Thiruvanaikaval Kumbabhisekam 2018

Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Kumbabhisekam is slated for next Wednesday, the morning of December 12

With the slowdown in Thiruppani approvals by the HR & CE, only part of the repair works have been undertaken at a cost of Rs. 1.1 crores, funded by donors - More than half the work remains unfinished

The first phase of renovation is nearing completion at the legendary Jambukeswarar – Akilandeswari temple at Thiruvanaikaval (http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2014/12/thiruvanaikaval-jambukeswarar.html), one of the Pancha Bhootha Sthalams, where the Lord manifests himself as ‘Water’ (Neer Sthalam). Located on the Northern banks of Cauvery, the temple was the first ‘Maada Koil’ built by Ko Chenganan Chozhan who went on to build 70 more including the Divya Desam at Nachiyar Koil.  The Thevaram Sthalam has been praised by Thiru Gnana Sambandar, Appar, Sundarar and Manikkavachakar.

Only Minor Works Completed
With a stringent approval process laid out by the Madras High Court for renovation of temples, only minor works have been undertaken in this phase. The previous renovation exercise had been undertaken almost two decades ago with the Kumbabhishekam having taken place in 2000.

The towering Gopurams in the East and the West wear a fresh bright look after a new coat of painting. Most of the mandapams and pillars have been water washed. The Jambu Theertham, one of the Nava Theertham, has received a new fencing. 

Revamp of Electrification System after 80 years

Despite its historical nature, the 1000 pillar mandapam, one of the few in TN, had remained a dark zone. As part of this renovation exercise, extensive lighting has been provided at this ancient mandapam that will allow the devotees to explore this special area within the temple complex.

For decades, wires had been hanging dangerously all over the temple. For the first time, in almost 80 years, the entire temple complex has seen a complete revamp of the electrification system with the installation of the duct system.

New Vahanas

New Sesha and Yaanai Vahanas will carry the Lord on the annual Brahmotsavam. A few more vahanas will see repair works in the second phase.

The first phase of renovation has been undertaken at a cost of Rs. 1.1 crores, funded by the donors.

Toilet Complex inside the Temple

The temple had made plans to take the toilets outside the temple complex but the authorities have not found a convenient location around the temple. Thus the relocation plan is on hold for the moment and the toilet will continue to remain inside the temple complex, much to the disappointment of the devotees. 

Renovation Plans for 2019

The renovation leading to the Kumbabhisekam marks only the first part of completion of the repair works. The bigger restoration projects are still pending and works will continue into 2019 after approval from the renovation committee.The huge granary opposite the Akilandeswari Sannidhi remains in a dilapidated condition and repair works are likely to take only next years. Similarly, the Theppa Kulam - Rama Theertham, off the Srirangam road where the Thai Poosam festival is celebrated in a grand way requires refurbishing.  This too requires approval from the HR and CE headquarters.

Plans are afoot to set up a special water treatment plant to redirect the abhisekam water on to the newly planned Nandavanam.

Huge Nandavanam to come up on the Eastern side

The big highlight of the post Kumbabhishekam plan is the conversion of the area either side of the Eastern Raja Gopuram into a huge Nandavanam. Hundreds of saplings will be planted soon after the Kumbabhishekam and within the next few years one is likely to see tall trees comprising of Aththi, Vilvam, Izhuppai, Vaazhai and Naaval, among others, that will provide a refreshing look to the Eastern side of the temple complex.

Kumbabhishekam is slated for December 12 between 6am and 7.15am.