Andhra Pradesh government will develop all temple-towns in the state around the concept of ‘Annadanam, Vidyadanam and Pranadanam. This was the outcome of the meeting the chief minister Naidu had with the officials of endowments department. “Annadanam should be mandatory in every temple. No person in the temple surroundings should go hungry. We should be able to feed every person in the vicinity. Simultaneously, hygiene and sanitation should be maintained along with beautification and landscaping,” Naidu instructed the officials. From now onwards, in Andhra Pradesh, Annadanam, Vidyadanam and Pranadanam will become part of the temple activity.
Naidu, who has become spiritual and religious in recent past, is giving emphasis on the connection between spirituality and well being. ” If wellness and spirituality or positive attitude increases among people, it will bring down health issues. This will eventually bring down healthcare spending by people,” was the bottom line of his spirituality. On protecting the temple lands in the state, Naidu asked the officials to come up with innovative ways of developing parks and sports facilities in these areas, so that they are socially protected. “Temple should become part of people’s lives. On the occasions of birth, marriage and death, temples priests should take initiative to visit the houses of those and perform rituals,” he said.
Elaborating on the temple priests social services, the CM said, “If a baby is born, the priest from that village can visit their house and bless them. Similar practice can be followed for marriages. In case of death, they can perform the shuddhi puja and other rituals. This practice of connecting with people will bring goodwill,” he added. He also suggested to have a call centre and control room to monitor all the temples and their daily activities regularly.
His critics,however, argue that the growing religiosity or soft Hindutva of Naidu is result of his association with Prime Minister Modi, and his anxiety to impress him. His performing of Bhumi Puja for the Amaravathi capital city like King Janaka according to Hindu tradition attracted criticism from secular scholars.
