Sad Condition of South Indian Temples [Archive]

Fusionist

July 12th, 2009, 07:05 PM

^Fusi, the Pinnacle on top of the temple is called Vimanam (Shikhara in North India). It is generally restricted in height for S. Indian temples, which is why most have short Vimana and tall Gopura.

Tanjore (and other Chola temples) are exceptions, otherwise most later temples will follow this rule.

yes many temples do follow the short Vimanam style.. however it cannot be seen as the 'standard' style. There is more variety if you look carefully. Let me start with Chola but will move on aswell..

Tanjore..
http://india.arzoo.com/ImageReader?mm=image/pjpeg&path=/1/689/Day%205.jpg

Gangaikondacholapuram..
http://www.indiadestinationtours.com/destinations/f3d5d_2085388-Gangaikondacholapuram_temple-Thanjavur%5B1%5D.jpg

Kanchipuram..
http://www.pazhs.com/gallery/kailashanathar/kailashanathar-temple.jpg

Mamallapuram..
http://cache.virtualtourist.com/1762694-Shore_temple-Mamallapuram.jpg

Palani.. ( tallish vimanam )
http://www.traveldayz.com/images/pilgrimage_pazhani_palani_temple_india.gif

Rockfort temple..
http://www.indtravel.com/tamil/graphic10/rockfort1_trichi.jpg

Ayyanar temple..
http://www.sulekha.com/mstore/kriyer/albums/default/Balamurugan%20temple2.JPG
http://www.catscanman.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/Kpudur5.jpg
http://gallery.photo.net/photo/4553360-md.jpg

Vellore Golden temple..
http://karthikhce.files.wordpress.com/2008/08/sripuram-temple.gif

Marudamalai..
http://www.sulekha.com/mstore/vijayr/albums/default/17022007198.jpg

Chidambaram..unique dome vimanam
http://www.tamilnation.org/images/religion/temple/chidam1.JPG

Srirangam..layered gopuram
http://centralexcisetrichy.gov.in/newcentral/tourimg/srirangam-gopuram.jpg

If you really have a keen eye for 'south indian' temples, or even only TN temples, you can detect so many architectural styles that are unique and VERY different. And most of these are old and popular temples with lot of history !

So, although grand and well publicised Madurai, Thiruvannamalai & Srirangam are great by itself but not necessarily the yardsticks by which temple architecture has to be measured.

Marathaman

July 12th, 2009, 07:49 PM

^Fusi, the first 3 temples are Chola-era temple where the norm was not followed. The Kanchipuram is one of the pioneering temples which inspired later Cholan ones.

Mammalapuram is one of the oldest temples, and it directly borrows its form from older Nagara style ones in the North. Though its detailing is unique and the precursor of later dravidian architecture.

Palani Vimanam is still shorter than the main Gopuram, and Rockfort Temple was used as a fort by either the British or the Dutch, and its architecture was modified considerably.

The next three don't show the Gopuram, and seem to be variations from the norm in any case.

Vellore Golden Temple is a recent construction (2008?), and its layout is considerably different from other south Indian temples.

Chidambaram has multiple smaller-shrines within the compound, and all of them are nowhere as tall as the Gopurams. Those golden roofs are not shrines but mantapams.
http://www.chidambaram.rajadeekshithar.com/chidambaram_sabha.JPG

And I don't get your point with the Srirangam picture. What are you trying to say?

From what I've observed, atleast 70-80% of TN temples have successive gopurams with receding height and finally a tiny central shrine (or a group of small shrines). That's generally the rule for post-Cholan era temples.

There are obviously a lot of exceptions. Some temples don't have Gopurams at all, but just the shrine.

Fusionist

July 12th, 2009, 08:32 PM

Marathaman

July 12th, 2009, 08:52 PM

^^ very informative. I posted the Srirangam pic as it is the bbest example of the receding gopuram style. So I posted it to typify that school of architecture. All the other temple have different style. All these Are what constitutes the 'south indian' temples. These cannot be seen as 'exceptions' but an integral part of temple architecture.

Yeah, they all have individual styles, but then we are discussing the height of the gopurams in relation to the shrine, which is generally similar for a lot of temples.

And surely you cant discard Chola architecture as an 'exception' ? They are THE master temple builders and the pride of Tamil history ! Also when you say 70-80% temples, you are considering only the temples that followed what is called the vedic/agamic laws.

Erm, yes, I am talking about post-Cholan temples, and NOT Cholan ones.

These in all I would guess wont even make the majority of all temples in TN. Hence I posted the pics of Ayyanar temples which look completely different. There are thousands and thousands of Ayyanar temples that do not follow the gopuram, vimanam style atall. And like you said there are temples without gopuram, temple with main shrine only, tree temples, sname mound temples etc etc They are ALL part of ancient TN architecture. Not just the ones that followed Agamic or Vedic laws as we seem to think.

Well, I guess I'm not counting each and every village temple in TN. They will probably number in the thousands lol.

I guess the problem is, we cant tell much of the differences, because we are looking at them from so far ( culturally ) that it all looks the same. For example to many Indians, all Chinese would look the same. If only you get to know more Chinese in person you will realise the diversity amongst the community.

ohkay...so if I make ONE small generalization, I am unable to make distinctions between individual temples? I think you're being a teeny weeny bit pedantic.

So if we can see standard structures and common 'laws' in temples, in means we havent familiarised ourself enough to find the differences. If you become an expert then at that point, each temple will look completely different with hardly any resemblence whatever.

:| you yourself were propogating a similar "law" a couple of posts ago:

"Also interstingly the gopuram in Tanjore is directly on top of the idol, while in most temples in the South Gopuram are at the entrances, not at the main shrine"

But I don't agree. If you are an expert on temple architecture, you will not only appreciate the uniqueness of each structure, but also see the similarities between various temples and be able to classify them accordingly into different groups.
Also, you will be able to trace their origins and appreciate how different eras and regions influenced each other.

So I guess it is better to adopt a different appraoch to the common temple law ideal that was popularised if we are to learn the uniqueness of each temple architecture.

Anyways its an interesting and informative discussion :)

I don't understand...what was popularized?

Fusionist

July 12th, 2009, 09:13 PM

here are some non-Agamic temples from Tamil Nadu. Check out the difference in architecture. No gopuram at all. instead we have the curved archways and roofless design.

Infact I am thinking of starting a new thread called 'lost Gods of Tamil Nadu' thread soon, to identify the hundreds of unique gods and temples that were demolished or let to ruin due to Colonisation when the non-Agamic Gods were discarded as 'demi-Gods' by the Puritans and a lot of history and community shattered.

Back to Ayynar temples..

Ayyanar temple with arch gateway.
http://i28.tinypic.com/vr52jl.jpg

http://i25.tinypic.com/14sibna.jpg

Puthukkotai Ayyanar Horse Temple..
http://i29.tinypic.com/2vuxycx.jpg
http://i26.tinypic.com/25i6ek2.jpg

Kumaramangalam Temple
http://i27.tinypic.com/2aipt1w.jpg
http://i32.tinypic.com/14ag1tu.jpg
http://i26.tinypic.com/335h7w0.jpg

Thanjavur..
http://i26.tinypic.com/f23ded.jpg

The terracota horses, roofless architecture, arched gateway are unique to these temples.

Marathaman

July 12th, 2009, 09:17 PM

^What era are these temples from?

Fusionist

July 12th, 2009, 09:26 PM

Yeah, they all have individual styles, but then we are discussing the height of the gopurams in relation to the shrine, which is generally similar for a lot of temples.

Erm, yes, I am talking about post-Cholan temples, and NOT Cholan ones.

ok then.

Well, I guess I'm not counting each and every village temple in TN. They will probably number in the thousands lol.

well you cant discard the majority of non-Agamic temples as village temples. They simply are from a different school of deisgn. They are not a miniature of the Saivite or Vaishnavite temple be it Chola or post-Chola.

ohkay...so if I make ONE small generalization, I am unable to make distinctions between individual temples? I think you're being a teeny weeny bit pedantic.

No we are simply learning the right way I think. By pointing out the mistakes ;)

But I don't agree. If you are an expert on temple architecture, you will not only appreciate the uniqueness of each structure, but also see the similarities between various temples and be able to classify them accordingly into different groups.
Also, you will be able to trace their origins and appreciate how different eras and regions influenced each other.

Shows I am no expert on temples :cheers:

But then I dont agree that my point is completely invalid. The more attention to detail we give, we wil lrealise that there is more to temple architecture than we give importance to.

don't understand...what was popularized?

The temple architectural laws ( shape of temple, vimanam, etc ). The style which you seem to think is the 'normal' temple style in TN ie. Meenakshi temple etc. If you look carefully there were many temples that did not follow this precise law. But then they were influenced by different ages aswell.

Fusionist

July 12th, 2009, 09:32 PM

^What era are these temples from?

They have been there for long. But not any longer than the other temples. So I guess they have been built in different ages, be it pre-Chola, Chola or post-Chola. They lost thier prominence under Colonialism when the Puritans termed them as 'demi-Gods' and distroyed many of these temples along with ostracising the community that worshipped these.

Here is the wiki entry for the history behind these temples..

The earliest reference to Aiynar-Shasta includes two or more hero stones to hunting chiefs from the Arcot district in Tamil Nadu. The hero stones are dated to the 3rd century C.E. It reads "Ayanappa; a shrine to Cattan." This is followed by another inscription in Uraiyur near Tiruchirapalli which is dated to the 4th century C.E.[5]

Literary references to Aiyanar-Cattan is found in Silappatikaram, a Tamil Buddhist work dated to the 4th to 5th century C.E.[4] From the Chola period (9th century C.E) onwards the popularity of Aiyanar-Shasta became even more pronounced.

Marathaman

July 12th, 2009, 09:35 PM

Marathaman

July 12th, 2009, 09:36 PM

They have been there for long. But not any longer than the other temples. So I guess they have been built in different ages, be it pre-Chola, Chola or post-Chola. They lost thier prominence under Colonialism when the Puritans termed them as 'demi-Gods' and distroyed many of these temples along with ostracising the community that worshipped these.

Here is the wiki entry for the history behind these temples..

So the British termed them "demi-gods" and destroyed the temples?

Fusionist

July 12th, 2009, 09:41 PM

But they are local deities, whose influence (I presume) extends only to the surrounding area ?

This isn't just unique to TN. Most villages in India do have local gods and goddesses, sometimes they are simply avatars of major vedic gods, and sometimes they are unique.

Depends on how you look. If you look at it historically, all temples were local and were community based. Some gods became 'nationalised' when the various sects, be it Saivism, Vaishnavism, Tantrism, Sakthism were classed together as a single 'religion' termed as Hinduism. With this only Brahminical Vedic Gods became 'mainstream' at the cost of others.

