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Villianoor car festival marked by religious fervour

Special Correspondent

Temple to be renovated at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore

Puducherry: The annual car festival of Sri Kokilambal Samedha Sri Tirukameeswarar Temple in Villianoor near here was celebrated with religious fervour and traditional piety on Tuesday.

Local legislator J. Narayanasamy, Chairman of Villianoor commune panchayat K. Natarajan, Pattali Makkal Katchi Parliamentary Party leader M. Ramadoss, Commissioner of Hindu Religious Institutions (HRI) S. Thulasiraman and Special Officer of the temple K. Manoharan were among those who pulled the 35 foot high chariot along with the people, and offered worship at the sanctum sanctorum.

Normally, the Lt Governor would pull the chariot along with others in keeping with the tradition. But with Lt Governor Mukut Mithi and Chief Minister N. Rangasamy being out of station, they could not attend the festival.

The Commissioner of the HRI told The Hindu that the temple, dating back to 11th century, would be renovated soon. The last kumbabhishegam was held some 20 years ago. A sum of Rs 1.5 core had been earmarked for the purpose.

Additional chariot

The temple would have an additional chariot, which was being got ready with an investment of Rs. 35 lakh. Chief Minister of Puducherry is chairman of the committee for renovation. The present chariot dates back to 18th century.

The absence of the Lt Governor and other VIPs deprived the festival of the usual glitter. Police were posted in strength at the temple.

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