Kumbhabhishekam of Sivan Koil on Jan 23, 2013

The Suraikayur Sivan Koil was in disrepair for ages, perhaps more than a century by a reasonable estimate. As divinely ordained, it has now been reconstructed thanks to the untiring efforts of a few very committed devotees.  While it may be easier to support the effort financially, the sheer logistics and boundary management of various agencies including the Government departments is not an easy task.  The beautiful new temple stands testimony to their efforts and is visible for everyone to see.  Pictures of the completed Sivan Koil can be seen elsewhere in this blog.

The Kumbhabhishekam of Sri Oushadha Mangalambhika Samedha Bhujapatheeswaram temple is now slated for Wednesday, Jan 23, 2013.  The yagasalai poojai commences at 5.00 a.m. on Monday, Jan 21, 2013, two days before, and will culminate with the Kumbhabhishekam  between 9.27 a.m. and 9.41 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan 23, 2013.

The Kumbhabhishekam invitation containing detailed program can be seen in link above.

Devotees are requested to take part in large numbers with their family and friends and attain the blessings of Sri Oushadha Mangalambhika Samedha Bhujapatheeswarar.

1996 Kumbhabhishekam

All are aware the last Kumbhahishekam of the Maha Sastha temple was held in 2008.  The previous one was held in 1996, twelve years before it.  I did not attend the function as I was in Delhi at that time.  But I am sure there will be many who witnessed it.  Some of you may be in possession of photos of that event. I request you to trace them and share it with others.  That should give a good historical perspective.

Mahabhishekam Photos by Sundar

Sri V Sundar (a) Narasimhan is a professional photographer and is part of the community of devotees who considers Maha Sastha at Suraikayur as their kuladeivam. He has forwarded a CD containing pictures taken by him on Sep 4, 2012. These are seen in this slide show above which can be viewed in large size by clicking over it.

For a change, I am seen in front of his camera in some of the picutres! Yes, I am not commenting this time, lest I should do that for myself too! J

Mahabhishekam 2012

Thanks to the blessings of the Lord, the 4th annual Mahabhishekam at Suraikayur Sri Mahasastha Temple was performed grandly on Sept 4, 2012. The Vettar River, normally in spate during this time of the year, was sadly dry, and the landscape was less green as a result.

It was heartening to see some new faces joining in the celebrations for this annual date with the Lord on Tuesday. God willing, in times to come, there will be a large group of devotees congregating on the North bank of the Vettar every year.  As usual, the local residents participated in large numbers.

Appeal

Hundi at Home!

The concept of a Hundi kept in the pooja of homes in olden days was something every one of us would recall. Whenever God's blessing was required for a new venture or for safety during a yatra or for the success in a school or college exam or to overcome illness or just any auspicious occasion, a coin or a currency note would get dropped into it. Decades back, when monthly salary would be received in cash, much before cheques and subsequently direct credit to the employee's bank account came into vogue, it was customary to first keep the salary cover at the altar, and make the first disbursement to God by dropping a small portion into this Hundi. When annual bonus was received or the occasion was a more important one, a larger sum would be deposited!

Punar Nirman of Perumal Koil

In my blog of Aug 3, 2012, titled 'Prayers Answered!', I had mentioned about the ongoing re-construction of the Vishnu temple in the village.  I give in the link alongside, photos taken on my trip to the village on 4th instant. 

Hopefully, in six months time, after the Kumbhabhishekam of the Sivan Koil, similar consecration of the Perumal Koil can also be expected.

New Sivan Koil Nearing Completion

In my recent blog of 1^st Aug 2012, I had mentioned about a friend forwarding me some pictures of the under-reconstruction Sivan koil.  These were hosted in the blog and can be seen alongside at the link 'Sivan Koil under re-construction'.  Since viewing the images I developed a restless urge to visit the place and see things in person.  This feeling was partly due to the guilt of not having visited my Kuladeivam, the Mahasastha at

Prayers Answered!

Great News!  No sooner I had mentioned about the Perumal Koil in the blog yesterday, a good friend of mine, a regular visitor to the village, called me a little while ago to say that a philanthropic person has undertaken the task of re-construction of this temple and that the demolition work has started about a month back.  I certainly feel that there is something  providential that such good things must happen in Suraikayur one after another in the last 5 years. 

First it was the Mahasastha Ayyanar koil, then the now under-construction Sivan Koil and next the soon-to-be-new Perumal Koil.  What is it, if it is not divine interventions?  May the Maha Sastha, Siva and Perumal bless us all.

Perumal Koil Photos

In my first blog written in Sept 2008 titled 'About Suraikayur', I described the village and provided visuals.  This was intended for those who had not seen the quite beauty of their ancestral village with a fond hope that it would draw them into visiting the place. Going through some of my archived images, I noticed that I had not provided a separate link to the images of the Vishnu temple situated in one end of the one-time agraharam.  But these were embedded in the photos of the Kumbabishekam held in Sep 2008.  I now provide alongside some of the images of the Perumal Koil, which certainly at sometime in the past must have seen active worship and remained lively.  Hopefully, with the Lord's grace, those days would return soon.

Sivan Koil under re-construction

The Punar Nirman of Sivan Koil which commenced on Jan 26, 2011 (see the posting of Jan 2011) has progressed in a very satisfactory way.  Recently one of the devotees who visited the place in Jun 2012 has shared a few photos which are available in the link alongside.  Those who have seen the temple earlier will remember the dilapidated structure which existed on that ground before.  If you have missed it,  click on the link alongside titled 'Sivan Koil' to know what it was like.

Sivachariar's New Postal Address

There is a change in the postal address of  the Sivachariar at the Mahasastha Temple. Devotees may please take note of this for any communications.