Madurai: Devotees and visitors to the Meenakshi Amman temple were in for a colourful surprise when the 100-metre barren stretches from the corporation car parking towards the temple was covered by a canopy of umbrellas.

As many as 180 huge umbrellas of various colours were erected by the city corporation with a view to provide shady pathway for people walking towards the temple and lift their spirit through multiple hued auras.

This ‘umbrella roof' was a huge hit among the devotees and the images went viral within four days of its inauguration. "Nearly 4,000 people have liked it in corporation facebook wall and many also shared it with their friends," said a senior officer of the corporation.

Sandeep Nanduri, the city corporation commissioner, told Deccan Chronicle that this initiative was aimed at providing a shaded pathway and a refreshing walk for the visitors to the temple.

The tourists were seen taking selfies while children were seen jumping enthusiastically after seeing the colourful umbrellas. "It was thrilled when I get out the car to see the umbrella roof welcoming us. In fact we spent few minutes taking pictures before leaving for the temple," said Siva who came along with his family from Tirunelveli.

Arithi Singh from New Delhi along with his daughter had clicked pictures in the spot. "Our first visit to the temple city turned out to be an exciting one. Seeing these colourful umbrellas after a long journey is really refreshing," Singh, an engineer by profession, said. His daughter Tinisha Singh added that she had accompanied her parents to various temples, but never seen an umbrella roof like this.

Welcoming the initiative, local devotees wants the city corporation to set up similar umbrella roofs at least for a few metres in the four Chitrai streets before the annual Chitrai festival next month. Responding positively, the commissioner Sandeep Nanduri said that they are planning a similar initiative in the four Chitrai streets too, but before that we need to discuss it with the city police because it shouldn't block the CCTV installed in those areas for security," The umbrella roof near the car parking was erected at a cost of Rs 1.5 lakh with a private sponsor. "We will look for private sponsors to do similar work in Chitrai streets," he added.