Temple authorities blame monkeys for damaging the Rajagopuram of the Palani Dandayuthapani Swami Temple just a year and a half after its Kumbabhishekam. They assured devotees that repairs are underway, with a reparation puja planned soon.
A few days ago, it was reported that part of the Palani temple Rajagopuram (temple tower) was damaged. The temple, one of Lord Murugan’s six sacred abodes (Arupadai Veedu), draws thousands of visitors daily from across Tamil Nadu and other states. Annual festivals such as Thaipusam and Panguni Uthiram are celebrated with great devotion, attracting large crowds.
The temple Kumbabhishekam, a sacred consecration ceremony, was last performed on 27 January 2023, after a 16-year gap. However, just a year and a half later, a portion of the top of the Rajagopuram broke off, particularly in the horn-like area on both sides. This unexpected damage has left many devotees deeply concerned. It is also alleged that among the reasons for the damage the authorities gave include damage due to rain or monkeys.
Temple officials acknowledged the damage, assuring devotees that steps are being taken to repair the Rajagopuram. “It is true that a part of the Rajagopuram has been damaged. We are rehabilitating the area, and a small-scale Kumbabhishekam and reparation puja will be performed after the repairs. Devotees should not be alarmed,” a temple official reportedly said.
It is also reported that the temple authorities blamed monkeys for the damage caused to the Palani temple Rajagopuram. The authorities allegedly said, “Kumbabhishekam is done once in 12 years and hence it is normal for the temple towers and surrounding sculptures to be damaged. Monkeys at the Palani temple habitually climb the temple towers and damage the sculptures and relics inside.”
The temple administration stated that only damage to the Kalasam on the temple tower should cause concern, and they are taking steps to repair the damaged part of the Palani temple Rajagopuram, so devotees should not worry.
பொய் சொல்லி சமாளிப்பதில் கில்லாடி திமுக..
இந்த முறை வாய்ப்பு குரங்குக்கு…கரண்ட் கட்டிற்கு காரணம் அணில் -இது மின்சாரத்துறை அமைச்சர் செந்தில் பாலாஜி
கோவில் கோபுரம் சேதமடைந்ததற்கு காரணம் குரங்கு -இது அறநிலையத்துறை அமைச்சர் சேகர்பாபு
முடியலடா சாமி!@tnhrcedept @PKSekarbabu… pic.twitter.com/6uQTZmnq8M
— M Nachiappan (@BJPNach) October 2, 2024
Notably, the temple had undergone major renovations, with the Palanayam ritual held on 2 December 2019, marking the start of the Kumbabhishekam works. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony was delayed by three years before finally taking place in January 2023.
The temple, which is under the purview of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department of the Tamil Nadu government, also saw a hurriedly conducted Kumbhabishekam in 2023.
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