The residents of CLRI Nagar in Neelankarai, have invited God home, literally, by building a temple in their very own neighbourhood.
It may be noted that around 220 families live here in the CLRI Society, which when divided into plots 20 years ago, a specific piece of land was earmarked for the construction of a temple.
However it was in this January, that the locals got together to initiate the related work. “We first went to Kanchimutt to seek the blessings of Shankaracharya. It was on his guidance that we built a Vijaya Ganapathy temple,” says Rajesh, joint secretary for the shrine’s committee.
According to G Shanmugam, the chairman and trustee, “The work progressed because of the support and contribution of the residents here, most of whom are retired CLRI employees who contributed largely to the initiative.”
The secretary, Krishnamoorthy, too, says, “We asked for feedback from many people. We are ensuring that the ongoing work does not disturb anybody. People asked for different deities to be kept here in the limited space. So, at the central stage, we have an idol of Vijaya Ganapathi, and other sannidhis for Murugan, Sivan, Parvathi, Navagraham and Bhairavar.”
The committee members also note that residents from other religions too, took part in the temple work, are part of the governing body and are attending meetings as well.
The premises will have a compound wall and will be eco-friendly, along with a rainwater harvesting facility, it is learnt.
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