1,000-year-old Naganathar Temple in Manambadi (Tamil Nadu) in a dilapidated condition

• Devout Hindu Rangarajan Narasimhan informs, requests PM Modi to restore the temple

• Citing renovation, the then AIADMK Govt had demolished the temple

Naganathar temple earlier and now

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) – Just 20 km away from the famous Gangaikonda Cholapuram Temple built by King Rajendra Chola 1,000 years ago in Thanjavur District, there is an ancient Shiva temple named Naganathar Temple in Manambadi. This temple was also built by Rajendra Chola. A team from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) visited this temple in 2016. UNESCO had reported that the then AIADMK Government had damaged the temple to a very bad condition. In 2016, the Archaeological Survey of India had declared this temple as a protected monument; but even today the condition here is very appalling. Its current status was recently revealed to the world by a devout Hindunamed Rangarajan Narasimhan, through two videos.

1. In 2016, the Hindu Charitable Department of the then ruling AIADMK Government demolished this temple in the name of renovation.

2. For this, the department received ₹34 lakh from the 14th Finance Commission of the Union Government and ₹35 lakh from the State funds.

3. The idols of the Deities in the temple were kept in a nearby shed and locked with a lock worth ₹40. This place has no security and a highway passes nearby. This raises the question whether the idols are safe in that shed today.

Request to PM Modi for the restoration of the temple

Rangrajan Narasimhan

Rangarajan Narasimhan said that a few days ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to the Gangaikonda Cholapuram Shiva Temple for the renovation programme. I have requested the Prime Minister’s Office to also take note of the pathetic condition of the ancient and protected monument,i.e. Naganathar Temple in Manambadi, and make efforts to restore it to its former glory.

Food for thought for Hindus

Rangarajan Narasimhan said about this matter that due to apathy among Hindus, many temples have fallen into disrepair. Hindus have become irresponsible and trust political parties. Many Hindus have become selfish and are living as fake devotees. This is the real reason for the plight of temples today.

If ‘UNESCO’ provides funds, the temple can be renovated : T.R. Ramesh, Temple Worshippers Society

In this matter, ‘Sanatan Prabhat’ had a discussion with ‘Temple Worshippers Society’ President T.R. Ramesh. He said that AIADMK and DMK are no different when it comes to corruption. Once they receive money for the repair of the temple, they will get another opportunity for corruption. I believe that ‘UNESCO’ should provide funds, and the temple should be built under the guidance of the Archaeological Survey of India.