But now if you look at Hinduism as one entity, then yes you can reduce these Gods to 'regional' Gods. But historically speaking I dont think it is fair. All these temples are unique and equally important and constitutes what makes our culture vibrant.

ps. My apologies. Ayyanar temples can also be considered Vedic as it is mentioned in Vedic literature, but they are mostly patronised by the non-Brahminical participants of Vedism. Hence the uniqueness in the architecture.

Marathaman

July 12th, 2009, 09:55 PM

Depends on how you look. If you look at it historically, all temples were local and were community based. Some gods became 'nationalised' when the various sects, be it Saivism, Vaishnavism, Tantrism, Sakthism were classed together as a single 'religion' termed as Hinduism. With this only Vedic Gods became 'mainstream' at the cost of others.
But now if you look at Hinduism as one entity, then yes you can reduce these Gods to 'regional' Gods. But historically speaking I dont think it is fair. All these temples are unique and equally important and constitutes what makes our culture vibrant.

So....you suggest that we should stop classifying things and...erm....then what?

I understand that the British put their own (harmful) interpretation on things from a Christian POV, but that doesn't mean that we have to continue to do the same.

You know, classification is nothing but a method of assigning relative importance, because we as humans have limited time on our hands.

You can be a romantic here and bravely assert that your local Ayyanar temple is as important and significant the Meenakshi Temple at Madurai, but I'm sorry I don't agree, and neither did those who built Meenakshi. If they had, they would have probably made it as tiny or as large as the Ayyanar temple. Do you get my point?

bains1971

July 27th, 2009, 11:09 AM

Even though the thread say sad condition, those old temple's still have an amazing aura about them.:)

skganji

August 6th, 2009, 10:02 PM

What can you expect from a Pseudo secular Indian government which is using all the money collected in temples for minority appeasement policies.

http://nalgonda.ap.nic.in/pangal.htm

http://img357.imageshack.us/img357/6590/pangal3we1.jpg

Not only in T.N, the A.P government has totally neglected restoration of two ancient temples in Pangal village near Nalgonda town which has beautiful designed pillars by the Kakatiya Kings between 11 and 13th century. The A.P government made all false promises but nothing substantial has been done to restore these temples. On the other hand , the gov't gives subsidies to Haj piligrims and Jerusalem trips to the minorities.

skganji

August 6th, 2009, 10:11 PM

Also, near Mumbai, why is the Maharasthran government totally neglecting the Elephanta caves which were dedicated to trinity of Hinduism.

Indian Forever

August 7th, 2009, 12:17 PM

I do feel it is a matter of time before restoration work begins they have made some effort in Delhi.

skganji

August 7th, 2009, 06:59 PM

I do feel it is a matter of time before restoration work begins they have made some effort in Delhi.

Delhi is getting all the attention as the common wealth games are coming up in 2010. I don't think ASI and the state governments are doing a job in restoring these temples. ASI has mentioned that funds are available and work will be one on the Pangal temples and they dismantled the temple and numbered all the stones and don't know they are not assembling it again.

Fusionist

August 16th, 2009, 10:32 PM

So....you suggest that we should stop classifying things and...erm....then what?

I understand that the British put their own (harmful) interpretation on things from a Christian POV, but that doesn't mean that we have to continue to do the same.

You know, classification is nothing but a method of assigning relative importance, because we as humans have limited time on our hands.

You can be a romantic here and bravely assert that your local Ayyanar temple is as important and significant the Meenakshi Temple at Madurai, but I'm sorry I don't agree, and neither did those who built Meenakshi. If they had, they would have probably made it as tiny or as large as the Ayyanar temple. Do you get my point?

Obviously Meenakshi temple got patronage from the king ( who would have been a staunch devotee of Devi ), who would have invested more in a Meenakshi temple rather than in anything else. But it is genuinely reflective of all communites of that time or region ? Different temples catered to different communities, so they were equally popular amongst the various sections of people I guess.

If you look at present day TN temples like Palani, Thirupathi are more popular with the masses than Meenakshi or Tanjore temple even though thre later two are bigger. Why do you think so ? When festivals like Thai Poosam were prominent Palani would have been even more prominent !

The popularity of some temples went down during Colonialism and others rose during/after it. Some temples regained thier popularity after Coloonialism, thanks to the communites who worshipped them, but not necessarily all, some bit the dust. Aiyanar temples certainly lost a lot of significance as a result of cultural cleansing during Colonialism. Before that, even though they were not as grand as Meenakshi temple were places of significance and the people who worshipped them took to them with utmost devotion. So, yes they were popular !

Marathaman

September 10th, 2009, 06:24 PM

Sri Vyagrapureeswarar Temple., Puliparkoil
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sriramanvk/3476491628/in/pool-templesindia
http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/9666/347649162846387cf067b.jpg

skganji

September 10th, 2009, 06:36 PM

There are atleast 50 GO's issued by A.P government to repair churches and Mosques . However, not a single GO is to be seen related to temple repairs. This clearly shows the dubious nature of the government of A.P. They are interested in vote bank politics and Hindus have to take their own steps to repair these dilipated temples. All the money collected in the temples are used for the beneficiary of minorities. It is a wonder that no Hindus are protesting the actions of the government. All the money collected in Hindu temples should be exclusively used for the maintenance and upliftment of Hindu temples .

Marathaman

September 10th, 2009, 06:49 PM

Vadharaja Perumal temple, Tirunelveli

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/5937/146025575856b5873e9.jpg

Arasu

September 10th, 2009, 11:03 PM

Marathaman

September 22nd, 2009, 05:05 PM

Restoration of Uthiramerur temple with the help of IIT Chennai:

P-s1JGpr-bk

Fusionist

October 1st, 2009, 10:30 PM

The Gangaikondacholapuram temple restoration model should ber considered as the ideal model for temple restoration in all other temples..

http://i34.tinypic.com/2isyyix.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/nmc3yh.jpg

Fusionist

October 3rd, 2009, 09:04 AM

another possitive example of good restoration work is Ayravatheswarar temple in Darasuram ( formerly Rajarajapuram ).

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/PeriyaNayaki_Darasuram.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/25/Airavateshwarar_Gopuram.jpg

bains1971

October 5th, 2009, 12:01 PM

Great updates.:cheers:

Marathaman

October 23rd, 2009, 07:33 PM

Another crumbling temple. This one is at Thiruppattur near Thiruchipalli.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2136/1814261454_c6090c2bb1_b.jpg
Source (http://www.flickr.com/photos/avanibhajana/1814261454/)

Marathaman

November 26th, 2009, 04:01 AM

The Gangaikondacholapuram temple restoration model should ber considered as the ideal model for temple restoration in all other temples..

Why does ASI make everything pink? They coat the monuments with some pinkish plaster is it?

pdykid

November 26th, 2009, 03:48 PM

Guys,

Just want to share something, not sure whether it’s appropriate to this thread.

For some times ago I have visited this temple called Thiru Arangam or Adhi Thiruvarangam (not Srirangam near Trichy) , saw an unusual (at least for me) spectacular and mystery Kopuram.

It as was inside the temple compound, but inside nothing, just brick and wood. For me the dome was astonishing, it was in ruined state but it still holding itself.
I don’t know the purpose of this Kopuram?

I could not ask the priest more about that this particular kopuram but he did told about the temple history.
There was huge Lord ranganathar, bigger than the Lord at Srirangam and made of sand and mooligai ( wonder herbs)
He told it was built before srirangam temple.

For info: Goggled about it and found this blog about the temple
http://prtraveller.blogspot.com/2009/07/adhi-thiruvarangam.html

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/2103/246at.jpg (http://img3.imageshack.us/i/246at.jpg/) http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/246at.jpg/1/w1200.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img3/246at.jpg/1/)

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/8/247y.jpg (http://img6.imageshack.us/i/247y.jpg/) http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/247y.jpg/1/w1600.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img6/247y.jpg/1/)

inside
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/7899/249rp.jpg (http://img4.imageshack.us/i/249rp.jpg/) http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/249rp.jpg/1/w1600.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img4/249rp.jpg/1/)

Temple
http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/456/254sx.jpg (http://img4.imageshack.us/i/254sx.jpg/) http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/254sx.jpg/1/w1200.png (http://g.imageshack.us/img4/254sx.jpg/1/)

Marathaman

November 26th, 2009, 03:55 PM

^Hi

Thanks for sharing. Its perfect for this thread.

Jai

November 29th, 2009, 01:50 AM

WRT to the discussion about painting the gopuram, Srirangam before its recent renovation had plain whitewashed gopurams. Whether or not this was due to lack of funds or lack of the conservation ethic, it's multi-colored repainting was only a recent addition. I'm not sure if the temple was painted in historical times, though

Srirangam..layered gopuram
http://centralexcisetrichy.gov.in/newcentral/tourimg/srirangam-gopuram.jpg

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/6996/3206404225e6d49bc1e1.jpg

Arul Murugan

November 30th, 2009, 06:12 AM

WRT to the discussion about painting the gopuram, Srirangam before its recent renovation had plain whitewashed gopurams. Whether or not this was due to lack of funds or lack of the conservation ethic, it's multi-colored repainting was only a recent addition. I'm not sure if the temple was painted in historical times, though

Yes painting in multi-color is recent works to differentiate the different arts/statues in the gopuram. Even Meenakshi gopuram was not colored one in early 1900's.

Marathaman

November 30th, 2009, 10:21 AM

Seems like the pillars/base is usually stone, whereas the upper tiers are made of brick.

Marathaman

December 6th, 2009, 01:33 PM

A recently restored temple at Virinchipuram.

Before:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3077/2630450044_abf287cb0a_b.jpg

After:
http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/2682/dsc0380r.jpg

India101

December 7th, 2009, 09:32 AM

Some temples look better without all the colors.

Marathaman

December 7th, 2009, 09:37 AM

^They like to use modern oil paints with no concern for the original decoration.

simpliCITY

January 20th, 2010, 10:39 AM

Temples without colour looks marvelous. While painting on a rock carved goupuram make difficulties to understand the original material used for the art. plastic, wood, plaster of paris, concrete, mud all looks similiar with those cheap paints.

just think about great wall of china, the Pyramids, Machupichu, stone henge, Colloseum -all painted with multi colour cheap CHUNA!! hehehe :lol::lol:

Marathaman

January 20th, 2010, 01:16 PM

Trivandrum:

Ugly cement structure attached to gopuram, and gopuram itself looks like it urgently needs restoration.
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4288603779_699190378c_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/niallflinn/4288603779/

Plants growing everywhere, rooftiles need to be replaced, the walls look damp and leaky....
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/388938951_8c43e7c580_b.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anujnair/388938951/

India101

January 21st, 2010, 07:19 AM

The whole area needs restoration.

krmpradeep

April 7th, 2010, 08:10 PM

http://i1.trekearth.com/photos/59239/meenakshi_temple.jpg

Here is a photo that I took a couple of years back. The vertical faces of all the stairs were colored with the notorious red/white scheme. Also, you can clearly see yellowish limestone colors painted across the structures on the opposite side of the water tank. As if that weren't enough, the temple's management managed to throw in some potted plants and promptly forgot to maintain them. They look like trees in the photo!

