HYDERABAD: In a bid to blend spiritual heritage with urban riverfront transformation, the state government is planning a massive temple complex on the banks of the Musi river at Manchirevula, positioning it as a future “Dakshina Kashi” and a key component of the Musi Rejuvenation and Riverfront Development (MRRD) project.
As part of the initiative, the Musi Riverfront Development Corporation Limited (MRDCL) has initiated steps to develop the Sri Omkareswara Swamy Temple Complex across eight acres at Manchirevula as a landmark spiritual destination.
The proposed cluster will include Sri Lalitha Maha Tripura Devi, Sri Bala Subrahmanya Swamy, Sri Veerabhadrakali and Sri Bala Ganapathy temples besides the main Sri Omkareswara Swamy Temple. The complex will feature a towering Maha Raja Gopuram, directional Raja Gopurams and congregational facilities such as a Yagashala, Pravachana Mandapam, Kalyana Mandapam and traditional temple kitchen (potu). The project will strictly follow traditional Indian temple architecture and Agama Shastra principles.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy laid the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the temple complex on March 28. The project is estimated to cost around `700 crore and will feature architecture inspired by the Ramappa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To realise the project, the government has invited requests for proposals to engage a specialised consultant for master planning, architectural and engineering services.
According to sources, the consultant is required to prepare a master plan aimed at creating a distinct spiritual identity capable of attracting domestic and international tourists. The design is expected to accommodate large congregations, integrate traditional landscape elements such as Nakshatra Vanams with the local ecology and generate long-term cultural and economic value.
The consultant will also assess projected pilgrim footfall and prepare financial and infrastructure plans for facilities including roads, water supply, stormwater drainage, sewerage, solid waste management, rainwater harvesting, electrical systems, surveillance, crowd management and public mobility.
Detailed engineering and structural designs will be prepared for monumental masonry structures such as the Maha Raja Gopuram and other temple infrastructure while ensuring compliance with modern safety standards.
The master plan and DPR are expected to be completed in six months, followed by 30 months of execution support.
Interestingly, the temple complex forms part of a broader religious infrastructure vision proposed by the state government. Along with the Omkareswara Swamy Temple complex, the government has also proposed a mosque at Puranapul, a gurudwara at Gowliguda and a church at Nagole as part of Hyderabad’s evolving urban identity while maintaining religious inclusivity