Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple will hold its Kumbabhishekam (consecration ceremony) on September 17, after a gap of 17 years. The ceremony is scheduled between 7:45 am and 8:10 am.
Traditionally, temples are expected to conduct Kumbabhishekam once every 12 years. The last consecration at the Meenakshi Amman Temple was held on April 8, 2009, but the next one was delayed.
Officials said the delay was linked to restoration work following a fire accident at the Veeravasantharayar Mandapam on February 2, 2018. After the DMK came to power, renovation works were taken up, with temple funds of Rs 15.81 crore and donor contributions of Rs 5.16 crore, covering 186 works at a total cost of Rs 32.28 crore.
Separately, the Veeravasantharayar Mandapam is being restored without altering its heritage character, with works estimated at Rs 35.30 crore and nearing completion by the end of this month.
A consultation meeting on the Kumbabhishekam was held in Chennai at the HR&CE Commissioner’s office, attended by Additional Chief Secretary Manivasan, Commissioner Sridhar, temple Joint Commissioner Suresh, trustee board members, and temple priests including Raja Patter. Though renovation is expected to be completed by the end of March, the September date was chosen to avoid disruption to successive temple festivals, including the Chithirai festival.
