THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Some of the important temples in and around the capital city, including the one where Sree Narayana Guru performed his second ‘Siva Prathista,’ are becoming part of a Rs 17.19 crore ‘Pilgrim and Heritage Tourism Circuit’ promoted by the state government.
The circuit will connect the Kolathukara Siva Temple at Kulathur, Kulangara Temple at Kazhakootam and the Subramanya Temple at Manvila, Tourism and Co-operation Minister Kadakampally Surendran said. All three temples are currently transit shelters for pilgrims visiting Sabarimala shrine as well as Sivagiri Math and Chempazhanthy Gurukulam.
The government has already kicked off work on an auditorium and allied facilities at the Kolathukara Siva Temple as part of the programme. It was at this temple that Sree Narayana Guru, as part of his fight against social evils, installed his second idol of Lord Siva, after the famed Aruvippuram Prathista of 1888. Despite the historically important event, the temple is yet to gain recognition, Surendran said. Once the government’s new project is implemented, it will be transformed into a nationally-acknowledged site, he said. In the first phase of development, the government also plans to build an auditorium, designed by architect G Shankar, at the cost of Rs 2.39 crore.
The government is planning development works to the tune of Rs 5 crore at the Kulangara Temple. A park of international standards and a hall capable of accommodating 600 people will be built at the temple. An amphi-theatre also is part of the plans for the temple, the minister said. The construction will begin on Wednesday. The government also intends to make Mahadevar Temple, Kazhakootam, a transit shelter for Sabarimala pilgrims. Development worth Rs 6 crore will be undertaken at the temple.
At the Chempazhanthy Gurukulam, the government is planning to establish a modern library and seminar hall. The government also has plans for Aniyoor Temple, the venue of the historic meeting between Chattambi Swamikal and Sree Narayana Guru. In fact, it was here that the two social reformers first met. Kadakampally Surendran said the government plans to develop the existing memorial at a cost of Rs 3 crore.