Saturday, November 2, 2013

Thirubhuvanam Temple - a great disappointment


Thirubhuvanam is a small town around 6kms from Kumbakonam town. There is a wonderful temple in this town with superb architecture. This temple was built almost 900 years back.

From internet I gathered information that the temple at Thirubhuvanam was built by Kulothunga Chozhan III. It seems this temple is also build on the same lines of Tanjavur Brehadeeshwarar temple. This temple is full of stone inscriptions and statues. So with great expectations I visited this temple with my camera with the hope of taking some good pictures.

I was utterly disappointed when I visited the temple. They do not allow photography inside the temple. Even in the outer praharams photography is not permitted! I can fully understand if photography is prohibited in the sanctum sanctorum! Not allowing photography even outside the sanctum sanctorum is a little too much in my opinion.

I understand that the temple is under the care of some trustees. Who are these trustees to take control of this temple and put rules? This temple was after all built by Kulothunga Chozhan. This temple is for the posterity and it is the property of all of us! The irony is my taxi driver told me that they allow film shooting inside the temple! Is it not ridiculous?

These temples should be taken over by Archeological Survey of India immediately. The advantage would be that the temple  will be preserved better and more number of people can visit and take pictures! World needs to see our culture and photography & internet are two important media for this.

If these guys come out with the argument that this temple cannot be taken over by ASI because the temple is being worshiped and daily prayers are on there, then Tanjore Big temple, Dharasuram temple & Gangaikonda chozhapuram are all examples! In all these temples although they are under ASI they are open for worship and daily prayers are being done there!

Few people joining together garner national heritage and claiming ownership over it is not accepted and it should not be allowed by the government! It should be declared as a national property and thrown open to public and allow photography.

National wealth/heritage should be in the hands of government and not with these private guys! Preserving our heritage is the responsibility of the Government!

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