In a move set to significantly enhance the spiritual landscape of Northeast India, the Assam government has approved the allocation of a substantial 25-acre land parcel in Guwahati for the construction of a grand Sri Venkateswara Swamy Divya Kshetram. This decision marks a major increase from the initially proposed 10.8 acres and follows high-level discussions between the chief ministers of Assam and Andhra Pradesh.
From 10.8 to 25 Acres: The Story Behind the Enhanced Allocation
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman, BR Naidu, revealed that the Assam government had initially consented to allot 10.8 acres of land in the Kamrup metropolitan district near Guwahati. However, the plan encountered a hurdle. On December 7, KK Dwivedi, the additional chief secretary to the Assam Chief Minister, wrote to the TTD chairman. The letter highlighted concerns raised by the administrators of an existing Sri Balaji temple and cultural complex at Garchuk in Guwahati. They worried that a new TTD temple in the same metropolitan district could impact the existing temple's interests.
In light of these concerns, Dwivedi suggested that the TTD consider establishing the new Lord Balaji temple in other fast-growing cities of Assam, such as Silchar or Dibrugarh.
Chief Ministers Step In: A Resolution For Guwahati
When TTD Chairman BR Naidu brought this matter to the notice of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu, the latter took direct action. On December 18, Chandrababu Naidu wrote to his Assam counterpart, Himanta Biswa Sarma. He reiterated the AP government and TTD's commitment to propagating the glory of Lord Venkateswara by establishing at least one Balaji temple in every state and union territory of India.
Drawing a parallel, the Andhra CM pointed out that his government had allocated 25 acres in the capital city of Amaravati for a Venkateswara Swamy temple. He urged Assam to similarly allocate 25 acres to TTD in Guwahati itself, rather than in Silchar or Dibrugarh. Emphasizing Guwahati's role as a crucial hub for the entire Northeast, Chandrababu Naidu recommended the larger parcel to establish a comprehensive Divyakshetram with pilgrim amenities and regular religious activities like Annadanam (free food service). He also sought financial support from the Assam government for initial development activities on the proposed land.
A Positive Outcome for Spiritual Infrastructure
Responding positively, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma granted in-principle approval for the allocation of the requested 25 acres of land in Guwahati. The Assam government also agreed to extend necessary financial support for undertaking development activities at the chosen site.
TTD Chairman BR Naidu expressed his heartfelt thanks to both chief ministers for amicably resolving the issue. He reassured that the TTD will now coordinate closely with the Assam government to complete the formalities related to the land allocation. The construction work for what will be the first Lord Balaji mandir in Northeast India is expected to commence very soon, marking a historic spiritual milestone for the region.
