Chennai, June 20: The consecration of the renovated Maha Saraswathi temple at Koothanaur in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvarur district, said to be the only ancient temple dedicated to the Goddess of knowledge and wisdom, will be performed on July six, consecration committee members Dr N Mathrubootham and G Ganesan said today. The renovation of the temple had been undertaken at a cost of Rs 55 lakh, they told reporters here.

The consecration of the temple was last held in 1987.

According to legend, the presiding deity of the temple, Maha Saraswathi, had blessed a dumb, Ottakoothar, who later became one of famous poet of Chola period, after whom the village had been named.

Raja Raja Chola II of Chola dynasty had gifted the village to the poet.

The consecration committee had constructed a Rajagopuram for the over 1000 year old temple, they said.

The committee had also made a "thanga pavadai" (golden skirt) made out of one kg of gold for the goddess.

The Sankarachayarya of Kanchi, Sri Jayendra Saraswati, would be present during the consecration, they added.

Bureau Report