Lightning damages tower of Kapaleeswarar temple

Chennai, Aug 22 (UNI) A small portion of the temple tower of the famous and ancient Sri Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore in the city was damaged following lightning last evening.

Official sources said the ''yazhi image'' (lion symbol) on the left side of the Rajagopuram (temple tower) was damaged when lightning struck about 1800 hours last evening which was followed by heavy rains.

Three people sustained minor injuries when the damaged portion of ''yazhi'' and two of the ''suthais'' (divine images) fell on them, police said today.

Chief Minister M Karunanidhi was informed of the incident.

As the news spread, devotees thronged the temple in large numbers to see the damaged tower. Some of them believed it to be a bad omen.

To ward off evil, the temple priest performed ''parihara pujas'' to the presiding deity and routine rituals followed till the closing time of the temple. Priests would perform ''balalayam'' (consecration) in a few days.

HR and CE Department Joint Commissioner P Dhanapal and Temple Executive Officer M Devendran inspected the place and said the damage was minimal as lightning conductor was installed on the tower. Sculptors would assess the damage and carry out repair works.

This is the second incident in which the Rajagopuram of a famed temple has been damaged in recent times. A fortnight ago, the kalasam atop the Rajagopuram of Sri Kumbeswarar temple in Kumbakonam was also damaged due to lightning.

UNI