KOCHI: The concrete roofing of the sanctum sanctorum of Sree Poornathrayeesha temple will soon become a memory as the formal removal of the thaazhikakudam will begin with the unique rituals on Thursday.
In 1920 the age-old Sree Poornathrayeesha temple with tiled roof fixed on wooden structure had turned into ashes in a major fire mishap. As the fire spread to all parts of the temple from thidappilly (temple kitchen) because of the wooden roofing, the then Kochi king ordered for the redesigning of the temple without using wood.
As per the order royal architect Eachara Warrier had designed even the doors and ventilation in a peculiar way by covering strong concrete slabs with thick bronze and other bell metal mix.
However the life of concrete roofing was very short and for the last few decades the concrete ceiling of the peripheral layer of sanctum sanctorum is crumbling and since the temple authorities decided to renovate the concrete roofing of the sanctum sanctorum.
On Thursday the temple thanthris, members of Puliyannoor Illam, will conduct special rituals on the Thaazhikakkudam (the golden decorative part atop of the existing sreekovil) which will be removed symbolising the formal demolition of the roof of the sreekovil.
When the demolition is completed the wooden ceiling covered with copper plates of high gauge will be placed atop the sanctum sanctorum. The renovation of the sanctum sanctorum is expected to be completed before Vrischikolsavam.
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