The work on the renovation of Sri Samayapuram Mariamman temple is being executed in full swing all around the temple complex. In fact, visitors and pilgrims are taken by surprise over the expeditious completion of a few works, particularly the construction of ‘gopuram’ on the western and southern sides. The work on the northern entrance is in full swing.
The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department has taken up another work on the construction of a new rajagopuram on the eastern side. The ‘kalkaram’ will be 25 feet in height above which a rajagopuram to a height of 70 feet will be constructed.
“Work on the kalkaram has been completed to a height of 24 feet and it will be completed in course of time,” an official source told The Hindu here on Tuesday.
The ‘balalayam’ for the temple was performed about a couple of months ago. Balalayam is a ritual performed marking the commencement of works allied with ‘maha kumbabhishekam’ of a temple. The presiding deity at this temple is closed for public darshan in the wake of the balalayam and will be opened only after the ‘maha kumbabhishekam’ is performed.
Work on construction of the new rajagopuram on the eastern side will be taken up only after the maha kumbabhishekam. The ‘kalkaram’ structure alone will be consecrated as part of maha kumbabhishekam.
The source said that the HR and CE Department, as part of renovation, has provided various amenities. Free parking of vehicles and special anna dhana koodam are some of the important facilities. This apart, the Department has planned to construct a queue complex for ensuring smooth regulation of the devotees. It has been planned to construct the queue complex at an estimate of Rs.10 crore and it will have state-of-the-art facilities including restaurant, toilet block, cloak room and police outpost. “The model of the complex at Sri Saneeswarar temple in Tirunallar has also been carefully studied,” the official said.
It has also been planned to construct a separate block called ‘Ammaivartha mandapam’ for those with small pox.
Work on setting up the ‘Star Park’ with plants and trees considered auspicious for birth-stars and zodiac signs had also been set up at the master complex area.