Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy. File
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
“As a part of Andhra Pradesh Government’s goal to develop SPSR Nellore as a spiritual centre, it is spending nearly about ₹78.42 crore to renovate 57 ancient temples in the district,” Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy announced during his visit to Sri Vedagiri Lakshimi Narasimha Swamy temple in Nellore on Wednesday (January 21, 2026).
Speaking on the occasion, he said, “The State Government is spending ₹5 crore a month for Dhupa Deepa Naivedyam scheme. More than five thousand temples are being provided with ₹10,000 a month under this scheme and those studying Vedic education are being given monthly allowance of ₹3,000. More than 450 temples in Nellore district are receiving ₹45 lakh a month.”
Reconstruction of 498 ancient temples under way with ₹603 crore: Endowments Minister
Mr. Ramanarayana Reddy revealed his plans to set up a 100-acre solar power project in the lands of Narasimha Swamy temple. He said MA&UD Minister Ponguru Narayana and Nellore Rural MLA Kotamreddy Sridhar Reddy have already discussed the project with him, and proposals have been made to lease out the land for this project.
He further said, “Nellore Municipal Corporation (NMC) will prepare the project proposals. Once it is leased out, the temple will earn an annual income of ₹1.30 crore at a rate of ₹30,000 per acre every year. In addition to earning revenue from unused lands, the proposed project will provide green energy to the residents of the city.”
The State Government has sanctioned ₹8.74 crore for the comprehensive development of the Narasimha Swamy temple. Tenders will be called soon for the reconstruction of Sri Prasanna Lakshmi Ammavari Sametha Sri Govindarajaswamy Devasthanam with an estimated cost of ₹2.40 crore, two halls with ₹2.35 crore, and Annadanam building with ₹2.70 crore.
Published – January 22, 2026 12:35 pm IST
