Temple consecration performed

Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu), Aug 28: 'Kumbabishekam' (consecration) of the 1200-year-old Sri Brahatsundara Gujambal Sametha Jothi Mahalingeswarar Temple, an important Saivite temple, was performed this morning at Tiruvidaimarudur, near here.

Sacred water brought from holy rivers across the country was poured on the 'kalasams' of the four 'rajagopurams' (temple towers) facing each of the four directions and the three inner gopurams, amid chanting of vedic hymns by Sivachariyars, at the auspicious time of 0920 hrs this morning.

Hundreds of devotees from various parts of the state congregated at the temple to witness the consecration held after a gap of 36 years.

Temple Superintendent G Sundaram told UNI the historic temple, under the control of Tiruvaduthurai Adheenam (Mutt), was renovated at a cost of Rs 3.50 crore.

The 100-year-old library in the area containing ancient palm leaf manuscripts and rare sanskrit literary pieces would also be renovated shortly. The sivacharyas working in the same temple for the last 50 years were honoured after the consecration, he said.

It was here Adi Sankara was enlightened on the supremacy of 'Advaita' philosophy.

UNI