Sri Devanatha Swamy Temple at Thiruvahindrapuram, one of the 108 Divya Desams located on the banks of the Gedilam about five km from Cuddalore, will be renovated at a cost of Rs. 2.5 crore, according to K. Krishnakumar, Executive Officer of the temple.
Mr. Krishnakumar told The Hindu that the project would include putting up a few new structures to beautify the temple and to improve the amenities. The temple, which falls in Category II in terms of the revenue generation, grossed a total collection of about Rs. 75 lakh last year.
The temple attracts devotees from far and near throughout the year and therefore, there is a pressing need to upgrade the facilities. A large number of weddings are taking place in the temple and there were occasions when 100 marriages were solemnised in a single day. The temple is collecting a fee of Rs. 500 for every wedding.
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In order to cater to the increasing demands, it has been proposed to construct a marriage hall at a cost of Rs. 90 lakhs in which 36 marriages can be held at a time within a span of 30 minutes.
A 25 feet-high ceiling would be put up in front of the temple at a cost of Rs. 40 lakh, a reinforced concrete mandapam would be constructed at Sri Ramar temple at a cost of Rs. 19 lakh and weather-proof roofing would be provided from Sengamala Thayar sannidhi to the Sesha kinaru at a cost of Rs. 7.3 lakh.
The work on the Rs. 17-lakh compound wall for the Hayagrivar temple on hillock called Aushdathagiri is nearing completion. A dining hall for the devotees will be constructed at a cost of Rs. 25 lakh, besides a tonsure hall at a cost of Rs. 10 lakh and toilets at a cost of Rs. 25 lakh.
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The office of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department would be shifted to a new structure to be built in front of the temple at a cost of Rs. 25 lakh. The fund requirements would be met from the temple funds as well as from public contributions, Mr. Krishnakumar said.
Neelamegha Bhattachariyar, senior-most priest, said the temple’s history dated back to over 3,000 years, and Arjuna, Chola and Pandya kings, and, Alwars offered worship here at various points of time.
Since the temple is revered as one of the two Nadu Nattu Tirupatis those who make vows to Lord Venkatesa of Tirumala can make their offerings here, the Bhattachariyar added.