Srirangam temple consecration after 28 years

The entire temple complex had been restored to its original architectural design.

The 'Rajagopuram' of Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, during the Samprokshanam on Wednesday. Photo: A.Muralitharan

After a 28-year gap, the consecration of the fully renovated Ranganathaswamy temple here, the largest area-wise in Asia, was held here on Wednesday.

Consecration was performed for the 10 main towers of the temple complex and also the main temples.

The consecration ceremony was followed by reciting the final stanzas of Tamil hymns and Vedas, temple sources said.

Tamil Nadu Minister R. Kamaraj and the local AIADMK functionary R. Manoharan were present during the function.

The Chairman, Board of Trustees, and industrialist, Venu Srinivasan, and the Temple Joint Commissioner Jayaraman had undertaken the work of renovating the entire temple complex with contributions from the Tamil Nadu government and public.

Restored to its original design

The sources said the entire temple complex had been restored to its original architectural design and all extra construction made over the previous years had been demolished.

A new diamond Insignia and gold covering had been provided to the main deity, Periya Perumal. The silver doors of the Sanctum Sanctorum and ‘Gayathri Mandapam’ have also been renovated.

Officials said the entire renovation cost would come to around Rs. 46 crore.

The Chief Pontiff Ranga Narayana Jeer, apart from the temple priest Vedavyasa Bhattar and other local temple functionaries were among those present.

The previous consecration after thorough renovation was performed in 1987.