By T.S.V. Hari, IANS
Malaikodi (Tamil Nadu) : One of the biggest Hindu shrines in southern India, the Sri Puram Golden Temple, was consecrated here Friday in the presence of over 30,000 devotees.
Being dubbed as ‘golden temple’, it is located in the backdrop a small range of hillocks, about 180 km from Chennai. A spiritual leader who calls himself Narayani Amma has built it at the cost of Rs.3 million.
“The Taj Mahal was built as an expression of love for a single person but the Sri Puram Golden Temple stands for unconditional love for the entire humanity,” says Amma, 31, who also goes by the name of Shakti Siddha.
The temple spans 100 acres and has a built-up area of 55,000 sq ft. The sanctum sanctorum is covered with thin gold plates created out of 1.5 metric tonnes of pure gold – giving the shrine its name.
The temple itself is shaped like a star, reminding many of the foreign devotees present in sizeable numbers of the Jewish symbol.
“We know it is also the sign of the universal goddess – Lakshmi,” says William, who gives only one name and says he is of Canadian origin.
The steps that lead to the innermost section are laid with polished black and grey granite from the neighbouring South Arcot and Dharmapuri districts. A cubic metre of black granite is priced at $900. So is the grey stone called “Paradiso” because of its wavy patterns of violet with the colour of iron. And this too has been used in large quantities.
“If we had built a hospital, factory, educational institution or a business, it would have ended up serving a small community. But now, Amma’s temple will sow the seeds of goodness in the hearts of everyone who visits here,” Amma, clad in ochre robes, says in Tamil.
“For every mother, nursing a slightly ill child is a challenge because the medicine is usually bitter and hence needs a sugar coating. Once the medicine goes in, all is well with the young one again. Similarly, we have created your golden temple – a materialistic sign to attract people.”
There are more than 300 signboards of simple messages, which are meant to lead devotees to wisdom. And this wisdom is aimed at helping each visitor become a better human being.
Amma has spent millions on charity – including hospitals and helping the physically challenged. He also claims to have renovated over 600 temples in the area at a cost of Rs.30 million.
Explaining the source of his funds, Amma said his foundation was present in more than six countries.
Over 700 policemen were deployed to regulate the flow of devotees Friday.
The temple has been built over the last six years with over 400 masons working on it. Well-known craftsmen Subbiah Sthapathi of Kanchipuram and Srinivasa Sthapathy were responsible for the civil works and the ornate gold leaf inlay works respectively.
The established “Aagama” systems of worship will not be followed in Sri Puram. “Sri Vidya” – a rare cult of Shakti worship – is to be followed here. Its first exponent was Adi Shankara himself, it is said.