Work in the site of the Satabdi ManiMandapam was inaugurated on June 9 , 1997 in Orirukkai in the presence of Smt.M.S.Subbulakshmi and Sri.T.Sadasivam of " Kalki " . The Auspicious Ceremony called " Sankusthapanam " in the agama Sastras. The Fillip to the work was provided by the munificence of an Indian lady doctor living in Boston U.S.A, her generous donation of 20 thousand dollars in two installments is a landmark in the progress of the ManiMandapam work. The other generous donor also is a lady of devotee of Kanchi Mahaswami - Smt.M.S.Subbulakshmi, [ now 85 + ] and her patriot husband late T.Sadasivam contributed Rs.30 Lakhs from Music Concerts and royalties from cassettes. But, be it noted all amounts, big or small , will help in pursuing the project forward; no sum is negligible. Periodical contributions [ as paid to Tirumala Shrine ] will also be of help. Spreading the message by word or mouth, is working wonders. The Trust without any exception are conscious that the sacred work is progressing purely by the Grace of His Holiness. Theirs is a richly rewarding spiritual experience on a day-to-day basis.
What is a Mani Mandapam?
A Manimandapam is an edifice in token of homage by a grateful public or group of disciples to
a contemporary saint or stalwart or to an historic figure worthy of tribute.
This Manimandapam is also a temple in the sense that it is meant to be a center of learning, promote
universal understanding and preserve India's ancient culture and heritage, but unlike a temple which has
a presiding deity (Gods and Goddesses), this is dedicated to the Sage of Kanchi.
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Has a Mani Mandapam ever been built before for any other saint?
Manimandapams are there in Tamilnadu for some historical figures but this is actually a
Satabdhi Manimandapam to mark the birth centenary of the sage of Kanchi. That way it is the
first of its kind - Unique.
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Will it have a Garba Graham? If so, who will be the main deity?
Yes, it will have one.
The sacred Sandals(Padukas) of the sage of Kanchi will be adorning the sanctum sanctorum of
this Satabdhi Manimandapam.
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Is it architecturally/or in any other way different from building a temple?
In the case of this Satabdhi manimandapam, it is not so different from building a temple. It is
an all granite structure architechturally blending Chola, Pandian and Pallava styles of architecture
-Unique in its own way as the construction and sculpting work are being done in strict conformity with
the Agama sastras.
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What will be the main Poojas?
Pujas to the sacred sandals in the Sanctum Sanctorum will be in accordance with the established
traditions of Sri Kanchi Sankara Mutt in such Matters.
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Whom should I make out the cheque to?
Please make out all cheques to " SSSMM Trust "
whose address is
" Sivan-Subham ",
Old No.11, New No.12, First Main Road,
Kotturpuram , Chennai - 600 085.
Tamil Nadu , India.
E-Mail : soulful@jayajayasankara.org
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My son/daughter is in the US? What is the easiest way for them to send money to the trust?
Easiest Way for them is by remitting U.S Dollars to
UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL
NEWYORK,
SWIFT CODE US 33 NYK-ABA NO.505 FEDWIRE 026005050
FOR CREDIT OF ACCOUNT NO. 01-134536-1121 OF
CANARA BANK FOREIGN DEPARTMENT MADRAS, INDIA
FOR FURTHER CREDIT TO SB A/C NO. 51495 OF SSSMM TRUST
With CANARA BANK, NUNGAMBAKKAM,CHENNAI.
You can also send Rupee drafts in favor of "SSSMM Trust", but that would take more time to send.
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Are contributions to the trust tax deductible>
Donation to the SSSMM Trust are Exempt from tax in India under
Section 80G office IncomeTax Act, 1961 Up to 31/03/2005 vide Communication.No.
DIT(E)2(31)/91-92 of the office of the Director of Income Tax (Exemptions)
Chennai 600034,dated 07/05/2002.
The SSSMM trust will immediately mail you a proper receipt once your amount has been received.
Devotees in the U.S. and elsewhere outside India will have to explore ways to obtain Tax Exemption
for Donations to this Trust from the Government there.
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How much construction work has been completed so far?
Everything that will go to make the Sanctum Sanctorum is now ready. After excavation of the site
chosen for it is done, and foundation is laid there on, the temple to house the Sacred Sandals
of the Sage of Kanchi will come into view soon.
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Who is the architect?
Padmashri S.M. Ganapathi Sthapathiyar is the architect. He served the government of
AndhraPradesh as Chief Engineer for many years and has to his credit, construction and
renovation of many temples in India and the U.S. He lives in Kancheepuram and is
devoted to this Project.
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How many people are working at the site?
About 70 Skilled workers (Sculptors) with 30 semi-skilled assistants are now working at the 7.5-acre
site. More people can be put to work if there is a greater flow of funds to meet their wage bill and cost
of stones.
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How do I reach the site?
The site is located at a distance of 9kms off the Banglore Highway as you turn towards Kancheepuram
on the Highway. Milestones at every KM point the way to the site of the Manimandapam. It is just 5 kms
away from the Town Bus stand on the Uthiramerur Road.
