VIZIANAGARAM: Sri Rama temple at Ramatheertham is getting a facelift as the State government has sanctioned Rs 1.70 crore from the Common Good Fund (CGF) for it. Sri Rama temple at Ramatheertham village in Nellimarla mandal of Vizianagaram district is said to be dating back to the 3rd century.
Ramatheertham is a unique place where Jainism, Buddhism and Hinduism are represented. Hence, the State government has been organising Srirama Navami celebrations at the ancient temple every year in a grand manner after Vontimita. Maha Shivaratri is also celebrated at the temple on a grand note every year. Thousands of devotees from Andhra Pradesh and neighbouring Odisha visit Ramatheertham for the annual festivals. The government has reconstructed Sri Kodanda Rama temple on Bodikonda at a cost of Rs 3 crore after the idol of Rama was vandalised three years ago.
The temple authorities have taken up construction of a new Yagasala at a cost of Rs 11 lakh and retaining wall at the north entrance with Rs 14.47 lakh. Granite flooring of the temple corridor will be taken up at a cost of Rs 58.23 lakh. Bhaskara Pushkarini on temple premises will also be renovated. Several other works to improve pilgrim amenities at the ancient temple will also be taken up with the funds.
Speaking to TNIE, temple Executive Officer Kishore Kumar said, “As part of renovation of Bhaskara Pushkarini, we have removed silt in it. I hope Pushkarini works, including construction of a new ghat, will completed in a month. We are planning to complete all the temple renovation works within six months. The renovation of the famous Sri Rama temple and improvement of amenities will help attract more number of devotees.”