A major restoration project at a 12th-century Later-Chola temple in Tiruvannamalai has uncovered rare inscriptions detailing the management of medicinal gardens (Arogyasalas). These stone records provide a fascinating glimpse into the integration of healthcare and religion, listing various herbs and plants that were cultivated for the local community's well-being.
The restoration team also identified structural elements that were previously hidden by layers of lime wash. Heritage experts emphasize that preserving these inscriptions is vital for understanding the social welfare systems of the Chola Empire, which supported both spiritual and physical health through temple-run institutions.