I hope things have changed now. Does anyone have a recent pic of this marvelous temple?

Marathaman

April 7th, 2010, 09:17 PM

^They've made it even worse. I didn't think that was possible, but the temple management have outdone themselves.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4060/4416126253_8d99927f76_o.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/indiantraveller/4416126253/sizes/o/

Marathaman

April 24th, 2010, 06:59 AM

A 16th century (?) Temple inside Kavaledurga fort, Karnataka

http://picasaweb.google.com/hegdemca5/Kavaledurga#

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/8237/dsc00070pr.jpg

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/4721/dsc00066ar.jpg

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/4589/dsc00064d.jpg

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/8472/dsc00051ka.jpg

VaastuShastra

April 24th, 2010, 01:37 PM

That looks like it could be very beautiful if it were renovated.

Marathaman

May 5th, 2010, 05:14 PM

Thiruchendur :bash: (Bright pink colour, concrete extension...MY GOD)

http://img532.imageshack.us/img532/4531/130663029741a1a0aa5o.jpg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/2282/4415375239f2bc47a6d2.jpg

skganji

May 5th, 2010, 06:37 PM

Thiruchendur :bash: (Bright pink colour, concrete extension...MY GOD)

There is no doubt that the atheist and the corrupted and insane politician Karunanidhi is the reason behind the sad condition of temples in Tamil Nadu. TamilNadu has a rich culture and heritage and unfortunately bad rulers in recent years who had no respect or pride in their heritage. Shame on this kind of rulers.

Marathaman

May 5th, 2010, 06:46 PM

^Please don't bring your politics to this thread. Thanks.

Fusionist

May 5th, 2010, 07:11 PM

skganji

May 7th, 2010, 12:40 AM

^Please don't bring your politics to this thread. Thanks.

Well , I don't want to bring politics into this thread however, the truth is that these dirty corrupted atheistic politicians are ruining the rich and cultural heritage of TamilNadu. Why would anybody allow such nasty work on all these temples without even considering the Aesthetics involved it ?. There are numerous occassion in recent History of TamilNadu where this happened. What right did these nasty politicians have to destroy these temples ?. I don't what is the ASI of TamilNadu doing . Did it even protest this kind of shady renovation and extension of the Mandaps or is simply accepted the dictat of the politicians ?.

Arasu

May 7th, 2010, 02:27 PM

skganji

May 7th, 2010, 06:24 PM

I am sure you didn't certainly imply that some nasty fundamentalist politicians have the rights to demolish masjids while ASI of India and the central cabinet watched over them.

I thought I will clarify before some crazy chaps misunderstood you and entertained some weird ideas. :)

Are you talking about Babri Masjid ? . I don't want to go into this topic. Let the so called Justice system of India decide this matter.

Marathaman

May 8th, 2010, 10:26 PM

Well , I don't want to bring politics into this thread however, the truth is that these dirty corrupted atheistic politicians are ruining the rich and cultural heritage of TamilNadu. Why would anybody allow such nasty work on all these temples without even considering the Aesthetics involved it ?. There are numerous occassion in recent History of TamilNadu where this happened. What right did these nasty politicians have to destroy these temples ?. I don't what is the ASI of TamilNadu doing . Did it even protest this kind of shady renovation and extension of the Mandaps or is simply accepted the dictat of the politicians ?.

I'm pretty sure that the 'nastiness' and atheism of TN politicians have very little to do with the condition of temples in the state. The condition of temples in BJP ruled states like Himachal Pradesh or Karnataka isn't exactly better. Its more a matter of educating the organizations that run these temples about the importance of staying true to the original architecture of the temple while renovating/expanding them.

Also, a lot of these temples are run by government organizations, and so they are treated poorly like any other government building. Indicates the condition of government services and organizations in the country, which is largely independent of political affiliation.

Marathaman

May 10th, 2010, 05:24 PM

Draksharama, Andhra Pradesh:

http://picasaweb.google.com/chandras3d/VizagMar08#
http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/4006/img5286j.jpg

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/8984/img6238l.jpg

http://img576.imageshack.us/img576/381/img6233p.jpg

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/8536/img6225g.jpg

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/5683/img6226f.jpg

skganji

May 10th, 2010, 09:59 PM

I just want to clarify some thing. Negligence is different and delibarate vandalism of these temples is different. What is happening to lot of temples in India is of second category. In TamilNadu , recent incidents to some temples clearly indicate that this is a mindless attempt to ruin these structures. I don't remember that temple,but I vaguely remember it was the nataraja temple in Madurai or somewhere they dismantled a thousand year old temple and they are clueless on how to assemble it back.

Marathaman

May 10th, 2010, 10:08 PM

^Please come up with something specific. Vague references to "Nataraja temple in Madurai" is not helping.

skganji

May 10th, 2010, 11:33 PM

It is a Mandap renovation at Kanchipuram.

“What is happening now is total destruction. They are not dismantling it. They are smashing it with a bulldozer".

http://janamejayan.wordpress.com/2008/07/29/karunanidhi-the-auranazeb-in-action-demolishes-a-temple-mantap/

Marathaman

May 10th, 2010, 11:50 PM

skganji

May 11th, 2010, 12:03 AM

^The mandapam at Kanchipuram that was demolished was infact discussed here. You can probably search a bit and find the original news article in this forum, but there's no evidence to suggest that Karunanidhi himself had anything to do with it. I fail to see what political purpose it would serve. Besides, that's a (pretty biased) blog.

There is no political purpose. Politicians should keep out of Hindu temples just as they don't interfere in the matters of Muslims and Christians. This is what we need in India.
"What is happening now is total destruction. They are not dismantling it. They are smashing it with a bulldozer".
This statement is by a former director of Archeological Survey of Tamil Nadu. His statement carries some weight.
I have seen even one temple near Hyderabad which had to fight back fiercely to remain out of endowment board of A.P.

Fusionist

May 11th, 2010, 04:41 PM

I just want to clarify some thing. Negligence is different and delibarate vandalism of these temples is different. What is happening to lot of temples in India is of second category. In TamilNadu , recent incidents to some temples clearly indicate that this is a deliberate attempt to ruin these structures. I don't remember that temple,but I vaguely remember it was the nataraja temple in Madurai or somewhere they dismantled a thousand year old temple and they are clueless on how to assemble it back.

um, you better prove this. Otherwise it can be seen as a very prejudiced statement.

The Mentalist

May 11th, 2010, 05:09 PM

Really sad condition of temples in Tamilnadu. looks like Karunanidhi is a real son of a lets say witch with a B.

For someone's comments about condition of temples in karnataka: I don't know about Himachal but here in karnataka its much better. This thread itself is a proof of that.

Marathaman

May 11th, 2010, 05:12 PM

skganji

May 11th, 2010, 06:28 PM

um, you better prove this. Otherwise it can be seen as a very prejudiced statement.

Whatever proof you want is already provided here. Further more, it is the politicians who need to be careful with what they are doing . I am not prejudiced against Tamil Nadu or ordinary Tamilians. I appreciate the temples of Tamil Nadu and I don't see any thing wrong with my comments.

Fusionist

May 11th, 2010, 07:14 PM

Whatever proof you want is already provided here. Further more, it is the politicians who need to be careful with what they are doing . I am not prejudiced against Tamil Nadu or ordinary Tamilians. I appreciate the temples of Tamil Nadu and I don't see any thing wrong with my comments.

the prolem is with temple management, who are not properly otivated nor trained to handle management properly. Also the average person in India is hadly concerned about conservation or heritage.

If you do think twice, the DMK has been in power only every alternatie terms. Other times its always been ADMK, who are considered more 'spiritual'. Still the same problem.

Its the system and people's mind set, thats to blame. Not any politial party as such.

skganji

May 11th, 2010, 07:40 PM

"If you do think twice, the DMK has been in power only every alternatie terms. Other times its always been ADMK, who are considered more 'spiritual'. Still the same problem. ".

Irrespective of who is in power, every party and every politician needs to be careful about these monuments and temples which are passed to them by the previous generations . It is every body's responsibility to preserve them, protect them and maintaining them properly so that the future generations can enjoy it and take a pride in their history and culture.

I recently visited my home town and saw the renovation work on the local Shiva temple ( Panagal temple near Nalgonda) which was built during the Kakatiya period in 13th century. They gave a contract to some fellow who removed all the sculpted rocks from the garba gudi( inner sanctum of the temple) and he started using cement pillars and tried to put some design on it. He couldn't get it right and he left it in the middle. They dismantled the three other temples in the same complex and didn't number them properly and now they are having hard time to put it back.

Arul Murugan

May 26th, 2010, 09:45 AM

Anniyan

May 26th, 2010, 11:35 AM

It was small crack few months ago, which was not attended and now big crack looks the gopuram is in two pieces now.

The crack first appeared in 1988 itseems.

Fusionist

May 26th, 2010, 02:00 PM

skganji

May 26th, 2010, 06:38 PM

well yes, temple preservation is important indeed and we need better quality management of such structures. I dont think it all has to be brought down to govt. and politicians though.
The endownment board is responsible for the maintenance and development of the temples atleast in A.P and I think it is same in T.N. I have already given you an example where the Chilukuri Balaji temple near Hyderabad had fiercely fought against joining endownment board. Endownment board is nothing but politics and making money rather than development and preseving the temples.

Fusionist

May 26th, 2010, 08:37 PM

The endownment board is responsible for the maintenance and development of the temples atleast in A.P and I think it is same in T.N. I have already given you an example where the Chilukuri Balaji temple near Hyderabad had fiercely fought against joining endownment board. Endownment board is nothing but politics and making money rather than development and preseving the temples.

I think different temples have differnt trusts. Some get fundings from different sources. Yes the govt. is responsible for the temples in its territory but what really the country needs is more active involvement, interest etc from the public to thier temples. How many graduates seriously study temple architecture ? How many temple goers actually do appreciate architecture etc ? Unless the public mood changes there is no solution.

The moods a bit different in Sri Lanka if I might say. There is still a sense of piosness, and people appreciate temples more. Having said that it also means the people are more symbolic but lets not get into that, give nthat this is an architectural discussion thread.

