Work to remove cement concrete paver blocks laid around the prakaram of the Marundeeswarar temple in Thiruvanmiyur is underway. Since such blocks are not allowed under the Agamas, they are being removed and replaced by rough cut granite blocks, explained sources in the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) department.
Devotees had complained that temple authorities were laying such blocks beneath the gopuram on top of the existing granite flooring. “It is an ancient temple and one of the paadal petra sthalams. They should take more care,” said Murthi, a devotee. Photos of the blocks were doing the rounds on social media too. Officials at the temple said that the blocks laid at the entrance of temple will be removed soon. The blocks had placed to prevent damage to the flooring while moving the stones.
“They are very heavy and are likely to damage the stone flooring if some protective layer is not provided. We are currently in the process of removing the blocks laid in the prakaram near the Dwajasthambam, near the Natarajar sannidhi and also in front of the Ambal sannidhi,” the official said. The work is being taken up in phases and the present estimate is for ₹32 lakh.
Published – July 29, 2025 12:09 am IST
