Work on the expansion of the prakaram and provision of additional infrastructure and amenities at Samayapuram Sri Mariamman Temple has gained momentum. The prakaram around the temple was too narrow to accommodate thousands of devotees and hence the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department decided to expand the ‘prakaram’. In the process, the old ‘prakarams’ were demolished. A new five-tier rajagopuram is under construction on the western side of the temple.
The work would be completed within five months, said G. Thennarasu, Joint Commissioner-cum-Executive Officer of the temple.
Amavasai mandapam construction taken up with an estimate of Rs. 6.10 crore and the “mudimandapam” for facilitating devotees for tonsuring the head at an estimate of Rs. 2.20 crore besides a toilet block for Rs. 1 crore. “These works would be completed within a couple of months,” Mr. Thennarasu said.
The “amavasai mandapam” has a two-storey building with a plinth area of 26,188 sq. ft. on each floor. The “mudi mandapam” with three storeys has a plinth area of 5,159 sq. ft. each. The “amavasai mandapam” and “mudi mandapam” are located on the sprawling grounds besides the temple. A proposal has been sent to the HR and CE for laying the road from the temple to these buildings at an estimate of Rs. 1.80 crore, he said. Another proposal had been sent to the HR and CE for construction of a seven-tier rajagopram on the eastern side of the temple at an estimate of Rs. 3.20 crore. Work would commence once the proposal was approved, he added.
