MADURAI
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Tuesday issued directions to the authorities of the iconic Adi Kesava Perumal Temple at Tiruvattar in Kanniyakumari district to take necessary measures in order to bring the temple to its original condition.
Justice R. Mahadevan observed that the temple had to be restored in tune with its fame, antiquity and importance and preserved with utmost care. Restoring the original condition of the temple meant carrying out measures to bring the inscriptions, sculptures and images found in the temple to their original shape and preserving them, the judge said.
The court took cognisance of the report filed by the Advocate Commissioners appointed in the case and observed that Indians, particularly Tamilians, should be proud of having the most number of Divyadesams. The Adi Kesava Perumal Temple was older than Sri Anantha Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, the court said.
The court directed the authorities to carry out civil works to restore the temple’s mandapam and other structures, while protecting the architectural marvels of the temple. The kodimaram had to be made with stability, strength and durability. Murals had to be preserved with the help of experts, for which assistance could be obtained from Archaeology department.
Necessary records of stone inscriptions had to be maintained. Wooden carvings, roofs, copper plates and antique utensils should also be preserved, the court said.
In order to enhance safety of the temple, the court directed the authorities to provide proper lighting, instal CCTV cameras and increase the strength of employees. Encroachment on temple properties should be removed expeditiously, it said.
The directions had to be carried out within six months from the date of issue of the order, the court observed.
The court was hearing a petition filed by M. Ayyappan, who sought a direction to Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department and the temple authorities to appoint an expert committee to restore the temple to its original condition in order to perform its consecration.
