NELLORE: Centuries-old Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy shrine at Konda Bitragunta in Kavali constituency of SPSR Nellore district is becoming the first temple to secure ISO 9001-2015 Quality Management tag in south coastal Andhra Pradesh.
The temple was built by King Langula Sudharma in the 12th Century AD.
Having standardised all activities, temple administration led by executive officer A. Radhakrishna and temple trust board chairman Sriram Malyadri decided to go in for ISO certification, so that the temple receives international recognition.
Hyderabad-based HYM International Certification Ltd., an ISO certification body, inspected the temple a few days ago. It has sent its recommendations to UK-based ASCB (European) for accreditation.
It is expected that Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy shrine will get the certification, as HYM has been instrumental in getting the ISO tag for several popular temples in AP and Telangana. These include Bhadrakali temple in Warangal, Shirdi Sai Temple at Dilsuknagar, Yadagirigutta temple, Srisailam, Kanipakam, Srikalahasti, Dwaraka Tirumala, Annavaram, Simhachalam and Kotappakonda.
HYM managing director Alapati Sivaiah told Deccan Chronicle that all operations at the Konda Bitragunta had been examined closely for issuing certification. “The key focus areas in such inspections include sanitation, cleanliness, temple management, establishment and tendering processes.
Cleaning and sanitation are very good at Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy temple. Archakas have been found following traditions in performing rituals.
Naivedyams and prasadams are prepared in hygienic conditions in adherence with standard safety procedures. “The management has been maintaining records of income from various sources accurately. Employees are well aware of their job profiles,” Sivaiah stated.
He clarified that ISO accreditation will continue only if the standards stipulated are rigorously followed in all areas. Their first surprise inspection will be six months later. Subsequently, inspections will be carried out annually.
Temple brings amity between quarrelling couples
Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple is famous for its unique ritual called “Kalaha Nivarana Puja” performed to the idol of Sage Narada.
According to temple priests, this puja is the best remedy for not only disputes between couples but also among relatives and business partners.
Another rare instance is that idol of presiding deity has been consecrated by Narada himself. Shanku and chakra of Lord Venkateswara idol are found interchanged here and the Lord is seen with Goddess Padmavathi. The shrine is located 40 km from Nellore city and is close to NH 16.
Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Swamy Temple is also known as Bilakuta Kshethram because of a tunnel located close to the temple. It is believed the tunnel had connected the Vaishnavite temples in the region in the past.
Local people claim that childless couples are certain to be blessed with children if they worship at this temple.
