Remnants of Building Found Near Temple

Remnants of a building foundation and stone steps were found beneath the road near the North Gate of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple here on Thursday.

Remnants of a building foundation and stone steps were found beneath the road near the North Gate of Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple here on Thursday.

The surprise discovery was made when the State Police dug a trench to install bollards as part of enhancing the security of the ancient temple where a billion-dollar treasure is kept in underground vaults.

The trench, measuring 1.5 m in width and depth,was dug across the road around 50 m away from the gate.

The works were stopped after three granite steps were found on one end of the trench and remains of a foundation on the other end.

Archaeology Department director G Premkumar who visited the spot said the remnants were suspected to be of an abandoned building.

“The basement made of brick and laterite stone could be part of the temple complex in the past,” he said.

“The area was once a paddy field and the building, probably, was abandoned later,” he added. Premkumar said the department’s excavation wing will make further examination on Friday.

Incidentally, the trench is in front of the Sree Padam Palace where the Archaeology Directorate functions. 

The bollard installation works on various roads leading to the temple are fast progressing.

“They have been installed on all roads and works are progressing on those leading to the main gates,’’ said DCP J Sukumara Pillai who is in charge of the temple security.

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The New Indian Express
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