Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam, had received the ‘Award of Merit’ for Cultural Heritage Conservation in their temple from UNESCO on the 1st of November. The conservation of the temple is the strength of this religious building at the Srirangam town, was a statement given by nine International conservation experts appointed in a jury panel. This project has unfolded the original holy spirit of the shrines, water bodies and the inner view of the four courtyards of the temple which was wrapped up with improper modern looks and useless debris for decades.
The local skilled people and the craftsman start the restoration work process by applying traditional techniques and construction materials in harmony with antiquated building conventions and acts.
The restoration team of thousand people including the engineers worked over a period of 18 months during the year 2014 and 2015. Almost 60,000 tonnes of construction materials and debris have been removed, which almost covered up the sannidhis and obscured the pathways of the entire building. Most importantly this initiative of restoration process has never stopped any religious functions and festivals inside the temple. After the entire team’s hard work and tiring efforts in the restoration process, it brought back that ancient glory of the temple by showcasing the architectural beauty of the temple complex. All the dysfunctional pathways between the sannidhis and sub holy places which was remained close for decades were now reopened and made to be fully functional.
Clearing the modern additions and debris that has been cropped inside the temple reveals the hidden beauty of the 1000 pillar mandapam and the historical values of the temple complex. The electrical system setup at the temple impressed the associates of Tirumala temple to send a special team to understand the concept applied.
The award from UNESCO is considered as a big recognisation to the Temple, said the Joint Commissioner of the temple. The restoration process of the temple has now become popular globally, making the jury team feel pride for initiating such process that even encourage others to preserve their cultural values and heritage all over the world.
Post this restoration process, the temple has invested Rs.1 crore to maintain cleanliness within the temple complex. Approximately 100 dustbins were kept all around the temple. 120 employees started working in daily basis to maintain the hygiene and the quality of temple. This initiative by the temple achieved its success in keeping the entire building clean and fresh despite the number of devotees who attended the major festivals, as Vaikunta Ekadasi happened this year where more than 2 lakhs of devotees participated.
It is the Team effort and dedication of all the trust members and the employees of the restoration and post restoration process that drives them towards the success in achieving the awards from UNESCO for Cultural Heritage Conservation inside the Temple.
