Date:03/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/fr/2009/07/03/stories/2009070351330200.htm

Back Friday Review Bangalore Chennai and Tamil Nadu Delhi Hyderabad Thiruvananthapuram

Consecration performed

OF HISTORICAL VALUE: Sculptures on the outer wall.

The mahakumbabishekam of Kamakshi Ambal sameda Kausikeswarar temple in Kanchipuram took place on June 29. Located close to the more famous Sri Kamakshi temple, this shrine was taken up for renovation three months ago and consecration was taking place after 1990, when Paramacharya led the ceremonies.

Belonging to the ninth century, the temple has its vimanam made of solid stone instead of the usual brick and mortar structure. Inscriptions reveal that Pandya king, who tasted a string of defeats offered worshipped here and won back all that he lost. Inside the sanctum sanctorum of the main deity, on the roof are sculpted a fish, emblem of the Pandyas and a snake about to swallow the sun and the moon. The figure signifies the eclipses and devotees come here for special pujas, it is said. The sculptures around the small and elegant temple tell stories from legend.

The ceiling.

The consecration was witnessed by hundreds of people from the neighbourhood and Chennai. On the kumbabishekam eve, the crowd was entertained by ‘Parvati Kalyanam,’ a dance programme neatly presented by the students of guru Sheela Unnikrishnan.

The consecration is over but work is not quite complete. The renovation committee is confident that it will find the funds from philanthropists and devotees. For details contact 9840053289/28152533.