Tamil Nadu - Madurai   

`Nandi' gets a new silver covering

Staff Reporter

GLITTERING: The divine bull in the Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple with the new silver covering. — Photo: K. Ganesan

MADURAI: There is no surfeit of splendour at the renowned Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai. And the temple continues to lure pilgrims, devotees and tourists alike everyday all through the year since yore. The latest addition to its string of wonders is the silver covering (kavacham) to the giant-sized image of `Nandi,' the divine bull seated majestically, facing the sanctum of Lord Sundareswarar.

The silver covering has enhanced the charm of the `Nandi' and its sheen seems to lend a radiating ambience around. The covering is unique and such an offering has not been made at any of the temples, the temple authorities claim.

The covering has been tailor-made to fit the `Nandi' measuring four feet in length, 2.5 feet in height and 1.75 feet in width. Coming in various parts viz. head, body and legs, etc, to suit the image, the nose portion of the `Nandi' is left uncovered and the impressive image with the covering conjures up a life-like depiction of the divine bull. The covering weighs 16,652 kg and costs Rs.2.7 lakhs and has been made by a jeweller in the Temple City.

This offering was made by G.B. Mehta of Balaji Exports, Bangalore. When contacted, Mr. Mehta told The Hindu here that he was touched by the grandeur of the temple when he visited Madurai recently. Immediately, he expressed his willingness to do something meritorious for the temple and volunteered to provide a silver covering to the `Nandi.' The temple administration agreed and the order was awarded to the jeweller. The covering was completed in five months' time and it was installed on Thursday.

It was only recently that the temple administration renovated the Velliambala Natarajar hall by providing a silver covering. And now, it seems to be the turn of the divine bull. A Velliambala Nandi.

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