Renovation of Sri Saptharisheeswarar Temple in Lalgudi has been in full swing, with as many as 28 works being executed through donors.
The renovation, among other things included, maintenance and upkeep of the Rajagopuram, vimanams of the presiding deities and other sub-shrines.
But, most challenging was the renovation of the Sri Kanda Sashti yagasalai mandapam where the annual ‘Sri Kanda Sashti’ is celebrated with religious fever for about a week’s time.
The ‘mandapam’ suffered severe damage following a fire mishap about a couple of years ago and remained closed for about a couple of months, ensuring safety for the devotees.
As part of renovation, each and every boulder had been cleared now and the brick structure above the stone structure had been demolished.
“We have been exercising extra caution to clear the old boulders and stones and at the same time, we have been ensuring conservation of the ancient structure and design,” says S. Manoharan, Executive Officer of the temple.
Wherever possible, the old stone pillars are being utilised.
However, new stone pillars have been set up in the mandapam which is noted for the annual ‘Kanda Sashti’ festival.
The work is being executed at an expenditure of Rs.27 lakh.
As the temple does not have adequate funds, the temple authorities have taken a loan of Rs. 15 lakh from the Sri Mathura Kali Amman temple in Siruvachur in Perambalur district while the balance Rs. 12 lakh had been contributed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department.
The brick structure above the stone beams had been demolished and the debris has been dumped on the ‘prakaram’ of the temple, posing an eye-sore.
“It will be cleared in course of time. In fact, we have planned to repair the entire prakaram and re-lay it all around, if donors came forward,” say the temple sources.
Kalyana mandapam proposal taken up
With a view to augmenting the revenue for the temple the authorities have sent a proposal to the state government to construct a marriage hall on the sprawling piece of land in front of the temple.
The grounds measuring about 0.75 acre had been used for ghosalai and was declared open in 1959.
Since it has been in disuse in the absence of any cows, it has been planned to construct a marriage hall.
If the government grant was not available, it has been planned to execute it through the donor work, according to temple sources.
However, the work would be executed after the renovation of the temple.
Presently, the ghosalai is being used as a direct procurement centre by the Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies Corporation.
