Installation of Moolavars: Sri Rama, Sri Seetha & Sri Lakshmana
Unexpectedly, Shri Kodiyalam Varadhan of Nungambakkam (Retd. Director of Collegiate Education) volunteered to sponsor the moolavars’ installation. This aligned with Sri Rama Anjaneya’s divine will. Shri Varadhan and family ordered the idols from Mahabalipuram. Upon inspecting the moulds, he found “Seetha” sculpted in Kalyana Kolam.
Pundit Sri Mathuranthakam Rajagopalachariar and other Vidwans endorsed the installation, stating it was Lord RamaAnjaneya’s wish to see Rama and Seetha in this divine seated form. Thus, the moolavars were named “Sri Seetha, Lakshmana, Hanumath Sametha, Kalyana Raman.” According to Ramayanam, Sri Anjaneya never had darshan of Rama in this form; at Pozhichalur, his wish was fulfilled.
Sri Varadhan was a staunch devotee of Sri Rama. He recited Valmeeki Ramayanam daily and only ate after completing his prayers. He visited Pozhichalur two or three times a year, particularly for Sri Ramanavami and Prathishta Dinam. On these occasions, he fasted entirely, not even drinking water.
In April 2005, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He informed his doctors and family that he would admit himself to the hospital only after the Sri Ramanavami festival. He kept his fast, attended the event, and admitted himself the next day.
He later became bedridden. Despite severe pain, he attended both the Prathishta Dinam (Sept 2005) and Sri Ramanavami (April 2006). On 27 May 2006, a day before his passing, he told his family he was awaiting someone. The next morning, they found him standing with hands raised in prayer, chanting “Rama Rama,” before peacefully passing away.
Despite his immobility, he rose to receive his Lord. This miraculous event occurred before the eyes of his learned family on 28 May 2006 at No.14/4, 5th Cross Street, Dr. Thirumoorthy Nagar, Nungambakkam, Chennai.
Indeed, the cause-and-effect principle was again demonstrated. Let all our causes serve Sri Rama.