Madurai Renovation Almost Complete

[Guest guest]

MADURAI, MARCH 2. The ongoing work of installing silver `kavacham'

at the Velliambalam in the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple at a cost

of Rs.75 lakhs [approx. US $165,000] will be completed by the end of

next month.

 

The chairman of the renovation committee, Karumuttu T. Kannan, told

reporters in the temple complex here today that 50 per cent of the

work to cover an 898.99 sq. ft. area, including the three inner

walls and the ceiling of the Velliambalam with silver plates, had

been completed.

 

A total of 15 stapathis of the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development

Corporation, led by Allauddin, were involved in the work. Of a total

quantity of 658.680 kg silver required, 384.771 kg had been handed

over to the Corporation to complete the first phase. Though 116 kg

silver was available with the renovation panel, 157.909 kg was still

needed to install the kavacham. The 'kumbabhishekam' would be

performed in May, coinciding with the annual Chithirai festival.

 

Mr. Kannan, along with the Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and

Charitable Endowment, P. Baskaran, inspected the work. He also had a

discussion with members of the renovation committee. It had been

proposed to lay granite flooring in the Velliambalam, he said. The

committee would continue to receive silver offered by devotees to

fulfil the work in an exemplary manner, he added.

 

Source: The Hindu, Chennai (Hindu Press International)

URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2004/03/03/stories/2004030312030300.htm