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To Restore Old Glory – Renovation work Undertaken at Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple at Triplicane in Chennai in Tamil Nadu

Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple at Triplicane in Chennai in Tamil Nadu was built during the 7th century AD. Unscientific renovation undertaken during early years had caused serious damage to the original structure. Now efforts are being made to restore the temple to its original form.

Modern marble slabs on the floor have been removed to reveal the coarse granite that old temple architecture is so famous for.

Compromises made in the name of convenience are being reversed.

Oil lamps are now used for illumination.
The Hindu writes
“Yes, Panchavarnam, as stipulated in the science of temple building is used,” the officer explains. The figures have indeed come alive from the bland ivory that they hitherto sported. Each tier of the Rajagopuram, a stately structure of beauty, tells stories from the epics and the puranas. Yes, episodes from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata are depicted in detail. 
However, with the front Mantapam rising up, the grandeur is not visible from the ground level. “That is the design you will find in many temples, including Sriperumpudur,” a devotee, closely associated with the activities of the temple informs. 
The walls of the temple have been cleaned and treated with a special non-toxic substance to resist seepage and for better preservation. The old ducts circulating cold air have been dismantled to make way for a sophisticated system that will be silent and less intrusive. 
“It is no-no for tube lights,” says Mr. Kothandaraman. Instead, muted lights that will harmonise with the ambience will be used. “In fact, you will see the Moolavar in the glow of silver ghee lamps, a throwback to the old times,” he says. Solar energy, tapped for limited use, will be harnessed on a bigger scale. 
All 29 Kalasams atop the gopurams will be dipped in gold. The flag-post will also be refurbished. The vimanam of the Moolavar shrine has a unique arrangement of wood and gold. This has been dismantled for the first time, since installation in 1938, and is a work of major importance.