Major Structural Repairs

In order to bring the temple into original form, the same has to be dismantled and reset. At present, the structure has sunk especially, the back portion of the temple which has developed vertical cracks. For this purpose, the entire structural members are to be numbered systematically in different colors, screwed, mentioned direction, courses on the member so that while restoring, these should not be misplaced. Apart from the above, after numbering for every execution, they are to be stocked in their respective sides so that the members of other sides should not get mixed up. For all these, work provisions have been made. On the top of garbhagriha of the temple, a room has been constructed in laterite brick and covered with Mangalore tiles. It is proposed to dismantle the same and stock the good materials at a suitable place. It could be used during execution of work for which the provision is made.

In this, provisions are made to dismantle the entire structure. Before starting work, we have to take proper precautionary steps, such as providing sand bags, supports or wooden poles at the bottom of Roof slabs since it is not possible to know clearly the stability of structure. Even slight disturbance may cause the collapse of the members either on the adjoining side or elsewhere. As such proper care is very essential. In addition, workers, who have the experience of executing such type of works, are to be engaged. Keeping all these facts in view, provisions are made Men force only, except tools & scaffoldings. Generally the old temples will have thick walls, both faces of wall will have stone courses, the gap in between them are filled with bricks in mud masonry or brick on lime mortar. In this case, it is not clear whether such patron was existing or not. At present we could see the outer course containing ornamental designs and left in crude manner, and subsequently provided with laterite masonry in Mud Mortar. Provisions have been made for this, to dismantle the same and convey them and stock them at appropriate places. At few places, it has already fallen and it is lying there itself from the last several years.

The trail picture shows there is no proper foundation. The original temple was constructed over rammed earth. Now the strength of the previous foundation is lost, on account of that, the structures are sinking. Now it is proposed to provide proper foundation after excavating entire width of temple and provide 1:5:10 cement concrete at bottom and size stone masonry in 1:6 cement mortars. After strengthening the foundation, restoration of original structures have to be under taken. But the restoration will have to be carried out in 3 phases. The first phase will be the Adisthana, where the courses have to be carried out. Since the width of each course is not identical in height as well as in width, depending on their condition, they will have to be carried by keeping the original portion and level them as standards. These back portions will have to be filled with rubble and packed neatly. During restoration, they will have to be provided with M S dowels for keeping the members in firm condition.

Second phase will be the part of super structure. Here, only one big size slab with ornamentation has been on the outer face while the back face is very crude and not uniform as courses are laid one over the other. There is no proper binding from member to member. Previously the backside was provided with laterite brickwork, now it is proposed to provide a rough stone slab of 6" thick in place of laterite work to have a neat and uniform stone structure. The areas in between these courses are to be filled with brick jelly concrete. Apart from this M S dowels will be fixed in concealed manner to give proper binding for both courses. The third and final phase is of Roof slab. Over original temple roof, it is impossible to know what arrangements are made, whether the space between sloped roof and 2nd roof of temple is filled with any masonry or mud filling or anything just because they are completely covered. The exact portion position will be seen only after dismantling. As such at present, nothing is proposed or omitted. Suitable execution will be carried out after restoration.

Provisions for 1st and 2nd phase of the Restoration Work.

The existing door shutters of the main temple are decayed and not in proper working condition. It is proposed to replace them with new ones prepared in good quality local wood. Further it will be prepared as per temple type patron with simple and traditional carvings on panels and pullies. The locking will be also like old type with rods for locking. Handles will be like old rings. The shutters will be painted with two coats of enamel paint over a coat of primer paint. For these activities, provisions have been made. The temple members might have hair cracks on account of sinking since the interior portions are completely dark, their conditions especially load bearing members like beams and capitals and roof slabs over Garbhagriha etc are not visible clearly. In addition to these, the entire portion is completely covered with soot. Even wide cracks are noticed and they are covered with soot. The exact portion will be known only after being dismantled.

Further they might have unaffected while in fit condition. However lump sum provisions are made for purchasing stone slabs/beams and prepare the broken ones. Then the Mukha Mantapa roof is supported with 4 main beams, which are having very artistic decorations either at the bottom or on the sides. At the eastern side beam, there have been cracks developed and the same is supported by wooden supports in the main doors, etc in order to prevent from the collapse of entire roof. Since the roof slabs exist over it, on account of heavy load, the damage might have happened. It is presumed on the top of ceiling that heavy construction/pillars might have been provided to support ridge beam, etc.which are not visible at present. It is proposed to retain the same beam, which has aesthetic value, and preserve that too in the same position. For this cracked beam, 4"x 3" M.S. I section will be introduced in the midway on either side, without damaging the architectural feature in a concealed manner. Structure the beam and re-laid in its position.

The courtyard at present is uneven; there is no proper scope for quick disposal of storm water. At few places the existing pavement has sunk and is allowing water sneak into the foundation. As mentioned already, the temple has been extended all sides, by providing pillars. The top is covered with sloping stone slabs. The storm water falling from the roof is also entering into the foundation. Now it is proposed to lay flat stone to a width of 4 ft across the temple covering the theertha mantapa without dressing, laid on solid bed and joints sunk portions. Provisions have been made for the purchase of scaffolding poles required for the work. Provisions made are for the bare minimum quantity of poles. Apart from this, there is a requirement for the purchase of main rope for tying the damaged poles, etc. There is a need for the purchase of mixed tools and implements needed for work.

Provision has been made to have the stage by stage filming and still photographs for record purposes. Provision is made for transporting pulley blocks and other materials during work execution period. Provisions are made for hiring a storeroom during the period of execution for keeping materials under safe condition during night and also to keep cement etc., charges of conveyance required by the inspecting officers. Some medicines needed for petty items and to engage the system site supervisor for supervising the works. Provision has been made for preparing a historical cultural board to prepare historical background of the temple. The entire temple outer faces are covered with semi wash and mud and interior portion with black soot. Provision is made to remove these two and carry on the task with the help of unaffected chemicals and bring the temple into a presumable look.