The Chola-era Abathsagayeswarar temple in Budalur, near Thirukkattupalli in Thanjavur district, is in bad shape. A dilapidated entrance and mottai gopuram (a bald tower) covered with vegetation alone remain as proof of the existence of an outer wall of the temple that might have collapsed a century ago. Remnants of the outer wall can be found on one side and is covered with cow dung. As the sannidhi of goddess, Ambal, is fully damaged, the idol was shifted to the main temple around 40 years ago. Only rubble remain where the vasantha mandpam (a temple structure) once stood. The temple and its vicinity wear a deserted look.
Now there is a ray of hope for the temple as the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department has decided to renovate it. “It will be done at a cost of ₹40 lakh. A donor has come forward to repair the Ambal sannidhi. The work will be started in a month,” said G. Sivajaran, an executive officer of the department.
