RAMANATHAPURAM: For the first time in 30 years, the authorities at the Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple have undertaken polishing and cleaning works on panchaloha and copper idols in the temple.As the Rameswaram temple construction was done in different years by different kings, the temple possess several idols made of gold, silver, panchaloha and copper metals.But many of the copper and panchaloha idols are stained with green coats formed due to lack of proper maintenance. Taking note of this, Pakshi Sivarajan of Rameswaram had petitioned the court.Subsequently, chief sthapathy for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Board (HR CE) inspected the idols as per the instruction given by HR CE commissioner Muthaiah. The chief sthapathy has also been asked to submit a report on the inspection of idols.In this context, the temple administration has decided to take up maintenance of idols. As only temple gurukkals are allowed to touch the idols of 64 Nayanmars and Utchava Murthy, they have been roped in for idol cleaning. The copper idols of Nayanmars, including Manokaringa Nainar, Thirukurippu Thonda Nainar, Murthy Nainar and Amarnidhi Nainar, were among the first to regain their original glory after polishing. The panchaloha idol of Lord Perumal and idols of Goddesses also got a fresh look.Apart from idol cleaning, the temple administration has taken measures like increasing the quantity of ghee to be used in temple lights. Around 25 kg of ghee would be used in lamps in Ramanathaswamy Temple, Parvathavarthini Amman temple and other temples. Earlier, 10 kg of ghee was used.Joint Commissioner to the temple Rajamanickam told Express that like panchaloha and copper idols, the gold and silver idols would be cleaned as per the government's instruction.Rajamanickam has also strictly instructed the temple staff that the clothes (vasthram) donated by devotees should be used to adorn the idols. The extra material, if any, should be put up for an open auction.In contrary to the earlier practice of collecting Rs 2,500 for a day's stay from groups of devotees coming from other States and districts, the temple administration has now opened the pilgrims' rest house for all. Since last month, rooms have been made available free of cost. The temple authorities have also deputed a person to the rest house for noting down the details of the visitors.Also, a committee would visit the Rameswaram temple shortly to carry out some repair works on temple vehicles (vahanams) made in gold and silver.
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