Solar panels installed at Thiruvanaikoil Sri Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari temple

The authorities of Sri Jambukeswar Akilandeswari temple at Thiruvanaikoil here have begun to harness solar power to reduce power bills and to serve as a backup for the temple’s daily energy requirements.

A total of 40 solar panels have been installed atop the Vasantha Mandapam inside the precincts of the temple which is one of the ‘pancha bootha sthalam’ representing water.

The 10 KW on grid solar powered system was put in place recently at a cost of ₹5 lakh using temple funds, said the temple authorities.  Solar power generated through the system would be used as backup to meet the daily electricity requirements of the temple which is under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department. The system is connected to the power room near the Vasantha Mandapam. 

Situated between the Cauvery and the Kollidam, the temple is spread over an area of 18 acres with separate shrines for Sri Jambukeswarar, Sri Akilandeswari and other deities.  A temple official said the main aim of putting in place the system was to harness solar power as an eco-friendly measure to cut down on the power bills in the long run.