Srirangam Temple’s Eastern Damodara Krishnan Gopuram Reopens After Three Years

The eastern gopuram also known as Damodara Krishnan gopuram, was a 9-tier, 131-foot-tall structure. A portion of it had collapsed around 2 AM in August 2023, causing extensive damage and led to the closure of the eastern passage leading to the temple.

It was renovated at a cost of ₹2.15 crore funded through contribution from devotee. It was inaugurated by the HR&CE minister S Ramesh alongside Tiruchi District Collector Pratik Tayal. It received warm applause by the devotees, general public as well as street shop keepers.

Structural Repairs and Renovation

As part of the restoration work carried out the team, the old, damaged sunshade was removed and replaced with two new kodungais on the first and second tiers. These new kodungais elements were constructed using cut stone and incorporated into the restored structure. This replaces supporting stone pillars and beams.

High-durability Iluppai wood treated with protective cashew-nut oil, was used to replace damaged interior wooden beams extending from the first to the fourth tiers. A new Madras Terrace roof was also constructed using traditional lime mortar and bricks, following traditional building techniques.

The restoration and structural design were carried out under the expert supervision of teams from IIT Madras and NIT Tiruchirappalli, which were involved in assessing the structural stability and guiding the restoration plans.

Eastern Passage Reopens

The closure of the gopuram for nearly three years had affected the daily movement of school children, pedestrians, and local vehicles. They were required to take a longer route of nearly 2 km via East Chithirai Street and East Adayavalanjan Street.

With the reopening of the eastern passage, normal connectivity has been restored, providing easier access to important local landmarks, including the Kaattu Azhagiya Singar Temple.