Belagavi: Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) plans to build a Sri Venkateshwara temple on a seven-acre site near Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi to cater to devotees from North Karnataka, Goa and south Maharashtra. Construction is set to begin within a month and is expected to be completed in two years.Addressing a press conference, TTD governing board member S Naresh Kumar said the project will cost about Rs 100 crore, with 80% funded by TTD, 10% by Reddy Sangha and the remaining 10% through public donations. Land for the temple has been donated by Belagavi Reddy Sangha, with a formal handover held at Reddy Bhavan in Sadashiv Nagar Tuesday. TTD also intends to acquire additional land nearby to develop infrastructure for pilgrims.Naresh highlighted Belagavi’s location at the tri-junction of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa, saying it has the potential to grow into a major spiritual hub. He added that the shrine will boost the regional pilgrimage circuit, especially for devotees visiting the Mahalaxmi temple in Kolhapur. The new temple will mirror the Tirupati shrine in design and rituals, with facilities such as accommodation, prasadam distribution and free round-the-clock meals. Naresh also said TTD has set a Rs 9,000 crore revenue target from paid darshan tickets to support its temples and infrastructure nationwide. It currently manages temples at six locations across the country. Points for GFX:The BlueprintTTD to build Sri Venkateshwara temple near Suvarna Vidhana SoudhaWork to start within a month, completion in two yearsProject pegged at Rs 100 croreTTD to fund 80%, Reddy Sangha 10%, rest via public donationsLand donated by Belagavi Reddy SanghaTemple to replicate Tirupati shrine’s ritualsDevotees from North K’taka, Goa and south Maharashtra to benefit
