The world-renowned Thiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple, the second of Lord Muruga's six abodes, has scheduled its Kumbabhishekam for July 7. Renovation efforts are underway, with HCL contributing Rs. 200 crore for large-scale infrastructure projects and the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department investing Rs. 100 crore for temple restoration. These efforts have been ongoing for the past one and a half years.
Key renovations include the East Gopuram, Sala Gopuram, and Rajagopuram, all of which have undergone consecration (Balalayam). The restoration of the 137-foot-tall, nine-tiered Rajagopuram is progressing intensively, with a budget of Rs. 16.80 crore. Over the last four months, the nine kalasams (sacred finials) atop the Rajagopuram were ritually removed following the Kumaratantra tradition, repaired, and brought down for refurbishment.
The kalasams were recently filled with foxtail millet (varagu rice) and transported back to the upper levels of the Rajagopuram using ropes. Special poojas were performed at the Rajagopuram entrance prior to the reinstallation process.
The event was attended by temple Joint Commissioner Gnanasekaran, Tuticorin Regional Joint Commissioner Anbumani, temple Vidyakar Sivashami Deekshithar, Sthalathar Sabha President Murthy, Kumara Gurubaran Sthapathi, and other dignitaries.
Notably, when the kalasams were removed months ago, devotees were astonished to find that foxtail millet stored inside them for 15 years had remained unspoiled.