For example here are a few pics of Sri Lankan temples..

http://www.vvtaustralia.com/files/images/Nallur%20Murugan%20Temple.preview.jpg

No posters
No ugly signboards
No shops along temple walls
No tubelights
No concrete structures
No wires and ugly lamposts

Decorative grill work
Clean walls and painting
Natural sweaped ground, where grass is cut regularly
Decorative lantern etc

Well the parking of cycle along the fence, etc could have been avoided, but atleast you can see there is a better sense of respect to the termple space, which is brought about by the people and management, not the govt etc.

More examples..

http://dbsjeyaraj.com/filmalaya/VVTSivan18.jpg

http://www.travel-srilanka.eu/pics/Tours/1_day_tours/Chilaw_Temple.jpg

http://commondatastorage.googleapis.com/static.panoramio.com/photos/original/12579186.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/1zohu7o.jpg

However the temples in inner city are a bit crowded and has got the poor grills and tubelights. Also the temples are a lot smaller than the ones in South India.

But overall they have carefully avoided shops, posters, wires, ugly signboards, concrete structures etc giving a more authentic and spiritual look to temples. Simple but better maintained mostly because of the people's involvement I think.

satishanu

May 26th, 2010, 10:28 PM

Cracks on Kalahasthi temple gopuram

It was small crack few months ago, which was not attended and now big crack looks the gopuram is in two pieces now.

This temple completely broke down into pieces. Seems it was build in 1510 by krishna deva raya.

http://www.dinamalar.com/more_picture_html.asp?Nid=7043

sudharshan

May 30th, 2010, 04:05 PM

It is indeed really sad to see the detruction of such a beautiful temple with such a long and interesting history. It should be an eye opener to us all. Urgent work is needed to preserve these temples. Tomorrow might just be too late.

Marathaman

June 4th, 2010, 09:38 AM

More tin sheds at Arunachaleshwara. Just look how those magnificent pillars are being marred by ugly metal sheets :ohno:

http://img248.imageshack.us/img248/2041/4442424881c5b8acb33fb.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ghostfacebuddha/4442424881/

Fusionist

June 4th, 2010, 04:41 PM

^^ those tin shed and bars are indeed horrible :bash:

dont they consult architects before messing up with temple buildings ?

Marathaman

June 4th, 2010, 04:56 PM

Arunachaleshwara is such a gem of architecture. They really ought to do a better job of maintaining it. Still, its at least kept clean and relatively well maintained compared to the horror stories that a lot of other temples are.

I can't understand why they don't make stone additions. Its understandable that they need those additional structures for some purpose, but the least they can do is employ some traditional architect and stone-masons to construct them. What is the problem? Is it paucity of funds?

Arasu

June 4th, 2010, 07:49 PM

Cracks on Kalahasthi temple gopuram

http://dkn.dinakaran.com/pdf/2010/05/26/20100526a_011104007.jpg

DKN

It was small crack few months ago, which was not attended and now big crack looks the gopuram is in two pieces now.

It is sad that such a beautiful and historic temple fell to the ground in a short span of time after it developed a crack.

I can not help wondering after going through some of the comments in this thread.that if the same thing had happened in TN, Karunanidhi would have been blamed for this debacle and may even as the reason behind it.

Not much of a whimper when it is another state.

Marathaman

June 4th, 2010, 07:52 PM

Apparently the digging of borwells in the vicinity led to the collapse.

Leo_r

June 4th, 2010, 09:05 PM

I wonder how a Gopuram made out of Clay,survived so long?

Marathaman

June 5th, 2010, 04:22 AM

It can't be clay. Usually these things are made from brick with a stone base.

simpliCITY

June 9th, 2010, 10:37 AM

For a Panoramic view of Thali Mahaganapathy Temple , Calicut, click Here (http://www.p4panorama.com/panos/thalitemple/index.html)

skganji

June 12th, 2010, 01:31 AM

I think different temples have differnt trusts. Some get fundings from different sources. Yes the govt. is responsible for the temples in its territory but what really the country needs is more active involvement, interest etc from the public to thier temples. How many graduates seriously study temple architecture ? How many temple goers actually do appreciate architecture etc ? Unless the public mood changes there is no solution.

Fusionist, it is quite beautiful to see the way Sri Lankan temples are maintained. All the trusts are gone once the government steps in. This is what endownment board does when it takes over the temple. I have seen ISKCON temples are not touched by gov't. Wonder how they manage them. The control of gov't over Hindu temples must be stopped. Politicians are ***s. They are thiefs of public property. There hands should be chopped off if they ruin a Hindu temple ( look at the negligence of Sri Kalahasti temple and its collapse ). This is the only way we can preserve these temples.

Fusionist

June 12th, 2010, 03:14 PM

Fusionist, it is quite beautiful to see the way Sri Lankan temples are maintained. All the trusts are gone once the government steps in. This is what endownment board does when it takes over the temple. I have seen ISKCON temples are not touched by gov't. Wonder how they manage them. The control of gov't over Hindu temples must be stopped. Politicians are ***s. They are thiefs of public property. There hands should be chopped off if they ruin a Hindu temple ( look at the negligence of Sri Kalahasti temple and its collapse ). This is the only way we can preserve these temples.

Well I will agree with you in principle that temple maintainance in the South definitely needs to improve. I think the core problem lies in the way the Madras Presidency was run, as opposed to Bengal or Bombay.

The Madras Presidency was heavily reliant on missionaries, and infact attributed several administrative duties directly to missionaries like Salvation Army who instilled a sense of alienation amongst the local about thier own culture. The revival of the 'Hindu' activism in the post-missionary era in India again is heavily influenced by the system adopted by the western missionaries. ie. a pseudo and symbolic interpretatino to religion, that lacks coherence. Thus even though a lot of people started revisiting temples in the post Colonial era, its always been more as a 'pride' rather than real connectedness with the spiritual way of life. Peope do rituals to fulfil family obligations etc It all becomes a rital and nothing more. No connectivity.

The temples in Sri Lanka look more organised and pious partly because of the influence of Arumuga Navalar. During the Colonial era, the 'Hindu' identity was formed in a manner different to that in the Madras Presidency. Sri Lanka was more riled up agains't the destructiveness of the Portuguese rather than the social engineering of the Evengelists, even though the latter heaviliy influenced the Sri Lankan mind a lot later. But by that time, the new 'Hindu' identity has had time to formulate to an extend that the people cared a lot more about the physical attributes of temples a lot better.

Well, back to the presense and plain language.. so how can any govt. instill a sense of conectivity between the temple and community when the people themselves visit temple for more symbolic reasons ? ie. to break coconuts, to chant a mantra or to simply to be superstitious ?

Change in attitude need to come from the people. What the govt. can do is update the education system etc and put the illdoings of the past into perspective.

As for the neglect of temple architecture is concerned, I think that again has to do with the casual attitude of the people. Once peoplereally get interested in these we could possibly see more graduates takking an interest in temple architecture, management etc. Why are not temple architecture not discussed in depth in universities ? How many lengthy books have been written about temple management in India ? The people need to take hte first step. The govt. cant force these things.

Marathaman

June 12th, 2010, 03:52 PM

^nice post

Marathaman

June 13th, 2010, 05:00 PM

Temple from Rajendra Chola's time in Kozhamandhal village (Kanchipuram district). Patched up with what looks like cement.

http://img816.imageshack.us/img816/6065/142165570795792f604fb.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/avanibhajana/1421655707/

Marathaman

June 15th, 2010, 08:38 AM

Well I will agree with you in principle that temple maintainance in the South definitely needs to improve.

Temples all across India are in pretty bad shape, but I think South India has far more surviving temple structures than the North/East/West. This is partly due to greater cultural continuities and fewer invasions from alien cultures throughout history.
I'm pretty sure that there are more historical temples in a single district in Kerala than the whole of Uttar Pradesh, for example.

Marathaman

June 17th, 2010, 02:52 PM

A couple of abandoned structures in Vellore:

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/7787/4337872048157200a761b.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/7010/4337873764e6d8b5694bb.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/search/?s=rec&ss=2&w=all&q=vellore+temple&m=text#page=2

ChennaiIndian

June 21st, 2010, 09:11 PM

In a country where we have too many social, economic and political problems, it is no wonder that most temples are neglected. In an age where Bhakti and/or religious duties and customs are fading, this is expected. Moreover, in ancient India, kings felt that it was their duty to patronize religion, temples, arts etc. and spent lots of money on them. This is not the case anymore.

Except for temples that generate lots of income like Thirupathi, Pazhani etc., most temples are let to rot and the Govt is barely able to spend money for them.

In TN, historically during DMK's rule, temples will be allowed to rot. During AIADMK's rule with the religious Amma as the CM, temples galore (at least better than the DMK rule if not absolute).

Marathaman

July 10th, 2010, 05:47 PM

Mel Pappambadi (near Thiru'malai), TN

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/3284475052_a1080d6f85_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3599/3284475656_20ef5bf69e_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/3284475748_710750f4f3_o.jpg

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35430852@N03/sets/72157613868244429/

ChennaiIndian

July 16th, 2010, 11:25 PM

Well I will agree with you in principle that temple maintainance in the South definitely needs to improve. I think the core problem lies in the way the Madras Presidency was run, as opposed to Bengal or Bombay.

The Madras Presidency was heavily reliant on missionaries, and infact attributed several administrative duties directly to missionaries like Salvation Army who instilled a sense of alienation amongst the local about thier own culture. The revival of the 'Hindu' activism in the post-missionary era in India again is heavily influenced by the system adopted by the western missionaries. ie. a pseudo and symbolic interpretatino to religion, that lacks coherence. Thus even though a lot of people started revisiting temples in the post Colonial era, its always been more as a 'pride' rather than real connectedness with the spiritual way of life. Peope do rituals to fulfil family obligations etc It all becomes a rital and nothing more. No connectivity.

The temples in Sri Lanka look more organised and pious partly because of the influence of Arumuga Navalar. During the Colonial era, the 'Hindu' identity was formed in a manner different to that in the Madras Presidency. Sri Lanka was more riled up agains't the destructiveness of the Portuguese rather than the social engineering of the Evengelists, even though the latter heaviliy influenced the Sri Lankan mind a lot later. But by that time, the new 'Hindu' identity has had time to formulate to an extend that the people cared a lot more about the physical attributes of temples a lot better.

Well, back to the presense and plain language.. so how can any govt. instill a sense of conectivity between the temple and community when the people themselves visit temple for more symbolic reasons ? ie. to break coconuts, to chant a mantra or to simply to be superstitious ?

Change in attitude need to come from the people. What the govt. can do is update the education system etc and put the illdoings of the past into perspective.

As for the neglect of temple architecture is concerned, I think that again has to do with the casual attitude of the people. Once peoplereally get interested in these we could possibly see more graduates takking an interest in temple architecture, management etc. Why are not temple architecture not discussed in depth in universities ? How many lengthy books have been written about temple management in India ? The people need to take hte first step. The govt. cant force these things.

