'Kalmandapam' to be restored near Padmanabhaswamy temple

The work to restore the centuries-old 'kalmandapam' (stone structure), demolished recently, near the famed Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple here, will begin tomorrow.
The demolition of the heritage structure, one of the nine 'kalmandapams' located on the banks of the temple pond 'Padmatheertha', had triggered widespread protests among devotees, right wing outfits and the Travancore royal family members.
Kerala State Nirmithi Kendra, entrusted with the renovation of the pond, would restore the structure to its past glory under the supervision of Archaeology Department officials.
Temple authorities here said the antique charm of the ancient structure would be maintained while restoring the dismantled 'kalmandapam'.

As part of the restoration, the granite pillars of the kalmandapam would be reset to its original form. Efforts would be done to strengthen damaged pillars with lime and mortar.
The work is expected to be completed within a month.