Yadadri Bhongiri, Sept.30 : Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Devasthanam, Yadagirigutta, has defended its move to solicit voluntary donations worth ₹178 crore for various infrastructure and development initiatives, calling it a standard practice followed by major shrines across the country. The controversy erupted after temple staff distributed pamphlets inviting public and corporate contributions for major projects, including a Deekshaparula Mandapam (₹43.12 crore), Veda Patashala (₹43.80 crore), Ranga Mandapam (₹9.87 crore), a model goshala, solar grids, and statue installations.
The donation drive triggered sharp criticism from devotees and local political leaders, who questioned why the management was seeking public money shortly after a newly constituted Trust Board had volunteered to sponsor key projects during its August 14 meeting. Opponents also questioned the government’s financial backing and alleged misuse of temple funds for non-religious events, sparking debates over administrative accountability.
Issuing a clarification on Tuesday, the Yadagirigutta Temple Development Authority (YTDA) and temple management stated that media reports claiming a lack of government funding were inaccurate. The authority clarified that seeking voluntary contributions is neither new nor unique to Yadadri, citing past donor-funded projects such as the Swarna Gopuram, devotee cottages, and battery-operated vehicles. Reaffirming that the state government remains committed to the shrine’s comprehensive development, the management appealed for continued cooperation from devotees to execute the planned facilities.
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