Pawan Kalyan inaugurates Ramateertham giri pradakshina path

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Jana Sena Party chief Pawan Kalyan on Wednesday virtually inaugurated the Giri Pradakshina pathway at the historic Ramateertham temple in Vizianagaram district, marking a key step in improving pilgrim infrastructure ahead of Sri Rama Navami.

The newly developed pathway, stretching 3.70 km from Seetharamuni Peta junction to Neelachalam hill, has been constructed at a cost of ₹3.40 crore under the MGNREGS scheme. The Deputy Chief Minister said the project reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing temple infrastructure while preserving cultural and spiritual traditions.

Addressing the gathering, Pawan Kalyan described Ramateertham as a significant spiritual site with links to the Ramayana and Mahabharata eras, noting that devotees believe circumambulating the hill brings spiritual fulfilment. He recalled that in the past, pilgrims had to traverse rocky, thorn-filled paths, facing considerable hardship during religious occasions like Vaikuntha Ekadasi and Maha Shivaratri.

“After the coalition government assumed office under the leadership of N. Chandrababu Naidu, we took up the responsibility of developing this sacred path. Today, devotees can undertake Giri Pradakshina safely and comfortably,” he said.

The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted that over the past 20 months, more than ₹40 crore has been spent through MGNREGS, Panchayat Raj and other funds to provide road connectivity to 22 temples across the state. He cited the recent completion of the Srikalahasti Giri Pradakshina route and sanctioning of road works at Kotappakonda as part of the broader initiative.

Pawan Kalyan also referred to the vandalism incident at Ramateertham during the previous government, where an idol of Lord Rama was desecrated, calling it a deeply painful moment for devotees. “Today, developing this pathway and serving the deity in this form gives a sense of fulfilment,” he remarked.