We met Amma’s childhood friend Seshi Mami and her husband Rajamani Mama in 2019. Rajamani Mama is a specialist in doing alankaram (decoration is a very loose translation) for the deities in a temple.
I got connected to Rajamani Mama’s son Narayana Bhattar, who manages the Ashtamsha Sri Varadha Anjaneyar temple at Peelamedu, Coimbatore. Narayanan Anna sends me pictures of the alankaram that he does for Anjaneyar and am always bowled over ! I send these photographs to several friends of mine who are Hanuman Bhakts and every one of them appreciates not just the effort but the creativity involved in it.
Alankaram should be treated as an art form. Not every bhattar (loose translation is priest) has the ability to do it beautifully and with finesse. Just like the kolam (rangoli) the creativity involved is of a different level.
Alankaram at Ashtamsha Sri Varadha Anjaneyar temple at Peelamedu, Coimbatore
Please see the pictures below and enjoy the various “looks” that Hanuman is given 🙂
I read about this temple on its Facebook group – Ashtamsha Sri Varadha Anjaneyar Temple – Peelamedu, Coimbatore.
I think like Bhagwan Ganesha, Hanuman lends himself to alankarams really well. He looks so cute in all his finery !
For Vishu Kani this year on April 14th it was 10,008 Palakaapu Alankaram. Watch the stunning video –
The world needs the Sanjeevani urgently that will deliver us from this pandemic. Am sure the vaccine is that Sanjeevani and we will soon get back to our regular routines. Jai Shri Ram. Jai Bajrang Bali.
Beautiful alankarams