THANJAVUR, June 9: The `Mahakumbhabhishekam' (consecration ceremony) of the world famous `big' temple, dedicated to Lord Brahadeeswara, was held here today, in an austere manner amidst the chanting of `veda mantras' by over 100 shivacharyars (priests).The `Mahakumbhabhishekam' which was to have been held yesterday, was postponed as per the advice of the Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi, following the tragic fire accident at the temple's yagasala on Saturday night in which 41 persons were killed.Eighteen `kalasams' containing sared water from the holy rivers were taken in a procession and the water poured on the vimana atop the sannadhi of the presiding deity, Lord Brahadeeswara, and other temples. About two lakh devotees, who had converged near the temple, chanted Hara Hara Mahadeva. The devotees preferred to stay outside the temple, atop buildings, trees and even the outer wall, to offer worship.BANGALORE. June 9: Karnataka Chief Minister J H Patel, on Monday, snubbed Union Minister for Textiles R L Jalappa for stating that the ongoing battle between Laloo Prasad Yadav and Sharad Yadav for Janata Dal presidency would jeopardise the governments in Karnataka and Bihar.Speaking to media persons before the Council of Ministers meeting here, Patel asked ``how does the poll outcome affects my government''. ``The statement (by Jalappa) is either irresponsible or born out of ignorance. The result has got nothing to do with my government and whoever imagines that it will affect the government, stands corrected", he remarked.Patel also categorically ruled out the possibility of a split in the Janata Dal. he chief minister said he was in agreement with those who had been advocating that the new president should be elected through consensus. But at the same time, the party should not be averse to an election, if it became inevitable he said. He said that in the present situation, an election seemed inevitable. The chief minister said he had tried to bring about a reconciliation between Laloo Prasad Yadav and Sharad Yadav, but both would not retract on their decision to fight it out he said. At the meeting of the Council of Ministers today, Patel advised them not to campaign for any candidate or issue statements to the press declaring their support to any one of them.
