The Times of India  24.08.2010

THANJAVUR: The Centre has proposed to spend Rs 25 crore for various renovation and development works in Brihadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur in view of its millennium celebrations.

Union minister of state for culture V Narayanasamy said the funds would be allotted in a phased manner. Narayanasamy visited the temple on Monday and held discussions with ASI officials on the works to be done.

Narayansamy said the moat around the 1000-year-old temple built by King Raja Raja Chola was in a bad shape. "The moat would be renovated and de-silted on all sides and parapet walls would be built. Bushes would be removed to enable inflow and outflow of water," he said.

Though the temple is under the maintenance of ASI, the moat around the temple falls within the administration of the Thanjavur municipality. Narayanasamy said the state government has agreed to hand over the moat to ASI enabling the renovation work. The work will start this year, he said adding that a technical study would be conducted on the moat renovation. Boat services would also commence in the moat to attract more tourists.

"Works for the development of rampart walls and museum would also be undertaken in phased manner in coordination with the state tourism department,'' he said.