President Kovind had darshan of Athi Varadar

Chennai, July 12 (IANS) President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday had 'darshan' of Athi Varadar at Devarajaswami Temple in Kanchipuram.The 12-foot idol of Athi Varadar (made out of fig tree), lying in a silver casket underwater in the temple tank for the past 40 years, was taken out on June 28 early morning.Devotees were allowed to have 'darshan' for 48 days from July 1 to August 17 at the Devarajaswami temple, popularly known as Varadaraja Perumal Temple.Earlier on his arrival here on two-day visit, Kovind was received at the airport by Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Chief Minister K. Palaniswami, Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and others.Kovind later flew to Kanchipuram in a helicopter, had 'darshan' of Athi Varadar and returned here.The last time Athi Varadar was raised out of the water was on July 2, 1979.Normally a person can have 'darshan' of Athi Varadar once or twice in a lifetime.
--IANS vj/niy/