Renovation of Pudhu Mandapam by Sept: Authorities inform HC

Madurai: Authorities of the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple in Madurai, on Monday informed Madras high court that the renovation of Pudhu Mandapam would be completed before the consecration ceremony of temple, which is planned to be conducted in September.A division bench of justice N Sathish Kumar and justice M Jothiraman heard a petition filed by the joint commissioner/executive officer of the temple seeking an extension of time to comply with the earlier order passed by the court in 2024.In 2024, a public interest litigation was filed by an advocate, R Manibharathi, seeking a direction to the authorities to renovate Pudhu Mandapam. In July 2024, the court disposed of the petition by directing the authorities to complete the renovation within six months.During the previous hearing, the executive officer filed a status report stating that, as per the work schedule, the stone laying and replacement works were expected to be completed by December 2025. However, the water washing, polishing, and detailed finishing works required additional time since the nature of the work involved minute sculptural detailing and required careful handling of ancient stone structures.In order to ensure that the finishing, detailing, and final inspection works were completed without compromising on quality or tradition, the executive officer sought time till February 28, to comply with the directions of this court in letter and spirit.