Srirangam temple’s eastern gopuram reopened after three years post repairs, renovation
HR&CE Minister Ramesh inaugurates the renovated gopuram and reopens the passage for public entry. In August 2023, a portion of ‘kodungai’ (sunshade) on the temple tower’s western side collapsed leading to the passage’s closure.
The eastern gopuram of the Srirangam Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchi district, Tamil Nadu, India, has been successfully repaired and reopened to the public after a three-year period of closure. The nine-tiered historic gopuram, which stands at 131 feet tall, was closed following the collapse of part of the 'kodungai' (sunshade) on its western side in August 2023.
The repair and renovation works, estimated at ₹2.15 crore, were entirely funded by donations. The process involved replacing damaged wooden beams and joists with new ones made of 'Ilupai' wood, a material known for its durability. New 'kodungais' made of cut stones were also installed on both the first and second tiers of the gopuram's eastern and western sides.
Additionally, new roofs were provided from the first to the fourth tier inside the gopuram using lime mortar and bricks, referred to as the Madras Terrace Roof, to preserve the temple's heritage value. The renovated gopuram was inaugurated by Ramesh, the Minister of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, at a brief function held at Srirangam.
The reopening of the passage below the tower allows both public and vehicular movement, addressing the public's complaints regarding the previous three-year closure.
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