Saturday, April 4, 2009

Lingering memories of Thadicombu‏


Here is a shrine with an unusual name, an abode of Azhagar, Maha Vishnu. The name is traced to Telugu implying a forest cluster. The dwellers here who could not travel the distance to Madurai to worship Azhagar created a replica here. The Kumbhabishekam celebrations that took off on 31st March included an “akanda namasankirtan” by Shri.Arunji. The program that was live telecast was witnessed by over two lakh of devotees in the region. The people who thronged the occasion got an exquisite exposition from Shri.Arunji on the significance of the various rituals and their impact on human psyche.

Thadicombu, is 9 km from Dindigul and the temple here is popularly known as Sri Soundararaja Perumal Temple. After a gap of 11 years the temple was completely renovated at a cost of Rs.1.25 crore. Granite stones were laid on the floors of Lord Perumal and goddess Soundaravalli Thaayar sannadhis. Sixteen pillar idols were polished.
Sri Andal and Sri Vishvaksenar ‘vimanams’ were constructed and ‘rajagopuram’ and ‘vimanams’ of Perumal and Sri Padmavathi Thaayar were renovated. ‘Kalasams’ of ‘raja gopuram’ and ‘vimanam’ of Perumal sannadhi were gilded with gold.
Dasa Avatars and various forms of Lord Vishnu were painted on the walls and roof of the outer ‘prakaram.’ It is a modern day marvel and people who travel around Dindigul, Palani, Madurai areas should make it a point to visit this shrine.