Why in News?

• The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has recently urged the government to conserve the 600-year-old ‘Vilakkumadom’, at the Sree Mahavishnu Temple at Thirunelli, Kerala.

Highlights

• The 600-year-old Vilakkumadom structure, made of exquisite granite, is located at the Sree Mahavishnu Temple in Thirunelly, Wayanad district.
• The ongoing renovation of the temple has raised concerns about the preservation of its heritage.
• The structure has a rich history dating back to the 15^th century AD, and its key elements have not been given due consideration during the renovation process.
• The potential completion of the Vilakkumadom structure and the destruction of the Chuttambalam (rectangular structure covering the temple) has resulted in a loss of heritage and created a gap in its value and importance that could be forgotten or misinterpreted in the future.
• The Incomplete structure had stood as a testimony to a rich cultural heritage but has been remodeled in an insensitive way.
• It Is said that the work was launched by the king of Coorg without the permission of the temple’s custodian, Kottayam Raja.
• Later, the Kottayam Raja ordered the construction work, and the structure remained untouched afterwards.
• Thirunelli Temple, also known as Amalaka or Sidha Temple, is a Vishnu temple in Wayanad district, Kerala.
• The temple gets its name from an idol of Lord Vishnu resting on an amla tree in a valley, which was discovered by Lord Brahma while circling the globe.
• The Thirunelli temple’s architecture follows the traditional Kerala style.
• The temple has an inner sanctorum, surrounded by a tile roof structure, and an open courtyard around it.
• The east entrance of the temple is decorated with a granite lamp post.
• The outer wall of the temple is bound by granite pillars that are cut in cubicle style, which is not commonly seen in Kerala