As always preparations for the Arunachala Deepam Festival start long before the function in conjunction with the local administration, revenue department, police and Temple authorities.
At the Temple; wooden levers have to be fashioned by carpenters, ready to be placed under the large wheels of the chariots that will be daily used throughout the Festival. Repair work is undertaken on all Temple chariots and vehicles.
Fire drills will be conducted at the Tanks inside the Arunachaleswarar Temple. And soon lights
on Arunachaleswarar Temple will be placed around the Temple Compound perimeter and on the Gopurams heralding the upcoming Festivities.
The giant cauldron which will be later carried to the top of Arunachala will be repaired and repainted. And arrangements have to be made for a mountain of ghee, to be stored in various rooms throughout the Temple.
To begin with some photographs of Temple clean up and preparations.
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| Men working on repair and painting, Big Chariot |
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| Each chariot has to be inspected and repaired |
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| Clean up outside the Shiva Sannidhi |
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| Arunachaleswarar Temple Flagpole |
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| Everything getting a good hose down |
