Date:29/10/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/10/29/stories/2006102900371800.htm

National

Preserving a national monument

Y. Mallikarjun

A feat in archaeological conservation involving a Warangal temple

PHOTO: M. MURALI

A THOUSAND PILLARS: At the Rudreswara Swamy Temple in Warangal.

HYDERABAD: The reconstruction of the `kalyana mantapam' at the Rudreswara Swamy Temple in Warangal is set to start on October 29. The temple is a national monument.

The showpiece mantapam, a platform for performing marriages, had become decrepit with its foundation sinking. The temple is popularly known as the `Thousand Pillar' Temple.

NIT appraisal

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that has maintained the temple since 1951, will take up the reconstruction based on a geo-engineering appraisal by the National Institute of Technology (NIT).

The temple, an example of Kakatiya architecture, was built in 1163 A.D. by King Rudra Deva. Erected on a star-shaped adishtana (a platform for devotees to circumambulate the mantapam), the temple is dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu and Surya. Nandi Mantapam and Kalyana Mantapam are also part of the complex, which stands on an extent of 2.41 acres.

Surviving vicissitudes

Over the last eight centuries, the foundation has survived several natural calamities, and vibrations caused by attacks on the nearbyWarangal Fort.

Since the temple was built on granite without binding material, the tremors could have dislocated the stones, but each architectural piece was interlocked with another, Jithendra Das, Superintending Archaeologist, told The Hindu.

Structure dismantled

Between April 2005 and February 2006, the ASI, with help from `sthapathis' from Tamil Nadu, dismantled the mantapam stone-by-stone. These components, including 119 of the original 132 pillars, were numbered and stored carefully near the Padmakshi Temple.

The 13 missing pillars will be replaced with new ones.

Dr. Das said the Rs. 3-crore reconstruction project would be completed in two years. The foundation would be consolidated based on NIT know-how to withstand earthquakes and other calamities for a thousand years. Steps would be taken to prevent percolation of water into the foundation.

J. Kedareswari, Director, Archaeology and Museums, said the work was being initiated 843 years after it was built.

"It is significant that it is happening on the eve of introduction of a Heritage Commission Bill in Parliament," she said.

The official recalled her department 's contribution in conserving the monument in the first half of the 20th century.

Before handing over the monument's maintenance to the ASI, it had removed encroachments, cleared vegetation on the ceiling, and built props and a revetment wall "to conserve this great Kakatiyan architectural marvel."