Novel PRASHAD initiative to turn Telangana’s Bhadrachalam and Ramappa temples into world class destinations

The Government of India provided a major fillip to the tourism sector with Droupadi Murmu, the President laying foundation stones for a project at Bhadrachalam temples and another one at the Rudreshwar or the Ramappa temple.

Both these temples are located in Telangana and the projects have been approved under the National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive scheme of the Union Ministry of Tourism. Launched in 2014-15, the PRASHAD scheme envisages integrated infrastructure development of pilgrimage and heritage tourism destinations in India.

Sri Seetha Ramachandra Swamyvari Devasthanam, the temple at Bhadrachalam is more than 350 years old and is closely associated with India’s grand epic Ramayana. Devotees believe that during their long 14 years of exile, Lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lakshmana, spent some time at Parnasala village close to the temple.

The project’s estimated cost is Rs.41.38 crores and will include development of a Pilgrimage Amenity Centre, kalyana mandapam, street scaping, souvenir shops, rain and shade shelters, and E-buggies for senior citizens and specially-abled. Apart from this, development of a parking area, drinking water and toilet facilities, food court, solar power-based lighting and 24×7 CCTV surveillance is also planned.

The second project was inaugurated at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ramappa temple. This Lord Shiva temple located in Mulugu district was built in 1213 AD by the Kakatiya rulers and attracts more than 10 lakh visitors every year.

Under this at an estimated cost of Rs.62 crores, a world class pilgrimage and tourist destination will be created providing state-of-the-art facilities for the visitors.

The project includes development at three sites. Under the first, on a 10-acre site, an interpretation centre, a 4-D movie hall, cloak rooms, waiting halls, first-aid room and bus and car parking facility will be constructed apart from development of facilities for drinking water and toilets and souvenir shops.

At the second site an amphitheatre, a sculpture park, and a flower garden will come up. Besides this a provision for providing basic amenities of drinking water and washrooms, and E-buggies for specially-abled and elderly will be made.

The third site where the project will focus is the development of Ramappa lakefront.