Work to refurbish the Sri Veeraraghava Swami temple car in Tiruvallur at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore has begun.
According to officials, consultations were held with renowned sculptors and expert temple car markers on refurbishing the old temple car. Following deliberations, a plan was drawn up by the temple authorities to carry out repairs and renovate the grand old car, which is traditionally being used to take out the Urchava Murthy in procession during festivals.
Officials explained that the temple car is being rebuilt ornately with over 200 sculptures, including that of Sri Navanarasimha, Asthadhik Balakars, Dwarabalakar, Aathevan Sadagopan Swami, 16 boothas and 16 horses. The sculptures are being carved out of high grade teak wood. The temple car would weigh a massive 500 tonnes. It will be 56 feet tall and 19.5 feet in breadth.
The temple car was used last during the Brahmorchavam festival in the month of Thai in 2009. It was not used thereafter owing to repairs. It is now expected that the grand old car, a pride of Tiruvallur, will be ready for the Brahmorchavam festival that is scheduled to be held later this month.
Sri Veeraraghava Swami temple is among the ancient temples in Tiruvallur district and is visited by devotees from across the country.
Especially, during the Amavasya day every month several lakh devotees queue up at the temple as it is believed that the worship offered to the presiding deity here would cure the devotees of their diseases.