Nearly 90% of the works taken up for the kumbabhishekam of Sri Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple here had been completed and the remaining 10% works would be executed as per schedule, said Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department Minister S. Ramesh here on Thursday.

Speaking to media persons briefly after inspecting the shrine along with HR&CE Department officials, Mr. Ramesh said the works were taken up as per the agama sasthra. The kumbabhishekam for the world famous shrine was scheduled to be performed on September 17. The last kumbabhishekam was done in 2009.

He said adequate care had been taken to complete all the works, including on Vasantha Rayar Mandapam that was damaged in a fire accident in 2018. The pillars had been replaced and final touches were being given.

The Minister had a darshan of the deities by joining the queue. He went around the annadhanam centre and enquired with the employees about the number of beneficiaries who took the food daily. He tasted the free laddu, which is being given as prasadam to the devotees.

The potable water in the vicinity was also tested and the officials said they periodically sent samples to a laboratory and check its quality.

Though the Minister did not take any questions, he largely shared information about the kumbabhishekam works in progress. He is understood to have asked for report on the alleged malpractice in sale of tickets for special darshan in Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar sannidhis following complaints from devotees.

He also inquired about the newly constructed Yatri Nivas on the land belonging to the HR&CE Department at Ellis Nagar and asked the reasons for its non-functioning, an official said.