The deity at Sri Vedantha Desikar Devasthanam has been adorned recently with Yagnopaveetham — six strings of golden sacred thread (poonal). Weighing about half-a-kg, it is more than three-feet long and costs Rs. 15 lakhs.
The gold strings are fixed to the ‘mogappu’ which has a huge green stone at the centre. Surrounding the green stone are a number of white and red stones. “The jewel has been donated to the temple by philanthropists R.T. Chari and R.V. Gopalan of TAG Corporation, Alwarpet,” said R. Mukundan, Chairman, Trust Board, Sri Vedantha Desikar Devasthanam.
Samprokshanam plans
The Devasthanam is gearing up for a makeover. Since it is more than 17 years old, the Trust Board has decided to perform the Samprokshanam along with other thiruppani works. Due to lack of space, the Board has planned to annex the adjacent properties belonging to the temple with the temple premises.
The Board has planned to take up the following works inside the temple — construction of stone mandapam (Vasantha Mandapam); renovation and construction of vimanam for Anjaneyar Sannadhi; extension of Vahana Mandapam; extension of safe room and store room; extension of madapalli , renovation of Thalthiyaraadhanai madapalli , construction of goshala , roof for the Vasantha Mandapam, painting of vimanams and minor stone works and complete relaying of temple flooring with natural stone.
The Board has also decided to construct dwelling units for archakars, swayambagis in the old houses of the temple property and carry out repair at the G.K. Mandapam for performing rituals. All the above works will be taken up under the donor scheme and several devotees have come forward to contribute generously for the activities. Those willing to sponsor, can contact the Devasthanam at 4/11, K. P. Koil Sannathi Street, Mylapore. Ph: 2495 3799.
