Ilayaraja dedicates diamond crown to Goddess Mookambika

Kollur, Karnataka, Mar 7 (UNI) Renowned Music Director Ilayaraja dedicated a Rs 30 lakh worth diamond crown to the presiding deity of the famous Goddess Sri Mookambika temple here.

Shri Raghaveshwara Bharati Swami of Sri Ramachandrapura Mutt adorned Goddess Mookambika with the diamond crown during the 'Alankar pooja' yesterday.

The celebrated musician had offered diamond hands to the deity worth Rs 30 lakh during his visit to the temple last year.

Later, Mr Ilayaraja told reporters that by offering the diamond crown, he had fulfilled a vow taken while offering diamond hands.

''Through music, the Goddess has given me so much during all these years...I am rededicating a part of it to the Goddess with humbleness and selflessness,'' the maestro said.

Meanwhile, swami said Ilayaraja would be conferred with the 'Purushotham Prashasti' award by the Mutt during the ten-day celebrations of 'Sri Ramayana Mahasatra,' to be held at the Mutt in Hosnagar in Shimoga district from April 14 to 23.

UNI MA RM-GD HVB1813