The gopuram of Jalakanteshwara Temple, IIT Madras

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This photograph was most likely taken just before the kumbhabhishekam of Jalakanteshwara Temple in IIT Madras. The ceremony took place in the presence of Puduperiyavar in 1965. The temple’s deities are Lord Shiva (in the form of Lord Jalakanteshwara) and Devi Katyayani, his consort.

The temple construction started in 1962 as advised by Mahaperiyavar, 68th head of the Kanchi Matha. The construction was completed in 1965 after which the formalities took place. Three Swamijis visited over the course of the two years (1965 and 1966). These were Puduperiyavar (Kanchi Kamakoti Peethadhipathi Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamiji) on 18 June 1965, Sringeri Sharada Peethadhipati Sri Abhinava Vidyatheertha Swamiji on 7 November 1965 and Mahaperiyavar (Kanchi Kamakoti Peethadhipathi Jagadguru Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Swamiji) on 20 February 1966.

Collection:

Gourishankar Collection

Album Name:

Jalakanteshwara Temple Kumbhabhishekam, 1965 and Visit of Mahaperiyavar, 1966

Photograph ID:

001/0290/IMG_0077

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

Date:

18 June 1965

Place:

Jalakanteshwara Temple