The Cultural Heritage Renaissance Trust, which renovated the 500-year-old Dhandayudhapani temple in Thirumangaicheri village near Kumbakonam, has started work on three more temples in its neighbourhood.
The outfit, formed to preserve ancient arts and sculpture, has taken up Sri Varadarajaperumal temple, consecration for which took place last 50 years ago. The deity has been eulogised by Thirumangai Azhwar. Sri Chokkanathar temple was one among the many that the Pandya king built across the State on the lines of the famous Madurai one. Known as Sambasivapuram, the name of the place changed with the visit of Thirumangai Azhwar. The third is Sri Sundareswaraswamy temple in Neikuppai.
In all the three temples, shrubs and overgrowth have been cleared. The cracks on the huge compound walls have been fixed. The main vimanam is being repaired and shrines of other deities have to be rebuilt. The main entrance also needs attention.
The sculptures, murals and other images are being restored. Security is being reinforced by installing iron gates and providing the place with electric lights.