On February 13, the holy flag staff at Sri Kambahareswarar temple, also called Sarabeswarar temple near Kumbakonam, tilted and rested on the mandap roof. Devotees noticed the 51-feet tall wooden flag staff, covered with gold-dipped copper plates, leaning dangerously. Temple authorities immediately cordoned off the area to ensure safety. Officials arranged for the 'balalayam' of the flag staff, a ritual to remove the old staff safely. The plan is to replace the damaged wooden staff with a new one. Though the temple underwent renovations and consecration in February 2024, the old flag staff was not replaced at that time. The new consecration of the holy staff will happen after the new wooden flag staff is installed.