RAMANATHAPURAM: With ISO certification being awarded to the Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai, Lord Venkatachalapathy temple in Tirupathy and the Sri Renganatha Perumal temple in Tiruchy, the onus is now on the government to ensure that the famed Ramanathaswamy temple also joins this elite group.Recently, the Madras High Court directed the State Chief Secretary to consider framing a scheme for the development of Rameswaram and the Ramanathaswamy temple. The HC also wanted the shrine to be brought on par with popular destinations for pilgrims like Tirupathi and Madurai. However, the temple is now in dire need of repair and funds. The shrine is famous not so much for its religious sanctity, but for the look it offers into the intricacies of the architecture of our forefathers.However, the delicate murals and paintings lining its walls are now blanketed by a thick film of dirt, suggesting neglect.Though many have come forward, urging the government to bring this temple under the heritage list, nothing much has been done in this regard yet.During the DMK regime, former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi assured that `100 crore would be allotted for the renovation of various shrines, including the Ramanathaswamy temple. Till date, not a penny was spent for any such purpose. The long corridors and massive, sculpted pillars are some of the well known characteristics of this shrine. It is said that the third corridor here is actually the longest in the world. The murals that were once seen on the roof of this corridor are now hardly visible thanks to the water seeping in.The condition that the Lord Subramania Swamy Temple, located at the entrance of Sarasvathi Theertham, is presently in, suggests neglect by the administration.A certain section of the devotees visiting the shrine are peeved as they feel that the Ganga Theertham that they bring with them is not being properly poured over the deity. Further, there are no facilities to cater to the elderly and differently abled devotees who visit the temple. The rich and the influential are guaranteed a place to sit in front of the silver step after they cough up the necessary amount. But, this is just a glimpse from afar for the poor. Most of the corridors are said to be slippery while there are no places for women devotees to change their attire after taking a bath in the 22 theerthams that are in the temple.Even the lodges maintained by the Ramanatha swamy Devasthanam are said to be in such a bad state that many choose not to spend the night at Rameswaram.BJP national council member Muralidhran attributes the fact that the shrine is pooly maintained to the shortage of temple staff. According to Pakshi Sivarajan, State joint coordinator of mutts and mandir of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, who had filed the case in the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, the temple administration is not ready to listen to any grievances and has not taken any steps to solve any of the problems.A temple administration source admitted that damage was found in the golden idol of Ramanatha Swamy, Thiruvatchi and also in some cars. However, he added that steps were being taken to repair them. He also said that tiles were now being laid on the roof to prevent the seepage of water.Damaged Weapon, Corroded IdolsThe Agama rules (Agamas are a body of ancient Indian texts dealing with rituals and ceremonies to be observed in temples) specify that poojas should not be performed to a damaged idol. However, at the Lord Ramanatha Swamy temple, Palli Arai pooja is performed to the golden Ramanatha Swamy idol, holding a damaged weapon (Malu). As per the Agama rules, even persons who witness these poojas performed to damaged idols should take a bath and chant 108 Siva Gayathri manthras.A number of utsava deities, including Prathosa Nayagar idol, Manonmani idol, Sri Vinayagar idol and the Sri Murugan and Panchaloga Parvathavarthini Amman idol are also in a corroded state. Though these idols were kept in the strong room, during important occasions, they are taken out for worship. Even the pedestal of the golden Ramanatha Swamy idol is partly damaged. According to sources, the last major reconstruction was undertaken after Ramanathapuram King Naganatha Sethupathy had repaired the idol of goddess Parvathavarithini Amman during his reign.The Golden Nagaparnam, inlaid with precious stones and the Gowri Sankar Ruthratsam, (two conjoined Uthratsham seeds) which are covered with a gold plate, are also said to be damaged.Earlier, a garland of silver vilvam leaves used to adorn the golden idol, especially during the Siva Rathiri festival. It was believed that doing so would wash away the sins committed in three re-births. Now, neither does the garland adorn the deity, nor do the devotees remember this tradition.The temple chariots, including a golden one, are no longer glittering and bright, for want of renovation.Another area that has been ignored and is filled with a musty odour is the Pairavar Sathanam located in the north east corner of the temple. Not just the maintenance of the deities, even traditional practices seem to have gone for a toss. As per tradition, pujaris of Lord Shiva should be married. But it was said that there are two widowers who perform poojas here.Moreover, the temple administration has stopped the distribution of Theertham. In India, this is the only temple that gives Kodi Theertham to the devotees. Partaking of this would mean the fulfilment of a pilgrimage (Jenmanthra Girtham Bavam Nasaye).
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