In need of attention
ELANAGAR IS in Uthiramerur taluk, 25 kilometres from Kanchipuram and 100 kilometres from Chennai. Situated on the Vandavasi-Cheiyyar route, this village is famous because Sri Srinivasa Perumal is believed to have come into existence here more than 800 years ago, by the efforts of the Sadamarshana Gothram's dynasty during 1212 A.D.
A Sri Vaishnavite, Thatha Desikan, son of Sri Vishnu Chittar of the Gettam family, learned all the agamas and sastras from his father.
He performed Theertha Kainkaryam to Lord Srinivasa of Tirupati, fetched water daily from the Akasa Gangai and performed abishekam and other pujas.
One day, when he was returning home after finishing his daily routine, a thirsty Yadhava asked for some water. Thatha Desikan gave him some water to drink and returned to Akasa Gangai to fetch fresh water for puja. And the Yadhav appeared again, and again, and the third time round, the old man fell down tired and became unconscious.
The Yadhava, who was none other than the Lord of Tirumala, appeared in His original form, and blessed him.
The Lord then asked him to construct five temples for Him with His consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi in five villages, namely, Paiyoor, Elanagar, Karumbur, Nattery and Vilankkuppam.
He also blessed the old man with five children who He said would establish five agraharams in these villages and look after the temples and perform pujas.
And Thatha Desikan and the members of his family followed the instructions of the Lord.
Gettam Kannamachari, predecessor of Thatha Desikan, now residing at Mylapore, has performed pujas in this temple for the past 15 years. He used to visit this temple every morning and find a snake sleeping at the entrance.
When the Bhattacharya clapped his hands the snake gave way for him to perform the morning puja. And people say it continues even now. There is a big snake hill in the midst of Velankadu and the villagers worship it even today.
The present temple at Elanagar has been constructed by the villagers and pujas have been performed according to Agama Sastra.
But now, the temple is in a dilapidated state, even though Narasimhan and his son Parthasarathy conduct Oru Kala Puja.
A person belonging to Srivatsa Gothram visited this temple recently and decided to renovate it. He has started a trust in the name of Elanagar Perumal Koil.
Devotees who wish to contribute towards this renovation project and Kumbabishekam may send in their donations in the form of cheque drawn in favour of Elanagar Perumal Koil Trust to: Prakash Flats, New No. 14/2, Old No. 26/2, Giri Street, West Mambalam, Chennai - 600 033 (Ph: 24742282).
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