Page 107 - HUDCO DESIGN AWARDS 2022-23

PRE RESTORATION
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P
R REMOVAL OF PAINT
The original stone walls of the temple were coated
with several layers of paint and in some places brick
masonry walls had been constructed marring the
stone inscriptions, which were removed to reveal
the original finish of the stones. This was a major
problem in many places like the Main temple,
Vahana Mandapam, Madapalli and other subsidiary
shrines around the temple. Many new inscriptions
were discovered during the process of paint POST RESTORATION
removal in the inner prakaram walls of the main
temple and they offer new information about the
past.

O
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E
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T THE GOPURAM
G
Four gopurams leading to the temple, all extensively
and elaborately carved, with the main one facing
East. The first item of the restoration process was
to repair the sculptures on the structure. Structural
experts from IIT Madras assessed the stability of the
structure and suitable repairs were made to the East
Gopuram. The kalasam (or finial), made of copper,
which is at the top of the gopuram is now plated
with gold. Finally, special paints which are resistive
to UV rays and don’t fade over time are applied in
two coats.

EAST RAJAGOPALAPURAM PRE- EAST RAJAGOPALAPURAM POST
RESTORATION RESTORATION

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U
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I
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S
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F
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T
R RESTORATION OF SRI KANCHI KAMAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE – KANCHIPURAM
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K
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