News Item in Kumudam Jothidam magazine

The details about our temple renovation has been published in 'Kumudam Jothidam' magazine! See below:

Balalayam Function

Om Sivaya Namah

Sri Gurubhyo Namah

With the blessings of the Lord and acharyals, the balalayam function - the formal start to the temple renovation activities commenced on Friday 6/3/09 - Sarvadhaari year, Masi Sukla Paksha Dasami endowed with Arudra star, in fine weather.

The temple is situated in perfect rustic surroundings with a water filled pond in the front and a huge lake - partially filled though, at a slight distance in the west, a tamarind groove in the north and village itself in the south. The vilva tree in the north east corner of the temple (eesana moolai) and a small cowshed a few meters from the temple in the south provide perfect religious foil.

The function commenced around 10 in the morning and went for about 2 hours with active participation of villagers. The power of the deity was invoked in a bamboo stick and installed at the base of the vilva tree.

Not to mention the tasting the Prasadam served in banyan leaf which was a separate experience all together!

The estimated cost for renovation and consecration is estimated to take about 4.1 lakhs. The cost break-up is presented below. This is excluding the financial contribution and labour from the villagers. Devotees can take up the costs of any specific item from the below list.

Earnest support and prayers are sought from devotees for this holy endeavour.

Sivaya Namaha

Commencement of renovation

Om Sivaya Namah

Sri Gurubhyo Namah

Melpappampadi village (Pincode 604152) is located in the route between Gingee to Thiruvannamalai. This small village houses the sacred and ancient temple dedicated to Lord Siva. The temple is dedicated to goddess Sri Periyanayagi sametha Karaikandeswarar Swami. With the blessings of Acharya Swamigals renovation is planned at this temple.

The Bhoomi Puja - Balalayam for this temple is planned for March 6, 2009. We request the devotees to participate in this function and contribute and support this holy endeavor.

The legend goes that Ambal,the Goddess was on meditation at Walapandal village once. The day became evening and She orders son Muruga to fetch water for Her. Lord Muruga uses His lance or divine spear -the Vel and throws it on Merkuthodarchimalai - the range which starts at Chengam and ends at Polur. The rishis meditating in the hill attain moksham from the Vel of Lord Muruga. Hence the water from the hill is composed of blood from the bodies of the rishis. The kuruthi aaru - bloodriver later become holy water fetching crystal clear water as needed by His Mother Umadevi. The river is named after son known as SEYARU - child's river- and thus Sevvaru becomes Seyaru.

After this temples came into being in the eastern side of the river where the Lord was called Sri Kailasanathar. Similarly temples came into being in the Western side called Sri Karakandeswarar - one of these is our Melpappampadi one. The kshetras north and south of the seyyaru include, Kanchi, Kadaladi,Mambakkam, Madimangalam, Elathur, Poondi, Kuruvimalaikarakandeswarar, Northampoondi, Vasudevanpatti, Thamaraippakkam,Aritherimangalam, Pillur (Moottur), Karapoondi and Mandakolathur.

We will keep you informed of the progress and events as and when they happen.

Subham

Sivaya Namaha