Vedanarayanar, Mannar Rajagopala swamy (Mahasamprokshanam 9th July)

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Like most other cities across Tamilnadu, Tirunelveli has its own set of

beautiful temples. Sri Vedanarayanar, Azhahiamannar Raja Gopala swamy temple is

situated at the heart of Palayamkottai. It is learnt that this temple was

constructed by the famous Pandian King of Manappadai Veedu a nearby village. One

may be surprised to know that the 'Kumbabhishegam' of this ancient temple had

not been celebrated over 500 years. Yet, the untiring hardwork of the devotees

along with the helping hands of our government, Central Archeology department,

dedicated members of endowment board of this temple has been rewarded by His

grace. True, now we have just conducted and celebrated 'Mahasamprokshnam' and

all work regarding the renovation like the painting of the idols and sculptures

of the temple is finished. The temple stands with all its glory after the

successful completion of 'Samprokshnam'.

 

 

 

To perform pooja to the presiding deity of this temple everyday, 'Nithya

Aradhana Kaingarya Sabha' was established in the year 2006. Special archana is

done on selected days and prasadam is sent to the devotees contributing Rs.

1000/- to this Sabha. This amount got from the devotees is deposited and this

paves way to ensure the daily rituals of the Lord.

 

 

 

'Sand Blast' work has been done upon the stone made mandapam in front of the

temple, entrance, inner praharam, Garuda mandapam, Artha mandapam and Karuvarai

mandapam. Marble flooring is done and now Perumal and Nachiyar sannithis have a

refreshing look. Granite flooring in all praharams gives a marvelous look. In

the southern wall of Dwajasthambam mandapam Thiruppavai songs are engraved. All

the vahanas of Lord RajaGopala for Brahmotsavam are well renovated giving a new

look. The colourful paintings of Rajagopuram and other vimanas attract the

attention of the devotees, hats off to the skilled sculptors. The

'Thiruchoornam' made of neon lamps arrests the viewers.

 

 

 

Thirumadaipalli also underwent repair work. Water facility is extended to

madaipalli. Anjaneya devotees will be extremely delighted at the new mandapam

exclusively erected for him, very near to Garudan Sannathi. The gigantic main

Kudaivasal doors as well as the magnificient Sorgavasal doors put on a bridal

look now. The dasavathara idols and Sri Lakshmi Varaha Perumal idol also bear a

fresh look. Behind them stands with pride a beautiful painting work of a skilled

artist. The erection of Dwajasthambam involved steady efforts of a number of

labourers as it took a grand stand on 9th of July 2009. The Silarupa Rajagopalan

of Mannargudi is engraved upon the Muhappu Mandapam and Uthana Sayana Kolam of

Aravamudha Perumal is engraved upon the Vahana mandapa mugappu.

 

 

 

An unfathomed smile hovers upon the face of every devotee who looks at these

arts.

 

 

 

The entire terrace portion of this temple has undergone changes so as to look a

new. In front of the temple, a mass lighting lamp post, nearly 150 feet high

illuminates the entire temple premises. Iron grills have been fitted filling the

gap of the front mandapam in view of safety aspect. The presiding deity of the

first floor of the temple is Lord Azhagiya mannar with Sridevi and Bhoodevi

Nachiyar on either side of Him. Brughu and Markandeyar sages are found

worshiping the Lord in all humility.

 

 

 

After a lapse of nearly 500 years, Tamilnadu government's involvement and the

sincere efforts of the devotees have urged and lead to the commencement of this

'Samprokshnam'. The honorable minister Thiru Mydeen Khan had agreed to preside

over the Samprokshnam function. 27 Homagundams had been constructed on the

southern side of the Muhappu Mandapam of the temple. Volunteers happily came

forward undertaking the Annadhana Service on the eve of Kumbabhishekam. A

special issue 'Kumbabhishekam malar' was released. Various committees namely

Reception committee, Yagasalai committee, Annadhana Committee and Souvenier

Committee were seen in full swing to make the Samprokshanam happen. Everyone

experienced the spiritual vibrations of Sri Azhagiya Mannar Rajagopala Swamy's

Mahakumbabhishekam.

 

 

This post was to share the experience of the devotees who participated in this

Maha Samprokshnam with those who did not get the opportunity to attend the same.

 

 

On behalf of Smt Jeya Srinivasan, Palayamkottai