THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Lotus Parnasala, the 91-foot tall marble edifice at the Santhigiri Ashram, Pothencode, is to get a ‘luminous’ facelift in the form of an international lighting system. The imported LED lighting system, which is being installed, is believed to have used the less-energy consuming and long- lasting technology available today. LED lighting is regarded as the most eco-friendly lighting solution in the world.When the installation of the lighting system is complete, the entire external facade of the Parnasala consisting of 21 petals, will be illuminated with changing colours (blue, white and pink) in a programmed sequence. The three colours were chosen for their significance in mythology. The entire interior of the Parnasala, including the Sarakoodam, Muthukuda, the inner and outer pillars, Balalayam and the main gate, will be bathed in varying hues by the interior lights. The spectacular play of colours on the brilliant white marble of the Parnasala is expected to draw larger crowds in the evenings to the Ashram.Inside the Sarakoodam, the lotus-bud shaped inner sanctum, the holy image of the Guru is lighted with hidden reflected light from special mirrors placed above. Spot LED’s mounted on inner pillars throwing seven colours intermittently onto the ‘Muthukkuda’ (Decorated parasol) above the Sarakoodam is sure to be a visual treat. Wall-washing lights are mounted at ground level near the inside pillars . At the passages, warm white high density LED lights are installed as down lights mounted at the ceiling. The inner portion of the Balalayam is illuminated with adequate number of up lights (Warm light) provided from the ground-level to minimise shadows. For illuminating the exterior passage, the light fixtures are mounted at suitable places and for washing the external pillars. The idea of illumination was proposed by eminent cinematographer S Kumar, and the lighting concepts handled by 3S International, Canada. The Lotus Parnasala was dedicated to humanity on August 13, 2010, by Pratibha Patil, President. On September 12, 2010, A K Antony, Defence Minister, had declared the Lotus Parnasala open to the public for worship as the ‘Santhigiri Parampara’ celebrated the 84th birthday of its founder Navajyothisree Karunakara Guru.
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