Madurai, September 24, 2013: around the Golden Lotus Tank in the Meenakshi Amman temple that are full of intricate carvings and sculptures dating back to the regime of Thirumalai Naicker will soon get a facelift.

“The pillars there weren’t aligned and were of different heights as well. The impact of this was felt on the structure on top which began developing cracks and the pillars too had gotten damaged over the years due to corrosion” said an engineer at the temple, delving into the reasons behind the current renovation.

An inspection of the pillars by a special team consisting of PWD officials, archaeologists and academics from IIT Madras and Anna University had been organised in May 2012.

“Post this committee inspection, we took the decision based on the report they submitted to renovate and restore these pillars,” said P Jayaraman, Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.

The Joint Commissioner also said that steps were being taken to replicate the same designs on the pillars.

“We are not looking to destroy the historical significance attached to the structures. The same designs will be carved. We have sourced natural granite blocks from Koira Village in Karnataka,” he explained.

While the pillars on the southern side are being renovated at a cost of Rs 47 lakh, the pillars on the eastern part will soon be restored at a proposed budget of Rs.41 lakh.

Source: The Hindu, September 24, 2013