Srinivasa Temple or the Vedantha Desikar Devasthanam (SVDD) near Chitra Kulam, Mylapore, is being given a facelift now. A number of thiruppani works will be carried out in the premises in the next few months. Baalalayam will be performed today (Oct. 28) between 9 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. Poojas will be performed to the deities, which are kept in a special praharam inside the temple premises.
The trustees have decided to spruce up the premises after a gap of 17 years (Samprokshanam was performed in 1995). A vimanam is being built for the Anjaneyar Sannadhi, for the first time, at the temple. A Vasantha Mandapam will be constructed for Thaayaar at a cost of Rs. 45 lakhs.
As space is a constraint for carrying out various activities and utsavams, the authorities have decided to annexe the adjacent properties which belong to the temple. Nearly three grounds near the temple will be annexed to build a vahana mandapam , safe and store room, thaliyaradana dining and store room, gosala and a madapalli .
The roof ceiling in the hall will be extended up to the dwajasthambam .
“This was planned as early as 1975 but is being implemented only now,” said Mukundan, a trustee. This construction will not only help to strengthen the old structure but also bring uniformity in height in the ceiling. To add aesthetics, a glass ceiling will be put around the dwajasthambam to provide effective lighting in the area. Finally the 80-year-old dwajasthambam will be renovated and plated with gold. The vimanams and other minor stone works at the temple will be given a fresh dab of painting. The flooring will be completely re-laid with natural stones in the entire temple.
The Devasthanam also plans to construct dwelling units for the archakars, swayambagis in the old houses of the temple property. It plans to undertake the above works under the donor scheme and devotees who are willing to contribute for the same can contact the Devasthanam.
Government of India, Ministry of Finance, has notified the Devasthanam to be of historic importance and to be a place of public worship of renown throughout the State of Tamil Nadu for the purpose of section 80 G (2) (b) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
The temple has a history of over 350 years. A vigraha of Sri Vedanta Desika was initially installed here. It is stated that Thirupparivattam, garlands and prasadams used to come from Sri Devarajaswami Temple in Kancheepuram, which is one of the 108 Tirupathis in India.
Since elders felt that the Acharya should not preside alone, a vigraha of Lakshmi Hayagriva modelled on the idol of the Mysore Parakala mutt was brought and installed. Subsequently, in 1924 the vigraha of Lord Srinivasa and Alarmelmanga Nachiar was installed. They also have separate sannadhis for Sri Rama, Sri Lakshminarasimha, Sri Chakkarathazhwar, Andal and Anjaneyar. Throughout the year, a number of festivals such as Srinivasa Perumal Brahmotsavam, Desikar Utsavam, Pavithra Utsavam, Sri Rama Navami, Vasantotsavam, Kodai Utsavam, Thotta Utsavam, Pavitrotsavam, Rata Saptami, Navaratri Utsavam and Panguni Uthiram are celebrated.
