A little beyond the Tambaram police limits on the East Coast Road (ECR), one cannot miss the welcome arch of the Sri Nithyakalyanaperumal Temple at Thiruvidanthai. The presiding deity, along with His Consort Sri Akhilavalli Thayar, of this temple, one of the 108 Divyadesams, is said to bless devotees with speedy marriage.
Wedding halls dot this tiny village that is known primarily for the temple. Two newly constructed halls have joined the race to provide space to those wishing to conduct the ceremonies near the temple.
Inadequate toilets
Residents have been demanding basic amenities, including toilets, bathrooms, and rest areas, for the temple. “Hundreds of devotees visit here daily. The crowds increase on muhurtham days and week days when Thirukalyanam is performed. The temple is under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India. The existing toilets are inadequate and not clean enough. Devotees go to homes asking to use the restrooms. We cannot allow people day in and day out. It has become a major disturbance,” said G. Raja, a resident.
Sundar, a native of the village, said a lot of real estate development is happening around the area, thanks to the temple. “The presiding deity is Sri Varaha Perumal; hence, people believe that if they buy land here, they will prosper. Though ours has primarily been an agrarian economy, people are selling off their land and going in for other jobs in Chennai and surrounding areas. There is not much income from agriculture these days. Real estate is booming here. In fact, one locality is known as the officers’ area since senior officials have bought land and built homes there,” he added.
