MADURAI, INDIA, April 9, 2009: Thousands of devotees thronged the famous centuries-old Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple to catch a glimpse of the mahakumbabishekam grand consecration, which was last performed nearly 15 years ago. Amidst tight security, devotees crammed the temple premises and filled every street leading to the shrine. The initial ceremonies for the function began on March 26 and the yagasala poojas began on April 2.
The consecration ceremony for the temple, which is more than 2000 years old, was performed last in the year 1994. Renovation works were undertaken at a cost of millions of rupees.
People started queuing up on the streets about one kilometer away from the temple right from 3 a.m in the morning. However, police allowed the public to enter the temple only at 7 a.m and a well co-ordinated effort by the police paved way for the smooth movement of the devotees into the temple through the specified gates.
One hundred and eight pots containing sacred waters from the holy rivers in India were brought to the temple towers amidst the chanting of hymns by the priests. The golden tower of the goddess Sri Meenakshi, which was plated with 30 kilograms of gold and completed only two days ago, was a marvel to all eyes.
Devotees were able to witness the consecration without suffering the scorching summer heat. The temple administration had made elaborate arrangements on the roof of the temple and carpeted floors helped the devotees to sit comfortably and witness the event. The holy waters were poured on the magnificent towers of the temple at 9.15 a.m. Thousands of people also witnessed the event from the open terraces in houses and shops surrounding the temple.