Ancient temple in need of repair
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The 11th century Nayanavaradeswarar temple at Kankodutha Vanitham, 15 kms from Tiruvarur is in a dilapidated state. But renovation has begun and its Kumbabhishekam will take place soon, observes D. ASOKAN.
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Nayanavaradeswarar temple ... in a dilapidated state.
KANKODUTHAVANITHAM, a village with a sedate and tranquil calm atmosphere, is 15 km from Tiruvarur. The ancient 11th century Nayanavaradeswarar temple, in a dilapidated state, presents a heart-rending scene. The temple that has been ravaged by time will not be easily forgotten by a Siva devotee who visits it.
The very names of the village and the temple have a tale to tell. Kankodutha Vanitham means `the place of the lady who gave away her eyes.' According to legend, a mother prayed to the presiding deity to grant vision to her blind child and in turn offered hers in sacrifice. When her prayer was answered, the mother plucked her eyes and offered them to God and He restored her eyes. And he came to be known as Nayanavaradeswarar. The deity is said to heal eye diseases and bestows child on the childless. The Goddess is Vedanayaki.
The east-facing temple, situated on the northern bank of the Pandavayaru, one of the distributaries of the Cauvery, is built on an area of 51,300 sq. ft. The temple tank, Thamaraikkulam, is in front of the temple. The five-tiered Rajagopuram, where one can see thick roots of plants and shrubs penetrating, is in need of repair. The second gopuram inside the compound and in the Thiruchutru vayil at the entrance of the mahamandapam probably with three tiers is in ruins. Traces of a compound wall confirm the existence of two prakarams.
The villagers have formed a Thiruppani Committee under the presidentship of K. Kannan, a landlord, and have decided to renovate the temple and conduct Kumbabishekam. The Kumbabishekam has been estimated at Rs. 25 lakhs. Contributions are invited for the successful completion of the Kumbabhishekam. For details, contact: K. Kannan, V.R.&V.G. Estate, Kavalakkudy - 610113, Tiruvarur Dt. (Ph: 04366-232019.)
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