The oft-used phrase “rising like a phoenix from the ashes” finds its perfect expression in the story of the Abathsahayeswarar Temple at Thukkachi, near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district. This 12th-century shrine, a remarkable testament to the architectural brilliance of the later Cholas, presented a pitiable sight barely five years ago.
Its outer prakara wall had collapsed, the towering entrance gopuram had partially collapsed and was engulfed by vegetation, and decades of neglect had reduced the monument to a state of dereliction. The Kali shrine and its mahamandapam within the temple complex was crumbling and was declared out of bounds because of the danger posed by falling granite blocks.
A view of 12th century Abathsahayeswarar Temple at Thukkachi near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district in December 2021
| Photo Credit:
M. Srinath
Anyone who had seen the temple in that condition would scarcely believe their eyes on visiting it today. A painstaking conservation effort, combining cutting-edge technology with traditional building knowledge and generous public philanthropy, has restored the monument to its former glory. Today, the temple appears as though it had been built only yesterday. In recognition of this exemplary conservation effort, UNESCO conferred on it the Asia-Pacific Award of Distinction (2024) for preserving its heritage while restoring its structural integrity.
“The entire project was funded by Coimbatore-based philanthropist T. Vasanthakumar of Karpagam University (deemed university) at a cost of ₹5 crore. Technical support was provided by IIT Madras,” said T. Umadevi, Deputy Commissioner of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department.
The transformation is all the more remarkable considering the years of apathy and indifference that allowed one of the most significant monuments of the later Chola period—closely associated with Kulotunga I and Vikrama Chola—to deteriorate so badly.
Renovation work being carried out at Abathsahayeswarar Temple in Thukkachi of Thanjavur district
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement
Late historian S.R. Balasubramanyam had earlier lamented its condition, describing it as “a magnificent but much-neglected temple”. He had observed that the shrine occupied “a place of great significance in the evolution of Chola art and architecture during the later Chola period”.
Designed as a Kara Kovil—a temple conceived in the form of a chariot—it occupies a unique place in Tamil architectural history. The temple also houses idol of Lord Sarabeshwarar which is considered one of the oldest depictions of the deity.
The idol of Lord Sarabeshwarar at the renovated Abathsahayeswarar Temple in Thukkachi, Thanjavur district
| Photo Credit:
R. Vengadesh
“Apart from that, its importance lies in the fact that it is perhaps the only major temple built during the reign of Vikrama Chola,” he wrote in his book Later Chola Temples.
According to Kudavasal Balasubramanian, who penned a monograph on the temples, the inscriptions refer to Thukkachi as Thenthirukalathi or Vikramacholeeswaram. “The history of Thukkachi is, in many ways, the history of Vikrama Chola. He renovated the earlier Thenkallathi temple and named it Vikramacholeeswaram,” he explained. His father, Kulotunga I, had endowed the temple for the recitation of Thevaram hymns.
The Abathsahayeswarar Temple at Thukkachi in Thanjavur district after renovation
| Photo Credit:
R. Vengadesh
The HR&CE Department undertook the restoration as a pilot project to develop a model for conserving living historic temples in Tamil Nadu. The experience gained from the exercise has since been incorporated into the State’s Manual for Temple Restoration and Conservation.
Technical guidance came from the National Centre for Safety of Heritage Structures (NCSHS) at IIT Madras under the leadership of Dr. Arun Menon, who received specialised training in Italy in the conservation of historic structures. Even as the COVID-19 pandemic gripped the world, Dr. Menon and his team prepared a detailed project report in 2022 and developed a comprehensive conservation framework for living temples.
Their meticulous approach is evident throughout the restored monument. Every granite block was individually numbered before being dismantled and later reassembled in its original position. Before work began, the entire temple was documented through drone surveys and digital mapping to ensure precision during reconstruction.
The renovated Abathsahayeswarar Temple at Thukkachi in Thanjavur district
| Photo Credit:
R. Vengadesh
Conservation architect Shivangi Shukla said the project adopted an interdisciplinary approach that brought together traditional temple-building knowledge (Sthapatya Veda) and contemporary conservation science.
Experts in Agama Shastra, archaeology, epigraphy, history, social sciences and conservation engineering worked alongside traditional sthapathis, with the active participation of the people of Thukkachi.
By integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern engineering, the project established a comprehensive conservation strategy for living religious monuments. Digital documentation techniques, including drone surveys and photogrammetry, complemented centuries-old craftsmanship, demonstrating how heritage conservation can successfully combine ancient wisdom with contemporary technology.
Traditional lime-based mortars and binding materials were prepared using age-old methods, while mechanical grinders ensured consistency in the mixtures. At the same time, cranes and earthmovers enabled the safe dismantling, transportation and repositioning of massive granite blocks. The restoration thus became a compelling example of how traditional craftsmanship and modern engineering can work in harmony.
The Abathsahayeswarar Temple at Thukkachi after renovation
| Photo Credit:
R. Vengadesh
Active participation of locals
The people of Thukkachi were active participants rather than passive observers. Local residents contributed funds during the initial phases of the project and received training in conservation and repair techniques, ensuring that the temple’s long-term upkeep would remain a community responsibility.
The project team, including Shivangi Shukla and conservation engineer Karpagam Balamurugan, prepared an extensive nomination dossier for UNESCO. The restoration, completed in 2023, culminated in the kumbhabhishekam (consecration ceremony) on September 3, 2024. On December 6 that year, UNESCO announced its Award of Distinction, recognising the Thukkachi restoration as an outstanding example of conserving a living heritage monument while preserving its historical authenticity.
The revival of the Abathsahayeswarar Temple stands today as more than the restoration of a centuries-old monument. It is a demonstration of how scientific conservation, traditional knowledge, philanthropy and community participation can together breathe new life into India’s architectural heritage, ensuring that the legacy of the Cholas endures for generations to come.
Published – July 15, 2026 05:45 am IST
