Efforts underway to regain past glory of Padmatheertham pond

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The renovation works of the Padmatheertham pond of Sree Padmanabhaswami Temple have resumed under the supervision of conservation experts. S Hemachandran, former director of the Archaeology Department, is the conservation expert who supervises the works. He was appointed by a joint committee comprising members of the conservation committee and temple administration committee.

Kerala State Nirmiti Kendra, which executes the works, is planning to conduct the first phase
before the monsoon. All the works will be executed using traditional materials and methods without
using cement.

KSNK has been asked to do the renovation of the steps on the northern side of the pond for a length of eight metres. Chief engineer Jayan Raveendran said expert workers proficient in the use of lime mortar have been assigned for the task.One of the three dilapidated mandapams dismantled recently will be refixed.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme

The renovation of the pond and makeover of the outer premises of the temple form part of the Central Government’s Swadesh Darshan scheme. An amount of Rs 78.55 crore has been sanctioned for the pond renovation, beautification of roads around the complex and setting up different pilgrim amenities.    
As per the original plan, nine tile-roofed mandapams in the  Padmatheertham Pond had to be renovated. However, following the controversy over the unscientific work methods, the temple  administration committee asked KSNK to execute works on a case-to-case basis.     

A major component of the Swadeshi Darshan Scheme works, constructing ducts for underground cabling on the north, south and west sides of the temple complex has made considerable  progress. Officials said the works will be completed in three weeks’ time.

West gate completed

The repair and maintenance work inside the temple complex will resume after the painguni festivities. Maintenance of the west and south gates of the temple complex has been completed.

Drawing of two murals of dwarapalakas at the entrance of the west gate will begin in a few days, temple officials said. Seasoning of the wood brought for setting up the new flag mast at Thiruvambadi shrine inside the temple complex is progressing. As per tradition, the wood has been kept without touching the earth. “Barks on the wood have been removed and a paste of camphor and turmeric has been applied for drying. Later it will be immersed in an oil pool for over three months,” Achuthan, temple spokesperson said.

Scaffolding works for the renovation of sanctum sanctorum of Lord Sree Padmanabha have begun. Renovation of the roofing of the sanctum sanctorums of Sree Padmanabhaswami and Lord Narasimha among the major works inside the temple complex.