Rathothsavam of new golden chariot of Sri Ekambaranathar temple held

The grand newly completed 25-feet-tall golden chariot of the Arulmigu Ekambaranathar Temple was taken out on a procession through the Raja veedhi and mada streets of Kancheepuram town on Sunday evening. 

One of the biggest golden chariots in the country -- 13 feet long and 10 feet wide -- this one carrying the idols of Sri Ekambaranathar and Sri Elavarkuzhaliamman, was dedicated to the temple by the pontiff of the Sankara Mutt Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal in December last year, coinciding with the shrine’s kumbhabhishekam. Usually golden or silver chariots are not very tall and are taken on a procession only inside the temples. 

The golden chariot was first conceived by Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Shankaracharya Swamigal who blessed the commencement of the making and collection of gold and it’s wooden frame. 

Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal, who was present during the event to launch the chariot on Sunday, a Pradhosham day, had ensured its completion. Ministers S. Ramesh, R.V. Ranjithkumar and S.P.K. Thennarasu graced the occasion during which a performance by 108 nadaswaram and thavil vidwans, Kailasha Vadyam, and chanting of Vedas and Slokas were organised.