to the efforts of Mr. Pawan Kalyan.Emphasizing the importance of protecting places of worship, Mr. Pawan Kalyan said that safeguarding temples, symbols of Sanatana Dharma, is a collective responsibility. He added that while government officials must ensure proper management, public participation is equally vital in preserving the sanctity and heritage of these temples.Published - November 14, 2025 04:24 pm IST