Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday offered prayers at the sacred Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Varla Devasthanam in Srisailam, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas and fifty-two Shakti Peeths in India. The Prime Minister also visited the Sree Shivaji Spoorthi Kendra, accompanied by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.
PM Modi performs pooja and darshan at Srisailam temple
Prime Minister Modi performed a special pooja at the Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Varla Devasthanam in Nandyal district, seeking blessings ahead of his day-long visit to Andhra Pradesh. The temple holds immense spiritual significance as it is one of the rare shrines where a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peeth coexist within the same complex — symbolising the unity of Shiva and Shakti.
Draped in traditional attire, the Prime Minister participated in the rituals and was seen interacting with temple priests and devotees. Large crowds had gathered at the temple premises to catch a glimpse of the Prime Minister.
The Sri Bhramaramba Mallikarjuna Swamy Varla Devasthanam is a revered pilgrimage destination that attracts lakhs of devotees every year. The temple, located on the banks of the Krishna River, is also known for its architectural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Visit to Sree Shivaji Spoorthi Kendra
After offering prayers at the temple, the Prime Minister visited the Sree Shivaji Spoorthi Kendra, a memorial complex dedicated to the legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The Kendra includes a Dhyana Mandir (Meditation Hall) with models of four historical forts — Pratapgad, Rajgad, Raigad and Shivneri — representing the Maratha warrior’s enduring influence.
At the centre of the complex stands a statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in deep meditation, symbolising courage and introspection. The memorial is managed by the Sree Shivaji Memorial Committee, which was established to commemorate the Maratha ruler’s visit to Srisailam in 1677.
Prime Minister Modi paid his respects at the monument, reflecting on the historical ties between spiritual devotion and national pride.
Warm welcome from Chief Minister Naidu
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu extended a warm welcome to the Prime Minister upon his arrival in the state. Sharing a post on X (formerly Twitter), Naidu said, “On behalf of my people of Andhra Pradesh, I warmly welcome our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri @narendramodi Ji, to our state.”
The Chief Minister accompanied PM Modi during his visit to Srisailam, underscoring a spirit of cooperation between the state and the Centre.
Inauguration of major development projects worth ₹13,430 crore
Following his visit to Srisailam, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to travel to Kurnool, where he will inaugurate, lay the foundation stone, and dedicate to the nation a series of development projects worth approximately ₹13,430 crore.
According to official sources, these projects cover crucial sectors including industry, power transmission, roads, railways, defence manufacturing, and petroleum and natural gas. The initiatives are part of the Central Government’s ongoing efforts to bolster infrastructure, promote industrial growth, and ensure balanced regional development across Andhra Pradesh.
The Prime Minister is also expected to address a public gathering in Kurnool, where he will highlight the government’s continued commitment to accelerating economic progress and improving public services in the state.
Emphasis on regional development and national heritage
The Prime Minister’s visit to Andhra Pradesh reflects a dual focus on cultural preservation and infrastructure advancement. While his prayers at Srisailam and visit to the Sree Shivaji Spoorthi Kendra emphasised India’s deep-rooted heritage, the upcoming project launches underline his administration’s drive toward modernisation and economic expansion.
Officials noted that several of the projects being inaugurated are expected to generate employment opportunities and improve logistics connectivity in southern India. Enhanced power and transport infrastructure will also contribute to industrial growth, particularly in the Rayalaseema region.
Public response and security arrangements
Local authorities made elaborate security arrangements for the Prime Minister’s visit. Thousands of devotees, locals, and party workers lined the streets to greet him as he arrived in Srisailam. Banners and posters welcoming PM Modi and CM Naidu were displayed throughout the route.
Temple officials said special rituals were conducted to mark the auspicious occasion, and the temple town witnessed an influx of visitors from neighbouring districts.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Andhra Pradesh, combining spiritual observance with a major development agenda, has been hailed as a reflection of his governance model that bridges tradition and progress.