During the times of the kings, it was a religious duty to construct and maintain temples with all the traditional splendor. That was a time when religion was part of the Govt, its administration. In other words, that was not a 'secular' period (a term coined by politicians and media in India and used in any context):lol::lol:.

Then with the influx of Islam and Christianity into India in a big way, time was mostly spent to preserving the religion and protecting the icons of the religion like temples from infidels.

Right now, we are living in different times. There is less time for the urban people to spend time on religion. People from villages are migrating to join the urban crowd. Bhakthi is mostly confined to religious books and is the genre of the retired people who have more time than the working ones. Also, worship has business - right from the footwear token outside the temple to the archana and seva tickets inside the temple. There are many who can't wait in lines and so pay the price for costly tickets and finish off their 'dharshan' only to come after a year (annual pilgrimage). Added to these, the corrupt people who run the temple administration make sure that people don't look around and complain. They cover up everything and at the end of the day...all you see of these temples are the pics posted in flickr and picasa with friends and family of the people who are visiting those temples. Added to these, religion was also a means of time-pass in those days where people used to spend several hours of the day doing pujas, temple decoration etc. Now, we have TV, Internet etc. :D Now with this being the current situation, we can only expect temple maintenance to be the last priority on the Govt's list (especially the temples that don't have any form of income). I think many of the deserted temples whose pics have been posted in this thread won't exist in a couple of generations from now.

My apologizes to anyone who may find some of the content of the previous paragraph as offensive. :)

ashwa

July 17th, 2010, 12:32 AM

^^

The point is that we should protect the temples as they are our heritage. Even if one is not religious they should appreciate the effort gone into making these temples. Most of these temples were created centuries ago and truly are architectural marvels. Some of the techniques used in temple building show how intelligent were the ancient engineers. And this is why they should no be left like that or mismanaged. Yes in a country like India this cannot be the fore most priority but that doesn't mean we ignore it all together. Especially painting temples in fluorescent colours should be prevented lol

sanjupalayat

July 17th, 2010, 07:59 AM

For a Panoramic view of Thali Mahaganapathy Temple , Calicut, click Here (http://www.p4panorama.com/panos/thalitemple/index.html)

Thants not Maha-ganapathy, its, Mahadeva (shiva) temple!!

Marathaman, its worth watching but, you can see the 1000 years old temple murals degrading day by day!! sad condition though!!

Marathaman

July 23rd, 2010, 05:04 PM

Thrikkavadoor temple in Kollam, Kerala

http://a.imageshack.us/img822/3918/img6874.jpg
http://picasaweb.google.com/v.visakh/Kollam#

Marathaman

July 27th, 2010, 07:10 PM

Damp walls, concrete additions, cheap paints....

http://picasaweb.google.com/arvind.venkatraman/SembanarkoilSwarnapuriswarar#

http://a.imageshack.us/img38/7711/dsc0051si.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img203/7820/dsc0021kt.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img442/5128/dsc0044g.jpg

Marathaman

August 4th, 2010, 08:32 AM

Decaying frescoes at Uma Maheshwari Koil, Konerirajapuram

copyright snonymouso@flickr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/51165309@N03/sets/72157624518611597/with/4855852187/)

http://a.imageshack.us/img834/1761/4855849327c7da577c45b.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img831/5108/485646733662b9c4362eb.jpg

http://a.imageshack.us/img828/5498/4856470040e27afd0d1cb.jpg

This temple also has the largest bronze Nataraja idol in the world:

http://a.imageshack.us/img85/2553/48558387114edf4ec57db.jpg

sanjupalayat

August 14th, 2010, 12:36 PM

Ugly tin sheet structure @ Shujeendram Temple!!

http://img440.imageshack.us/img440/3033/snc15370.jpg

Concrete structure @ Padmanabhaswami temple Trivandrum

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/3199/snc15135.jpg

ChennaiIndian

August 24th, 2010, 11:36 PM

http://www.thehindu.com/arts/history-and-culture/article592155.ece

REACH Foundation, an NGO, behind this massive conservation effort
The change that has come over the 1,200-year old Kailasanathar temple at Uttaramerur, about 90 km from Chennai, is unbelievable. The temple, which was in total ruins, with dense vegetation growing over its vimana (the tower above the sanctum) and collapsed mantapas, looks as good as new today. The vimana has been restored to its original beauty, its broken stucco figurines re-created, the foundation's granite stones re-stitched and the fallen mantapas re-erected. REACH Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, was behind this massive restoration and conservation effort.

“There were many challenges in this restoration and conservation work,” said T. Satyamurthy, founder of the Foundation and former Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, who led the efforts. He said: “We overcame the challenges. The vimana has been conserved and restored, using as much as possible international techniques. The front mantapa, which had completely collapsed, stands majestically again. The arthamantapa has been re-assembled. The entire structure has been water-tightened. Not a drop of water can enter it now.”

...

Marathaman

August 26th, 2010, 09:51 AM

Borewell in Thanjavur temple irks devotees
(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Borewell-in-Thanjavur-temple-irks-devotees/articleshow/6346858.cms)

HANJAVUR: A borewell being dug inside the premises of the famous Brahadeeswara Temple in Thanjavur at a time when the temple, declared as a world heritage site, is gearing up for its millennium celebrations has shocked a section of the devotees.

The devotees, who have apprehensions about the possible adverse impact the drilling could have on the temple structure, have demanded that the work be stopped immediately.

The borewell work commenced on Tuesday near the art gallery in the southern corridor, about 50 metres from the main structure. P Maniarasan, coordinator of the Thanjavur Big Temple Rights Retrieval Committee, said while the drilling would have adverse impact on the 1,000-year-old main structure, drawing of water would result in sub-surfa ce imbalance. The committee has pasted posters all over the city condemning the decision to dig a borewell.

While the district administration pleaded ignorance about the work, HR and CE officials said they went ahead with the work only after obtaining clearance from the ASI. An ASI official said clearance was given for digging the borewell only after careful consideration of all aspects including the impact on the temple structure.

"As per agama sastra' (traditional temple rules) water for pooja purposes should be drawn only from the temple premises. There was a well at the particular spot where a borewell is being dug which used to serve the purpose. However, in 1995 the water level in the well went down, necessitating a tube well. A borewell was dug at the spot in the same year. However, the water level went down further over the years, requiring deepening of the well,'' he said.

However, devotees contend that water from the temple tank located inside Sivaganga park adjacent to the temple could be used for the purpose. "Even if the temple authorities feel that water in the tank is impure, they can dig a borewell close to it,'' said M Senthamizhan, a writer.

Read more: Borewell in Thanjavur temple irks devotees - Chennai - City - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Borewell-in-Thanjavur-temple-irks-devotees/articleshow/6346858.cms#ixzz0xhEeEDcH

Mahratta

August 28th, 2010, 05:40 PM

:ohno:

One would expect this to gather more attention from UNESCO...

ChennaiIndian

October 15th, 2010, 06:14 AM

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article830802.ece

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00269/15THPORUR_269278f.jpg

The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department brought under its control the day to day functioning of the famous Tiruporur Murugan temple and management of its properties, including hundreds of acres of land, in the wake of allegations that the Adheenam of the temple was trying to sell off the lands.

“We came to know about the plans to sell 17 acres of temple land through newspaper advertisement. So we acted under section 23 of the HR&CE Act, 1959, which has vested us with emergency powers to intervene and appoint an administrator in the wake of mismanagement of the temple,” P.R. Shampath, Commissioner of the department told The Hindu.

The temple off the Chennai-Mamallapuram High Road has 356 acres of wetland and 269 acres of dryland, besides scores of properties and buildings in various parts of Chennai.

“The administration of the temple is with HR&CE and we have been leasing the lands through auction and collecting rents. The Adheenam is the hereditary trustee of the temple,” Mr. Shampath said.

Tiruporur Adheenam is one of the many Saivite mutts that are headed by married men. Chidambara Sivagnana Swamigal, the 92-year-old head of the mutt, was in news a few days ago after there was a failed attempt to kidnap him.

Mr. Shampath, who visited the temple on Thursday to see the new arrangements, said earlier the Adheenam had tried to sell a property in Triplicane and the department stopped the attempt.

...

sanjupalayat

October 21st, 2010, 09:31 AM

Condition of Kalkulam Temple in Tamil Nadu near Marthandam, Kanyakumari district.

http://i53.tinypic.com/2d7x5z7.jpg

Extra walls added for Temple office.
http://i51.tinypic.com/zk51rs.jpg

The above picture might have looked like this. Any ways both looks ugly with idiotic paintings on walls and sculptures.

http://i53.tinypic.com/2dj73io.jpg
http://i55.tinypic.com/290vfk2.jpg

sudheeshnairs

October 21st, 2010, 10:25 AM

Which paintings are you referring? I cannot see any painting there, only statues/idols!!

The above picture might have looked like this. Any ways both looks ugly with idiotic paintings.

http://i53.tinypic.com/2dj73io.jpg
http://i55.tinypic.com/290vfk2.jpg

sanjupalayat

October 21st, 2010, 10:45 AM

^^man i am referring to those white and yellow painting on the stone structures and sculptures, it is not supposed to be like this in original!! hope you got me.

sudheeshnairs

October 21st, 2010, 03:23 PM

^^man i am referring to those white and yellow painting on the stone structures and sculptures, it is not supposed to be like this in original!! hope you got me.

Hmm..Sanju, sorry, I have to say that you confused me. I now realize you meant ‘white and yellow paint’ on the structures and sculptures. The adjective ‘Idiotic’ added to the confusion.

If you say ‘Paintings’, it generally refers to the art works. I was wondering whether any such painting is put there apart from the ‘salabhanjikas’.

Painting is a mode of expression and the forms are numerous. Drawing, composition or abstraction and other aesthetics may serve to manifest the expressive and conceptual intention of the practitioner. Paintings can be naturalistic and representational (as in a still life or landscape painting), photographic, abstract, be loaded with narrative content, symbolism, emotion or be political in nature.

Earlier this could have been plain granite, with no paint over it. Or may be later it might have had some ‘kummayam’ (Lime wash) treatment.

