Idols decorated with flower garlands on a swing, 1965

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Institute Events , Visiting VIPs

This photograph was taken at the Jalakanteshwara Temple, IIT Madras. It was taken during the visit of Sringeri Sharada Peethadhipati Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Swamiji. The main deities of this temple are Lord Shiva (Jalakanteshwara) and Devi Katyayani. The renovation of this temple was completed in 1965 and the kumbhabhishekam was done on 18 June in the same year.

According to a website, the Shiva lingam was present under a mandapam and a thatched roof near the IIT lake prior to the establishment of IIT Madras. Residents of villages nearby would offer their worship to the Shiva lingam. It was with the suggestion of Mahaperiyavar that the residents of the Institute built a temple during the establishment of IIT Madras to continue the worship of the idol.

Seen in the photograph is Prof. R. Krishnamurthi (Head of Humanities Department, standing, third from left).

Collection:

Gourishankar Collection

Album Name:

Visit of Sringeri Swamiji, 1965

Photograph ID:

001/0258/IMG_0319

Album ID:

0258

Date:

7 November 1965

Photographer:

C. Gourishankar (1936-2002). A geologist by qualification, Gourishankar started his career as a photographer after working for many years with the Geological Survey of India. In everything that he did, Gourishankar strove to achieve flawlessness and impeccable quality. Thus his photography too was characterised by this drive for perfection. Every photograph that Gourishankar took was meticulously planned and shot and printed with diligence and patience. Gourishankar carried out most of the official photography at IIT Madras in the 1960s.

Event:

Visit of Sringeri Swamiji

Place:

Jalakanteshwara Temple