The Hindu Religious and Endowments Board (HR&CE) are likely to renovate the 700-year-old historic ‘Masilamaninathar temple’, which has Chinese architecture, at Tarangambadi in Nagapattinam district.
Talking to reporters at Tarangabadi after inspecting the temple today, board’s Joint Commissioner Haripriya said the government had allocated Rs one crore for its renovation.
A feasibility study on the renovation works was now being conducted as the temple was located at sea shore. Effective ways to safeguard the structure from sea erosion after renovation was being studied, she said.
The temple was built in 1305 AD by Pandya King Maravarman Kulasekara Pandiyan. The architectural works in the temple were considered to be based on the Chinese model.
The five-layered Rajagopuram of this temple was constructed in accordance with Chinese style.
The temple was damaged in the sea tides and the 2004 tsunami.
