Rameswararam Temple EO Sivaram Kumar anchors removal of unauthorised Shiva Lingam and Nandi idols near the historical Kothandarama Temple in Dhanushkodi where Rama performed Pattabhisekam for Vibheeshana
HRCE removed, on Thursday (May 9) morning, the unauthorised installation, by devotees, of Shiva Lingam and Nandi idol on the sea shore near the Kothandaramaswamy temple, Dhanushkodi. It was here that Rama performed Pattabhishekam for Vibheeshana. The Aani Utsavam is the big day in the year at Dhanushkodi. A day before Hastham, the utsava deity of Rama makes his way to this temple for Vibheeshana Pattabhisekam. On the fourth Saturday of Puratasi Rama makes his way on the Garuda Vahana for Pancha Deepam at this temple.
The EO of Ramananathaswamy temple, Rameswaram, S. Sivaram Kumar told this writer on Thursday soon after the removal that these local residents and guides misled visiting devotees that this was the historical Shiva Lingam that Lord Rama performed Thiru Aradhana and collected money from these devotees.
“We secured the permission of the Tahsildar and the Police Chief to remove this unauthorised new installation of these idols. Under their supervision, we have this morning removed these idols and placed these in safe custody in Rameswaram”, he told this writer.
Sivaram Kumar, who was the EO at the Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam, for a brief period last year has taken a number of welfare initiatives at the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram including keeping away touts and agents misleading devotees from the North of the country. He has also taken new initiatives for the construction of bathrooms, toilets, chappal stands and lockers outside the temple complex, each of which were previously manned by private personnel who fleeced unwary devotees.
Devotee Welfare Initiatives
It is refreshing to see the new EO taking positive devotee friendly steps soon after his taking charge and there has been a transformation at the temple over the last 6 months or so. He has put paid to agents fleecing the devotees for darshan with a process inside the temple complex that is now keeping the agents away. The queue system has been streamlined and devotees are having a new experience and a relief for the first time in year from the fleecing agents. He has also ensured periodic announcements through a public address system to alert the devotees from not falling prey to the agents.
A 30000 litre purified water tank has been installed to supply free water to the devotees. Across the temple complex, new fans have been installed this year for those standing in the queue for darshan.
Toilet Block and Locker Room
The toilet block at the North Gate is nearing completion as well as the locker room. 850 mobiles can be kept for Rs. 5each compared to the Rs. 20 that was being charged previously by the private shops. At the new free slipper facility, 1000 pairs can be kept at any point of time.
450 Dormitories for Devotees
Very soon, a huge guest house measuring over 10000 sq ft will be ready near the reconstructed Rameswaram Railway station. Through this facility, the temple will be able to provide dormitory accommodation to 450 devotees.
The next time you visit the Ramanathaswamy temple in Rameswaram and the Kothandaramaswamy temple in Dhanuskodi, it could be altogether different experience for devotees, thanks to these initiatives of EO Sivaram Kumar.