Chennai, July 25, 2013: Renovation work at Kalinga Narthana temple in Oothukkadu (Kumbakonam-Aavoor-Thittai Road), which is taking place after nearly 25 years, has picked up speed and is now progressing in the right direction.

The article this supplement carried on February 22, 2013 fetched handsome results, according to temple sources.

With devotees’ support, a new shrine dedicated to Venkata (Kavi) Subba Iyer has been built. It was here that he composed a number of his immortal songs including ‘Swagatham Krishna,’ ‘Alaipayuthey Kanna,’ ‘Aadathu Asangathu’ and ‘Enna Thavam Seidhanai.’ Venkata Kavi’s ‘Omkara Siddhaiga Kalinga Narthana’ is a specific reference to the Lord of Oothukkadu.

Venkata Kavi also composed seven songs referred to as Saptha Rathna Kirthanai. A special mandapam has now been erected in front of the Venkata Kavi shrine, where the temple authorities are hoping to have musicians present the Saptha Rathna Kirthanai (about 40 students from PSBB, Chennai, will be presenting this at the temple next month).

With the music and dance stage ready, the authorities are also looking forward to organising an annual music and dance festival as part of the birthday celebrations of Venkata Kavi in Aippasi.

This temple is a Prarthana Sthalam for up-and-coming artists in the fields of music and dance. Belief is that Lord Kalinga Narthana fulfils their sincere prayers and brings them success in their art.

This is also believed to be a prarthana sthalam for the unmarried as well as childless couples. A visit to the Kalinga Narthana temple is said to liberate one from Rahu, Kethu and Sarpa doshams.

The renovation work at the Andal shrine has also been completed, while the final touches being given to the maha mandapam in front of the sanctum.

The number of devotees visiting the temple has also increased dramatically and they have been contributing towards the cause in their own way.

More financial support from devotees and music and dance artists will help quicken the completion of the pending work that includes repair work on the rajagopuram, constructing a new kitchen and the Azhwar shrine.

The outer wall also needs reconstruction. There are also plans to erect an arch at the entrance from the Aavoor-Thittai road.

Revival of Theppotsavam

The temple tank on the western side is being spruced up with a nandavanam around the tank. The plan is to revive the theppotsavam that was once an integral part of the temple festivities.

Those interested in supporting the renovation may contact 98846 20129/96656 75102/94426 99355.

Devotees may send the contribution addressed to Oothukkadu Sri Kalinga Narthana Krishna Kainkarya Trust 2/210 Sri Krishna Vilasa Agraharam, Oothukkadu – 612701, Avoor Via, Valangaiman Taluk, Tiruvarur District.

Devotees may transfer the money via NEFT to Oothukkadu Sri Kalinga Narthana Krishna Kainkarya Trust TN Mercantile Bank, Govindakudy Branch, Account No. 085100710400133 IFSC TMBL0000085.

Source: The Hindu, July 25, 2013