RENOVATION OF TEMPLE.
PART II

There was some good news. Thirumalai, alias Sampath, arranged for some funds through the
Department of Hindu Religious Affairs, Tamilnadu Govt. The present care taker, Sri. Vasu was urged to carry out some works before the funds lapsed. He did carry out some renovation work pumping in some more money. He raised the height of the temple by one meter and added
asbestos covered shelter. He also performed the Kumbabhishekam with the help of his relative,
without involving anybody. This had caused some resentment among the devotees and general public of the village.

The work so far carried out was of preliminary nature and could not be called RENOVATION.
A lot more has to be done.

Kuppu mobilised some funds out of his own resources and of his family members. Athan
came forwad to sell his ancestral property and donate the proceeds Rs.40,000/= to the temple work and he did so without wasting much time. His devotion to Lord LAKSHMINARAYANA
is an example of complete surrender to HIM.

The renovation work was mentioned and discussed in all the marriage and social functions attended by other Karappattians . They were urged to come forward with their contribution.
Many responded and the contributions started trickling in. Kuppu and Sampath, with the able guidance of Athan, went ahead with the work. The footpath around the temple was cleared, compound wall constructed and a water tank was erected. The local Panchayat was very cooperative and they provided a public water tap just outside the compound wall on the eastern side, the main entrance to the temple.The local SHG (Self Help Group) of women,came forward to construct a public convenience facility.

Order has been placed for Uthsavamurthy. Arrangements has to be made for installing the Uthsavar. It has to be done as per Agama Shasthras. Minor rearrangements of Anjaneya, Garudazhwar and Bali Peetam have to be carried out. A small Madapalli (kitchen for preparing
daily offering) has to be constructed. A pucca door has to be provided to the Garbagriha. A
hall with all the facilities for devotees coming from other places has to be constructed. An Archakar who is fully conversant with Daily rituals has to be found. We have to ensure
constant income and a dwelling place for him. Kuppu gathered some information regarding the land and other properties of the temple. These have to be retrieved and restored to the LORD.The work undertaken by Kuppu is long drawnout and costs money.

Sampath is giving able assistance. Athan is the guiding force. The assistance and help so far given by the locals are much encouraging. Sivaraman has given his upper floor of his house, with all facilities, for the stay of the group for unlimited period, without expecting monetary benifit. Other locals are very appreciative of the work and whole hearted support is available
for utilising in a proper way. The local Panchayat Chief has extended his full support.

Kuppu felt that, despite the cooperation and help available from the locals, we cannot entrust the work to them. They have their own priorities. He felt that some of us should stay there
for some days in a month and carryout the work so that it can be expidited. This was discussed during the marriage function of the grand daughter of Athan in chennai and decided to be in Karaippatti on 20th & 21st of May.That was how we were in Karaippatti on those days.