Fri Nov 14 10:54:48 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:

Pithapuram Set to Become Major Spiritual Tourism Hub with State Government Investment

VIJAYAWADA, Andhra Pradesh – November 14, 2025 – Pithapuram is poised to become a leading spiritual tourism destination thanks to a comprehensive development plan spearheaded by the Andhra Pradesh government. Deputy Chief Minister K Pawan Kalyan reviewed the progress of temple development works with officials, emphasizing the importance of preserving and revitalizing the region’s sacred sites.

Focusing on prominent temples such as Sri Puruhutika Ammavaru, Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple, and Sri Pada Sri Vallabha Peetham, the government has approved ₹20 crore from the Common Good Fund for the development of 19 major temples. ₹6 crore has been specifically allocated for the upliftment of Sri Puruhutika Ammavaru and Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy temples.

Mr. Kalyan expressed gratitude to Endowments Minister Anam Ramanarayana Reddy for including four more temples under the Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam Scheme. The government is prioritizing facilities for devotees, especially during the auspicious Karthika Masam, and is committed to ensuring hassle-free darshan, particularly for women, and strengthened security measures.

Detailed project reports are being prepared for key temples, including the construction of a Pinda Pradhana Mandapam, an Annadanam Mandapam, and renovation of the temple tank at Sri Kukkuteswara Swamy Temple (funded with ₹6 crore). ₹2 crore, with matching grants, has been sanctioned for Sri Pada Sri Vallabha Swamy Temple.

The Endowments Department is also supporting the development of other regional temples, including the Pithapuram Sri Sitaram Anjaneya Ashramam (₹60 lakh), the Sri Jai Ganesh Swamy Temple (₹65 lakh), and the Sri Devi–Bhoo Devi Sameta Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Chitrada (₹70 lakh). Several other temples have also been brought under the Dhoopa Deepa Naivedyam Scheme.

Mr. Kalyan stressed that safeguarding temples, symbols of Sanatana Dharma, is a collective responsibility, requiring both government management and public participation. The development projects aim to make Pithapuram a model constituency, balancing modern facilities with the preservation of cultural and spiritual heritage.

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