90% of Meenakshi temple kumbabishekam work completed: Minister

Madurai: HR&CE minister S Ramesh on Thursday said nearly 90% of the renovation and restoration work linked to the forthcoming kumbabishekam (consecration ceremony) at the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai has been completed. He directed officials to finish the remaining work by the end of July.

Ramesh said the ceremony is expected to be conducted within the next two to three months and that the date would be announced after a final review of the pending work.

During a review meeting after the inspection, the minister urged all departments to work in coordination to conduct the event safely and ensure that preparatory work related to the yagasala and yaga pujas begin on schedule.

Officials were instructed to create separate entry and exit routes for devotees, install CCTV cameras across the temple and surrounding areas, and make arrangements for drinking water, toilets and medical services, including 108 ambulances, doctors and nurses.

The minister said a public helpline and a seven-day control room would be established a week before the event to provide information on transport, security, food and medical facilities. LED screens will also be installed at multiple locations for devotees to view the ceremonies.

He directed officials to ensure adequate bus services, uninterrupted power supply, daily testing of drinking water quality and safety certification for all temporary structures, electrical installations and festival-related infrastructure before they are put into use.