Chennai: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is planning to promote the lesser-known yet significant ancient rock-cut temple in Mahendravadi near Arakkonam, some 90km from Chennai.ASI will create parking facilities and an information centre near the rock monument, which is among the earliest stone temples in Tamil Nadu. It was built by Pallava King Mahendra Varman in the seventh century.The stone inscriptions at the temple mention this Vishnu temple as Mahendra Vishnukiraham, named after King Mahendra Varman. The carvings are done on a monolithic stone in an open space.“Mahendravadi temple is among the five lesser-known but important temples to be promoted by ASI.
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We will study the feasibility of creating facilities such as toilets and an information centre to encourage more visitors to these ancient monuments,” said Sushanta Kumar Kar, superintending archaeologist, Chennai Circle, ASI.The other temples include Shiva temple in Natteri Brahmadesam in Tiruvannamalai district, Vishnu temple in Ennayiram in Villuppuram district, Shiva temple in Bahour in Puducherry, and Shiva temple in Valikandapuram near Perambalur. These Pallava and Chola temples are not as popular as some of the other monuments.“The idea is to popularise them among the general public by creating additional facilities,” he added.Under the ‘Adopt a Heritage 2.0’ project, Cholamandalam Finance Group will help create tourist amenities at the Pallava-era Kailasanathar Temple in Kanchipuram. “Illumination of the monument, laying footpaths, an interpretation centre, and other facilities will be created under this initiative. ASI also plans to undertake structural conservation of the temple,” Kar said.ASI is also planning to develop the 17th-century Dutch Fort at Sadras near Chennai on the East Coast Road. It plans to excavate the fort and set up an information centre, which will have visuals depicting the history of the Dutch East India Company.
