CM performs ‘bhoomi puja’ for Gnana Saraswati temple redevelopment works in Basar

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, flanked by Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka, performed ‘bhoomi puja’ for the much-awaited redevelopment of the historic Gnana Saraswati temple in Basar of Nirmal district on Monday (April 6).

Basar, an abode of Goddess Saraswati, is renowned for ‘Aksharabhyasam (initiation into learning). The temple town, located on the banks of the Godavari, is set to host the Godavari Pushkaralu (the once-in-12-year event to worship the river), in June 2027.

As part of a major initiative aimed at the grand transformation of the Basar temple, the State government has allocated ₹225 crore for the redevelopment of the temple. The comprehensive redevelopment plan envisages expansion of the Sanctum and ardha mandapam, construction of a 9-storey Rajagopuram in the north, 7-storey towers in other directions, among other temple development works.

The key features of the master plan for the temple redevelopment include infrastructure upgrade for enhancing pilgrim amenities while preserving the temple traditions, the temple sources said. The master plan was prepared in consultation with the Sringeri Sharada Peetham.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister arrived in Basar on a scheduled visit of the combined Adilabad district.

He along with his wife Geetha Reddy and family members performed special puja at the historic temple in Basar. He also performed the ‘Aksharabhyasam’ of his grandson at the abode of Goddess Saraswati.

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (TPCC) president B. Mahesh Kumar Goud, Ministers Konda Surekha and J. Krishna Rao, Rajya Sabha member Vem Narender Reddy, Adilabad MP G. Nagesh and Nirmal MLA A. Maheshwar Reddy, among others were present.

The Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for the ₹200 crore Young India Integrated Residential School, Mudhole, and released a coffee table book on the history and cultural heritage of Nirmal district.

(Eom)