An initiative by the ‘Podhu Dikshitars’ of the Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram to construct a new ‘mandapam’ in the complex has sparked a fresh controversy, prompting Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA K. Balakrishnan to seek the Chief Minister’s intervention.
Mr. Balakrishnan, who represents Chidambaram in the Assembly, said in a letter to Ms. Jayalalithaa that a new structure would not only mar the beauty of the temple, dedicated to the ‘Lord of Dance’ and known for its exquisite architecture and sculpture, but would also endanger the structural stability of the shrines and towers.
Normally permission was not granted for building new structures in the temple, the MLA pointed out.
The temple already had adequate facilities, so there was no need to put up additional structures. “It is illegal to construct a building without proper approval from the authorities,” he said.
While digging activities were going on, sources said the work was under way for building a ‘yaga saala.’ A deep trench for laying the foundation had been dug in the vast courtyard between the eastern and southern towers. From the size of the trench, it could be surmised that it was for a massive building. Pictures of the site also showed that the new structure was coming up close to the towers, he said.
Earlier, it housed an ill-maintained garden where fireworks were displayed during temple functions. The spacious courtyard used to accommodate a large number of devotees who came to witness the temple festivals.
‘An eyesore’Mr. Balakrishnan expressed apprehension that digging the earth with heavy construction machinery could undermine the structure of the temple and its walls.
“Any new addition will be an eyesore and will spoil the beauty of the temple. Moreover, during temple festivals, it will hinder the free movement of devotees,” he said.
