Hyderabad, April 6 (NationPress) Telangana's renowned Gnana Saraswati temple is set to undergo a significant transformation as Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy officially inaugurated the foundation for the temple's enhancement and renovation, with an investment of Rs 225 crore.

Joined by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka and several ministers, the Chief Minister conducted the Bhoomi Puja ceremony at the temple located in Basara, within the Nirmal district.

Prior to the Bhoomi Puja, the Chief Minister and his family engaged in prayers at the temple, taking part in various rituals while priests chanted Vedic hymns.

The temple, which lies along the banks of the sacred Godavari river—often referred to as the “Dakshina Ganga” (Southern Ganges)—is steeped in a rich history that dates back thousands of years.

Legend has it that after the Kurukshetra War, Veda Vyasa settled by the Godavari at Basara, where he sculpted and consecrated the idols of the Goddesses: Gnana Saraswati, Mahalakshmi, and Mahakali. This event established Basara as a significant spiritual site, known for the enshrinement of the “Trimataas”.

Many devotees visit the temple to partake in Aksharabhyasam, a traditional ceremony that marks the initiation of their children into formal education.

Given the increasing influx of visitors and the inadequacy of existing facilities, the Chief Minister has decided to undertake a thorough development of the Basara temple. He directed officials to create a master plan that respects the temple's traditional values and rituals.

The planning involved consultations with the spiritual leaders of the Sringeri Peethadhipatis, who approved the construction of the sanctum sanctorum ('Garbhalayam'), Artha Mandapam, Raja Gopuram (main tower), additional towers, Mada Veedhulu (processional streets), the temple tank ('Koneru'), and the Northern Gateway.

To accommodate the growing number of devotees and future needs, the area of the sanctum sanctorum and Artha Mandapam will expand from 2,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet. Plans include building a nine-storey Raja Gopuram on the northern side, seven-storey towers in three other directions, and Mada Veedhulu, each 33 feet wide, surrounding the temple, along with a Northern Gateway. Overall, the temple's built-up space will increase from 20,000 square feet to 62,000 square feet.

With the Godavari Pushkaralu set to commence in June next year, and millions of devotees anticipated to visit Basara for holy bathing in the Godavari, essential amenities for devotees will be developed.