Citizens’ movement seeks scientific restoration of 480-year-old Rayagopuram at Alagarkoil

MADURAI Citing historical documentation, the ‘Tamizhaga Aaru, Eeri, Kulam, Kanmai Padukappu Makkal Iyakkam’ has petitioned the Tamil Nadu government to undertake a scientific, non-destructive restoration of the historic Rayagopuram at Alagarkoil, complete with a traditional park and an interpretive exhibition hall. In a petition addressed to the Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE), J.

Kanakaraj, founder and state president of the civic movement, emphasised that the structure is an invaluable repository of the region’s medieval craftsmanship. According to the petition, historical references—including citations in the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) publication ‘Madurai Through the Ages’ — confirm that the unfinished monumental gateway bears the emblems of the Vijayanagara Empire alongside an authentic inscription dated 1546 CE, anchoring its history at nearly 480 years.

For over four centuries, the monument has stood as a testament to the advanced architectural and sculptural mastery of the era.