2 days ago
Buried 100 years ago, HR&CE unearths temple near Trichy
Trichy: Restoration work is underway on a temple that lay buried for nearly a century in Vidathilampatti village near Manapparai, Trichy, officials from the Hindu religious and charitable endowments (HR&CE) department said.
The Pattatharasi Amman Temple is being excavated with an initial grant of ₹2 lakh from the Village Temple Renovation Fund. As the work progressed and the structure was found to be largely intact, the department sought an additional ₹30 lakh for further restoration.
Located near the Mamundi River, the temple was buried over time after debris from canal construction was dumped around it nearly 100 years ago. A major flood in 1977 submerged the structure further, leaving only the moolavar gopuram visible above ground, said Manapparai HR&CE inspector Vinoth.
Excavation began after a report was submitted and funds were cleared. A poclain excavator unearthed the main shrine, which measures 7 feet in width and 10 feet in height. Idols and tridents believed to be original to the temple were found in the sanctum. Additional funds have been requested to clear the remaining mounds of earth and to build a retaining wall. "We've also sought the help of the state archaeology department to learn more about the temple's history," the official added.
by Taboola
by Taboola
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Though the gopuram had remained visible for decades, restoration efforts were taken up only recently. "Villagers had been demanding its revival. Elders recall visiting the temple in their youth," said Manapparai municipal chairman Geetha A Michael Raj. The proposal was submitted alongside that of the nearby Kali Thirtha Eswaran Temple.
However, officials acknowledged that poor road connectivity to the site remains a challenge.
"We will ensure better access to the temple," the chairman said.
Villagers, meanwhile, are celebrating the rediscovery. "It's a long-standing demand. People have already started gathering daily to light lamps," said E Manoharan, a village head. "Elders in my family regard this as our ancestral deity and believe the temple is over 100 years old.".
