Amaravati, Nov 27 (NationPress) - The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, on Thursday, inaugurated the foundation for the expansion and enhancement of the Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple located in Venkatapalem, within the Amaravati capital region.

The Chief Minister conducted a boomipujan for the ambitious Rs 260-crore initiative, which is set to unfold in two distinct phases.

This endeavor is designed to elevate the TTD temple into a prominent spiritual and architectural symbol within the State.

Referring to Amaravati as the capital of gods, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude for the divine opportunity to designate the capital with this revered name.

He extended his thanks to the farmers of Amaravati for their generous contribution of 33,000 acres through land pooling for the establishment of the state capital.

Naidu also reminisced about his commitment in 2019 to develop the temple on a 25-acre site alongside the Krishna River.

He acknowledged that it was the former Chief Minister N. T. Rama Rao who initiated the Annadanam service at the Tirumala temple in 1983 and his own introduction of Pranadanam in 2003.

Naidu recounted a personal experience of being attacked with 23 Claymore mines while en route to offer silk robes during the Brahmotsavam, and how he felt protected by the deity.

"I will not engage in actions that tarnish the reputation of Lord Venkateswara Swamy, nor will I allow others to do so," he stated.

He emphasized that during his visits to the Tirupati temple, he approaches with genuine devotion.

"We should not approach the divine with prejudice; those who err will face consequences from the Lord in this lifetime," he remarked.

CM Naidu criticized the previous administration, claiming they contributed nothing positive and only led to destruction.

He reminded farmers that their faith in Lord Venkateswara was instrumental in their struggles for the state capital.

The Chief Minister urged the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) to expedite the completion of the Amaravati temple within two and a half years.

The temple's development will be executed in two phases, with the first phase estimated at Rs 140 crore. This phase encompasses crucial constructs like the temple prakaram, a seven-story Raja Gopuram, Arjitha Seva Mandapam, Mirror Hall (Addala Mandapam), Vahana and Ratha Mandapams, Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Pushkarini, and cut-stone flooring.

The second phase, projected to cost Rs 120 crore, will focus on developing the temple's Mada streets, access roads, an Annadanam complex, accommodations for pilgrims, residential facilities for priests and staff, an administrative building, a meditation space, and parking amenities.

Prior to 2019, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) government allocated 25.417 acres for the temple project, which was later curtailed by the YSR Congress Party government.

Upon the return of the TDP-led NDA to power last year, efforts were initiated to revive and accelerate the project.

The foundation stone-laying ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Endowment Minister Anam Rama Narayana Reddy, Minister Narayana, Union Minister Pemmasani Chandrasekhar, TTD Chairman BR Naidu, MLA Tenali Shravan Kumar, other MLAs, and TTD board members.