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Friday, March 29

Ancient temples in DK to be refurbished

Ancient temples in DK to be refurbished


Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, May 31, 2016: The devout inhabitants of DK, Dakshina Kannada district are all set to get together and renovate centuries-old temples that are in poor state of decay. Preserving Tulunadu architecture is set as one of their primary aims in this context. 

In recent times black stone  from Tamil Nadu has been replacing red laterite blocks in the renovations of ancient temples, people are keen to make sure that  renovations  follow the Vasthu Shastra of Tulunadu. All structures, from dhwaja sthambha to garbhagudi, are being designed based on Tulunadu architecture with the help of Vasthu Shilpis of the region.

The Sri Sooryanarayana temple at Maroli, Sri Mahalingeshwara temple in Puttur, Sri Thrishoolini temple and Sri Durgaparameshwari temple at Balpa village in Sullia are some of the ancient structures being renovated with a deep adherence to Tulunadu principles. 

The 1,200-year-old Sri Sooryanarayana temple is being renovated at an estimated cost of Rs 15 crore with an emphasis on traditional architecture of the region. The garbhagudi, Sri Devi gudi, theertha mantapa, ola suthupouli, dhwaja sthambha, vasantha mantapa, roof, ceiling and pillars are designed at the directions of noted Vasthu Shipli Muniyangala Mahesh Bhat, said J Balakrishna Kottari, president of Sooryanarayana Temple Renovation Committee.

A decision to renovate the temple was taken after main structures started crumbling; main aim is to renovate the only Sun temple in the region by preserving its architecture. According to records, the ancient temple was designed on the lines of old temple of Bhargava Kshethra. It is our aim to rejuvenate sculpture (vasthu shilpa). Each pillar and structure is being shaped as per the directions of Vasthu Shipli Muniyangala Mahesh Bhat and Giridhar Shetty, working president of the renovation committee. 

Its pillars have Krishnashile that portray nakshatras, navagrahas, rashis and give glimpses of Vedas. Doors carved with 12 forms of the Sun god and wood carvings on the ceilings make the temple an architectural splendour. The temple built by Thapasvis was last renovated about 450 years ago by a Jain woman chief of the village cluster comprising Maroli, Padau, Alape, Bajal, Kannoor, Jappu and Kankanady, he said.

Similarly in 2012, the Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple in Puttur was renovated as per Tulunadu Vasthu style. Nanya Achutha Moodithaya, the then president of the temple committee, said renovation of the temple commenced in June 2012 and within a record 11 months brahmakalashotsava was held in May 2013. The ancient temple architecture was retained without any deviation from Vasthu. Renovation was taken up at a cost of nearly Rs 12 crore as per the guidelines of Vasthu Shilpi S M Prasad Muniyangala.

Most major temples that were built around 800-1,000 years ago have started showing signs of decay. Hence, devotees started forming jeernoddhara committees to renovate temples in their region. A religious awakening is the main reason for devotees to think of joining hands to renovate temples. 

Sri Thrishoolini Temple at Balpa village in Sullia taluk is said to be one of the oldest temples of South India. While devotees have renovated Sri Durgaparameshwari temple, the state government and the Archeological Survey of India are in the process of renovating the 1,500-year old Thrishooline Temple.

Aim to used older methods :  Most temples that were renovated in Mangaluru are not in good shape. The renovation authorities are not following the traditional ways. They usually collect large funds, when donors want to see the temple in a grand manner, they are bound to impress them - they do more decorative work to make the temple look grand without maintaining its original shape or character. Vijaynath Shenoy | founder and secretary of Hasta Shilpa Trust working for restoration, preservation and promotion of India’s vanishing physical culture tweeted,
" I do not agree with such a system. I have brought out a 500-page book, Inscribed Heritage, based on correspondences I made to protect temples of Mangaluru. Many times, I used to meet each and every person involved in the renovation. However they don’t bother, and instead follow their own way and own style, which is pathetic. So, I am a mute witness to the destruction of centuries-old temples in the name of renovation. They are destroying the original works and making show pieces. Sudden introduction of modern architecture has brought a break in our traditional architectural style. Modernization replaced mud and wood with cement. All ancient works and items had their own meanings. I feel bad about what is happening. However, am about saving 27 original traditional structures of Karnataka in the Heritage village".


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