Madurai Meenakshi Temple Fire Accident: Experts From IIT Madras Begin Assessing Fire Damage

Weeks after a fire accident extensively damaged some halls (mandapams) and gutted dozens of shops in the Madurai Meenakshi temple a team of experts is at the site to assess damages to heritage structures there.

The accident is said to have extensively damaged the centuries old Veeravasantharaya mandapam with its exquisite architectural works in stone. The 12 member team from IIT Madras will study damages to pillars and structural works to assess their structural integrity. The team will also look at the suitability of new pillars being commissioned to replace damages. Over a 100 pillars are to be examined using ultra-sound equipment over a period of three days.

The Meenakshi temple in Madurai is among the oldest in India with traditions of worship and rituals going back many centuries. The temple is a huge tourist attraction and serves as the cultural hub of Madurai. The Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious And Cultural Endowments (HRCE) department which manages the temples has frequently been criticised for lack of regard for art and architectural heritage at such sites.