Minister assures support for Natarajar temple consecration

The Tamil Nadu government on Monday assured all possible help in conducting the 'kumbhabhishekam' (consecration) of the renowned Sri Natarajar temple in Chidambaram, near here.

Announcing this after holding a discussion with the Dikshitars (Shaiva Brahmins) at the temple, State Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Minister P K Sekar Babu said he had also discussed several issues concerning the devotees and the temple priests.

''The Dikshitars took me around the temple and I worshipped the Lord from the 'kanakasabha' (one of the five main halls in the temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva). Later, I held a meeting with the priests,'' the Minister told reporters at the temple.

The government would serve as a bridge between the devotees and the Dikshitars, and ensure a cordial atmosphere prevailed always, he said.

The financial grant provided to about 12,959 temples throughout the State that perform one-time puja a day has been increased to Rs 2 lakh from Rs 1 lakh, he said.