All set for Sikhara Pratishta

RATNAGIRI: Sri Veera Venkata Satyanarayana Swamy temple on Ratnagiri Hill is a unique one in the country. It is the only temple where Lord Vishnu and Lord Siva can be seen on a pedestal in the sanctum sanctorum of three-storey structure. Temple rituals are  performed as per Smartha Agama Shastra at Annavaram.  Devotees visit Yantralayam first. Later, they have darshan of Lord Satyanarayana Swamy and Lord Siva. After that, they have a glimpse of Vimana Sikharam.The temple was constructed way back in 1891. It was reconstructed in 1934. Now, the ancient temple has been renovated at a cost of Rs 4 crore as the sanctum sanctorum developed some cracks. About 1,000 metric tonnes of quality stone was used in temple renovation works. Of which, 900 metric tonnes of granite was used for the ground and first floors and 100 metric tonnes for Vimana Sikharam. One cubic centimetre of stone can bear 150 kg of weight, which speaks about the quality of temple structure. The renovation took 10 months.All arrangements have been completed for  Sikhara Pratishta of the temple and Maha Kumbabhishekam on March 14. The celestial event will be held under the aegis of Sri Jayendra Saraswathi of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham. Eleven gold-plated Kalasams have been readied for installation on top of the main temple as part of Sikhara Pratishta. The temple authorities had used 3 kg of gold for the Kalasams. A gold-plated Rudraksha Mandapam has also been completed in the sanctum sanctorum. Gold plates have been fixed to Makarathoranam behind the main deities and at the entrance of sanctum sanctorum. Holy water and soil from the Ganga, Cauvery, Yamuna, Saraswathi, Godavari, Sindhu, Narmada and Krishna rivers have been brought for Maha Kumbabhishekam. As many as 102 Ritviks will perform the ritual.Speaking to Express, temple executive officer K Ramachandra Mohan said Lord Satyanarayana gave him an opportunity to renovate the temple. The massive temple renovation work was completed within the stipulated time with the blessings of the Lord, he said.