Temple Renovations

Extracts frim a report from 'the Hindu" regarding the loss of priceless art during temple renovation are produced below:
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CHENNAI: A 1,200-year-old Siva temple of the Pallava period at Tiruppulivanam village in Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu, has been wiped clean of its beautiful Chola-period paintings. The frescoes, about 975 years old, have been sand-blasted out of existence.

Ironically, at a seminar organised on the temple premises on August 27, 2007, archaeologists, epigraphists and artists had decided on measures to preserve the paintings and inscriptions in the temple.

Two 16-pillared mantapas are among the temple’s treasures that have been destroyed. One of the mantapas, which was commonly called ‘madapalli’ or kitchen, had Tamil inscriptions dating back to Kulotunga Chola III (1215 A.D.), the Telugu Chola Vijayakanda Gopaladeva, Rajanarayana Sambuvaraya and others. The other mantapa, called Alankara Mantapa, belonged to the 16th century Vijayanagara period.

This destruction has taken place during “renovation” that the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR and CE) Department officials are undertaking. As part of this exercise, they plan to pull down a 100-pillared mantapa just outside the temple and “rebuild it.”

The Vyagrapurisvara temple at Tiruppulivanam, near Uttraramerur, 95 km from Chennai, was one of the three temples in Tamil Nadu where Chola paintings existed. The others where they still exist are the Brihadeesvara temple in Thanjavur and the Vijayalaya Cholisvara temple near Pudukottai.

When this correspondent and a photographer visited the temple on November 2, an earthmover was piling up the dismembered granite slabs of the Alankara Mantapa.

In the main temple itself, sandblasting had been done on the southern, northern and western walls of the prakara, on the sculptures on pillars and on the ancient Tamil inscriptions — in violation of a State government directive against sandblasting for renovating temples. The inscriptions on the outer wall of the sanctum sanctorum and the sculptures stand disfigured.

The temple existed during the reign of the Pallava king Nandivarman II in the 8th century A.D. The Rashtrakuta king Krishna III, the Chola kings Parantaka I, Rajendra I and Kulotunga I, the Sambuvaraya chieftain Rajanarayana and the Vijayanagara rulers added structures to it.

What stood out were the Chola frescoes, painted perhaps during the rule of Rajendra I, on the northern prakara wall. Dr. A. Padmavathy, retired Senior Epigraphist, Tamil Nadu Archaeology Department, said the paintings were of Siva as Tripurantaka (riding a chariot and armed with a bow and arrows to kill the demons of the three worlds) and Nataraja, and of Dakshinamurti, Narasimha, and Vishnu in “ananthasayana” posture. There were murals of Raja Raja Chola’s teacher Karuvur Thevar and of princes, princesses, dancing girls, ponds with lily and lotus flowers and wild animals. These frescoes do not exist today. The mantapas, one with ancient inscriptions, are gone.

When contacted, the temple’s executive officer, S. Senthil Kumar, of the HR & CE Department, said that “no paintings ever existed in the temple” and “no structure called Alankara Mantapa ever existed.”

He added that the ‘madapalli’ mantapa was demolished long before he took charge of the temple eight months ago. He said that “no sandblasting was ever done” and that only “water-wash and air-wash” were done.

However, informed sources asserted that the frescoes were sandblasted four months ago, the ‘madapalli’ mantapa demolished about six months ago and the Alankara Mantapa brought down a year ago.
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In this contexi I would like to recall the official vandalism caused to the centuries old Kukkuteswara Temple in Pithapuram, AP. This is a centuries old temple, finds mention in several puranas, is a Shakti Peetam. The whole character of the temple was destroyed with total demolition of the Main temple with its distinct style and erection of concrete pillared structure that is garish and too modern to digest. The whole atmosphere has changed.

Temple renovation is a painstaking, timetaking specialised science. Qualified Archeologists. Preservation experts, Agama Pandits and Venerable Sthapathis should put their heads together and decide how to save and foster temples. But it appears that decisions are taken by politician-engineeer-babu-contractor nexus.

Public also does not know what was done with the removed artifacts.

There must be some standard Manuals and Procedures for such rebovations.

Those were days when temples were built not only to cater to the spiritual needs but also to create economic activity, employment and show case the skill of the artisans who put their heart and soul into their work. A lot of property used to be donated for the maintenance of temples and their staff. Today most of temple lands have vanished. Temple premises encroached. Now temples are being destroyed. Temples are administered by atheists and sharks who have no understanding of their hoary history, distinctive styles and significance of each style and stone nor care for it. British were far more sensotove and understanding. The loss is our heritage.

Chilkur Venkateswara Temple near Hyderabad is an example of successful resistence to official onslought to bring under vested control of government. There is no hundi, no collection, no arjita sevas but temple is maintained wonderfully. Hats off to Mr.Sundararajan.

...ponder

Man Mohan Singh's Surrender

When the left withdrew support on the nuclear issue, MMS deftly managed support and pushed through a Confidence motion. Whether it was money power or ideology, Singh became the King. This status he acquried after prolonged meekness and remaining in the shadow of the saree.

