Replica of Amarnath attracts devotees in Chennai

Chennai, May 16: Gone are the days when the Chennaiites would have dig into their pockets to have a darshan of the ''Ice Lingam'' at Amarnath, thanks to the goodwill of a city-based business man.

The businessman G A Velu, who is also a devotee of the Amarnath temple on the Himalayas, has put up a set at the MUC grounds in the city near the Parrys corner, with the replica of the Amarnath Ice Lingam.

With a view to present the Amarnath wonder in its pristine natural surroundings that evokes piety and devotion, the Phallic Symbol is installed in a specially air-conditioned room. The set resembles the Himalayas with lofty mountains, streams and guarding soldiers. The devotees can feel the Amarnath ambience here, Mr Velu said.

The setting, which cost him Rs one crore, was opened to public from May 14 to good response.

Last year he had got errected the statue of Vaishno Devi at the Island grounds.

Referring to the inspiration behind it, he said his visit to the two holy places inspired him to undertake the mission of enabling people who could not undertake the journey to Amarnath and Vaishnodevi due to various reasons.

The 'Amarnath Yathra' exhibition at the MUC ground will be open till June 26.

UNI