The condition of the damaged ‘Aanakkottil’ attached to the Sree Parthasarathy Temple complex on the banks of the river Pampa at Aranmula continues to be precarious allegedly due to the indifferent attitude of the Travancore Devaswom Board in repairing the high-roof structure on a war footing basis.
Experts say that the roof of this 231-year old high-roof elegant structure built in teak wood has been irrevocably damaged owing to the absence of proper maintenance and neglect. The wooden-roof is threatening to collapse, a danger to hundreds of devotees.
Major functions connected with festivals, Vallasadya offering, Thulabharom and so forth are held at the Aanakkottil. Moreover, not less than 150 devotees camp and rest here when the temple remains open.
Though the TDB has prepared an estimate of Rs. 8.5 lakh for repairs, no contractor has come forward to undertake the job, quoting the estimate to be grossly inadequate given the extent of damage.
The Temple Advisory Committee has called for a detailed inspection of the damaged building by a team of experts, including those from outside the TDB and revise the estimate, if necessary.
Mr. Rajagopal, TAC member, told The Hindu that the wooden planks on the roof have been badly damaged over the years. Many joints of the wall plates and rafters (Kazhukkol) have already been eaten by termites. Birds have made nests on the wooden roof and black beetles have made deep holes on the wooden planks.
He said the TAC would launch a peaceful agitation, if the TDB failed to repair the structure and ensure safety to the devotees with out further delay.