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Who are the main sponsors?
The SriSriSri Mahalakshmi Mathrubutheswarar Trust (SSSMM Trust in short) functioning now from
Old No. 11, New No. 12, First Main Road, Kotturpuram,Chennai-600085.
Heading the list of Trustees is Padmashri T.H. "Vikku" Vinayakaram. Other Trustees are.
Sarvashri
(1) M.Subharaman, Retd.Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Bombay.
(2) V.Ramaratnam, Mechanical Engineer.
(3) K.Vedamurthy, LIC of India(Retd.)
(4) N.Subramanian,Civil Engineer of M.Narayanaswamy&Co Gopalapurum.
(5) T.H.Subhash Chandran, Ghatam Artist.
(6) V.Murali("Kalki").
(7) K.R.Athmanathan(Secretary to Bharat Ratna Smt M.S.Subbulakshmi).
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When is it expected to be complete?
Even if all the money required for completion of this project is at hand now, it will take not less
than four years to complete - there is so much of sculpting work involved in it.
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What is the current estimate? How much has been collected so far?
Current Estimate of this Project Stands at Rupees 12 crores.(2.5 Million dollars).
About three crores have been collected from the devotees in India and Abroad, and have been spent
in buying Granite stones and meeting the wage bill. Padmashri S.M. Ganapathi sthapathi is rendering
his services to the project,free of charge.
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Can I send anything other than money?
Yes, you will be advised on your getting in touch with the Trust.
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Is the Kanchi Mutt involved in any way with this effort?
Though the Kanchi mutt is not officially involved, both the illustrious Peedathipathis of the Mutt,
Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and Sri Sankara Vijayandera Saraswathi Swamigal have blessed this
noble effort by issuing a Srimukham(Go-ahead message) for Collection of funds for this project and
by visiting the site to see for themselves the progress of the work.
Queen Irene of Greece visited the Spot on the advice of Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal.
And wrote in the Visitors book:
"It is a fitting Tribute to a Saint who spent his Entire life for the Welfare of Humanity".
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Who is the inspiration behind this Mani mandapam?
It is the vision of one of the humblest of humble Devotees of Sri Kanchi Mahaswami by name
V. VenkataramanaIyer. He was affectionately called Pradosham Mama by Fellow Devotees as he never
failed to have darshan of the Kanchi Mahaswami (Mahaperiyava) on the evening of Pradosham
every fortnight, for many years, wherever His Holiness was camping at that time.
The SSSMM Trust is engaged in translating his dream Project into a concrete (Or rather Granite)
reality which will be a marvel of architecture and a temple of universal peace once it is completed
and consecrated.
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What are the special architectural features of this Manimandapam?
"Many of the architectural features of the Manimandapam are rare and delicate- The stone chains
that have taken three months to carve, the saptaswarasthmbam(pillar) that emits the seven notes of
the musical scale when tapped, the various types of pillars, the rudrakshas to be embedded on the
vimana of the sanctum sanctorum, the scenes from the life of Periyava to be depicted on the panels
and so on" from the article by Kausalya Santhanam in ("THE HINDU" dated 6 June 2001).
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How was Orirukkai chosen as the site of the Manimandapam?
The Devotee Sri Pradosham Mama of loving memory whose dream project is this ManiMantapam for Kanchi
Mahaswami, chose this site by inspiration, which later received the tacit approval of His Holiness himself.
It is narrated vividly, by Brahmasri S.Ganesa Sarma of TAFE in his seven day discourses in Tamil,
called Periyava Saptaham.
From the Hindu dated June 6 2001,
" Orirukkai promises to leap on the national map in a big way in a few years time both of the architectural
marvel that is springing up there and the spiritual solace it will offer to millions who are devotees of
Sri Chandrasekhara Saraswati Swamigal of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.
As you stand in the site, you realise what an ideal spot it is for the grand project. The breeze from the nearby
Palar River neutralises the heat of the noonday sun. Both here and in the huge sheds where the tinkle of chisel on
stone provides Rhythmic music, the bustle of the mundane seems far away "
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Why not build hospitals or orphanages to help people, instead of a Maninandapam?
Hospitals and orphanages and other charitable institutions do play an important role in alleviating the physical suffering of people. But mental and spiritual wellbeing is also an essential need of human beings - and this project endeavors to work to satisfy that need while at the same time paying a tribute to one of the greatest saints of this age. This Satabdi ManiMandapam, when completed, will be a center of serenity and understanding, to devotees in quest of peace. In a way, it will obviate the necessity for hospitals or orphanages, at least to some extent - with peace of mind paving the way for a sound mind in a sound body ; health problems will grow less day by day and when family life centers on morality and ethics, need for orphanages will slowly [ but surely ] disappear. Spiritual resorts of this type are the crying need of people torn by conflicts of every kind in the 21st Century....Top
When can I visit the Manimandapam?
Devotees are welcome to visit the Manimandapam anytime during the day and see the sculptors at work. You can also see the pillars and chains that will adorn the Garba Graham. Please sign the Guest Book which is with the manager Kandaswamy.