Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In a significant step towards strengthening temple services and spiritual welfare in Andhra Pradesh, the state government has announced that 16 more major temples will soon begin offering annaprasadam (daily free meals) to devotees. The announcement was made by Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy during a press conference held at his camp office in Santapet, Nellore, on Tuesday. 

Minister Anam stated that CM Naidu has instructed the Endowments Department to ensure high-quality, hygienic and tasty meals are served daily at temples, with a structured menu and clean cooking environments. While annaprasadam distribution is already underway in seven major temples, the government is now extending the program to 16 more prominent temples, he confirmed.

As part of this expansion, the department has been directed to assess operational costs and logistical needs to ensure smooth execution. The minister specifically mentioned Malakonda Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple near Kandukur, which currently offers annadanam only on Saturdays, will soon be made on daily basis.

Highlighting the spiritual sanctity of religious rituals, the minister emphasized that all puja services across temples must be conducted strictly under the guidance of Agama scholars, without interference from government employees. “Chief Minister Naidu has made it clear that spiritual traditions must be preserved, and ritual practices must follow the temple's agama shastras,” said Anam.

He explained that temples in Andhra Pradesh have been categorized based on their annual income. Out of 169 temples in the "6A category," 22 temples with relatively higher revenue are being prioritized for enhanced services and government support under these new reforms. Special focus is being laid on the renovation and development of the Srisailam temple, one of the most revered Shaiva kshetras and a major Jyotirlinga shrine in the country. With the steady rise in pilgrim influx, CM Naidu has asked officials to plan for improved infrastructure, facilities, and crowd management.

Minister Anam reaffirmed the government’s commitment to revitalizing temples not just architecturally but spiritually. The development plan covers Shaiva temples, Lakshmi Narasimha temples, and other important religious centers throughout the state.

“We are implementing every instruction of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu to enhance temple services, spiritual discipline, and devotee satisfaction. Our goal is to ensure that every devotee feels fulfilled—be it in darshan, accommodation, food, or spiritual experience,” Anam concluded.