The centuries-old Nookalamma (or Nookambika) temple in Anakapalli town will be remodelled (structure-wise) like the famous Meenakshi temple in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. At present, there is only one nine-storied Rajagopuram on the eastern side of the temple. Three more Rajagopuras will be built on the remaining three sides to resemble the Meenakshi temple. Apart from this, the sanctum sanctorum will also be expanded.
The redevelopment project consists of two parts and tenders have been given to a contractor named Sridhar Reddy from Chittoor. The cost of the first part is around ₹3.05 crore while the latter is ₹5 crore. Mr. Reddy has experience in the redevelopment of Kanipakam and other temples and is currently working on the redevelopment of Talupulamma Lova temple in Tuni.
“The temple is being redeveloped to cater to the crowd of devotees in future, at least a minimum of 200 years from now. We will start the work on September 7. We aim to complete the main works like structures by February 2024. The balance works like decorative works, painting etc. will be completed by next year-end. The ₹6.55 crore belongs to the temple, remaining ₹1.5 crore is the TTD’s allocation,’‘ the temple Executive Officer Bandaru Prasad told The Hindu.
