Minister offers silk robes at Kanipakam temple - The HinduPublished - September 15, 2026 09:58 pm IST - CHITTOORAndhra Pradesh is stepping up efforts to promote temple-based spirituality, with the government implementing the Dhupa Deepa Naivedyam scheme in 6,254 temples and spending around ₹75 crore annually, said Edowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy on Monday.Mr. Reddy made the statement after offering silk robes on behalf of the State government to Sri Varasiddi Vinayaka Swamy at Kanipakam on the opening day of the temple’s annual Brahmotsavams, which will continue till October 4.He said the monthly assistance under the scheme had been doubled from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000. The government has sanctioned ₹908 crore through the Common Good Fund for development and reconstruction works in 767 temples, he said. The State has also set a target of constructing 5,000 bhajana mandirs through Sri Vani Trust, with an allocation of around ₹750 crore. So far, ₹609 crore has been sanctioned for 1,788 such centres.Preparations have also begun for the 2027 Godavari Pushkarams, scheduled from June 26 to July 7. The department has prepared 375 proposals involving an estimated ₹87 crore. Mr. Reddy said trust boards had been constituted for 996 temples since the coalition government assumed office, while the process was under way for another 404.Annadanam is being provided at 111 temples, including daily service at 65. Around 80,000 devotees receive free meals daily, with annual government spending estimated at ₹158 crore, the Minister said.Published - September 15, 2026 09:58 pm ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }