On the occasion of Mahashivaratri, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan made an important appeal to devotees in Srikalahasti. He announced that a large-scale plantation drive will be taken up along the Srikalahasti giri pradakshina route after the Shivaratri Brahmotsavams. He also virtually inaugurated the newly constructed cement road built at a cost of ₹10 crore along the 22-kilometre stretch.
The Srikalahasti giri pradakshina route is considered sacred by devotees who visit the temple, especially during Mahashivaratri. Thousands of pilgrims perform the circumambulation every year. To ensure better facilities and a smooth experience for devotees, the government has developed a strong cement road along the route. According to Pawan Kalyan, this will help pilgrims undertake the pradakshina comfortably in all seasons.
He stated that the plantation programme will be carried out under the supervision of the Forest Department. Saplings will be planted on both sides of the road to make the route greener and more pleasant. He appealed to devotees to take part in the initiative voluntarily, adding that the effort combines devotion with environmental responsibility.
Pawan Kalyan expressed hope that every devotee who performs the Srikalahasti giri pradakshina would receive spiritual merit equivalent to a sacred pilgrimage. He said temple development should not be limited to infrastructure alone, but should also enhance the spiritual experience of visitors.
During his address, he also spoke about the responsibilities of temple governing bodies. He said temple managements must function responsibly and beyond political considerations to prevent any lapses. Newly formed boards should ensure proper administration and avoid mistakes in the future.
The Deputy Chief Minister further revealed that the state government is spending around ₹40 crore to improve road connectivity to 22 major temples across the state. With the support of the Endowments Department, a ghat road is being constructed to the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple hill in Eluru district. Road works have also been taken up in the Kotappakonda area. For the convenience of devotees visiting the Vadapalli Venkateswara Swamy temple, ₹6 crore has been sanctioned for road construction.
These works are being carried out through funds from the Panchayati Raj Department, the Employment Guarantee Scheme, and other allocated resources. He also suggested that the Srikalahasti Trust Board consider organising a special Kailasagiri pradakshina on every full moon day to enhance the spiritual experience of devotees.
