Every temple in India reflects architectural brilliance, one among those is the ‘Aavudaiyar’ Temple in Pudukottai, which has one of the most attention seeking architecture and history behind it. It becomes very important to preserve such art work, said K Muthuswami, an archaeologist, who studies sculptures in temples, and stresses the need for preservation of such historical temples.
At a monthly meet held at the Department of Archaeology on Thursday, Muthuswami took the audience on a journey to Aavudaiyar temple, which got its name from its formless (Aatmanatar) but pedestal (Avudayar) deity, located in Pudukottai district in Aranthangi. This Shaiva temple was built nearly 1,200 years ago by the King Manickavachakar and was developed later by his successors.
“The architecture in this temple is extraordinary and it should be noted that it was done centuries ago. The engineering involved in this structure is remarkable. The works on the roof and ceiling are exceptional and intricate with granite stones. It is believed that even the British appreciated this art work, but it is said that the temple is not properly maintained,” said Muthuswami. He pointed that many of the paintings and sculptures have perished due to poor maintenance and the local authorities have not preserved it properly. He also insisted that the concerned authorities must take necessary actions to preserve the art.