Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Orders Rapid Temple Construction and Restoration

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed officials from the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) and the Endowments Department to expedite the construction of 5,000 new temples across the state and to finalise their locations at the earliest.

The directive came during a review meeting held late on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, according to an official release. TTD Executive Officer Muddada Ravichandra reported that proposals have been received for 4,192 temples from 161 constituencies across 28 districts, with 967 temples already completed.

Categorised Construction and Prioritisation

The temples are to be constructed under three categories, with priority given to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes colonies, fishermen settlements, weaker sections' colonies, and general areas. Officials indicated that work could begin once the sites are finalised.

Restoration and Development of Ancient Temples

Mr. Naidu also ordered the restoration of 1,000 ancient temples and called for special focus on developing Shiva temples and Shakti Peethas across the state. He further directed officials to digitise comprehensive details of all temples and undertake advance planning for managing 28,000 Endowments Department temples, 65 TTD temples, and the 5,000 newly constructed ones.

Utilising Srivari Sevaks and Trust Funds

The Chief Minister suggested using funds received through the Srivani Trust for temple construction and religious programmes. He noted that there are 11.8 lakh Srivari Seva volunteers and recommended utilising their services at the newly built temples. He also directed officials to examine the formation of executive committees comprising board members, devotees, and Srivari Seva volunteers.

Expansion of Healthcare and Education Services

Mr. Naidu asked the TTD to expand its healthcare and education services. This includes integrating all hospitals under TTD, strengthening cancer, eye, and Ayurveda care, and involving specialist doctors as Srivari Sevaks. He also called for making the system of 33 educational institutions under TTD more efficient and suggested doubling hostel capacity.

The Chief Minister stressed the need to expand education, healthcare, and charity services on a large scale. He also sought faster completion of the Srivari temple at Amaravati.

Vision for Spirituality and Global Outreach

Mr. Naidu said Tirupati should be developed as a complete divine destination. He called for the creation of a special ecosystem reflecting spirituality and sanctity, and urged officials to ensure TTD services reach people on a wider scale with the participation of expert devotees.

He also suggested constructing Lord Venkateswara temples in the capitals of other states in consultation with respective governments. He mentioned that countries such as Mauritius were also seeking the construction of Lord Venkateswara temples and suggested developing Srivari temples into spiritual centres for Hindus.

Additionally, Mr. Naidu directed officials to conduct special courses to prepare priests required for the temples and to formulate a comprehensive plan for idol installation and priest training. He called for linking TTD's Annadanam, Pranadanam, Srivari Seva, and temple construction programmes with the propagation of Hindu Dharma.

Officials were directed to develop the Pranadanam Trust as a model for TTD's medical services, with the services of expert doctors utilised. The Chief Minister also emphasised the efficient management of government-controlled temples with people's participation.

Progress and Implementation

With the directives in place, officials are expected to move quickly on site finalisation and the start of construction. The TTD and Endowments Department will play a central role in executing these ambitious plans, which span religious, cultural, educational, and healthcare domains across Andhra Pradesh.