Tamil Nadu: 'Kumbabishekam' of golden 'vimana'

Tiruchirapalli, Feb 3: Arrangements have been made for the 'kumbabishekam' (consecration) of the golden vimana (tower) of the historic Sri Mariyamman Temple at Samayapuram on February nine.

Talking to UNI here today, Temple Executive Officer and State Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE) Deputy Commissioner P R Ashok Kumar said the 'vimana' atop the sanctum sanctorum was adorned with gold kavacham (covering) weighing 71 kg and valued at Rs 7.75 crore.

The intricate work of making gold sheets was undertaken by craftsmen from Hyderabad. The project was entrusted to the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation and completed in a record three months with the involvement of 96 experts.

Thousands of devotees from various parts of the state were expected to congregate at the temple to witness the event. The District Administration has made elaborate arrangements for the event.

Mr Kumar further said the Samayapuram Temple would soon get a facelift through construction of 'Amavasai Mandapam,' two guest houses and a modern bus stand near the temple at an outlay of Rs ten crore.

The 'Amavasai Mandapam' which can accommodate about 1,500 devotees was aimed at preventing them from sleeping in the open on new moon and full moon days.

UNI