Faculty and students from the Government College of Fine Arts, Chennai, have appealed for urgent conservation of Chola-era artistic heritage at the Vedagireeswarar Temple in Tirukazhukundram, Chengalpattu district. They said several sculptures and paintings in the 1,400-year-old temple are deteriorating and need protection without altering their original character.
The team from the college’s printmaking department undertook a special field sketching exercise at the temple two days ago. As part of the study, students documented intricate sculptures and paintings through line drawings and colour records, aiming to understand the craftsmanship and design sensibilities of early Tamil artisans.
The temple is believed to have been built by the Cholas in the 13th century and later renovated by the Nayaks in the 17th century. Ornate sculptures are found across the front hall, compound walls, Vasantha Mandapam and gopuram entrances. Rare 18th-century colour murals are also present on the ceiling of the Theradi Mandapam on the right side of the temple.
According to K. Kavimani, head of the printmaking department, idols in the Nandi Mandapam and notable Durga Amman sculptures have accumulated oil and have not been cleaned. He warned that neglect could lead to cracks and eventual damage, while ceiling paintings are also gradually fading.
The group urged the government to take steps to conserve the sculptures and murals, and suggested displaying temple metal icons and craft objects used in rituals through a spiritual museum instead of keeping them locked away. They also sought continued support from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department for student field visits to help younger generations learn about temple-linked artistic traditions.
