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NT Bureau
Chennai, Aug 30:
 

TOWER POWER: Devotees gathered for the Vadapalani Murugan temple consecration today. Photo: K Vijay Anand

        After a night of hard rain, the sun was not out this morning. But religious festivity was blazing over in and around Vadapalani area as thousands and thousands flocked with piety-filled pageant to witness the mahakumbabhishekam of the Vadapalani Andavar temple. The temple was consecrated at 9.10 a.m. and holy water was poured on the four Rajagopurams and seven other vimanas.

        The Yagasalai programmes which started on 24 August ended today with the Kudamuzhuku function, this morning. Sivavinayakamurthy, a sivachariyar from Tiruchi said, 'a total of 108 homakundams were erected and arukala pujas were performed. Priests have come from all parts of Tamilnadu like Thirutani, Swamimalai,Thanjavur etc. Very good arrangements have been made for our stay for the past one week.'

        The Mahakumbabhishekam was performed under the guidance of Dr Pichai Sivaachariyar, Pillayarpatti. The temple function was attended by, among others, HR & CE Minister K R Periya Karuppan, Chennai Corporation Mayor M Subramanian, HR& CE Commissioner T Pichandi.
 

EXPRESSION OF DIVINITY: All roads led to Sri Pazhani Sri Andavar Temple, Vadapalani, today as its mahakumbhabhishekam was performed with religious fervour. Sivachariyars poured holy water on the kalasams amidst chanting of Arohara by devotees. The temple wore a festive look and people turned up in large numbers braving the shower to offer their prayers. All arrangements were made to ensure a hassle- free darshan. Photos: K Vijay Anand

        Dr Sirghazi G Sivachidambaram, a Trustee of the temple, said,'I sang Kandar alangaram and Kandaranuputhi , sitting near the Gopura Kalasam. I really feel privileged to be part of this great function'.

        The Saravana Bhavan group of hotels has been the major contributor for the renovation and remodelling of the temple. It is said that R Rajagopal, proprietor, Saravana Bhavan chain of hotels has contributed 11.5 kgs of gold for the Kodimaram and Ponunjal has been donated to the temple. All the kalasams adorning the gopurams glittered with gold-plated effulgence.

        The white slippery marbles which once decorated the floors have been replaced with black and rust coloured marbles. The new flooring will make the gold chariot's way easy inside the prakaram, devotees said.

        Apart from these, the pathways inside the temple which was open to the sky, now wears a new look with sheets on it.

        Though the tight security arrangements, prevented the devotees from climbing up to the gopurams, sprinklers helped to spray the holy water around.

        A total of 21 artists from Palghat played on the Chenda which added an agreeable rambunctiousness to the grandeur. The presiding deity was dressed in a simple dhoti, and it seemed as if he was taking in the occasion with relaxed ease.