Rameswaram temple gets mega permanent oil lamp

After the major fire accident at Madurai Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple on February 2, the HR&CE department has been initiating several steps to avert such disasters in all the temples under its control across the state. It was decided to remove all the shops located in the temple premises, install fire extinguishers and issue necessary instructions to temple managements to adopt appropriate safety measures. In continuation of its safety drive in shrines, the HR&CE department has come up with another measure. It decided to set up a permanently-lit oil common lamp. Officials said this measure would ensure that devotees no longer light individual oil lamps.

A five-foot tall lamp kept in a glass chamber has been setup near the Nandi idol in Ramanathaswamy Temple. The brass lamp was bought from Musiri. According to Joint Commissioner of HR&CE department Mangaiarkarasi, two more similar oil lamps would soon be setup in the temple.

The lamp, which has a capacity of 8 litres, can glow for 10 to 12 hours continuously. Devotees can buy oil and can pour it though an opening on the top of the lamp. The lamp can be opened for cleaning and refuelling purpose, said Mangaiarkarasi.

Mayilvaganan, Assistant Director (HR&CE), was also present at the lamp installation function. He sought the cooperation of devotees to stop lighting the individual oil lamps and to utilise

the larger lamp for safety purpose.