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| Thanjavur Big temple chariot near the shed.thehindu.com |
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| Ther(Chariot) mantap, West main st. Thanjavur. .mydigitalpublication.com |
Above images. The Chariot mantap (Thermutti) across Kanchi Mutt office, West Main street, Thanjavur - the main venue of annual ther festival; close to it is the Chariot shed under lock and key. The TMC in the recent past has recovered many Ther (Chariot) mantaps built by the Marathas on all four main streets and structurally they were very much similar to the one partially visible in the images above. The one at Samanthan kulam lane and East main street once looked like the mantap shown in the picture............
Restoration of Historical Chariot Mantaps in Thanjavur
The ancient city of Thanjavur, a former seat of power for the Cholas, Nayaks, and Marathas in Tamil Nadu, is rich with historical structures, temples, and water tanks. Like many historical locations across India, it has faced the menace of encroachments on government land, locally termed Purampokku or Nathham land, particularly affecting heritage structures left unprotected since India's independence in 1947.
In recent years, a growing awareness, fueled by heritage lovers and history buffs, has led to a dedicated push to preserve these sites. This effort has gained significant momentum under the current Thanjavur Municipal Corporation (TMC) administration, resulting in the recovery of numerous illegally occupied government properties.
The Historical Thermutti Mantaps
Among the structures targeted for recovery and restoration are the Chariot Mantaps (also known as Thermutti or Thernelai Mandam). These mantaps were historically significant pavilions built by the Marathas on the four main Raja Veedhis (streets) encircling the fort area of Thanjavur.
Purpose: These mantaps were an integral part of the annual Big Temple Chithirai festival (usually held in April). The tradition mandated that the massive Big Temple chariot would halt at these mantaps on the four main streets. Here, the utchava moorthis (processional idols) from nearby temples would be kept for public darshan, and prayers and deep Aradhana (worship with lamps) would be conducted for the neighborhood residents.
Architecture: The mantaps were decoratively built on a high platform. Structurally, they are described as dome-shaped pavilions that look similar to the Chhatris of Rajasthan, an element of Indo-Islamic architecture. The traditional masonry employed small-sized bricks with ground lime as mortar, and the structure typically featured plain pillars supporting arched openings.
Status: Many of these Thermutti mantaps had fallen into disrepair or were under illegal occupation for decades. The recovery of these structures by the TMC marks a crucial step in heritage preservation.
Recent Recoveries and Restoration Plans
The Thanjavur Corporation, as part of the "Smart City" project, has been taking decisive action against illegal occupants.
East Main Street Mantap: The most significant recent recovery is the Chariot Mantap on the East Main Street. This mantap, which was under continuous illegal occupation for more than half a century, was finally seized by the Corporation. It is located right across the Perumal temple, at the corner of the street and the Samanthankulam lane. The structure covers approximately 696 sq. feet and had been illegally housing a tea shop for decades. Plans are currently underway to restore this mantap to its past glory.
Samanthankulam: This nearby tank was historically well-maintained, and the water was once potable, having an underground channel linking it to the Shivaganga Garden Kulam.
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| Barah Khamba Chhatri at Jalsen Talab in Hindaun |
Other Recovered Mantaps:
Similarly, the TMC has recovered several other chariot mantaps belonging to various temples, including the Sankar Narayanan temple, Konganeswar temple, Sri Ramar Kovil, and Sri Anjaneyar (Hanuman) temple. These recovered structures are now under the care of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for protection.
South Main Street Mantap: Another beautiful Thermutti mantap is located adjacent to the Kaliamman Kovil/Canara Bank building on South Main Street. It was found in a dilapidated state, with the traditional plastering having come off, exposing the highly weathered bricks.
The recovery and proposed restoration of these historical Chariot Mantaps have been warmly welcomed by the local natives and heritage lovers, signaling a new era of valuing and safeguarding the city’s ancient legacy.
https://www.dailythanthi.com/Districts/Chennai/2022/04/13024611/temple-car-place.vpf
, Thanjavur, TN built by Maratha rulers and recovery in the recent past){kind=link}