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PERAMBUR: estored to past glory
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The Ananda Eswarar— Ananda Perumal Temple in Perambur which was turned into a meeting point for gamblers and anti-social elements, has been restored to its past glory, thanks to the efforts of some devotees.
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AN ANCIENT temple complex, which owing to long years of neglect, was turned into a meeting point for gamblers and anti-social elements, has been restored to its past glory, thanks to the efforts of some devotees. It is the Ananda Eswarar— Ananda Perumal Temple in Kandapillai Street, Perambur. Also known as Siva-Vishnu Temple, the temple was in a highly dilapidated condition with bushes and trees all over.
About 35 years ago, a handful of people led by A. Bhaktavatsalam took upon themselves the task of restoring the place. They later enlisted the services of a priest to conduct one-time puja in the temples of Siva and Vishnu, known as Ananda Eswarar and Ananda Perumal. Soon the residents came one by one to offer their support and regular worship became the order of the day.
They needed funds for construction of a compound wall and expansion of the temple's activities. In this connection, 20 years ago, they decided to take out a padayatra to Tirupati. Soon, they were able to collect large sums of money for the temple's maintenance and expansion. Within six years, they were able to construct the compound wall and shrines for Anjaneya, Vinayaka and Garudazhwar.
With the help of the HR and CE authorities, they began to conduct monthly and annual festivals and also formed the Siva-Vishnu Sevarthigal (devotees) Trust. Festivals for Lord Narayana in the Purattasi month, for Vinayaka, Dhanur Masa Festival, Annabishekam, Sri Jayanthi, Thiru Adi Pooram and others are held annually besides the monthly festivals such as Pradosham, Krithigai, Pournami and Rahukala Poojas for Durgai.
A new mandapam has been built in front of the Siva shrine besides the Durga Mandapam, shrines for Navagrahas, Muruga, Ayyappan, Anjaneya, Garuda and other deities. The shrines of Siva, Vishnu and Ambal were renovated with their Vimanams and two Rajagopurams (towers), one five-tiered and another three-tiered, have been constructed.
This year's padayatra is to take place from February 15 to 20 in which over 2,000 people are expected to participate. They propose to construct a Dhyana Mandapam (meditation hall) in front of the temple for which land has been acquired.
T.A. SRINIVASAN
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