ANANTAPUR: The historic Lepakshi temple complex is undergoing a restoration effort after it had severe water leakage that has also affected the strength of several structures there during the recent heavy rains.
The temple is managed by the central archaeology department and maintained by its different wings, one at Mysore and another at Vijayawada. The exclusive mural paintings based on the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata on the roof of the Lord Veerabhadra Swamy temple structures have been fading out due to leakage of rain water from the roof.
The technique adopted for the painting was known as fresco-secco or painting in lime-medium, found on the walls and ceilings of the mandapams. Many such pictures have faded out over time.
The central archaeological department has responded to the series of representations about the worse condition of the five centuries old historic temple. A team of the department from Mysore that specializes in the protection of mural paintings by providing chemical treatment arrived at Lepakshi and started providing chemical treatment for the mural paintings in the last few days.
Three gopurams of the Lord Veerabhadra Swamy Temple are being renovated by another team of the archaeology department to rectify the damage to these structures. The Mysore-based team is giving chemical treatment to the paintings.
The sculpture works depict the life of the Vijayanagar Kingdom with themes drawn from Hindu mythology, ancient beliefs and traditions and the flora and fauna, all of which are engraved on different components of the temple like its pillars. The ceiling of the mandapas and the naturally existing granite boulders contribute to the aesthetic value of the temple.
Meanwhile, the monolithic statue of Nandi was decorated with lighting in the form of the G-20 Logo.
