From the laying of foundation to consecration, the construction of the temple for Sri Lalitha Parameswari, a part of Shanti Ashramam, has been a saga of determination, tremendous willpower and faith. Octogenarian Rajalakshmi Vittal’s faith in the Kanchi Mahaswami, Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati, whose devotee she has been for five decades. She always believed and continues to do so that it is his grace that has made the project possible. “Otherwise, how could an old woman with meagre resources and little manpower have raised a facility that is Shanti Ashramam,” she asks. Hurdles and challenges were many but she overcame them through her absolute devotion. Situated on the banks of the Kollidam in Nochiyam,
Tiruchi, the Ashramam has a Veda Patasala, gosala – both favourites of the Sage of Kanchi – a residential complex for senior citizens. The temple that was consecrated a year ago has shrines for Adi Sankara, Veda Vyasa, Paramacharya,Dakshinamurti and so on. Pujas and festivals arecelebrated with fervour and no devotee leaves hungry. Describing herself as an old broken doll, Rajalakshmi Vittal has her eyes set on the future. “Construction and arrangements for consecration involved continuous supervision and cash transactions. Besides, the few who stayed here and the Patasala children had to
be fed. All of these gave me many anxious moments. I often wondered why I, a frail human being, was doing all this. But I would pray to him and leave everything for him to take care,” says Rajalakshmi. The Ashramam draws devotees from all parts of the country and abroad. “Yes, they read the links on internet and visit here. Many even call me. Technology has made distance meaningless,” she exclaims.
Log on to the following links to refer to the articles appeared in this supplement –
‘ >At the service of the Periyava’ ;>‘He is the guiding spirit’ ;>‘Crucial Phase’
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Taking the project forward is her mission and her present aim is to create a corpus fund for the project. “At present, nothing is hoarded. Devotees’ offerings are used to serve their needs. Every night, the account is read out to Sri Lalitha Parameswari. But resource is essential, if the daily pujas, annadanam and festivals should continue even after my time,” she observes. Recently, she arranged a meeting of devotees from all walks of life and distinguished citizens to give them an update and talk about a corpus fund. “This temple and the facilities attached are for the people, who actually created them through their contributions. That was how Periyava visualised the implementation of any project aimed at human welfare. This project needs people’s support for sustenance and a corpus fund is the need of the hour. Little drops from you together will secure the future of this project, which was Periyava’s dream,” she said. Also receipt books are available.
For details contact 9443370605.
The trust has the following bank accounts in the name of ‘Sri Jagadguru Kanchi Mamunivar Charitable Trust’ – Lakshmi Vilas Bank, Uthamar Koil branch, Tamil Nadu. SB a/c no: 0784301000016904 IFS code: LAVB 0000784 Contact: 91431 2592444
Uthamarkoil_bm@lvbank.in BSR code: 6120298 MICR code:620056005. City Union Bank Ltd, 65-H Ammamandapam Road,
Opposite to Police Station Srirangam, Tiruchi-620006. Contact: 09345150659 and cub115@cityunionbank.in Indian Bank, 51, Sannadhi Street,Tiruvanai Koil, Tiruchirappalli-620 005. Contact 04312230211. The Ashramam address: Sri Jagadguru Kanchi Mamunivar Charitable Trust, 4/305, Shanthi Ashram, Ayyan Vaikkal South Bank, Kollidam North Bank, Madhavaperumal Koil, Nochiyam, Tiruchi 621216.
Celebration
Samvatsara abishkeam is on at Shanti Ashramam since May 23. Special pujas, homams and cultural programmes are happening on a daily basis. Maha Periyava Jayanti will be celebrated on June 2.
