Preserving the grandeur of centuries-old structures while resolving modern structural issues remains a tough balancing act—especially when the monument in question is the revered Srikalahastheeswara Swamy Devasthanam in Andhra Pradesh’s Tirupati district. The temple, dating back to the 11th century and associated with the Chola dynasty, has long struggled with water leakage from its expansive roof despite repeated concrete repairs.
The vast stone-and-brick roof, covering approximately 64,000 sq. ft. including sanctums of key deities, was originally constructed using traditional surkhi mortar—a mix of burnt clay and lime. Over time, rainwater began seeping through gaps in the stone joints and pillars. A 2009 chemical treatment failed to stop the damage, highlighting the need for a more thoughtful approach.
Turning to innovation with respect for tradition, the temple administration partnered with the Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati (IIT-T). Led by director K.N. Satyanarayana, a team of engineers from IIT-T and IIT-Madras inspected the site and collected core samples from the structure. Lab analysis at IIT-Madras revealed multiple layers of brick and lime mortar beneath the surface. Incompatibility between the ancient lime-based materials and modern concrete overlays, especially with rusted mesh embedded in the top layer, had caused cracks and increased water seepage.
Focusing on a sustainable solution, the team piloted a restoration over the shrine of Goddess Gnana Prasunambika Devi. They removed the deteriorated concrete and proposed restoring the original brick jelly lime concrete (BJLC) using a traditional mix. This mixture—crafted from natural ingredients like jaggery, Kadukkai extract, Arabic tree gum, lady’s finger, urad dal, and jute—was chosen for its compatibility with the original materials and its proven durability.
By combining age-old knowledge with modern research, the project aims not just to stop the leaks, but to set a precedent for heritage restoration that respects the soul of ancient architecture.
