The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has started construction on a new seven-tier gopuram at Somanathar Temple, Pazhayarai, near Kumbakonam. This donor-sponsored project is backed by ₹7.95 crore from a philanthropist in Coimbatore. "We have begun the grouting today [January 13, 2026] to strengthen the foundation, and the work will continue after Pongal," said T. Umadevi, Deputy Commissioner of HR&CE. Pazhayarai is a key site in Chola history. The Chola kings and their families lived there before moving to Thanjavur. Earlier, the temple had a gopuram called the Mottai gopuram, which fell into neglect. HR&CE Minister P.K. Sekar Babu shared that since DMK took power, kumbabishekam was performed at hundreds of temples. The Pazhayarai temple is part of a restoration project for 1,000-year-old temples in Tamil Nadu. Before construction, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) studied the temple’s structure and local soil. "We are strengthening the existing foundation. Initially, we planned five tiers but changed to seven for a more elegant appearance," Ms. Umadevi explained. The Somanathar Temple is a notable Saivite shrine praised by saints Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar. Historian R. Kalaikovan noted that Pazhayarai's temple is called Kara Koil because its mahamandapam is shaped like a chariot. The east-facing gopuram had been called Mottai gopuram due to neglect. Dr. Kalaikovan cited an inscription with a royal order from Uttama Chola issued from the Pazhayarai palace. "His oral order was recorded by Puliyur Kizhavan. Rajendra Chola was dining in the southern hall when this happened," he quoted from Thavathuraiyum Karkudiyum. Author K.A. Nilakanta Sastri wrote in 'The Cholas' about a temple named Arulmolideva-Isvara near Palaiyaru (Pazhayarai), linked to Rajaraja Chola and his sister Kundavai. The area still has a place called Sola-Malaigai near Kumbakonam Railway Station believed to be the palace site, marked by a small ruined temple. He added the ancient Shiva temple in Pazhayarai is a fine example of late Chola architecture, emphasizing its historical and spiritual importance. Construction with donor support reflects a vibrant effort to revive a symbol of Tamil heritage. Published - January 13, 2026 02:57 pm IST