Artisans specialising in intricate artwork of temples, including the Golden Temple in Amritsar, will restore a heritage temple in the city.
With local artisans unable to execute suitable gold, silver and glass artwork in the restoration of the 100-year-old Juna Jain Mandir on Mint Street, the temple trust has roped in artisans from the north-western region of the country.
“Teams of artisans from Amritsar have visited the heritage building and studied its architecture and artwork. The intricate artwork in the temple is unique. Earlier, we failed to get technical support from Guangzhou in China to give the temple a makeover,” said Nirmal Bhurath, trustee of the heritage structure.
The trustees have requested the Chennai Corporation to remove any hindrances to the restoration of the structure, before February 1, 2015, when the temple’s centenary celebrations will be launched, post the makeover. Regulation of dilapidated structures around the heritage building has been a challenge.
“The collapse of old buildings is a cause for concern. The Chennai Corporation and Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority are unable to intervene. Cracks are developing in the temple, but damaged structures nearby hinder its restoration. The Corporation or the heritage conservation committee is yet to offer a solution,” said another trustee. “Every day, members belonging to three generations of a family visit the temple for puja,” said Pannalal Singhvi, convenor of the centenary celebrations.
A team of artisans from Ajmer district in Rajasthan have initiated ‘bhel patt’ design artwork on the temple recently. Silver and gold artwork will be taken up shortly.
