Puduperiyavar leading a procession at IIT Madras, 1965

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Kanchi Kamakoti Peethadhipathi Jagadguru Sri Jayendra Saraswati Swamiji, commonly known as Puduperiyavar, was the 69th head of the Kanchi Matha, a Hindu institution based in Kanchipuram. He visited IIT Madras to conduct the kumbhabhishekam, or consecration of the Jalakanteshwara Temple.

The temple, having completed renovation in 1965, donned a new look and the devotees poured in for this event. A person can be seen carrying a vessel, which possibly contains the holy water which would be poured onto the vimana or the crown of the temple.

It is likely that this photograph was taken before the kumbhabhishekam took place.

Collection:

Gourishankar Collection

Album Name:

Jalakanteshwara Temple Kumbhabhishekam, 1965 and Visit of Mahaperiyavar, 1966

Photograph ID:

001/0290/IMG_0063

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:

Probably near Jalakanteshwara Temple