Dedication of South Gopuram at Rameswaram Kumbhabhisheka Celebrations
The Kumbhabhisheka of Sri Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram was celebrated on 20th January 2016 with the Blessings of Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahasannidhanam and Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Vidhushekhara Bharati Sannidhanam. The South Gopuram of the temple complex constructed by the Sringeri Math was dedicated to Sri Ramanathaswamy on the occasion. As per the directions of Sri Mahasannidhanam, the Math was represented at the Kumbhabhisheka by its CEO & Administrator, Sri V.R. Gowrishankar. Sri Gowrishankar performed the ceremonial opening of the Mahadwara of the South Gopuram. He then handed over the keys of the Mahadwara of the five storied 91 foot Gopuram to the temple authorities on the evening of 19th January. Earlier, a ceremonial procession along the four main car streets took place with the CEO leading the procession, accompanied by the priests of the temple, who have all taken Deeksha from Sri Mahasannidhanam in accordance to the centuries old tradition. A granite Mandapam in front of the Garbha Griha of Goddess Parvata Vardhini was also constructed by the Math and dedicated on the occasion. As per the tradition of Sri Ramanatha Swamy Temple, the Mahabhishekam took place in the evening in both Sri Ramanatha Swamy and Goddess Parvata Vardhini shrine. It is worthy to recall that this Mahabhishekam was last time performed by Sri Mahasannidhanam Himself during the previous Kumbhabhisheka in 2001. This time on behalf of Sri Sringeri Math, CEO Gowrishankar took the Mahasankalpa for the welfare of humanity. Special Abhisheka and Poojas were offered at both the shrines. A silk dhothi with upper cloth and a beautiful Saree submitted by the Math adorned the God and the Goddess.