Maha Kumbabhishekam draws thousands to Tamil Nadu

Thousands of devotees from various parts of the country converged at the renowned Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple to witness the Maha Kumbabhishekam consecration, here on Wednesday. 

After conducting the eighth and final Kaala Puja, holy water was poured on the kalasams (earthen pots) atop four Raja Gopurams (the main temple towers) among 22 vimanams between the auspicious hours of 10.05 am to 11.00 am, on Wednesday morning by priests amid the chanting of Vedic hymns. The Maha Kumbabhishekam ceremony held after 14 years, assumed significance as two main temple towers were built last year. 

In view of the consecration, the temple was renovated at a cost of Rs 8 crore. This is the second Maha Kumbabhishekam taking place here. The first one was performed in February 2001. Devotees also thronged the historic Andal temple in Virudhunagar to witness the consecration. The Yagasala Pujas for the temple consecration commenced on January 16. Sources said the consecration was performed at 69 temples across the State today. 

A blanket security cover was thrown over the island town of Rameswaram with 1,800 police personnel were deployed for bundobust duty in view of the consecration. The Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy have stepped up air and sea surveillance, as a precautionary measure. 

The Maha Kumbabhishekam was also held in three renowned temples in Puducherry. CM N Rangasamy was among those who participated in the religious ceremony. 

Puducherry administration had declared a local holiday for government offices and schools in view of the Kumbabhishekam.