Projects Undertaken by the New Management

The new management of Sri Laxmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, Chennuru has successfully completed several projects to preserve the temple’s heritage and improve facilities for devotees. Below is an overview of the major initiatives:

Infrastructure Development

  1. Demolition and Reconstruction

    • Removed a 100-year-old dilapidated tiled-roof house (Yaga Shala).

    • Constructed Archaka Nivasam with an open verandah, kitchen, hall, bedroom with attached restroom, and an additional restroom for use during festivals.

    • Cost: ₹9 Lakhs

  2. Compound Wall & Gate

    • Built a new compound wall on the South & East sides with a gate and repaired the Eastern entry door.

    • Cost: ₹50,000

  3. Platforms for Rituals & Music

    • Constructed a platform for Swamy Vari Kalyana Mahotsavams and a raised platform for Bhajanthries/Musicians during festivals.

    • Cost: ₹55,000 + ₹25,000

  4. Stone & Flooring Work

    • Laid Shabad stones around the main temple (donated by a devotee from Chennuru).

    • Installed black granite flooring inside the temple (donated by Kalavagunta family).

    • Cost: ₹70,000 + ₹1 Lakh

  5. Temple Repairs & Painting

    • Repaired the main temple structure, painted gopurams, and ensured yearly maintenance.

    • Cost: ₹80,000

  6. Electrical Upgrades

    • Repaired wiring, fittings, and electrification, including floodlights (donated by Kalavagunta family).

    • Cost: ₹35,000

Additional Facilities

  1. Restrooms & Ashram

    • Built two additional restrooms for use during festivals.

    • Fully furnished the Ashram for short stays, temple visits, and puja services.

    • Cost: ₹1 Lakh

  2. Sevaka Nivasam

    • Constructed accommodation for a servant to maintain cleanliness and security.

    • Cost: ₹2 Lakhs

  3. Safety & Order

    • Installed stainless steel barriers to maintain discipline inside the temple.

    • Cost: ₹50,000

Miscellaneous Additions

  • Amplifier with mic & speakers (₹20,000)

  • Donation box (₹10,000)

  • Steel almirah for valuables (₹20,000)

  • Electrical inverter for uninterrupted power supply

Management Initiatives

  • Cleared all outstanding dues, taxes, and bills.

  • Successfully conducted Rathotsavams, Kalyanams & pujas as per tradition.

  • Organized public auctions for temple land cultivation rights.

  • Pursued recognition of Founder Family Member (FFM) status from the Endowment Department.

  • Created and registered all temple property documents.

  • Maintained transparency in accounts with annual audits.

  • Systemized temple operations and rituals following traditions set by Smt. Rajyalakshmi garu.

  • Planted and nurtured flower trees including Tulasi Vanam for puja.

  • Continuously improved temple assets and properties.

  • Encouraged Kalavagunta family members to participate in annual Kalyanam rituals.

Recent Contributions

  • A family from Chennuru donated a Silver Kavacham worth ₹5 Lakhs (ready before April 2023 Kalyanam).

  • Capt. K.N. Rajasekhar donated artificial jewelry worth ₹13,000.

Upcoming Projects and Estimated Costs

Security & Infrastructure

  1. Raise Existing Wall

    • Increase height by 2 feet and add barbed wire fencing (2 feet high) for enhanced security.

    • Estimated Cost: ₹5 Lakhs

  2. New Boundary Wall

    • Construct a wall around the northern land adjoining the existing wall (approx. 4 lakh meters).

    • Estimated Cost: Not specified

  3. Kalyana Mandapam & Facilities

    • Level adjoining temple land and build an open shed with a new Kalyana Mandapam, including:

      • Two rooms (Bride & Groom parties) with attached restrooms

      • Cooking facilities

    • Estimated Cost: ₹20 Lakhs

  4. Stage Completion for Swamy Vari Kalyanam

    • Finish stage with granite flooring and canopy.

    • Estimated Cost: ₹3 Lakhs

  5. Replace Barbed Wire Fencing

    • Around Ashramam with a brick wall.

    • Estimated Cost: ₹4 Lakhs

Financial & Cultural Initiatives

  1. Corpus Fund

    • Create a fund of ₹30 Lakhs for smooth temple functioning.

  2. Jewelry for Swamy

    • Add new jewelry (Artificial jewelry worth ₹13K already donated by Capt. K.N. Rajasekhar).

  3. Merit Scholarships

    • For bright students of Chennuru High School in memory of Smt. Rajyalakshmi garu and Sri Telaga Raju garu.

    • Corpus Fund: Amount not specified

Additional Development

  1. Construction of Temples

    • For Lord Venkateswara and others adjacent to the main temple.

  2. Steps & Chappal Stand

    • Build steps into the eastern tank for devotees and a chappal stand at the eastern entrance.

    • Estimated Cost: ₹20,000

  3. Facilities for Homams & Hair Donation

    • Streamline procedures for pujas and rituals.

  4. Survey & Documentation of Temple Lands

    • Demarcate boundaries, create documents, register, and digitize for safe custody.

  5. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

    • For all temple operations, festivals, and rituals.

  6. Temple History Documentation

    • Prepare detailed write-ups, photos, videos, and memorabilia for future generations.

  7. Digitization of Important Documents

    • Wills, sanction letters, property documents, etc., for safe custody.

  8. Centenary Celebrations Planning

    • Suggestions invited for the 100th anniversary.

  9. Inventory Preparation

    • Separate inventory for Ashram and temple buildings.

  10. Puja Services for Devotees

    • Define different pujas and fix payment rates.

Phase 1: Ongoing Development and Renovation

  • Establishing a Trust
    Creating a trust to make the temple financially self-sustaining.

  • Land Consolidation
    Resurveying temple lands and constructing boundary pillars to secure the property.

  • Compound Wall Construction
    Building a wall around the adjoining temple area for security.

  • Kalyana Mandapam Construction
    Developing a marriage hall, including leveling the area, paving with stone slabs, building a raised platform with overhead cover, and constructing two rooms with attached restrooms.

  • Temple Paving
    Paving the area around the main temple with durable stone slabs.

  • Basic Amenities
    Providing foot-washing stations and restrooms for men and women.

  • Yagnashala Renovation
    Urgently repairing and renovating the old yagnashala, storeroom, and archaka’s (priest’s) quarters.

  • Rajyalaxmamma Garu’s House
    Replacing the thatched roof, constructing a guest house with two rooms and a kitchenette, repairing the compound wall, and building a room for a free Ayurveda clinic and a prayer/meditation room.

  • Kalavagunta Clan Family Tree
    Creating a comprehensive family tree of the Kalavagunta clan to document the temple’s rich history and lineage, preserving it for future generations.

Phase 2: Future Projects

  • Children's Park
    Constructing a park in Chennuru village for children’s recreation.

  • Coconut Tree Plantation
    Planting coconut trees around the temple and its lands for beautification.

  • Scholarships
    Offering scholarships to deserving and meritorious children in honor of Smt. K. Rajyalaxmamma Garu.

  • Flower Garden
    Developing a flower garden around the temple to enhance the spiritual atmosphere.