Tamil Nadu

Thirumayam fort draws more pilgrims

—Photo: R. Ashok

REFURBISHED LOOK: A renovated structure at the Thirumayam fort near Pudukottai.

PUDUKOTTAI: The completion of the third phase of renovation of the Thirumayam fort by the Archaeological Survey of India has helped in proper maintenance of the structure, besides attracting a large number of tourists.

The Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Sri Sathyamurthy and Sri Uyyavanda Nachiar and the Saivite temple for Sri Sathyagireeswarar-Sri Venuvaneeswari housed in the fort are a wonderful piece of rock-cut architecture.

Built by Vijaya Regunatha Thevar, the Sethupathy of Ramanathapuram, in 1687, the fort played an important role during the Tondaiman rule in Pudukottai.

During World War II, the fort was used as an arsenal by the British Army.

In the second phase, the three-tier merlons—at the top, middle and base of the fort— were renovated last year.

In the third phase, the Kottai Muniswaran mandapam was given a facelift.

The work that began late last year was completed a month ago.

Official sources said the influx of tourists had increased, as the renovation of the merlons had added to the splendour of the fort.

The revenue for the ASI had also gone up in the recent past. A large number of tourists and pilgrims visited the fort on public holidays and at weekends.

The fourth phase of renovation will begin shortly.

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