This is not the story of a dilapidated temple. Faith and history combine to make the Ardhanariswarar temple in Rishivandiyam something unique. Situated on the Tiruvannamalai-Tirukovilur-Kallakurichi route, this is one of the holy places where Sukanya Devi is said to have observed Navaratri vrata and puja along with her husband Cyavana Maharishi.
About 500 years old, the temple was prosperous, festivals celebrated with pomp and fervour. Closely connected to the tale of the temple is a family, which for generations worshipped the deities. They showed their benevolence through donations and in return enjoyed privileges and Mudhal Mariyadai. “The Amman’s jewels were in our custody; during any festival, the deity would be brought to our house where the idol would be decked up in all finery and jewellery. After the event, the jewels were accounted for and returned to the family vault,” explains Mohan, a descendant.
Things turned sour, when the temple jewellery was appropriated by the members of the family. “Yes. After the death of the patriarch, that is my grandfather, everything went awry. The property was looted, everyone having a share. We all moved out of the village and are scattered in different directions. None seems to be interested in restoring the treasure. But my conscience has been pricking me and I feel something should be done to return the wealth,” Mohan pauses.
Is that possible? “I can’t do it alone. I have gone through difficult times and am not in a position to raise that kind of money. But at least a beginning can be made. I appeal to devotees and philanthropists to come forward and donate so that funds can be raised and a trust formed. The Veda Pata Sala my grandfather was running and the scheme of helping with the marriage of girls from poor families should also be revived.”
But is this not a personal issue? “May be it is. But the effort will ultimately benefit the temple. Rishivandiyam, according to legend, got its name because 5,000 sages did penance there in the form of bees. The Ardhanariswara has links to deities at Bhadrachalam and Tiruchengode. Rishivandiyam was a flourishing centre once. The temple is fine now, consecration was done and pujas are regularly conducted. Yet, the loss has to be made up and this cannot be accomplished by an individual or a family. I trust fellowmen will join in this marathon effort,” concludes Mohan. He can be reached at 9791341330.
