ABSTRACT
This section explores the dual role of the Endowments Department of Andhra Pradesh (EDAP) in religious and civic domains with regard to the revival and the management of the Shrī Shailam pilgrimage town, focusing especially on the development of the main temple complex and the organization of religious programs and annual festivals. Three major topics are explored. The architectural layout of the Mallikārjuna Temple complex has undergone many changes due to the reorganization of shrines and the construction of new buildings; the renewed temple plan brought about major transformations in the physical appearance, now enriched by religious conceptual imageries. The Durgā Temple site also underwent drastic modifications with the replacement and renovation of old structures in addition to the restoration of Brahmanical tradition and religious practices of the Goddess. Finally, this section studies the management of temple traditions and practices, including daily and special worship programs as well as the organization of annual temple festivals. These three lines of inquiry help us understand the ways the EDAP is involved in both the civic and religious domains, and how the agency adopted certain programs in an effort to reestablish Hindu religious culture with reference to the Shaiva and Shākta traditions of Shiva and Durgā.
