The Madras High Court has stopped the reconstruction of a 100-year-old stone mandapam (hall) inside the Chinthamani Vinayagar Vagaiyara Arulmighu Subramania Swamy Temple in Kancheepuram. The mandapam had recently been demolished by temple authorities, who claimed that the structure did not follow the principles of ‘vastu’.
Hearing the matter, the court questioned the reason behind demolishing such an old and historic structure. After looking at photographs submitted by the temple authorities, the judges observed that the demolition appeared unnecessary and shocking. The court said that, to the naked eye, the mandapam did not seem damaged or unsafe.
The judges noted that a century-old stone structure inside a temple is part of the region’s cultural and architectural heritage. Such buildings should be protected and preserved, not demolished without proper study or approval. They stressed that heritage structures cannot be removed simply based on vastu considerations.
The court expressed concern that the demolition may have caused permanent loss to the temple’s history and traditional architecture. It also pointed out that any renovation or reconstruction work in old temples must follow proper legal procedures and get approval from the concerned heritage and archaeological authorities.
Until further orders, the High Court has stalled any reconstruction or further work at the site. The case will be heard again after officials provide more details and explanations about why the mandapam was pulled down.
The incident has raised questions among devotees and heritage lovers, who believe that ancient temple structures should be carefully preserved for future generations.