Krishnaswamy Koil Ambai Krishnan Archaka

Burned Feet, Rs. 1050 month salary after 30 years but this archaka carries on devotionally

The feet of 58 year old G Krishnan, the archakar at the ancient Krishnaswamy Temple located on the Northern banks of Tamaraibarani in Ambasamudram, are burned after the Vaikasi Brahmotsavam took place in peak summer but unmindful of the pain, he continues his service devotionally. He began to support his appa and uncles in temple service in the 1990s and has been the sole archaka at the temple over the last couple of decades.

At the Entry Point into Ambai

The temple where Markandeya Rishi is believed to have performed penance is the oldest Perumal temple in Ambai and is right at the entrance of this town. For most devotees, the Krishnaswamy temple is the starting point of their trip to Ambasamudram.

Devotee Support

The  scenario at the temple was quite bleak in the 1970s and 80s. Krishnan's appa performed Madapalli service for decades before taking up the role of an archaka in the 90s.While it was financially challenging, he says devotees always came forward from somewhere to help the family “It was with devotee support that I managed to complete my post-graduation in economics in the 1980s. I had also done shorthand and typewriting and took up a job in Delhi for a few years in the late 1980s. ”

He quit his job and came back in the early 1990s to support his appa at the temple performing paricharaka service. 

Revival of Utsavams

Being a particularly popular temple, this was the first of the block in terms of revival when the devotional wave hit TN temples at the turn of the century. The Brahmotsavam in Vaikasi with Theerthavari on Visakam attracts a reasonable crowd. Devotees have been thronging the temple in good numbers on Puratasi Saturdays, Thai Fridays and Sri Jayanthi much to his delight. On Vaikunta Ekadasi, the Lord presents himself in a Sayana Kolam in the morning and Paramapada Kolam in the evening. It is with devotees' support that he has been able to present different alankarams for the Lord during the Brahmotsavam and other festivals.

                                                

The Theppam on Aadi Rohini (will take place on August 10 this year) has also become a popular event at the temple.

For Krishnan Bhattar, the Krishnaswamy temple has always close to his heart. Even when he has gone away for Homams to support his financial needs, his thoughts centered around ‘Saligramama’ Krishnan “Right from my childhood, he held a special place in my heart and whenever I went away from Ambai, I missed my Lord and he called me back.”

There were really challenging times in the past but full faith in Saligrama Krishnan has helped the family overcome all hurdles in life. After three decades, Krishnan Bhattar now paid a salary of Rs. 1050 and handed some paddy every month that is paid once a quarter. While the salary from the temple is not enough given today’s cost of living, the devotee support has kept him going devotionally.

Whenever he is at the temple, he is reminded of his appa’s message to him “For financial rewards, do not ever move away from our Krishnaswamy Koil. When I was growing up, I was taught that ‘service’ to the Lord is the most important part of our lives. And I have found contentment and happiness performing service at this temple. There is a certain love that the devotees pour that keeps me at peace every night when I return home.”