Dwajasthambam, original to the temple, made of wood. It is estimated to be about 50 feet long. A new one that will replace this will be about five feet in circumference, or nearly twice the size. When the lumber merchant learned about the restoration project, he offered to give his materials and services at no cost.
This elephant is one of several items carried around in the processions that used to happen a few times a year. It would have been pristine with rich lacquer colors, but the paint is gone and you can see the staples holding the structure together. This and similar pieces will be restored.
The main mandap is clearly overgrown with flora of every kind over many decades. The roots have embedded deep in the structure and will take painstaking work to remove.
These images show close-up views of the extensive restoration challenges. In the next post we will share more panoramic photos of the temple grounds.
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