Kancheepuram, Mar 23: Nepal's King Gyanendra accompanied by Queen Komal arrived here today and unveiled a 'gold kalasam' atop the enclosure around Adi Sankara's 60-feet statue and offered prayers at the nearby Kamakshiamman Temple. The royal couple was here to participate in the 50th anniversary celebration of Jayendra Saraswathi's ascension to the throne of Kanchi Kamakoti mutt.
They visited the deemed University of Chandrashekarendra Saraswathi Viswamaha Vidyalaya and were received by Jayendra and Sri Sankaravijayendra Sarawathi, the junior pontiff.
The King, after touring the university and its library, went to the 60-feet statue of Adi Sankara around which a stone enclosure has been constructed, with a golden kalasam worth Rs two lakh, atop it. After placing flowers at the foot of the statue, a plaque was unveiled by them highlighting the installation of the kalasam.
They also planted two naaval tree saplings near the statue.
Later, they visited Kamakshiamman temple where the King offered golden ornaments and apparel to the deity and performed puja. The acharyas were also present at the sanctum.
The King and Queen then visited the mutt. After performing 'padapuja' to Jayendra, the royal couple had a brief in-camera meeting with the acharyas.
Incidentally, King Birendra of Nepal, during this visit to Kanchi in 1993, did Padapuja to Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi.
Bureau Report