ChennaiIndian

November 20th, 2010, 12:58 AM

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/chennai/rajagopuram-12th-century-temple-soon-162

Chennai, Nov. 17: The twelfth century Sri Karungaleeshwarar temple in arterial Koyambedu, where Lord Rama’s sons - Lava and Kusha worshipped - will soon have an impressive Rajagopuram after 900 years.
Once completed, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowment department will fulfil the dream of king Kulothunga Chola of raising 91-feet high majestic Rajagopuram, thanks to the generous contribution from devotees. Though the king had planned to raise the massive tower, the structure was left unfinished at an height of 21 feet.
Initially, the HR & CE officials decided to complete the Rajagopuram and sought for technical opinion. It was suggested that the Rajagopuram be constructed afresh as the existing incomplete structure was unstable to withstand the weight above it. Following this, the structure was pulled down and the base work was undertaken in September 2008 for Rs 13 lakh. Presently, the work on building the entrance for Rs 30 lakh donated by a single donor is on. The door to the entrance will be laid on Thursday.
“The teak door will measure 19 feet and the entrance (along with the base) will measure 21 feet in height. Over this we plan to build seven tiers each measuring 10 feet,” said temple executive officer Mohanasundaram. Speaking to this correspondent on Wednesday he said the Rajagopuram would be completed in about seven months at an estimated cost of Rs 1 crore.
“Though the base and entrance have been built with stones brought from Ambasamudram, the seven tiers will be brick structure,” he said and added it would be built in Dravidian architectural style.

...

Yagya

November 20th, 2010, 01:07 AM

Should have left it as it was.

Marathaman

December 4th, 2010, 02:25 AM

Ahobilam. Note the roof has been "repaired" by apparently piling concrete on top of it and painting over. Terrible. They've ruined one of the most beautiful temples in AP.

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/23/7gygli8.jpg
http://picasaweb.google.com/shardul.takalkar/AhobilamTempleArchetecture#5337384626266484946

http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/8545/img4667t.jpg

hardcore gamer

December 27th, 2010, 12:51 AM

what a shame. Although my trip to Tirupati was wonderful the road from Chennai was horrible. To think Tirupati gets so much revenue the people would at least make the roads nice.

sanjupalayat

December 28th, 2010, 04:04 AM

Ugly concrete blocks in front of Madhur Temple, Kazargod, Kerala which spoiled the whole look.

http://i56.tinypic.com/2rhtqfl.jpg

Tin-sheet structure is a misfit to the whole temple architecture.

http://i56.tinypic.com/u4s9v.jpg

Mugal architecture to the Kerala temple..weird.

http://i52.tinypic.com/2e0pjdu.jpg

Is this a jail or what? ugly Collapse gates added to the ugliness!!

http://i54.tinypic.com/20t1qfn.jpg

sanjupalayat

December 28th, 2010, 05:05 AM

Anathapuram Lake temple Kazargod!

It was like this before, much more beautiful.
http://i51.tinypic.com/newzdg.jpg

Now, its plain a structure with no intricate designs it had before!

http://i53.tinypic.com/301oeip.jpg
http://i56.tinypic.com/351vm7s.jpg

ChennaiIndian

January 3rd, 2011, 06:06 AM

http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/tamil-nadu/article1025479.ece

Preliminary arrangements have started for running the temple car of Lord Saptharishwarar temple at Lalgudi in Tiruchi district after a gap of more than seven-and-a- half decades, said Transport Minister K.N.Nehru on Sunday.

Renovated

The Minister, who presided over a meeting at Lalgudi on the arrangements to be made for running the temple car, said the car festival of the temple was last held in 1936 and pointed out that the 25-foot-tall temple car had now been renovated.

...

Marathaman

January 3rd, 2011, 07:23 AM

Marathaman

January 3rd, 2011, 07:44 AM

Sanju, I think they might be two different temples in the same area. The roofs are slightly different. I don't think they are the same.

World8115

January 3rd, 2011, 01:44 PM

Even I too think (after Marthaman mentioned) that they are two different temples as the base looks different.

sanjupalayat

January 3rd, 2011, 03:29 PM

Sanju, I think they might be two different temples in the same area. The roofs are slightly different. I don't think they are the same.

Nope Marathaman, i myself visited the site and took those pictures, its really shocking, if you watch closely you can find the basement of a structure which was present before being demolished in the latest picture.

Compare.

Before
http://i51.tinypic.com/255lwl1.jpg
After
http://i53.tinypic.com/1072m10.jpg

World8115

January 3rd, 2011, 03:45 PM

^^ Quite shocking. But still the white part in the old one has door like openings and carvings and the new one has just a plain structure

sanjupalayat

January 3rd, 2011, 03:52 PM

And about the roof, just check down, they have added a tin sheet structure in front of the old roof.

Before
http://i53.tinypic.com/28hhoqe.jpg

After
http://i51.tinypic.com/33ab246.jpg

sanjupalayat

January 3rd, 2011, 04:01 PM

^^ Quite shocking. But still the white part in the old one has door like openings and carvings and the new one has just a plain structure

The have completely replaced those white part which had carvings before with plain wooden windows all around.

The temple was rebuild with similar plan.

Arasu

January 3rd, 2011, 04:42 PM

That is such a shoddy work. :bash:

A couple of such renovations later, the structure may lose its relevance/relations to the original monument.

There is so much lack of awareness for history in our people. :ohno:

World8115

January 3rd, 2011, 05:11 PM

The have completely replaced those white part which had carvings before with plain wooden windows all around.

The temple was rebuild with similar plan.
:bash: Such a stupid idea

Marathaman

January 3rd, 2011, 06:00 PM

Yeah. They have ruined the temple complex with that concrete railing and roof also. It's totally ruined. Hopefully somebody in the future will try and reconstruct it in the original manner.

sanjupalayat

January 3rd, 2011, 06:14 PM

Yeah. They have ruined the temple complex with that concrete railing and roof also. It's totally ruined. Hopefully somebody in the future will try and reconstruct it in the original manner.

Roof is not concrete, its copper paneling which is a characteristic of Kerala temples!

Marathaman, what is your say on Madhur temple?

Marathaman

January 3rd, 2011, 06:44 PM

Not that one. They have made another roof over the walkway.

sanjupalayat

January 3rd, 2011, 06:49 PM

Not that one. They have made another roof over the walkway.

Got it!

robin_a_p

January 3rd, 2011, 08:15 PM

Whoever has decided to do this sort of renovation (destruction) should be booked under criminal laws... Wonder why the local media is silent on this !!!

ChennaiIndian

January 11th, 2011, 01:36 AM

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/Sandblasting-wipes-off-inscriptions-in-some-old-temples-/articleshow/7256505.cms

CHENNAI: Restoration without vision poses a major threat to the ancient temples of Tamil Nadu. The recent victim is the Prasanna Venkatachalapathy temple at Thiruparkadal of Kaveripakkam on the Chennai-Bangalore highway. In many parts of the temple, inscriptions on the wall were lost due to sandblasting. The age-old brick walls were 'broken' and replaced with tiles and slabs. The vimanas were 're-plastered' with cement.

"Sandblasting is a general term used to describe the act of propelling fine bits of sand at high velocity to clean or etch a surface. It leaves an aggressive and abrasive effect on the surface and the process can remove part of the surface," says S Badrinarayanan, former director of the Geological Survey of India.

The twin temples of Thiruparkadal-Prasanna Venkatachalapathy and Ranganathar were constructed using charnockite and granite rocks during the Pallava period. "Over the years the walls and pillars in temples accumulate dirt and dust which have to be periodically cleaned without damaging the structure. Many temples are often coated with lime or synthetic paints which completely obscure these inscriptions. Our ancestors used natural mineral pigments and vegetable colours which have been found to be fresh and lasting for several centuries. There are methods to protect it, like spraying water forcefully and applying dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) on the dirt. Sandblasting is not the way at all," he says.

...

bonoslack7

January 17th, 2011, 07:48 PM

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-12127154

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/6716/51356069241081249554z.jpg

A 1250-year-old temple has been saved from collapse using "granite stitching" in the southern part of India.

The Kailasanathar Temple in the town of Uthiramerur is more than 1,250 years old according to studies of its inscriptions.

Uthiramerur town, which is one of the oldest settlements in the state of Tamil Nadu, was highly developed according to inscriptions found in the town, which describes a society which held elections and had a government.

The temple dedicated to the god Shiva was built during the Pallava King Dantivarman with additions made by later rulers.

"The centuries-old monument is made up of a brick super-structure and a granite substructure," explains Dr Sathyamurthy of the REACH Foundation and the prime mover behind this restoration and an archaeologist with four decades' experience.

Serious problems

Cracks of more than three feet in width had developed in the intricately constructed temple dome made of brick and lime plaster, which is around 80ft high.

"It was about to collapse completely and there were so many conservation problems because of the growth of thick vegetation on the Vimana or dome of the temple," Dr Sathyamurthy told the BBC Tamil Service.

While the upper part of the temple was in bad shape, the basement and plinth had other serious issues with cracks at more than 20 places in the granite stones according to the archaeologist.

Faced with serious technical problems the REACH team turned for advice to the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M) a premier engineering institute in India.

"The conservation team was faced with a problem as to whether the stone plinth can bear the weight of the entire super structure," Dr MS Mathews of the civil engineering department at IIT-M and a consultant to the Archaeological Survey of India, told the BBC.

When the monument was examined it was found that a few stones in the sub-structure were dislodged from their original position, and there were several cracks in the plinth due to stress, strain and shock says Anu Padma, who was involved in the conservation project as a research scholar.

"In Uthiramerur the options were limited. If the broken stones are to be removed and replaced, the restoration process would have become very complicated and could have further damaged the temple dome," Dr Mathews said.

Funding for the conservation project was another huge issue since governmental support for such projects were almost nil, according to the Conserver Heritage movement.

Conservationists also point out that while numerous monuments exist in India, the government preserves only 5% of them.

So the team at IIT-M decided that "granite stitching" would be the most simple, least invasive and the necessary method to restore the temple to its original glory, Dr Mathews said.

Granite Stitching

The site observation and inspection showed that the cracks in the granite stones were "non-progressive" and laboratory tests were conducted to assess the load-bearing capacity of stitched granite beams in comparison with the solid, uncracked granite beams.

"Test results proved that the stitching would bear the desired load," Ms Anu Padma said.

In the stone stitching technique, the cracks in the plinth are strengthened with stainless steel rods and an epoxy-based chemical anchor without disturbing the original structure.

Holes are drilled on both sides of a crack in a roughly 45 degree angle. They are then cleaned and the chemical anchor filled in, Ms Anu Padma further explains.

Stainless steel rods are then inserted and finished with rock powder to cover the conservation work and provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

"The inserted rod starts at one side of the crack and ends at the other side of the crack, holding both sides together. This is actually like stitching seen in cloth," she said.

According to Dr Mathews, the technique itself is very simple and not very expensive. But he says that when dealing with ancient monuments, it is important that care is taken over the materials used.

"High-grade stainless steel rods with a high percentage of chromium were used so that they didn't corrode for at least another five hundred years," he says.

Both Dr Sathyamurthy and Dr Mathews say that in India there are many temples and monuments in danger of total collapse or partial collapse and that these are causes for concern.

