Suggestions

Temples are the repositories of art and culture. Besides patronizing music, dance and drama, classical as well as traditional hymnal studies were patronised. Similarly, artisans like stone cutters and bronze makers were opportunities to improve their creative faculty and develop their respective arts. This temple, situated in the centre of the village, had the power to attract the devotees. As feeding centres the temple provided the daily bread to some devotees. During festival seasons, all members of the society, irrespective of caste, creed and colour flocked to the temple and performed their services. In times of war, the temple alleviated the sufferings of the mass by providing relief. Besides, the temple provided employment opportunities to a number of people. It even served as a record office and provided venue for judicial and educational matters. Thus, on the whole, life then was temple-centred. All these could not have been possible but for an efficient administrative machinery.

Thus, it may conclude that the temples have played an active part in serving the needs of people in all walks of life. In the temples, skilled craftsmen were encouraged. Some of the well known and renowned temples are struggling for survival. It is to be inferred that the people in the past maintained scrupulously the cleanliness and sanctity of the temple. A spiritual atmosphere filled the entire temple as one entered it. It has become all the more necessary to bestow the much-needed attention to the temple so that it will continue to inspire the people even now and in the future besides serving as a cultural repository of our ancient past.

Temples are edifices of national importance. They proclaim the artistic eminence, the spiritual aspirations and the cultural attainments of the people of the age to which they belong. One cannot but wonder at the masterpieces of sculptural workmanship at the beautiful construction of the temples, with material not easily found in its neighborhood. At a time when the scientific advancements did not make a leeway both the artisans and others worked with a spiritual zeal which has stood the test of time. The question whether in modern days such a sturdy construction with the different deities installed strictly according to agamic rules could ever be made still remains unanswered. Some of the beautiful images in the Munnur temples and elsewhere are wonderful creations of the artists of olden days who were fired with a religious fervour. It is their imaginative power that has sustained them in their efforts. Though these artists and workmen have been forgotten their creations remain.

It is a pity that most of the temples are sadly neglected so much so they are falling into ruins. It is due to the indifference of the government and above all to the painful lack of spiritual values. Quite often at times of natural upheavals some temples have also been destroyed by misguided people belonging to other faiths. Ignorant and perverted men go to the extent of desecrating the temple; its sanctity and its purity are not safeguarded. There is a fail in standards and the custodians of the temple and its property have encroached upon the temple affairs unless and until stringent measures are taken to protect the temples they will soon become forgotten memories of the past.

There should be a national awakening on the part of the people. The temples have been richly endowed but the income has not been property utilized. The unfair tenancy laws should not be applied to temple property. The temples with limited or no income should be supported from surplus income of other temples thus preventing their neglect in the long run. The cultural activities should be continued as before and the artists in different fields should be maintained with the temple income which should not be (diverted to any other purpose. Renovations if any should be done in such a manner as not to disturb the original characteristics of the temple. The Department of Archaeology should widen its scope of activity and intensify its efforts to prevent the temples from being ruined due to ravages of time.

It is true that from the history of small villages, the history of our country's political, social and economic life can be guided since India is a land of villages. The history of every village is intertwined with the history of the temples. Our ancestors had built the temples, offered worship and helped the spiritual development of the people. The temples were so planned projected and built to serve as variegated sources of knowledge in architecture and sculpture. The intricate attire and jewels and hairdo, painting, dancing, music and other fine arts reflect the customs and manners of the people. However, unfortunately in later times, this lofty aim was forgotten. People come to the temple in a hurry, offer worship and return in a hurry as a formal routine without any spiritual fervour. They do not devote even some time to observe the architecture, sculpture and the fine images of the temples. Though our ancestors developed the great art and architecture to proclaim, for eternity, the truths and ideas contained in our religion, with great imagination, people do not appreciate them. The kings, philanthropists, devotees and others of earlier times endeavoured hard to inculcate our traditions and arts among the public through temples but the people of later periods fail to understand them and ignored them.

As a result, our ancestral traditions, skill in arts and culture and soon have become ideas of the past our ancestors depicted our religious ideas found in puranic episodes and the traditions in arts and culture which prevailed among our people, along with the splendour and beauty of nature in our temple architecture icons and sculpture. In modern days, construction of temple according to Agama Sastra is becoming rare for want of skilled craftsmen and patronage.

Adavalleswarar temple, in course of time, has its changed look due to frequent renovations. Consequently, the original construction for which the temple was famous in its early days and architecture have been altered considerably. To maintain the same antiquity and sanctity, steps should be taken both by the government and public to preserve them without much deviation from their original form and structure. The inscriptions reveal the entire history of the temple, society, patronage and nature of landscape. Therefore, the inscriptions of this temple should be preserved as they give precise details connected with some aspects or the other.

Our country with its hoary antiquity and a rich cultural heritage has rightly carved a niche for itself in the temple of fame. India is looked upon as a guiding star for spiritual enlightment. Our ancient civilization and our high artistic attainments have been enshrined in the beautiful works of art mainly in temples which are scattered throughout the length and breadth of the country to proclaim the greatness of the past. Anyone from any part of the world cannot but be surprised and astonished by the wonderful creations of our great craftsmen.

The architectural beauty of construction, the awe inspiring figures and life-like images are the products of the forgotten craftsmen who were inspired by a religious zeal and well-versed in the concepts laid down in the Agamas and Puranas. One wonders if such works of art and engineering marvels could be created in modern days with all the scientific advancements now available. It is the prime duty of the people to preserve and maintain the sanctity of the temples forever.

It is to be recorded with regret that political interference in the affairs of the temple has affected its sanctity and the conduct of rituals. Though the H.R. & C.E. Board has been constituted to streamline the administration and utilize the income properly, these objectives have not been achieved as expected. Quite often, the powers that have interfered are backed by political considerations. Some of the employees have no faith in the Hindu Religion. Suitable action should be taken to realize the income from endowments. The funds of the temple are sometimes diverted for some other purposes. Religious administration should be with spiritual heads of unquestionable honesty and erudition with a record of selfless service. Such heads should be assisted by a band of devoted men imbued with a religious zeal and a spirit.

It is necessary to give sufficient publicity for the greatness of the temple. A booklet which should contain all the striking features of the temple should be made available. If possible suitable persons should be appointed to guide the visitors around. An awareness should be created so that those visiting the temple may keep it clean and maintain its sanctity.

The temple premises may be utilised for many cultural activities. Social service organisation may be encouraged to make periodical visits to the temple for cleaning the premises and the temple tank. The tank itself should be used in a such a way as not to affects its purity. Regular display of important festivals and other observances on special occasions should be made in prominent places. If possible a display of light and shade as is done in some important temples like the one at Madurai may be undertaken once in a while to bring out the salient features of the temple. On festive occasions the people visiting the temple should be property looked after and guided atleast with the help of voluntary organisations. Many more cultural activities may be held in the temple premises with the help of the temple authorities and in co-ordination with the concerned organisations.