KOCHI: The Sree Narayana Valabha temple in Ernakulam is in the festival spirit. But not just the lights and rapture of the festival, but the occasion is also illuminating 10 more lives in the city. The temple management decided to cut short the expense but rather hoard the same money to build 10 houses in the city. The houses have reached completion and the key exchange ceremony will be held tomorrow in all glory. Each house cost Rs 8 lakhs.
The noble intentions of the management even brought the devotees and the people of the locality to join hands. Adding to the joy, cement and other essentials were given free of cost by traders to help meet the humane move. The temple was laid the foundation by the revered renaissance leader Sree Narayana guru. The current management is run by SNDP. The keys to the new houses will be exchanged to the families by SNDP general secretary Shri Vellapally Nateshan.
The Poothotta neighborhood had many people beseeching the government for homes. Some wish fulfilled while the majority had to endure a long wait but to no avail. The yearly ceremony at the temple was halted after the covid pandemic which helped hoard all the money saved during that time.
Applications were asked for homes from people in the neighborhood. From this, 20 people were selected and then 10 were finalized. The management meanwhile looks to continue with the noble deed and has promised to build another ten houses before next year's festival.