TEMPLES OF INDIA- SOURCE FOR ARTS CULTURE AND SMALL BUSINESS

TEMPLES OF INDIA- SOURCE FOR ARTS
CULTURE AND SMALL BUSINESS

Recently I visited about 90 temples in South India. It was an inspiring,educational and at the same time a pilgrimage visit. The Architecture, the Paintings, contribution for ecology, encouragement to Indian Arts like Dance, Discourse, encouragement to Small business like Pooja Stalls, Potteries, Pandals etc are shining examples of how India’s ancient Seers have worked out the Life Style of their disciples)


One American Friend admired our culture and said that India is built around its Temples. It is true. Right from the days of Indus Civilization Temples are the center focus and around them the development of Commercial activities.Architecture. There is distinct difference in the Temple Architecture between different regions.

For instance Kerala Temples are cone shaped with Single Khalasas on top where as Tamil Nadu Temples are Gopuram Style with 5 to 7 Khalasas on top. Kerala Temples are plain with no deities or dolls on the Gopuram structure whereas in TN we can see different deities with rectangular Entrance of each tier at the front and back.

In variably Kerala Temples are Square Type with Verandah on all four sides. Two
entrances- Front and back - and a tank at the back entrance or at the side can be seen. On both sides of the main entrances a broad street is formed with houses on both sides. Adjacent to the main entrance is row of shops.

In contrast is Tamil Nadu Temples. If we enter the main Gopuram entrance you can
observe first the Bali Peetam and Dwajasthambam. Next you can see a small temple for
Garuda or Nandi or Vinayakar. It leads to a long corridor or hall with pillars and another entrance for the Sanctum Sanctorum in which the main deity is installed. Around the Main Mandap will be open space on all four sides. Four walls cover the temple. Adjacent or opposite side of the main Gopuram will be a long street with houses on both sides called Agrahara in which people belonging to the temple live. Adjoining to the walls will be Shops.

Eco Friendly the temples grow flowers around the temple to be used for Pooja Purpose.
In many temples Gosalas or Cowsheds are there to maintain Cows. Apart from flowers
plantain trees and coconut trees are also grown.The Temple is outlet for oil industries, ghee, camphor and many other items. It provides employment to various categories of workers like Tailors, Carpenters, Metal industries, Painters, Masons, small food stalls etc.Temples provide temporary residence for Visitors and also source of encouragement for Oriental arts like Bharatha Natyam, Musical Discourses etc. Instrument music like Nadhaswaram find permanent place in Temples.

On festival days children enjoy rides on giant rotating Wheels, horse chairs –raatinam – as it is called and scores of interesting entertainment items. Brisk sales of food items, Bangles, make up items; towels, Toys and scores of house hold items are the regular features during the festival days.

Hospitality to the guests by providing shelters and food is a notable practice during the festival days. Temples provide permanent lively hood to many people. In addition agricultural products find a market here. Arts like Kolam, Pandals, Flower decorations and above all Social service find outlet here. Temples are not only heritage of India but also a useful provider of job opportunity.

Analysis:

Our Ancestors carefully planned for future generation a sound and constructive path for the developments of various sections of our Society through these Temples. They provide for place for Social gatherings and marriages, fillip to Arts and Crafts, Music and Dances and other innumerable activities. Young generation should maintain and develop these heritages.

· Temples are the center of activities for various Sections of our Society.
· Commerce is strengthened.
· Arts and Culture is given a fillip.
· Music and Dance is encouraged.
· Backbone for Handicraft and vintage Arts.
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