Yadadri to remain shut for 9 months

Hyderabad: Sri Lakshminarasimha Swamy’s cave temple at Yadadri will be closed for pilgrims from April 21 in view of renovation works. Pilgrims will however be allowed to offer their prayers at the Balala Alayam,  the main hall where the idols of the presiding deity will be  consecrated by Chinna Jeeyar Swamy and kept for darshan till the cave  temple works are completed.

Yadadri Executive Officer N. Geetha told the Deccan Chronicle that this decision was taken after consultations with Chinna Jeeyar Swamy as per  Agama Shastras. “We regret the inconvenience to pilgrims — for not being able to  have darshan of Tribhuvan Swamy or the three idols inside the cave. “This is for a temporary period  of about nine months. However, the main temple will be open to  pilgrims,”she said.

It means ‘Mula virat darshan’, the darshan of the original swayambhu  idol inside the cave will not be allowed. She said about 15,000 to 20,000 pilgrims visit  the temple daily. “The number of pilgrims almost doubles during holidays. With holiday  season on, we expect huge turnout of pilgrims,” she added. Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao sanctioned Rs 100 crore for development of Yadagirigutta, renamed Yadadri, on the lines of famed Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala.