Work begins on new rajagopuram for Tiruvellarai temple

The structure will be built in accordance with the ‘agama’ principles

MAJESTIC: Work on the construction of rajagopuram atop the Mottaigopuram at Sri Pundarikakshaperumal Temple in Tiruvellarai near Tiruchi has been in progress.

Work on the construction of ‘rajagopuram’ for the Sri Pundarikaksha Perumal temple, one of the 108 Vaishnavite Divyadesams, at Tiruvellarai near Mannachanallur in the district is in full swing.

The project is mooted by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment Department.

The majestic seven-tier ‘rajagopuram’ of this sub-temple of Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple will be built in accordance with the ‘agama’ principles, according to HR&CE sources.

The source said that the structural stability of the basement, known as ‘mottai gopuram’, has been carefully studied. The brick work was an engineering marvel and no vegetation had grown over the decades.

However, with a view to strengthen the basement, preliminary works are being executed so that, construction of the tiers over it could be taken up in a phased manner.

The work is being executed through a couple of donors from Coimbatore.

“Even the lime is being brought from Pollachi where quality lime is available. The building material mix is prepared using conventional method,” the source told The Hindu . Scaffoldings have been set up all around the mottai gopuram both inside and outside the main entrance.

Devotees are not permitted to enter the temple through the ‘mottai gopuram’ entrance and are being advised to use the entrance on the southern side of the temple.