Dr Mathews says that further research in the laboratory in stone stitching and other reversible interventions is needed. This could allow the technique to be used to conserve other monuments in future.

With the basement safely secured, the team started conserving the super-structure, including the huge dome using a newly created lime plaster based on the old formula.

The conservation team now says that a weight of around 30,000 tonnes can safely rest on the basement and the plinth of granite rocks.

Marathaman

January 20th, 2011, 02:21 PM

Tribhuvanam. Random shades of paint. :ohno: Look how beautiful the original stone base looks and the garish painted part in comparison.

Earlier they used to paint only the stucco work on the Vimanam/Gopuram but now they want to paint the whole bloody thing including the stone carvings.

http://picasaweb.google.com/mahadevanr/7Tribhuvanam#5383530584521062098
http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/672/yuyutuytu.jpg

sanjupalayat

January 21st, 2011, 04:16 AM

India101

January 21st, 2011, 05:12 AM

Even though I feel stone looks the best, if they really want to paint it, one color would have been better, that looks hideous.

ChennaiIndian

January 21st, 2011, 05:28 AM

Jai

January 21st, 2011, 09:03 AM

^^Cheap....actually we need a council to check such blunders, whats archeological survey of India doing, this is like how Egyptians feel when Phoenix or Grecian's feel when acropolis is painted using cheap enamel paint, that too in bright colors.
Well technically the Parthenon and other Greek buildings/statues were pretty gaily painted, rather than the traditional view of them as the stoic marble.

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/1732/semperparthenon1.jpg

I wonder how ancient the practice of painting gopurams is. Buddhist stupas all over India were once richly painted, though centuries of monsoons have taken care of that

Marathaman

January 21st, 2011, 09:47 AM

Aren't they painting it to save it from corrosion? Why do you think they are painting to make it look good/colorful?

Stone doesn't get corroded.

p2p4

January 21st, 2011, 09:49 AM

I am not an expert but one observation I would make is that ANCIENT buildings used vegetable / natural dyes !

In India, we are using industrial grade colors which basically stop the age old stones from 'breathing'. I have been an ardent opponent of using artificial colors (oil paint & enamel paint on ancient natural stone carved monuments or on stone blocks.

I truly believe that the temple committees (especially) do not know the science behind letting stone monuments breathe. Once, while visiting Achre town where the famous Rameshwar Mandir is pristinely set amongst lush paddyfields, I was horrified to see oilpaint being used on a "once solemnly beautiful" facade of "Cheera bricks".

On meeting the priests and the other committee members who approved of such ghastly error, I made it a point to inform them that it was simply wrong to use oil paint on such stones and gave them enough reasons . They were humble enough to point out that they were completely ignorant about the downside of it and would take care to preserve other "cheera brick" structures.

Sometimes, it is not the intent but the lack of knowledge that makes things worse for Indian ancient monuments.

Marathaman

January 21st, 2011, 09:49 AM

I wonder how ancient the practice of painting gopurams is. Buddhist stupas all over India were once richly painted, though centuries of monsoons have taken care of that

From what I know, this painting thing started after Independence. But it looks good on the stucco-work if done properly. Now they have started painting the stone also :lol:

p2p4

January 21st, 2011, 09:50 AM

Stone doesn't get corroded.

+1 ^^^^ - and instead of saving the stone from corrosion (which is not the case), the stone is damaged with the industrial grade color "soup" !

bonoslack7

January 21st, 2011, 11:24 AM

I guess these kind of jujubi things like painting, etc. are enforced by the local communities rather than ASI or ministries.

Marathaman

January 21st, 2011, 11:36 AM

The ASI temples are never painted. Only the ones run by TN govt. are painted. I guess because they are functional and have to do the 'kumbhabhishekam' every now and then. So every few years they paint them in new colours like fashion :lol:

They should put in place some sort of guidelines and rules regarding the decoration.

bonoslack7

January 21st, 2011, 11:42 AM

^^nono...what i am saying is that even the tn gov. doesn't seem to do these things. Its my guess that there's a temple board for small temples like these. The temple board collects money from the local people for upgradation of facilities (read painting, etc) and anna dhaanam, etcetra. I am not sure whether this thirubhuvanam temple is a local temple.

Marathaman

January 21st, 2011, 11:46 AM

It is actually a very important Chola-era temple. It is from the same era as Darasuram and Gangaikondacholapuram.

You can see the Vimanam is quite tall like the Big temple.
http://picasaweb.google.com/mahadevanr/7Tribhuvanam#
http://img691.imageshack.us/img691/1421/img5461n.jpg

http://img4.imageshack.us/img4/8051/img5451m.jpg

bonoslack7

January 21st, 2011, 12:01 PM

hmm..looks like a big n old temple...not a community temple for sure...i have no idea why they are painting everything. I can't think of a reason why gov. wants to waste money.

Marathaman

January 23rd, 2011, 07:13 PM

Now they are painting them with lime (chuna). Tripuranthakam, Andhra Pradesh
http://picasaweb.google.com/psharan000/Tripuranthakam#
http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/4029/gf20281529.jpg

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/8527/gf2028629.jpg

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/1120/dsc5150q.jpg

Marathaman

March 3rd, 2011, 12:36 AM

Ancient 1,000-pillar Jain Basadi in Karnataka now in a shambles (http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_ancient-1000-pillar-jain-basadi-in-karnataka-now-in-a-shambles_1514379)
Published: Wednesday, Mar 2, 2011, 9:13 IST
By M Raghuram | Place: Moodabidri | Agency: DNA

One of the largest Jain pilgrimage centres in the world is now in a shambles.The city of Moodbidri, which houses several wonders of Jain architecture, has now fallen prey to modernisation.

The city’s culture-rich temple, the Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani, popularly known as the 1000-pillar Basadi, is gradually beginning to lose its charm. The temple, built in 1430, is now a sorry sight, with its crumbling walls and damaged roofs— thanks to the highway traffic and heavy-duty mining in the vicinity. In fact, the temple complex that houses a sub- shrine called Bhairadevi Mantap developed cracks and a part of the cornice fell off on Tuesday.

The three-storey temple complex is managed by a private trust called Dhavala Thraya Trust under the Jain Mutt of Moodbidri. The trust has very less monetary benefits and absolutely no resources to manage the temple’s huge complex.

“The degeneration has been fast during the last three years. The trust has been restoring it from time to time, but the massive stone structures have now started developing cracks and the delicate stone cornices have started crumbling. A huge stone cornice broke and crumbled on Tuesday. When I inspected the spot with some Jain leaders and engineers, I found out that the temple and its sub-shrines are damaged,” said swamiji of Jain Mutt Bhattaraka Charukirti Panditacharyavarya

“I have appealed to the government many times, but in vain. The mining for granite is being carried out at least in three places surrounding the temple. In addition, the loud highway traffic is also a cause for the temple’s present state.”

An official in mining and geology department said that the mining activities were taking place in close proximity to Basadi. Due to heavy explosives, the temple’s stone structures are falling apart, he said.

Moodbidri MLA Abhayachandra Jain said, “Basadi’s management has to use theresources available to maintain the temple. Sadly, the temple has been guarded as a mutt property, citing the donation of land by Vijayanagara king Krishnadevarayain 1430.”

Quarry poses threat to Jain basadi (http://www.hindu.com/2011/03/03/stories/2011030357440500.htm)

http://img195.imageshack.us/img195/3606/2011030357440501.jpg
A stone slab from the roof of the ‘mukha mantapa' of the Thousand Pillar Basadi that crashed in Moodbidri near Mangalore.

MOODBIDRI: The safety of the 15th century Tribhuvana Tilaka Chudamani Basadi, better known as 1,000-pillar basadi, here has again come into focus as a stone slab from the roof of its “mukha mantapa” called “Bhairadevi Mantapa” came down on Saturday.

500-year-old basadi

The basadi is an important tourist attraction of the State. The 500-year-old basadi has special significance for Jains.

The stone slab of Jain basadi 12-foot long, 4-foot wide and its thickness varying from 3 inches to 6 inches has broken into four pieces.

Front stone lintel

A decade ago, according to Bhattaraka Charukeerthi Pandithacharyavarya Swamiji, head of the Jain Math, the front stone lintel of the same mantapa had developed a crack. In addition, the single stone “mana stambha” in front of “Bhairadevi Mantapa” had developed a crack. This monolithic “mana stambha” alone is 50-foot tall. It has been erected on an eight-foot pedestal.

Lightning

The seer said the basadi did not have a lightning arrester. So lightning is posing threat.

National heritage

Recognising its importance, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), which had listed the monument as the National Heritage Site, granted Rs. 32 lakh for its renovation in 2008, the seer said.

200 carvings

The seer said the mantapa had about 200 stone carvings depicting animals, yoga, sports, birds, war scenes, soldiers, characters of puranas and so on.

Heavy trucks

He said the basadi was just within 200m from the National Highway 13. Movement of heavy trucks was posing a threat to the safety of the basadi. The Government should lay a by-pass road in Moodbidri to divert heavy vehicles on the NH 13.

‘Kadina' blasting

Blasting at granite stone quarry at Marpady was threatening the structure, he said. The seer suspected that blasting of “kadina” (low intensity country bomb) on festive occasions in the surroundings of Moodbidri could pose a threat to its safety.

Quarrying

The seer said the Government should ban granite stone quarrying and laterite stone quarrying units within 10 km radius of the basadi.

Ravindra, Deputy Director, Department of Mines and Geology, ruled out the possibility of the blasting in the quarrying unit which was 4 km. away posing threat to the safety. The blasting can damage structures within 200 m radius of a quarrying unit.

The official said blasting of “kadina” (a low intensity country bomb) could damage a structure within 50-m radius depending on its intensity.

Reasons to be studied

Dr. Ravindra said there could be other reasons for the stone slab coming down at the basadi which should be studied. Deputy Commissioner Subodh Yadav told The Hindu on Wednesday that he was not aware of the incident.

He could have looked into all aspects if any one concerned had brought it to his notice.

He and Dr. Ravindra said the maintenance aspects of the basadi should be looked into before drawing any conclusion.

Book on the basadi

A book on the basadi published by Sri Dhavalathraya Trust of the math said Bhairadevi, the then chieftain of Bhatkal, had built the mantapa in 1462 A.D. This mantapa alone had 50 pillars. Architecture of each pillar varied.

____

Moodbidri: Alarm over Crash of Ceiling Slab in Thousand-pillar Basadi (http://mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=225039)

Moodbidri, Mar 1: Is crass commercialism getting the better of our heritage? There is yet another sign of our history crumbling under the pressure of modernization.

This temple-town, known as Jain Kashi, draws hundreds of pilgrims from all over India and abroad every day. The Jain community woke up to an alarming story the other day.

