A priest performs kumbhabhishekam of Jalakanteshwara Temple, 1965

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In the photograph, a priest pours holy water on the vimana to conduct the kumbhabhishekam. The vimana itself reportedly weighs 300 kilograms according to an article about the temple’s history. The Jalakanteshwara Temple was constructed in 1962 in order to conduct worship for a Shiva lingam which was previously worshiped by residents of villages near the lake. After the renovation was completed in 1965, the kumbhabhishekam was also performed.

The ceremony was conducted in the presence of Puduperiyavar, or Kanchi Kamakoti Peethadhipathi Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamiji, the 69th pontiff of the Kanchi Matha based in Kanchipuram.

Seen in the photograph, Prof. R. Krishnamurthi (Head of Humanities Department, second from right) and Puduperiyavar (third from right).

Collection:

Gourishankar Collection

Album Name:

Jalakanteshwara Temple Kumbhabhishekam, 1965 and Visit of Mahaperiyavar, 1966

Photograph ID:

001/0290/IMG_0061

Album ID:

0290

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:

Jalakanteshwara Temple Kumbhabhishekam

Place:

Jalakanteshwara Temple

Date:

18 June 1965