Nalgonda, September 16, 2013: The historical Chaya Someshwara Swamy temple located at Panagal is all set to get a new look very soon as the Department of Archaeology and Museums is preparing to provide chemical treatment to the temple walls to remove fungus.

The chemical wing staff of the department, following the directions of Director K. Pulla Rao, arrived at Panagal and took the measurements of the temple walls to prepare proposals for the chemical treatment.

Speaking to The Hindu over phone, Assistant Chemist K. Rambabu, who is entrusted with preparing the proposals for the prestigious project, said the temple chairman G. Ananta Reddy approached many times asking them to provide chemical treatment to the temple.

Saying that the estimated cost of the project is about Rs. 10 lakh, the Assistant Chemist said he will submit the proposals to the director on September 16.

Once the director approves the project and sanctions funds, they will start the work of treating 3,400 square meter long walls which is expected to take three months time, Mr. Rambabu said.

He said the Archaeology and Museums Department does not allow painting of walls build of rock as it mars the natural sheen of the temple. As Chaya Someshwara Swamy temple was built by Kundur Cholas who ruled Nalgonda, Khammam and Mahabubnagar districts between 1040 AD and 1290 AD, Mr. Rambabu said the temple walls were painted many a times by various successive kings. Due to lack of regular maintenance over the years, the walls have gathered fungus.

He informed that they will use natural detergents and Ammonia to remove fungus, Oxalic Acid to remove enamel, Formalin and other chemicals to remove white cement. They will also take up measures to preserve the temple walls.

Mr. Rambabu also said that they will employ local labourers to execute the project.

Temple chairman Ananta Reddy and Technical Assistant at Panagal Museum P. Nagaraju, who assisted the team in taking measurements, welcomed the department’s decision.

Source: The Hindu, September 16, 2013