Sun Mar 09 11:07:17 UTC 2025: ## Ancient Tamil Temple Crumbling, Historians Urge Preservation

**RANIPET, Tamil Nadu, March 9, 2025** – The Jalanatheswarar temple in Thakkolam, Ranipet district, a significant historical site dating back to the 6th century Pallava period, is facing severe deterioration. A portion of the northern outer wall has collapsed, and the temple tank is neglected and overgrown. Experts warn that the entire structure is at risk of crumbling without immediate restoration.

The temple, rich in inscriptions detailing Chola dynasty history, has recently gained prominence following the renaming of a CISF training center in Arakkonam as the Rajaditya Chola RTC, Thakkolam, in honor of a Chola prince killed in battle near the town in 949 CE. Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the renaming ceremony on March 7th.

Historians highlight the temple’s invaluable inscriptions, some dating back to the reign of Pallava king Aparajita. These inscriptions, according to Dr. R. Kalaikovan, founder of the Dr. M. Rajamanickanar Centre for Historical Research, reveal that the town was originally known as Thiruvural. Epigraphist Padmavathi further adds that ancient texts refer to the town as Aparajita-chaturvedimangalam. The inscriptions provide crucial details about land grants, donations, and the temple’s history, offering insights into the Chola chronology. The temple inscriptions were reportedly used by renowned historian K.A. Nilakanta Sastri in his work on the Cholas.

S. Nagarajan, chairman of Thakkolam Town Panchayat, stated that efforts are underway to secure approval from the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department for the kumbabishekam (consecration) ceremony, which hasn’t been performed in over 15 years. He attributed the wall’s collapse to recent heavy rainfall. However, the urgent need for comprehensive restoration of the temple to preserve its historical and cultural significance remains paramount.

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