PUDUKOTTAI, INDIA, April 28, 2008: A historical temple in Pudukottai is threatening to collapse with the growth of a huge tree right on the vimanam of the sanctum sanctorum. The strong roots of the tree have penetrated deep into all gaps in the walls of the Sri Umapathiswarar Temple.
Six inscriptions on the outer walls of the temple give minute details about its construction. One of the inscriptions says that a trader of Aruvimanagar, who settled in Sattanur village, built the temple in 1213 AD.Another inscription furnishes the details of the boundary of lands donated to the temple by ancient rulers during the 13th and 14th centuries.
Local residents said that despite repeated pleas neither the Archaeological Survey of India nor the state Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department was coming forward to take up temple renovation.