Annamaya's birthplace to be tourist spot: CM

Tallapaka, Andhra Pradesh, May 22 (UNI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy today said Tallapaka, the birth place of saint-poet Annamacharya, would be developed into a tourist and historical spiritual centre.

Speaking after dedicating the Rs 3.25 crore 108-foot statue of Annamacharya to the nation in this sleepy village on the concluding day of 600th Annamayya Jayanthi Celebrations in Rajampet Rural Mandal here, Dr Reddy said Tallapaka would be declared as Annamayya Mandal and developed.

Three villages here will be linked to make Annamayya Satellite Township with financial assistance from the TTD.

He also said descendents of Annamayya would be provided Rs 5,000 each as a monthly pension besides houses in honour of the great saint-lyricist.

Following a request by TTD Chairman B Karunakara reddy, Dr Reddy asked Kadapa Collector Krishna Babu to provide ten acre of land for constructing Sri Venkateswara Temple, Annamayya Museum and historical spiritual centre here.

Earllier, Dr Reddy offered worship at Sri Chenakesavaswamy Temple and presented ''pattu vastram'' to the Lord and participated in a yagam.

UNI KNR GM RC ND1730