But he flipped again on the Sri Lanka issue when he meekly surrendered to the threats of the Southern Supremo.

Yesterday's newspapers report that Indian High Commissioner in Colombo will coordinate relief action. This is not acceptable, if true.

It was a wily Julius Jayawardane who manipulated an immature Rajiv Gandhi in committing Indian Army in Srilanka's internal strife with disastrous consequences. If India is worried about Tamils in Srilanka, what is wrong if Pakistan's ISI, Jehadis, etc are worried about Muslims in India in general and in Kashmir in particular?

Now Lalu is threatening to withdraw support on MNS issue. He threatens to stop trains in Maharashtra when trains and stations in Bihar are burning. Now it is his turn to be cajoled and appeased. Praful Patel sees merit in 'Son of Soil' theory. Is UPA working under a "UNCOMMOM MAXIMUM PROGRAMME:?

Elections are nearing. The UPA is no more a coalition but a bunch of mercenaries hanging together but fighting to usurp the same space. What about the country? The principal opposition party is silent. Why?

We have already burnt our fingers in helping create Bangladesh.


...ponder

Hilarious

Catching up with news, whether on TV or through papers is quite depressing. Lakhs of crores wiped out in a single day, impending recession, falling employment, violence, terror strikes, antics of our politicians, all add to the gloom

However, even amidst this pot pourrie of disaster and gloom, there is an occational humorous nugget. One such news item is the celebration of the Anniversary of October Revolution by Indian Communists.

Ofcourse, they live in their cozy cocoon and revel in their redundant gymnastics with worn out cliches. It is an opportunity for the fossilised bhadraloks to wear their starched whites and have an 'adda' over tea and biscuits provided by the most venerated bhadralok's industrialist son.

Forget the purges, forget the disappearance of vast mass of population, forget the executions, forget the hunger and famine. Last but not the least forget today's Russia and China. Long live the Revolution.

It is ofcourse comfortable to be a 'lotus-eater'. Why live in present when past was hoary. Forget Nano, forget industrialisation, forget unemployment, forget grinding poverty. The only way to forget care and worries of present is a dose of humour even if the joke is quite old.

...ponder

Bane of North East

Right from 1947, infiltration of Bengalis from East Pakistan into the various states of India has been going on. This despite the fact that the State is duty bound to protect its borders. This infiltration is not confined to Hindus facing the wrath after partition but also by Muslims, actively abetted by influential individuals like Fakruddin Ali Ahmed and states like West Bengal indulging in vote bank politics.

Even after the unwise action of formation of Bangladesh with the might of the Indian army, this inundation of the border states by aliens continues. They manage ration cards, enrolment in electoral rolls and various other documents and facilities in a systematic way.

The demogragraphic profile of North East has changed enormously and this coupled with lack of employment opportunities there and fierce tribal loyalties has made this region a tinder box of escalating violance. In the last round of ethnic conflict there, Pakistani flags sprouted in many villages.

Now these illegal migrants have spread to almost every nook and corner of India and form a potential pool of recruits for terrorist outfits.

Hon'ble Supreme Court has castigated the Government for its failure to protect the country in general and its borders in particular in the context of this dangerous trends in demographic changes. This makes no difference to our Government whatever be its hue. BJP makes a difference between Hindu illegal migrants and Muslim illegal migrants, This is unacceptable.

Recent serial blasts in Asom is a direct result of this ethnic strife.

Government and Opposition should rise above electoral politics and act immediately to uphold the territorial integrity and security of the Nation. An Indian from other parts of India has no right to settle and acquire property in Kashmir which we claim to be part of India. But lakhs and lakhs of Bangladeshis enjoy this everywhere in the country. What is this? Why should innocent Indians die in North East?

...ponder

Matter of Shame & concern

Two recent reports caused distress no end.

First, rape of Nun in Orissa. Rape is the ultimate humiliation that can be heaped on a woman that too on a 20 year old who has renounced material life to serve her God. That this ghastly act is a part of larger religious frenzy makes it sadder.

Second, the reported Hindu Terrorism. This is the first time we are hearing about it. If true, it could portend a catastrophic change in the terror profile and could lead to a tit for tat situation, which is what the original perpetuators wanted. Also if true, nobody can blame the foreign hand. Pure indigenous effort which is an indicator of things to come.

In times of turmoils, anti-social and lumpen elements do take advantage. Remember anti-sikh riots, Godhra aftermath, etc. Even natural occurance like MGR's death sparked looting of shops in Chennai.

Apart from religious hatred in which committed elements cause mayhem, the main problem today is people losing faith in authority of the State and having no respect for Institutions. Partisan and parochial speeches and actions of so-called leaders, patronage being given to lumpen elements, dependence on muscle power, have wrecked havoc. Rajiv Gandhi famously said "When a tree falls, earth shakes". This while butchering of innocent sikhs was going on and he was already sworn in as PM. What can we expect?

