Tripunithura/Ernakulam:
Devotees’ plea to protect the golden caparisons used for the idol carrying elephant of Lord Poornathrayeesa during the annual festival and during other special occasions get stronger as the Devaswom moves at a steadier pace to get it renovated. The governing body of the temple, the Cochin Devaswom Board and the Sree Poornathrayeesa Seva Sanghom, the temple’s management in-charge body recently decided to get the caparisons (Nettipattom and Kolam) refurbished and had launched the fundraiser.
Although the fundraiser initially was pushed stating that the move was to make new sets, the latest press release announcing their motive to use the gold from the antique pieces has elicited shock and fear among devotees and others concerned. Dating back a few hundreds of years, the golden caparisons are composed of rare and precious stones and gems.
