Apr
15
2009
Meenakshi Temple Kumbabhisekam
It’s a great satisfaction that the kumbabhisekam (consecration) of Meenakshi Amman Temple went smoothly. It was a local holiday. Shops on the chitrai streets were asked to close for security reasons. Cool drinks & tea shops were re-opened in after noon to cater to the thirsty crowd.
Voting for the 7 wonders of the world campaign raised the awareness of keeping the temple clean. And the chitrai street is nicely spruced up. This month it is listed in, NDTV’s 7 wonders of India.
Some of the Kumbhabhisekam photos can be viewed here.
http://www.maduraimeenakshi.org/photo_gallery.php and some here http://maduraimeenakshitempleforu.blogspot.com/2009/04/meenakshi-temple-kumbhabhishekam.html
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I heard many people were not allowed to get close to the temple to watch the event & that there were expensive tickets sold for this which could not be afforded by all. I also heard that they used water sprinklers, that is usually used in lawns & agricultural fields, to pump the holy water (theertham) and sprinkle them!!
People also are saying that the Kumbabhishekam was done even before the renovation is complete just for the sake of completing it before the elections.
Yes, security was tight and understandable. Also it is generally said, the entry passes were given only to govt. officials & people working in specific group companies. Shop keepers in the area said that crowd inside the temple was far less. The event can be more friendly to the general public. But kumbabhisekam was performed after a long gap. So we can get some solace that at least it was performed without hitches.
I was not aware of sprinklers usage. But I will not be surprised if it is true. The ‘potramaraikulam’ now have concrete floor and uses pumped water in tiny concrete ponds along side the steps. Giant video screens were used for Meenakshi Thirukalyanam. So the officials may think it is easier this way than to sprinkle manually.
If there are any pending works, at least it is not visible while visiting the temple.
Thanks for sharing ! I think it was an important event. Even though we couldnt be there physically, the heart and minds were there !