Shri C. Divakaran, MLA, Nedumangadu Constituency

Shri Palode Ravi, Former Deputy Speaker

Shri Venugopalan Nair, President, Pothencode Panchayath

Shri R. Shivankutty Nair, Secretary, Temple Trust

Shri R. Latheesh Kumar, Convener,

Shri K. Vijayakumar, Joint Secretary,

Friends in Media,

Sahodaree Sahodaranmaare,

Ellaavarkkum Ente Namaskaaram,

It gives me great joy to be with you all to inaugurate the Raja Gopuram and Sheeveli Pura of Sree Panimoola Devi Temple in Pothencode Panchayat of Thiruvananthapuram.

Let me begin by appreciating the dedication of the Temple Committee and the devotees in completing the construction of the Rajagopuram and the Sheeveli Pura in an elegant manner. I understand that the Sree Panimoola Devi Temple has the distinction of having its idols placed by the Tantri who placed the idol at Sabarimala temple. I have been also informed that the black stones used in the construction was brought from Myladi in Tamil Nadu and that many craftsmen had spent days and nights etching stones and sculpting divine figures for the Saraswathi Mandapam. The realization of all these efforts make this year's seven day festival very special for people of the seven villages around the temple. I consider myself fortunate to have paid my first visit to this temple on such an auspicious occasion.

In Kerala, as in other parts of our country, temples function as a unifying force in society. They are places of worship, but as institutions, they attract people of more than one faith. In most places, a temple is seen as the abode of a presiding deity who is believed to protect an area from calamities, disease and deprivation. No wonder, the first yield in many of our farms go as offering to the temples. I am informed that in Sree Panimoola Devi Temple, the festival is held once in two years and that for people, religion and caste are no hindrance to attend the festival and the programmes in connection with it.

Such faith that often transcends religious and other barriers, is visible in and around hundreds of our places of worship. Our social harmony has been created on the strength of this unfailing faith. As devotees who rely on the divine power, we are duty bound to maintain to this harmony in society.

Among the temples, those dedicated to the various incarnations of Devi or Durga are deemed to be powerful. The Rig-Veda refers to the Goddess as one who resides in the essence of the Universe; other texts call her the supreme power that destroys evil. Whatever be the mythological interpretations, we could consider the Goddess as the celebration of the power of Womanhood. Symbolically, the devotion to the Goddess reminds us of our responsibility to respect motherhood and women in general. Let us not forget what Swamy Vivekanandan once said : “The ideal woman in India is the mother; the mother first and the mother last”

Temples also contribute greatly to the tourism potential of our State and the country. Every morning, people thronging to temples is a common sight in India. Temple architecture has its special characteristics and every temple is believed to have adhered to certain calculations in terms of location and structure. Since people believe in their prayers getting realized in temples, the urge to visit temples has contributed to Pilgrimage Tourism in India. These visits also help in creating understanding among people about our culture and history. Thus, the places of worship also serve to unite people through the bond of a shared culture and history.

Our temples attract a lot of wealth through people's contribution. The Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple is a classic example. However, I am also informed that among the Temples under the Dewaswom Board, there are some which do not generate much income and that such temples are managed with the help of the wealth of those which have good income. The point is that administrators of each temple should ensure that a portion of the income should also be spent to make adequate facilities for the comfort of the pilgrims and devotees.

Since the philosophy behind places of worship is the well being of people, I feel religious institutions should come forward to alleviate poverty and hunger in society. It is gratifying to note that many temples conduct regular Anna-daanam and some manage orphanages and old age homes for the destitutes. All these are socially useful ventures that bring out the divinity in Man.

Considering the damage that is happening to our environment, I feel temple festivals should also adhere to Green Protocol and reduction of air and noise pollution. Protecting Mother Earth is also to be seen as another way of showing our devotion.

I hope and pray that the Sree Panimoola Devi Temple continues to enjoy the devotion and co-operation of more people and that this religious institution will prosper more in the years to come. I hope the Rajagopuram, built under the guidance of master craftsman Shri Kaanippayyoor Krishnan Namboothiri raises the prestige of this temple.

I compliment the organizers for conducting this function in a befitting manner.

Ellavarkkum Ente Aashamsakal

Nanni

Jai Hind