Celebrating Mahatma: Devotees gather at Erode temple to perform special pujas, abhishekams
COIMBATORE: As part of the Gandhi Jayanthi celebrations, special pujas were performed to the idol of the Father of the Nation installed at a temple, which is dedicated to him and his wife Kasturba Gandhi, in Erode district on Friday.
It has become an annual ritual for villagers to offer their prayers at the shrine at Sendampalayam near Kavindapady on October 2 of every year. The villagers went on a procession and brought water in special pots from Bhavani river to be offered to the idols of Gandhi and Kasturba erected in the temple. The statues were also bathed with milk, tender coconut water, curd, sandal paste, honey and scented water among others. The temple, one of its kind in Tamil Nadu, also has a few other traditional Hindu deities on its premises.
Upon performing special abhishekams, the statues were garlanded. Sweets and fruits were given as offerings to the villagers gathered at the temple. Minister for Environment, KC Karuppannan participated in the celebrations and offered his prayers.
It is said that Viyapuri Mudaliyar, a staunch Gandhian, who is no more, had constructed the temple in memory of Mahatma Gandhi in the year 1997. Since then, pujas have been held at the temple on special occasions like Gandhi Jayanthi, Republic Day and Independence Day.
After his demise, his son Thangarasu Mudaliyar is looking after the maintenance of the temple.
TN Guv sanctions Rs 51 lakh to Harijan Sevak Sangh
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Friday sanctioned Rs.51 lakh to the Harijan Sevak Sangh (HSS) which was founded by Mahatama Gandhi, on the occasion of his 152nd birth anniversary.
“Purohit, who is also the Chief Patron of HSS founded by Mahatama in 1932, sanctioned the fund from the Governor’s Discretionary Grant, to construct a ladies hostel,” a Raj Bhavan release said. He handed over the amount to HSS State President P Maruthi.