Mallur temple in Mulugu to get new pilgrim amenities under development plan

The State government is working on a comprehensive infrastructure plan for the Mallur Hemachala Lakshmi Narsimha Swamy temple in Mulugu district, with facilities such as a Kalyana Mandapam, dormitory and Annadana Satra proposed as part of efforts to improve amenities for pilgrims.

Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Seethakka, who is the MLA from Mulugu, chaired a review meeting at the State Secretariat, here on Saturday. Endowments Commissioner M. Hanumantha Rao, architects and other officials participated in the meeting, where the existing facilities, pilgrim movement, infrastructure requirements and future development needs of the hill shrine were reviewed.

The government proposes to finalise the design after a field inspection of the temple and its surroundings on September 25. Ms. Seethakka directed officials and architects to visit Mallur shortly and prepare a development plan based on the site conditions. A rock test will also be conducted to assess the ground conditions and construction feasibility before the technical design is finalised.

Ms. Seethakka stressed that the proposed works should not compromise the existing temple structure or its sanctity. The plan should take into account the geographical, historical and spiritual significance of the shrine, besides its architectural character and the requirements of devotees, she said.

The development plan assumes significance as the temple, located on Puttakonda hillock in the midst of forest near the Godavari in Mulugu district, attracts pilgrims from Telangana and neighbouring States, particularly during the annual Brahmotsavams in Vaishakha Masam. The shrine, however, has been facing a shortage of basic amenities, transport connectivity and safety infrastructure.

Endowments Commissioner M. Hanumantha Rao and Minister Seethakka during a review meeting at the State Secretariat on Saturday.
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By Arrangement

The Minister had sought ₹50 crore for the development of the temple in November last year and proposed that the project be taken up under the Centre’s PRASHAD scheme or other programmes, including Swadesh Darshan 2.0, Destination Development, Rural Tourism Cluster Development and the Tribal Circuit.

The proposed works are also aimed at improving the pilgrimage experience while promoting the heritage and tourism potential of the area. The temple is known for its distinctive rock-hewn idol of Lord Narasimha and several traditions associated with the shrine. Temple priests claim that the nearly 9.2-foot-high deity is said to be more than 4,770 years old and that the hillock was named Hemachalam by sage Agastya. The belly part of Moolavirat idol is soft as ‘human skin’. The shrine is also associated with a stream and other natural features that are considered sacred by devotees.