Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh – In a significant move to preserve India’s cultural heritage, Union Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu announced that ₹10 crore has been sanctioned through IndiGo Airlines’ CSR program for the development of the historic Srikurmanatha Temple in Srikurmam, Srikakulam district.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu’s Kurma (Tortoise) avatar, the temple is a rare and revered site in Hindu tradition. The CSR-funded initiative aims to transform Srikurmam into a vibrant spiritual and cultural hub, enhancing tourism and creating local employment opportunities. The project will be executed in phases, blending tradition with modern infrastructure to support sustainable pilgrimage tourism.
Project Phases:
- Phase 1 will focus on rejuvenating the temple’s sacred pond, Sweta Pushkarini, and upgrading vehicle parking facilities.
- Phase 2 will involve a comprehensive transformation of the temple complex, integrating modern amenities while preserving its spiritual essence.
Key Highlights of the Restoration:
- Structural Repairs: Damaged entrance steps and broken wooden elements will be reconstructed to restore traditional architecture.
- Sculptural Conservation: Ancient walls and sculptures will be carefully cleaned, with damaged stone blocks replaced using locally sourced gneiss.
- Waterproofing: Roofs of the shikhara and antarala will be treated with natural polymers and lime mortar to prevent water seepage.
- Flooring Restoration: New flagstone flooring will be laid at the original plinth level to maintain the temple’s historical character.
- Cultural Revival: The project aims to rejuvenate the temple as a spiritual center, promoting heritage tourism.
- Heritage Preservation: Recovered original stone blocks will be re-integrated, ensuring authenticity in restoration.
FAQs:
- Location: Srikurmam village, approximately 13 km from Srikakulam.
- Significance: Only known temple dedicated to Vishnu’s Kurma avatar.
- Best Time to Visit: October to March, especially during Kurma Jayanthi and Vaikuntha Ekadashi.
This initiative by InterGlobe Aviation, IndiGo’s parent company, reflects a meaningful step toward preserving India’s sacred spaces and promoting cultural sustainability.
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