Date:05/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/05/stories/2009010557100800.htm

Tamil Nadu

Temples cleaned for Vaikunta Ekadasi

Staff Reporter

Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation to operate special buses

Photo: R. Ashok

CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS: Prakarams of the rock-cut Sri Tirumeyyar temple at Tirumayam being cleaned. —

PUDUKOTTAI: Every ‘prakaram’ at the twin rock-cut temples, each dedicated to Sri Tirumeyyar and Sri Sathyagiriswarar, was cleared of cobwebs on Sunday for the forthcoming Vaikunta Ekadasi festival on January 7.

A group of 10 workers cleared the cobwebs all through the day at both these shrines which had been built on a bed of rock in Tirumayam, about 20 km from here.

The temples and the fort come under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) which has made special arrangements for cleaning.

The mandapam and prakarams at the shrines of Sri Tirumeyyar, Sri Chakarathazhwar, Sri Sathyamurthy Perumal, Sri Ujjivana Thayar besides those at Sri Sathyagiriswarar and Sri Venusri Thayaar were also cleaned.

Rid of cobwebs, the ‘prakarams’ and ‘mandapams’ at these temples wore a new look by late evening.

Sri Tirumeyyar temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams and has been glorified by Tirumangai Azhwar.

Elaborate arrangements have been made for the festival celebration at this temple. Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation will operate special buses on the festival day for the devotees.

The ‘Swargavasal’ will be opened at 5 a.m.