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Srinivasa temple renovated
The Utsavar idols of Lord Venkateswara with His Consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi at Naranammalpuram.
THE WORSHIP of Lord Srinivasa is widespread in the Tamil country, especially in the southern districts and temples dedicated to Him are found in almost all villages. This is because many Vedic scholars who lived in areas ruled by the Vijayanagar kings later moved southwards during the alien invasion and they carried with them happy memories of the worship of the Lord of the Seven Hills and built temples installing His idols in them. The trend was further strengthened by the rule of Telugu Nayak kings, who were ardent worshippers of Lord Srinivasa.
One such village is Naranammalpuram, situated five km east of Tirunelveli, on the banks of the Tamiraparani river. The village is named after a queen of the same name of the Nayak dynasty, who gifted the it to Vedic Brahmins over 400 years ago. Originally known as Dhoorva Thadagam (Arugankulam in Tamil), it was inhabited by exponents of the four Vedas and Upanishads, and their contribution to the village society ensured prosperity and cultural harmony. As the river changed its course frequently destroying their homes the villagers moved to a place of higher altitude. They, however, named it also Arugankulam.
The holy water source in the village is known as Jatayu Theertham as Lord Rama was believed to have performed the last rites here for the slain bird, Jatayu, a close friend of His father, Dasaratha. There is also a separate Rama temple near the place. In course of time the villagers moved to greener pastures leaving the village and its temple impoverished. Four centuries have passed since the village was set up and the temple, though small in size and overlooking two rows of hundreds of houses, is considered a sacred place. Those who have chosen to live there vouchsafe for the blessings they have received in answer to their prayers for hundreds of years.
But on December 11, 2001, looters broke into the temple and walked away with the Utsavar idols. Though the police recovered the idols later they were not fit to be worshipped having been broken and mutilated. The thieves had checked whether the images contained any precious metal. The devotees, however, got new idols and decided to perform the Mahasamprokshanam. The copious rain the village received last October when the other parts of the State reeled under drought and the bumper harvest are attributed to the consecration move.
Balalayam was set up on April 12 last and the renovation work carried out in a fast pace. The repairs to the Vimanam and other portions of the temple were completed in record time. The Mahasamprokshanam is slated to take place at 5.45 a.m. on June 18. It will be preceded by "Snapanam", "Yagasala Pravesam", "Homams" and other rites from June 15. Poornahuti will be performed each day and the Mahapoornahuti will be performed on June 18 morning, after which the holy pots will be taken to the Vimanam and the Samprokshanam performed. Garuda Sevai will be the highlight of the night schedule. Further particulars can be had from Mr. V. Rajagopalan, 63, Ellai Amman Colony, Teynampet, Chennai-600086 (telephone no. 044-24321370). Bus route number 46 from Tirunelveli goes to Naranammalpuram.
S. KRISHNA
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