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Showing posts from May 28, 2010


Rajagopuram of Sri Kalahasti Temple Collapses

The Gopuram of Sri Kalahasti Temple in Andhra Pradesh collapsed at 8:30 PM on May 26, 2010. The tower was more than 500 years old and was 135 meter in height. The main temple of Sri Kalahasti , dedicated to Hindu God Shiva, was not affected in the collapse. Deccan Chronicle Reports The gopuram had been in trouble for over a decade with stones and clay falling off from the structure. A few years ago, a tourist was killed when a stone fell on him. Though civil society groups had complained about the tower’s condition, the temple authorities did nothing except undertaking minor repairs. The neglected gopuram had become a shelter for tramps, sadhus and monkeys. The gopuram, with seven stories, was built in 1516 and stood to the right side of the temple and was a testimony to the grandeur of the Vijayanagara Kings. Till three decades ago, it was the practice of devotees to pass through it after taking the bath in Swarnamukhi River . A researcher from the SV University said