Tirumala Venkateswara Temple
A replica of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) will be erected in Rajahmundry for the upcoming festival Godavari Pushkaram, a senior temple authority has said.
"A replica of TTD's 'Lord of Seven Hills' Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple will be erected with a cost of Rs 2 crore here during the Pushakarams, which will commence from July 14," TTD Executive Officer Sambasiva Rao told reporters.
He, along with TTD Joint Executive Officer Srinivasa Raju and Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Dollar Seshadri, inspected the construction works.
The temple will be inaugurated on July 13, after performing pooja (worship), he said, adding that all rituals will be performed in the temple as they are carried out in Tirumala.
"Our main aim is to provide darshan to people of all sections, those who are not able to visit Tirupati due to various reasons. Now, they can avail the opportunity of darshan (worship) of Lord Venkateswara on the auspicious days of Godavari Pushkarams," he said.
"There will no tickets for darshan and the temple will be open from 4.30 AM to 10 PM and about 60,000 to 70,000 pilgrims will be able to pay visit at the temple every day without any inconvenience," he said.
Over 500 TTD personnel, including priests, will arrive here to offer prayers and offer services to pilgrims. Besides, additional 650 Sri Seva volunteers will be pressed into service during the period, he added.
Mr Rao further apprised that a procession from Tiruchanoor near Tirupati carrying sacred prayer materials will commence on July 9 and reach Rajahmundry on July 11.