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NT Bureau
Chennai, Aug 23:
 

PREPARE BEFORE REPAIR: Special poojas and ceremonial rituals being performed at the Kapaleeswar temple today before commencing the repair works on the lightning-struck eastern gopuram. Photos: K Vijay Anand

        Special poojas and homams were performed as a mandatory religious prelude before formally beginning the repair works of the eastern Gopuram of Sri Kapaleeswarar temple, Mylapore, which was struck by a lightning on Tuesday evening .

        Meanwhile, sources also said that the HR & CE department and the temple authorities would float a tender for the renovation works tomorrow. The trustee of the temple including Nalli Kuppusami Chetti, Vijaya Thayanban, Thamizharasi and Vaidyanatha Mudaliar have decided to convene a meeting of the donors tomorrow. The authorities estimated that the renovation work of the 120-ft Rajagopuram would cost around Rs 12 lakh.

        Today, vedic scholars performed Balalayam (a special puja for propitiation) in a specially erected yagasalas. It was attended by HR & CE special commissioner K Pichandi and joint commissioner P Dhanapal besides scores of devotees.

        The repair works are expected to be completed within two months and a special Kumbhabhishekam would be performed, the authorities added.

        The central portion of nasi thalai of the eastern tower had developed a crack in the lightning strike. Another idol was also partially damaged.