Hyderabad, April 6 – Telangana’s famous Gnana Saraswati temple is set for a major renovation as Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy laid the foundation stone on Monday for the temple’s expansion and development project, costing Rs 225 crore.
Accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and other ministers, the Chief Minister performed the Bhoomi Puja (ground-breaking ceremony) at the temple in the Basara town of the Nirmal district.
Before the Bhoomi Puja, the Chief Minister, along with his family members, performed prayers at the temple. They participated in various rituals accompanied by the chanting of Vedic hymns by priests.
Located on the banks of the sacred river Godavari, also known as the "Dakshina Ganga" (Southern Ganges), the temple has a glorious history spanning thousands of years.
According to legend, after the Kurukshetra War, Veda Vyasa came to reside on the banks of Godavari at Basara, and during his stay, he sculpted and consecrated the idols of the Goddesses – Gnana Saraswati, Mahalakshmi, and Mahakali. Basara subsequently gained popularity as a holy site, enshrining "Trimataas".
Devotees come to the temple to perform Aksharabhyasam (the traditional initiation ceremony into formal education) for their children.
In view of the increasing number of visitors and the lack of adequate facilities in the temple, the Chief Minister resolved to undertake a comprehensive development of the Basara temple and instructed the officials to formulate a master plan to execute the developmental works strictly adhering to the temple’s established traditions and rituals.
The authorities consulted with the spiritual heads of the Sringeri Peethadhipatis before formulating the Master Plan and obtained their approval for the construction of the sanctum sanctorum ('Garbhalayam'), 'Artha Mandapam', 'Raja Gopuram' (main tower), other towers, 'Mada Veedhulu' (processional streets), temple tank ('Koneru'), and the Northern Gateway.
In view of the growing number of devotees and future requirements, the sanctum sanctorum and Artha Mandapam, currently spanning 2,000 square feet, are being expanded to cover 5,000 square feet. The plans include the construction of a nine-storey Raja Gopuram on the northern side, seven-storey towers in the remaining three directions, Mada Veedhulu (processional streets) 33 feet in width encircling the temple on all four sides, and a northern Gateway. In total, the temple's built-up area is being expanded from 20,000 square feet to 62,000 square feet.
As the Godavari Pushkaralu (holy river bathing festival) is scheduled to start in June next year, and lakhs of devotees are expected to visit Basara to perform a holy bath in the river Godavari, all necessary amenities for the devotees will be developed.