Kozhikode: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut and the School of Planning and Architecture New Delhi (SPA New Delhi) have embarked on a series of unique initiatives to delve into the historical and architectural aspects of Iringannur Shiva Temple, one of the oldest temples in Kozhikode district.

As part of the scientific study, the team utilized drone technology for the photo documentation process, enabling them to capture the centuries-old temple's unique perspective and intricate details of its architecture. Project coordinators said that the students within the team carried out the measured drawing of the temple, alongside the drone-based and photogrammetry-based documentation works. A joint publication involving SPA Delhi and NIT Calicut, based on this exercise, will soon be released to document the findings and research details.

Prof. Prasad Krishna, Director of NITC, expressed confidence that this initiative by the faculty and students would play a crucial role in conserving the rich heritage of the state.

This collaboration aims to explore the academic and cultural significance of the temple, situated in Kozhikode district’s Thuneri block panchayat, and serves as a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage, as stated by Dr. Mohammed Firoz C, Head of DAP. The temple's history, spanning many decades, holds deep emotional significance for the local community, making it an integral part of their identity, he pointed out.

The Iringannur temple is one of the famous 108 Shiva temples in Kerala. Legend has it that the revered sage Parasurama installed the idol here.

The field-level documentation process has been successfully completed with the support of a team from SPA Delhi, including Dr Arathy Gopal, TS Ravichandran, Dr Pratyoosh Madhavi, Subham Mishra, Dr Raja Singh, along with HoD Prof Dr Anil Dewan and Dean (A) Prof Dr Meenakshi Dhote.

The NITC team, led by Dr Sanil Kumar, Abhishek Kumar, and Sajana A, completed the task with the assistance of Dr Anil Kumar PP, Dr Kasthurba A K, and Dr Mohammed Firoz C. The Development Committee of the Iringannur temple provided unwavering support to the students and faculty members to ensure the timely completion of the process.

According to those involved in the project, the documentation process served as a valuable learning experience for all students, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical application. It also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations in the field of architecture and planning, fostering a holistic understanding of cultural heritage and its preservation.

Dr. Sanil Kumar, Assistant Professor of DAP, emphasized that this initiative would support conservation efforts and facilitate similar documentation processes for other temples with unique characteristics. He also mentioned NITC's plans to collaborate with IIT-BHU and SPA Delhi to conduct joint workshops on similar projects, aligning with the establishment of the Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design at NIT Calicut.