Karaikal Ammaiyar temple to be renovated

POARYAR: A Muslim politician and a Jain businessman have taken the lead mobilise funds for the renovation of the famous Karaikal Ammaiyar temple and the Lord Somanathar temple at nearby Karaikal.
   
The two temples would be renovated for performing 'mahasamprokshanam' (consecration) at a cost of Rs.40 lakhs thanks to the efforts of a group of prominent personalities led by Leader of the Opposition in Puducherry Assembly A M H Nazeem and Mahaveer Chand, President of the temple renovation committee.
   
Speaking at the first meeting of the committee, Nazeem said the entire amount for the renovation would be collected as donation from the public, without looking for assistance from the government.
   
The 'Balasthapanam' ceremony for the renovation work would be performed on September 14, he said
   
Karaikal Ammaiyar is the only woman saint among the 63 Saivaite Nayanmars and Karaikal is the only place in  the country to have a temple for her.