Is India going to be another Lebonan?

How to stem this dangerous trend?

...Ponder

Healthy Conventions

In the context of our Hon'ble Speaker leaving the house in agony, it is worthwhile to ponder whether we had, over the long period our Parliament is in existence, created healthy conventions for smooth functioning of our parliament.

When I say "We" I do not merely refer to Parliamentarians only but the whole country, political establishment, institutions, etc.,

There is a certain discernable deterioration in the quality of debates. We do not any more have such erudite, gentlemanly and titanic figures like Nehru, Patel, J.B. Kriplani, H.V. Kamath, Ram Manohar Lohia, V,B,Raju, etc nor serious non-politicians in the conventional sense like Minoo Masani or Piloo Modi getting elected. This is a failure of the political parties and the electors.

Basic courtesy and etiquette demanded of a public person in countering adversaries (not enemies) in debates is also on the wane. Rapt attention in listening is absent. This is a failure of the nation as a whole.

Taking partisan lines on issues of grave national issues is another regrettable phenomenan. We rarely see the entire house speaking with one voice on any matter any more. This reflects poorly on the prevailing acrimonious politics in the country.

Some of the nominations made to the Rajya Sabha (supposed to be the House of Elders) borders on frivolity.

Despite the Election Commission acting as a keen watch dog, people with dubious antecedents do get into the Parliament. This puts a shadow on the credibility of our most important democratic institution. This again is a failure of political parties and the electors.

It is also sad to see the house often divided on religious and caste lines. This was not the case earlier.

Fewer and fewer women entering the Parliament denies opportunity to a large talented pool.

Shrinking duration of sessions and whatever time available getting lost in disturbances takes away the opportunity to put the government to scrutiny and to focus on important issues facing the country.

Many of our Members do not represent the Constituency/state from where they get elected as they never reside there nor have any sort of affinity to that place. This deprives access to the local population the srevices and easy access to their so-called representatives.

Quite a big difference can be made by adopting healthy conventions. Wise and patriotic people especially in the Parliament should put their heads together to foster such conventions and traditions to be adhered to both inside and outside the parliament at all stages of formation and functioning of parliament for the good of the Nation.

...ponder

Need for Uniform Civil Code

There is an interesting news report in 'The Hindu" of 23.10.2008 which is reproduced below verbatim.

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Court for body to regulate Muslim marriages
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Says no system to check ‘indiscreet divorce’

Appeals all concerned to study the problem
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KOCHI: A Division Bench of the Kerala High Court on Wednesday observed that legislation for setting up bodies at Central and regional levels to regulate, control and supervise Muslim marriages and divorces was the need of the hour.

The Bench of Justice Kurian Joseph and Justice Harun-Ul-Rashid, while passing a verdict in a matrimonial case involving a Muslim couple, said an effective system should be introduced for protecting the Muslim society and women from “indiscreet marriage and divorce.”

The court observed that though polygamy was allowed in the strict sense by Islam, there was no system in India to supervise or control such indiscreet marriage and divorce. Going by Koranic verses, permission to marry more than one woman, but not more than four, was given at a time when there were lots of orphans, widows and captives of war who were unable to maintain a dignified life. Polygamy was allowed then due to unavoidable circumstances. In fact, the practice was discouraged by imposing stringent conditions.

The court observed that even after 15th century, some people of the community seemed to be very particular in following the practice, unmindful of whether such circumstances existed or not. They entered into more than one marriage, mostly for their personal pleasure. The court said polygamy was unlawful in the country. It called for strong moral strength, if not religious factor, to eradicate polygamy from among the Muslims.

The court said there was no system in the country to ascertain and decide whether a person was eligible to contract more than one marriage during the subsistence of the first marriage. Men in the community enjoyed unrestricted freedom to marry women of their choice and pronounce talaq according to their whims and fancies. In fact, most of such marriages were illegal since they were against Koranic injunctions.

The court pointed out that in Pakistan, Muslim family law regulated polygamy and provided for an arbitration council. As per the laws in Muslim countries such as Iraq, the husband must satisfy the court the reasons for divorce. These provisions were intended to regulate marriage and supervise its sanctity.

The Bench appealed to all concerned within the community and the administrative authority and the government to study the problems faced by “helpless and destitute women and children” and bestow thoughts on the ways and means to alleviate their problems.

Unquote

Our Law Makers should be bold enough to rise above partisan ends to review and regulte all such archaic practices in all religions, sects, and denominations. Unless we move with times, things will come to such a pass that vulnerable sections like women,children, old citizens, etc will be exploited badly. The concept of Hindu Undivided Family in taxation laws is one such example. Animal sacrifices in the name of worship is another. If we can try to eradicate the scourge of Varna Ashrama Dharma in Hindu religion though it had religious sanction and was one of the pillars of Hindu way of life, we should tackle so many of other ill suited and retrograde practices in all denominations of our society,

Better such reforms originate from within that particular religion/sect for wider acceptance and smoother transition. But law makers should act.


...ponder