Vadapalani temple SMSes to help devotees

Chennai: Of all the sacred abodes of Lord Muruga, the Andavar temple at Vadapalani in the city is perhaps the first to flex technology to appeal to the religious minded. The latest initiative is to offer information about the temple festivals through SMS.

This novel enterprise which mandates the registration of mobile numbers and names of the devotees, will ensure seamless messaging of information about the numerous festivals and other important events held at the temple all through the year.

The Vadapalani temple, which was built in late 19th century, is also the first temple in the state to offer the unique SMS service for free.

“We have planned this service for the benefit of the devotees of Lord Muruga who could plan their visits to the temple well in advance. Being a SMS service, this facility could be availed by anyone desirous of it and residing in any part of the country,” an official said.

The temple authorities who hit upon this plan had obtained permission from the higher officials and launched it.

Apart from this, the 360 degree virtual tour on the temple website is also unique to this temple where the Lord Murugan is seen wearing footwear here. There is also a separate Sanadhi for Angaran.

The Sri Subrahmanya Swamy temple, Tiruchendur, which is the second sacred abode of the Lord Murugan, Sri Dhandayuthapaniswamy temple at Palani, which is the third Padaiveedu of the Lord, Sri Subramanya Swamy temple, Thirupparamkunram near Madurai and Sri Swaminatha Swamy temple, Swamimalai, are among the Murugan temples to introduce numerous e-services like e-hundi, e-donation and e-booking of sevas.