Pudukottai, August 22, 2013:  Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR and CE) Department has sanctioned Rs. 17 lakh for a new car for Sri Brahadambal temple here.

The temple has five cars, one each for ‘Panchamurthi’ processional idols – Sri Gokarneswarar, Sri Brahadamabal, Lord Ganapathy, Sri Chandikeswarar and Sri Anjaneya - and all of them have been idling for the past few decades.

The HR and CE department has planned to make new cars in phase manner. To start with, the car for the processional idol of Sri Brahadambal would be made at an expenditure of Rs.17 lakh.

While Rs.12 lakh would be spent for making the wooden carvings, Rs. 5 lakh would be utilised for making the wheels, according to R.Gnanasekaran, executive officer of the temple.

He said that all the old five cars would be dismantled. Tenders have been called for making a new car for Sri Brahadamabal. The car would be made in assistance and coordination of the department’s ‘stapathi’, he said.

The temple would accept donations towards temple car funds. Interested persons could contact him by dialling 04322- 236195, 98422-69683, or 94861-85259. Senior citizens point out that the temple received due attention and maintenance during the Samasthanam period.

Two festivals – ‘Adi Pooram’ and ‘Chithrai festival’ – were the important annual events. Even State government-sponsored exhibitions formed part of the celebrations.

Source: The Hindu, August 22, 2013