CM to lay foundation stone for Basara shrine reconstruction today

Metro India News | Hyderabad 

The only Gnana Saraswati temple in South India—revered as the cradle of Aksharabhyasam (initiation into learning)—is set for a major transformation through reconstruction. The State government has sanctioned ₹225 crore for revamping the historic Basara Gnana Saraswati Temple, which has a legacy spanning thousands of years. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is scheduled to lay the foundation stone for the project.

Dedicated to Goddess Gnana Saraswati, the temple attracts thousands of families each year who bring their children for Aksharabhyasam. On occasions like Vasantha Panchami, the shrine witnesses heavy footfall, with devotees thronging the premises. However, due to its antiquity and lack of infrastructure upgrades matching the growing number of visitors, devotees have long faced difficulties.

To address this, the government has initiated a comprehensive redevelopment plan. The Chief Minister directed officials to prepare a master plan that respects the temple’s traditions and rituals. Before finalizing it, consultations were held with the Pontiffs of the Sringeri Peetham, whose approvals were obtained for key structural elements, including the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhalayam), Ardha Mandapam, Rajagopuram, temple towers, Mada Veedhulu (processional streets), temple tank, and northern gateways.

The expansion plan significantly increases the temple’s scale. The sanctum and Ardha Mandapam will grow from 2,000 to 5,000 square feet. The total temple area will expand from 20,000 to 62,000 square feet. A nine-story Rajagopuram will be built on the northern side, along with seven-story towers in the other directions. Processional streets, each 33 feet wide, will surround the temple, along with a new northern entrance.

All structures will be built in stone. Modern amenities include a 70,000-square-foot queue complex accommodating 6,000 devotees, meditation halls, a 20,000-square-foot dining complex, a prasadam center, and a sacred pond. Additional features include ornamental arches, an information center, improved roads, an underpass, solar-roofed parking, a flower garden, and a nearby health center.

The project also prepares for the Godavari Pushkarams in June 2027, when thousands are expected to gather in Basara for holy dips.