Amid a controversy over the construction of a “mandapam” inside the Lord Nataraja temple here, the Podhu Dikshithars allayed fears about the initiative, saying they will go slow on the project.
R. Bhaskara Dikshitar, secretary, Podhu Dikshithars association of the Sri Sabanayagar Temple, told reporters here on Sunday that the proposed structure was intended to serve as a place where mass feeding would be undertaken during temple festivals.
At the time of ‘kumbabishekam’, it would serve as a ‘yaga saala.’ It would also house a plethora of ‘vahanaas’ meant for taking out the idols in procession and other related paraphernalia.
Dispelling impressions that the ‘mandapam’ was meant for the personal use of the temple priests, the secretary said the construction work was initiated in conformity with the orthodox tenets.
To a query, Bhaskara Dikshitar did not think that the new structure would undermine the structural stability of the ancient temple, nor would it affect its sanctity. Countering posers that they did not get the appropriate authorities permission for the construction, he said in the past they had customarily undertaken similar works in public interest ‘on their own volition.’
However, he said, in this instance, as they matter had become a controversy in the media, they would pause to circumspect and fully analyse all angles before going ahead with the construction work. The Dikshithars would ensure the full cooperation and support of the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, devotees and officials of the departments concerned before taking forward the construction project, the secretary added.
