Ontimitta (YSR Kadapa Dist.), Mar 16 (TNT):Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) Chairman B. R. Naidu on Monday said uninterrupted Annaprasadam (free meals) will be provided to devotees visiting the Sri Kodandarama Swamy Temple during the annual Brahmotsavams, scheduled to commence from March 27 to April 5.
Speaking to the media at the administrative building herea, Naidu said after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, the Sri Rama Navami celebrations at Ontimitta have been conducted as a State festival, with TTD organising the festivities, including the Sri Sita Rama Kalyanotsavam, since 2016.
Naidu said that on behalf of the state government, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu will offer Pattu Vastrams (silk clothes) to the deities during the Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam scheduled for April 1.
Devotees attending the ceremony will also be given free Tirupati Laddu prasadam.
He said Annaprasadam, drinking water and buttermilk packets will be distributed to devotees and the arrangements are being made jointly by district authorities and TTD.
The Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam will be telecast live worldwide through SVBC.
The Chairman said electrical illumination, LED lighting and public address systems are being arranged at a cost of ₹4 crore.
Plans are also underway to construct a 108-foot statue of Jambavantha at an estimated cost of ₹20.17 crore, while 100 rooms will be built for devotees under a master plan at a cost of ₹37 crore, he said.
Naidu inaugurated a new Annaprasadam distribution centre opposite the temple to ensure continuous supply of food to devotees during the festivities.
A German shed has been installed at the centre so that devotees can sit comfortably while receiving the meals.
Earlier, the TTD Chairman offered prayers at the temple and later inspected arrangements for the Sri Sita Rama Kalyanam, directing officials to ensure proper entry and exit routes, security arrangements and smooth distribution of food for devotees.
District Collector Cherukuri Sridhar, TTD Additional EO C. H. Venkayya Chowdary, Superintendent of Police Nachiket Vishwanath Shelke, JEO V. Veerabrahmam, CVSO K. V. Muralikrishna and other officials were present.
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