A ceiling slab on the right hand side of the Bhairadevi mantap in the precincts of the famed, historical Thousand-pillar Basadi crashed to the ground on Saturday. Though the basadi is known so by its common name, its original name is Tribhuvana Tilaka Choodamani Chaityalaya, built, as the inscriptions therein say, between 1429 and 1462 AD. Over the centuries, it has stood the test of time and withstood all elements of nature like rain, sun, storm and lightning.

Swasti Shri Bhattaraka Charukirti Panditacharyavarya Swamiji of the Moodbidri Jain Math convened a media meet on Monday to apprise the public of the situation and the damage.

The Bhairadevi mantap, got built in her name by queen Bhairadevi of Bhairanakote, Bhatkal in 1462, lies at the entrance of the basadi. A part of the ceiling slab came off two days ago. Besides, the monolithic pillar, called maanasthambha, has developed crack recently, perhaps caused by lightning.

The Swamiji said that excessive granite quarrying around Moodbidri, which involves blasting of rocks using explosives, as also a steep increase in the movement of heavy vehicles on the road beside the basadi had been playing havoc on the heritage structures.

The road-widening projects also had brought about hazards to various basadis like Kere basadi, Baikanatikari basadi, Padu basadi, Badagu basadi, Guru basadi and Vikrama Shetty basadi. While development was essential, conservation of heritage should be prioritized, he insisted.

The Swamiji also called for a ban on movement of heavy vehicles within a radius of a kilometre of town, immediate construction of a bypass, which has been long pending, a ban on quarrying within a radius of 10 kms and also a ban on bursting of 'kadani' crackers during festivals and occasions.

flyinfishjoe

March 3rd, 2011, 02:20 AM

Yes, I visited that temple this July and I was surprised to find the most famous building in Moodabidri had leaky roofs, crumbling walls, etc. The situation had worsened a lot since I last visited several years ago.

Marathaman

June 19th, 2011, 02:54 PM

Illegal quarrying turns Hampi’s world-famous ruins into rubble (http://www.bangaloremirror.com/article/1/20110614201106142345324618adb9acb/Illegal-quarrying-turns-Hampi%E2%80%99s-worldfamous-ruins-into-rubble.html)

http://cms.mumbaimirror.com/portalfiles/22/1/201106/Image/hampi.jpg

On Sunday, a portion of the 13th-century Varaha Temple, located at the heart of the world heritage site, came crashing down — a consequence of regular dynamiting of rocks in the vicinity; experts warn of impending calamity.

What marauding vandals over the centuries, or relentless erosion by the elements could not do, illegal mining has done. Some of the most impressive structures at the world heritage site at Hampi have developed cracks and are in various stages of collapse following unchecked quarrying of granite in the vicinity.

On Sunday, a portion of the famous Varaha temple, located in the heart of what was one of ancient world’s largest open air museums, came crashing down. Regular dynamiting of rocks in the periphery of the Vijayanagar ruins had seriously weakened the structure, and it just took a heavy downpour to do the rest.

The Varaha temple episode has set alarm bells ringing, as this is just one among many structures at Hampi that have collapsed recently, or are tottering on the brink. Ten days ago, parts of the Vijaya Vittal temple gopura and its walls developed cracks and collapsed. Similarly, brick and stone portions of Kudure Gombe Mantapa too have fallen off.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was conducting restoration work at the Varaha temple complex when the temple wall crumbled. “Workers and officials were busy with the restoration work when all of a sudden a huge boulder, which was part of the main wall, came tumbling down. Then, in less than a few minutes, the entire wall collapsed. Luckily no one was injured in the incident,” Manjunath, a witness, said.

The sudden collapse of the Varaha temple has raised concerns over the safety of other temples in Hampi. “Granite quarrying is rampant in Bukkasagara, Venkatapura and Gudalkere villages which are situated very near to these monuments. The use of explosives over the years has created cracks in the temples. Though the Unesco has ordered a ban on quarrying in the vicinity, not much action has been taken either by the Hampi Development Authority or by the government,” a senior official from the state tourism department, who requested not to be named, explained.

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Sources in the state government’s mines and geology department explained that the rock formations around Hampi were mainly granite outcroppings (quartz-ofeldspathic granatite-schist), called Dykes in geological parlance. As these rocks are irregular in size and shape, the miners use explosives repeatedly to obtain stones that confirm to the specs required for export.

In May, when the famous Akka Thangi (Sister Stone) collapsed, tourism minister G Janardhana Reddy visited the site and stated that “quarrying in a six-kilometer radius of Hampi will be banned.” But no action has been taken so far by tourism department officials and the district administration. When asked about it, Panduranga Vittal of Hampi World Heritage Area Development Authority said, “The temples are the property of ASI and we do not have any control over it and they would be the right people to give more details about the issue.”

The ASI, not untypically, sought to skirt controversy by harping on technical matters. Referring to the Varaha temple incident, Kempe Gowda, a senior official from ASI explained: “We have been carrying out restoration work at the Varaha temple premises for the last three months. The main wall supporting the gopura of the temple was built with a mixture of sand and mortar. Over the centuries the temple has become dilapidated and developed lose cracks. With rain water percolating down the cracks, the core filling of the wall was eroded and eventually collapsed.”

sanjupalayat

June 21st, 2011, 10:12 AM

Madayi Kavu Temple, Near Pazhayangadi, Kannur.

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Tin Sheet & Concrete structures are really out of place.

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The corridor made of concrete blocked the view of the Temple.

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Marathaman

June 21st, 2011, 11:05 AM

Against all odds, they have managed to make the temple look like a railway station

Must be Indian Railways influence :lol:

josephantony

June 21st, 2011, 02:28 PM

Hard to believe that posts/pictures by sanju are temple!

ilikemadurai

June 27th, 2011, 08:39 AM

RAMANATHAPURAM: With ISO certification being awarded to the Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai, Lord Venkatachalapathy temple in Tirupathy and the Sri Renganatha Perumal temple in Tiruchy, the onus is now on the government to ensure that the famed Ramanathaswamy temple also joins this elite group.

Recently, the Madras High Court directed the State Chief Secretary to consider framing a scheme for the development of Rameswaram and the Ramanathaswamy temple. The HC also wanted the shrine to be brought on par with popular destinations for pilgrims like Tirupathi and Madurai. However, the temple is now in dire need of repair and funds.

The shrine is famous not so much for its religious sanctity, but for the look it offers into the intricacies of the architecture of our forefathers.However, the delicate murals and paintings lining its walls are now blanketed by a thick film of dirt, suggesting neglect.

Though many have come forward, urging the government to bring this temple under the heritage list, nothing much has been done in this regard yet.

During the DMK regime, former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi assured that `100 crore would be allotted for the renovation of various shrines, including the Ramanathaswamy temple. Till date, not a penny was spent for any such purpose.

The long corridors and massive, sculpted pillars are some of the well known characteristics of this shrine. It is said that the third corridor here is actually the longest in the world. The murals that were once seen on the roof of this� corridor are now hardly visible thanks to the water

seeping in.

The condition that the Lord Subramania Swamy Temple, located at the entrance of Sarasvathi Theertham, is presently in, suggests neglect by the administration.

A certain section of the devotees visiting the shrine are peeved as they feel that the Ganga Theertham that they bring with them is not being properly poured over the deity.
Further, there are no facilities to cater to the elderly and differently abled devotees who visit the temple. The rich and the influential are guaranteed a place to sit in front of the silver step after they cough up the� necessary amount. But, this is just a glimpse from afar for the poor. Most of the corridors are said to be slippery while there are no places for women devotees to change their attire after taking a bath in the 22 theerthams that are in the temple.

Even the lodges maintained by the Ramanatha swamy Devasthanam are said to be in such a bad state that many choose not to spend the night at Rameswaram.

BJP national council member Muralidhran attributes the fact that the shrine is pooly maintained to the shortage of temple staff. According to Pakshi Sivarajan, State joint coordinator of mutts and mandir of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, who had filed the case in the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court, the temple administration is not ready to listen to any grievances and has not taken any steps to solve any of the problems.

A temple administration source admitted that damage was found in the golden idol of Ramanatha Swamy, Thiruvatchi and also in some cars.

However, he added that� steps were being taken to repair them.� He also said that tiles were now being laid on the roof to prevent the seepage of water.

Damaged Weapon, Corroded Idols

The Agama rules (Agamas are a body of ancient Indian texts dealing with rituals and ceremonies to be observed in temples) specify that poojas should not be performed to a damaged idol.

However, at the Lord Ramanatha Swamy temple, Palli Arai pooja is performed to the golden Ramanatha Swamy idol, holding a damaged weapon (Malu).
As per the Agama rules, even persons who witness these poojas performed to damaged idols should take a bath and chant 108 Siva Gayathri manthras.

A number of utsava

deities, including Prathosa Nayagar idol, Manonmani idol, Sri Vinayagar idol and the Sri Murugan and Panchaloga Parvathavarthini Amman idol are also in a

corroded state.

Though these idols were kept in the strong room, during important occasions, they are taken out for

worship. Even the pedestal of the golden Ramanatha Swamy idol is partly damaged. According to sources, the last major reconstruction was undertaken after Ramanathapuram King Naganatha Sethupathy had repaired the idol of goddess Parvathavarithini Amman during his reign.

The Golden Nagaparnam,� inlaid with precious stones and the Gowri Sankar Ruthratsam, (two conjoined Uthratsham seeds) which are covered with a gold plate, are also said to be damaged.

Earlier, a garland of silver vilvam leaves used to adorn the golden idol, especially during the Siva Rathiri festival. It was believed that
doing so would wash away the sins committed in three re-births.

Now, neither does the garland adorn the deity, nor do the devotees remember this tradition.

The temple chariots, including a golden one, are no longer glittering and bright, for want of renovation.

Another area that has been ignored and is filled with a musty odour is the Pairavar Sathanam located in the north east corner of the temple. Not just the maintenance of the deities, even traditional practices seem to have gone for a toss.

As per tradition, pujaris of Lord Shiva should be married. But it was said that there are two widowers who perform poojas here.

Moreover, the temple administration has stopped the distribution of Theertham. In India, this is the only temple that gives Kodi Theertham to the devotees. Partaking of this would mean the fulfilment of a� pilgrimage (Jenmanthra Girtham Bavam Nasaye).

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/temple-of-neglect-in-ramnad/162939-60-118.html

Very sad to hear the state of this temple, which is on par with Kasi temple.
It is to be noted that, the kasi-gaya pilgrimage is complete only after taking bath in 22 theerthams of this temple located in the southern tip of india at Rameshwaram.

I visited this temple last year and would say that some of the sculptures were damaged and maintenance was poor.

While making India Shine, today's youth should take steps in preserving India's unique culture and tradition.:ohno::ohno: