Renovation of Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple involves a lot of challenges. This time, renovation does not just stop at taking up the usual programme such as painting the rajagopuram and colour-washing structures. A comprehensive renovation of ancient structures and monuments is one among them. For instance, renovation of the ‘Tirukottaram’ posed a challenge to the authorities. The ‘Tirukottaram’ which accounts for a series of five granaries is located at a place without access for moving building materials. Left with no option, the authorities had to demolish a part of the rampart wall to mobilise building materials. Devotees and historians heave a sigh of relief over renovation of the granaries, although it has been executed at the cost of a part of the prakaram.
Residents of the West Uthira Street in Srirangam have been sparing no efforts to protect the rampart wall of Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple.
Thick growth of vegetation on the ramparts has been posing a serious threat endangering the security of the residents. L.S. Gupta, one of the residents, says that he has to exercise caution by periodically cutting the branch of the tree so that its weight could be reduced to a considerable extent. Residents say that the problem is more pronounced during the monsoon when boulders roll down quite often. Immediate action should be taken for the protecting the wall. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment (HR and CE) Department has executed a pilot project for the restoration of the rampart of the Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple. About 50 metres of the stretch at the junction of Uthira and Chithra Streets has been completed, officials said. Based on its success, restoration of the damaged ramparts on the Saptha prakaram of the temple would be completed.
M. Balaganessin
