MADURAI, INDIA, November 6, 2002: Heavy and continuous rains have damaged an older gopuram of the Meenakshi Temple in Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Mother Goddess, Meenakshiamman, the temple is 500 km south of Chennai. The gopuram of the Mukkuruni Vinayaka temple, built in 1559 and dedicated to Lord Ganesha, was damaged. It is one of the smaller towers, about 69 ft high and with 112 statues carved on it. Some local papers said the gopuram was hit by lightning, however the electricity board says that is not possible as there are lightning conductors on the temple towers. Temple authorities say the gopuram is being repaired.
A daily summary of world news for Hindus and non-Hindus alike