The 150-feet tall Rajagopuram of the ancient Kalayarkoil temple survived a major devastation when the thatched cover built around the tower for renovation, caught fire in the fireworks staged by AIADMK volunteers after news broke out that Jayalalithaa was granted conditional bail by the Karnataka High Court.
After reports reached here at 4 p.m. on Tuesday that Ms. Jayalalithaa was granted conditional bail, AIADMK volunteers burst crackers in front of the temple.
Sparks flew and set the thatched cover on fire. The entire covering burnt down before the fire service units from Sivaganga, Devakottai and Thiruvadanai rushed to the spot, fire service sources said. The fire also spread to the nearby 40-foot tall Swamy Gopuram and destroyed the thatched cover around the tower.
The bamboo poles used for scaffolding too burnt down and the fire service personnel put out the fire after an hour-long fight. Heavy downpour also helped to contain the fire, P. Thirumurugan, Sivaganga Station Fire Officer, who led the fire service personnel with Assistant Divisional Officer, Lokidoss, said.
“Only the thatched leaves and bamboo poles used for scaffolding were burnt and the fire has not caused any damage to the temple tower though some portions were smeared with soot in the impact,” he told The Hindu .
A. Rajendran, Temple Superintendent also said the fire has not caused damage to the temple tower.
