Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu), May 4 (UNI) Thousands of devotees from various parts of Tamil Nadu witnessed the 'Maha Kumbabishekam' (consecration) of the ancient 'Arulmigu Ulagammai Udanurai Papanasa Swamy Temple' at Papanasam in this southern district of the state on Sunday.



Amid chanting of Vedic Mantras from the Holy Scriptures, the Sivacharyas (priests) poured sacred water on the temple towers of Goddess Ulagammai, Lord Papanasa Swamy, the Rajagopuram (main temple tower) and towers atop the sub-shrines, inside the temple premises between the auspicious 0730 hours to 0830 hours.



Earlier, the priests performed Vigneshwara Puja, followed by several Yagnams (sacred fire) and other rituals.



Special poojas were also performed to the presiding deities in view of the Maha Kumbabishekam.

The temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva is considered as one of the nine ‘Navagraha’ temples in Tamil Nadu, specifically dedicated to the worship of the Sun god.

The temple was renovated at a cost of Rs 5 crore by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR and CE) department.



The Maha Kumbabishekam for this temple was last held in the year 2005.



The district administration had made elaborate arrangements in coordination with various government departments in view of the temple consecration.



About 600 police personnel were deployed for the bandobust duty.



UNI GSM RN