The 100-pillar mandapam of the rock-cut Sri Umayambikai - Sri Parvathigiriswarar temple under the maintenance of the Archaeological Survey of India in Kundrandarkovil in Pudukottai district has developed a number of cracks as renovation work remains unfinished.
While the temple is a rock-cut structure, the mandapam is an independent hall well outside the hillock. The ASI took up renovation of the temple in a phased manner. Firstly, it renovated the ‘vagana mandapam’ and completed it in 2001. Later, it took up renovation of the 100-pillar mandapam, much to the delight of the villagers and devotees. Although the stones were separated from part of the ceiling and numbered, the renovation work is yet to be completed.
The stones of the mandapam are seen strewn in front of the mandapam and the prakaram outside the temple. Temple priest K. L. Kumarasamy said that immediate action should be taken for the restoration of the mandapam which showcased the architectural skill of the ancient rulers. He said that the temple was similar to the structure of the Sri Gokarneswarar Temple in Tirugokarnam. According to villagers, though the matter was taken up with the district administration, no action has been taken. ASI sources say that the work would resume in due course of time.
