Corp approves 2.5-crore plan for Kanthalloor Temple devpt

Thiruvananthapuram: In one of the largest single allocations for the redevelopment of a temple, the LDF-led Thiruvananthapuram corporation has approved a project to revamp the West Nada and East Nada of Kanthalloor Mahadeva Temple at Valiyasala. The project, which will be funded by the heritage scheme, has been conceived at a cost of Rs 2.5 crore.The recently held corporation council meeting approved the proposal presented by the works standing committee. The civic body will invite an expression of interest to engage an agency for the scientific conservation and redevelopment of the West Nada and East Nada of the temple.Valiyasala ward councillor S Krishnakumar said that a series of awareness programmes had been conducted in the ward to make people aware of the historical significance of the temple. “Some of the old steps leading to the temple got buried under paving material during road relaying. As part of the proposal, all cables will be laid underground and ecofriendly pathways will be constructed,” said Krishnakumar. Krishnakumar ruled out any ‘political motives’ behind the project. “The government is already undertaking many schemes to conserve our cultural heritage. This temple has a very significant place in history and therefore a project has been conceived under the heritage scheme to conserve its value,” he said.The temple is located where Kandalur Salai, an ancient university, functioned during 9th and 10th centuries BCE. Art historian M G Sashibhooshan has identified a statue in the temple as that of ‘Samgramadhiran’ Ravi Varma Kulasekhara, the king who ruled Venad in the 14th century. According to historians it was Samgramadhiran who renovated Kanthalloor temple which had been destroyed during attacks of Chola kings. TOI carried a report on this in 2022.A heritage walk is also being planned in the city on Wednesday which will trace the roots of Kandalur Salai. “The walk will be taken out to MR Hills, known as Marathaka Ratna Hills. It is believed to be the administrative centre of the ancient university. Sanskrit texts indicate that this was a seat of knowledge,” said Sashibhooshan. He added that the decision of the corporation to take steps to redevelop the temple was commendable.