The Nataraja (Sabanayakar) temple in Chidambaram, Ranganathaswamy temple in Srirangam, Meenakshi Sundaraeswarar temple in Madurai, Kallazhagar temple in Azhagarkoil near Madurai, and Devarajaswamy temple in Kancheepuram are among 49 temples that have been sanctioned Rs.22.50 crore for heritage conservation.
The allocation has been made under a scheme being implemented with financial assistance from the 13th Finance Commission. An order issued by the Tourism, Culture and Religious Endowments Department last week stated that renovation could be carried out in the temples without disturbing the original character.
The temples that received the assistance this year included the Nataraja temple - Rs. 2.5 crore; Ranganathaswamy temple - Rs. 1 crore; Mathiayanatheswarar temple in Thirukoilur taluk of Villupuram district – Rs. 65 lakh; Aabathsagayeswarar temple in Kumbakonam taluk of Thanjavur – Rs. 55 lakh; Boomeswarar temple in Kudimallur, Walajah taluk of the Vellore district and Anantheeswarar temple in Panruti taluk of Cuddalore – Rs. 51 lakh each and the two Madurai temples and the Deverajaswamy temple – Rs. 50 lakh each.
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Before the work of renovation was taken up, the authorities concerned – Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments and the Public Works Department – should approach either of the State government-constituted committees – panel of archaeological experts or panel of specialists of chemical conservation – for inspection. It was on the basis of the scrutiny of the experts that the work could begin, an official explained.