Suddha Rathneswarar Temple at Oottathur near Padalur on the Tiruchi–Chennai National Highway remains in a neglected condition. Absence of ‘palli arai’ and temple kitchen speaks volume about its poor condition.
The temple is noted for a rare image of Lord Natarajar, called as Sri Pancha Nadhanam Natarajar, which is adorned with ‘Vettiver’. The temple has an open well in front of the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Siva.
Thick growth of vegetation all around the ‘prakaram’ has been preventing devotees from going around the shrine. The temple car has not been in use for several decades for want of ornamental infrastructure. Although the temple car is intact, it has been exposed to rain and shine.
A shed should be constructed for its protection, say devotees. In the last six decades, the temple car has been used only twice for the annual procession which falls in May-June every year. Although the car festival was held after a prolonged gap last year, it was suspended this year due to bad condition of the North Car Street.
M. Periyasamy, a local villager, said that the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department should take action to renovate the temple which was last consecrated in March 2005. Adequate arrangement should be made for appointing a cook for the temple kitchen.
Officials said that steps were being taken to beautify the temple. Efforts were being taken to set up an office room for the temple. Steps were on for constructing a shed for the temple car.
