Annual Abhishekam conducted with usual fervour

The Annual Mahabhishekam of  Sri Pushkalamba Sametha Mahasastha Ayyanar and the parivara devathas was conducted on Sunday, 8th Sept 2019, with usual vigour and routine.  The programme commenced at about 8:30 a.m. and ended by about 1:30 p.m.

Thanks to good rains in the upper catchment areas of river Cauvery, the Goddess which makes the entire Thanjavur delta fertile, green and provider of abundance, was in full flow with release of water from Mettur Dam.  Young locals were happily enjoying the flowing Vettar with gay abandon.  Some of the devotees who arrived by train at Papanasam straight went to the river for a refreshing bath, something city dwellers sadly miss, and thereafter went to the temple to join the proceedings.  A great idea indeed worthy of emulation.  Perhaps the next time, I myself will consider doing the same.

For the last few years it is generally observed that the attendance on this annual day has been reducing despite holding it on a Sunday.  Similarly, devotees of younger age group, the baton holders of the future to carry forward the tradition of a Kuladeivam, is also conspicuously absent.  This is something of serious concern for all devotees and their families.  If the chain of continuous succession through generations is lost, in some ways our connect with our forefathers may too.

It is hoped that the Almighty will show the way forward and ensure better wholehearted participation next year and years to come.

The proceedings concluded with deeparadanai and distribution of prasadam.

Photos take on the occasion are given in the link here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/pu67ZAwkM5hecN76A

Annual Mahabhishekam on 8th Sept 2019

Devotees of Sri Mahasastha Ayyanar may please take note that the next Annual Mahabhishegam will be held at Suraikayur on Sunday, 8th September 2019.  As usual, the proceedings are expected to commence around 8 a.m. with sankalpam, followed by homam, abhishegam, alankaram, deeparadhani culminating in prasadam distribution.

Let us assemble in large numbers to receive the blessings of our Kuladeivam.

It goes without saying, devotees' usual support and contributions are most welcome.

Meeting of Devotees

On the auspicious day of Tamil New Year, a meeting was held today, Sunday, 14th April 2019 @ 4 p.m., at P.S.High School, Ramakrishna Mutt Road, Mylapore, Chennai. 

The agenda of the meeting was to update the financials and temple activities with the devotees, plan for Kumbhabhishekam in 2020, induct volunteers and interact with devotees present.

The accounts upto 31st March 2019 were shared with the devotees present.

During the meeting Mrs and Mr Haritheerthan had arranged cold "Kalathi Rose Milk", a well known shop in Mylapore.

Photos taken on the occasion can be found in this link: https://photos.app.goo.gl/W9vPHLabxJxYfE6h8

Need Volunteers for Kumbabishekam preparations

The number of families amongst devotees who consider Sri Mahasastha Ayyanar at Suraikayur as their Kula Deivam is a small one. Of these, there are some who are regular in visiting the temple.

The task of conducting the Kumbabishekam is not a small one. While devotees will contribute their might monetarily, there are several activities which are required to be carried out. These include frequent visits to the temple to supervise work, coordination of all kinds, monitoring progress to timelines, any other job, etc.

Devotees, men and women who are willing to slog it out for nothing in return, since these are voluntary tasks, but with guarantee of personal satisfaction that you played a part, may please come forward and give their names.

Kumbabhishekam likely in February 2020

Devotees will recall that the last kumbabishekam of our kuladeivam Sri Mahasastha Ayyanar at Suraikayur was performed on 4th September 2008. As is customary, the next kumbabishekam will fall due after 12 years in 2020. 

It has been advised by the learned that it will be more auspicious to perform the kumbabishekam in Uttarayanam. While the date for the kumbabishekam is yet to be finalised, which will be done in consultation with pundits, it is likely to be sometime in February 2020.

But before that, some civil repair jobs may have to be undertaken to the structure. These include widening of the main entrance to the Sannadhi  for better visibility of Pushkalamba from the hall, repairing of cracks, arresting leaks, scraping and painting, both interior and exterior surface, constructing a tiled roofing outside the temple between the horses for devotees to stand and have darshan under shade. Some repair is also overdue for electrical wiring and fittings. 

These repairs and improvements are expected to take at least about 3 to 4 months. The estimated cost of these is about Rs 8 lakhs. 

The vaideega kariyams, consisting of dakshina for vedic pundits, material required for the rituals, food for them, prasad for devotees, arrangements, etc., are expected to cost about Rs 12 lakhs.

Devotees are requested to contribute their might commensurate with their capacity, to this common cause.

Contributions can be made to the bank account of 'Suraikayur Charitable Trust'. Devotees are aware that contributions to the trust account are eligible for 80G benefit under Income Tax Act.

May Sri Maha Sastha Ayyanar bless you and family always.