Rs 50 lakh sanctioned for Kalakshepa Mantapam

Rajamahendravaram: The State government has sanctioned Rs 50 lakh from the Common Good Fund (CGF) for the construction of a ‘Kalakshepa Mantapam’ in the premises of the ancient Sri Golingeswara Swamy Temple at Nidadavole in East Godavari district.

Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Minister Kandula Durgesh announced on Monday that the funds were sanctioned in response to a request from the temple trust board. He added that he had held special discussions with Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy to secure 100% funding from the Common Good Fund by exempting the requirement of matching contribution.

Durgesh said the Commissioner of the Endowments Department, K Ramachandra Mohan, has issued the official orders sanctioning the grant. Stating that the development of the historic Shaivite shrine is one of his priorities, the Minister said the proposed Kalakshepa Mantapam would provide modern facilities for devotees and for conducting religious and spiritual programmes. He assured that the construction work would be taken up at the earliest and completed within the stipulated time frame while maintaining quality standards.

The sanction of funds for the development of the renowned Sri Golingeswara Swamy Temple has been widely welcomed by local residents and devotees.