Temples in Floods – Urgent Appeal to the Government
Kadeswara Subramaniam, the State President of Hindu Front, has raised concerns regarding the state of temples in Tamil Nadu, which are increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters. In his statement, he pointed out the failure of the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department to adequately protect temples from the damage caused by natural calamities and called for immediate measures to safeguard them.
Impact of Natural Disasters:
Temples in Tamil Nadu have been severely affected by natural calamities, especially floods. For instance, due to heavy rains last week, the Sankaran Temple in Kanchipuram and the Sri Andal Temple in Srivilliputhur experienced water ingress into the sanctum, leading to difficult conditions for devotees. Devotees had to stand in floodwater to offer prayers, causing severe inconvenience. Similar situations have been observed at many temples in various districts like Thanjavur, where floodwaters have reached the temple sanctum.
Heritage Temples and Their Protection:
Tamil Nadu is home to some of the oldest and most significant temples in India, known for their intricate architecture and sculpture. These temples are not just places of worship, but also monuments of historical and cultural significance. However, the failure to protect these temples from floods and other natural disasters has started to threaten their structural integrity and the preservation of these heritage sites. The continuous flooding has caused damage to the walls and sculptures of ancient temples, which diminishes their historical value.
Issues with the HR&CE Department:
Subramaniam criticized the HR&CE Department for its negligence in preparing temples for natural disasters. He mentioned that despite the recurring nature of the monsoon season, no effective water management systems or flood-prevention plans have been put in place. He pointed out that water is accumulating in several temples, including the Sakkarapalli Sakkarvageswarar Temple in Thanjavur, where floodwaters have reached the sanctum.
The HR&CE Department’s failure to set up basic drainage systems, flood barriers, and water channels around the temples has led to this widespread issue. As a result, many temples in the state, such as those in Srirangam and Chidambaram, are experiencing flooding in their sanctums, damaging their sculptures and artwork.
Loss of Water Management Infrastructure:
Historically, Tamil Nadu kings had built several ponds and water systems around temples to ensure that they remained safe from floods. However, many of these water bodies have either disappeared or have been poorly maintained due to administrative lapses in the HR&CE Department. This lack of water management has left temples vulnerable to flooding during heavy rains.
Call for Immediate Action:
Subramaniam stressed the urgent need for the state government and the HR&CE Department to implement water management systems around temples, such as drainage systems, rainwater harvesting mechanisms, and flood barriers. Using modern technology, it is possible to protect temples from floodwater, but this requires immediate action. He further pointed out that the department’s focus on collecting offerings from devotees rather than safeguarding the temples reflects its misplaced priorities.
Example of Negligence:
An example of the HR&CE Department’s negligence is the incident that occurred at Swami Malai, where a temple chariot was damaged due to falling power lines. Despite knowing that continuous rains were expected, the department did not take any preventive measures to ensure the safety of the temple’s infrastructure and equipment.
Appeal to the Government:
In his statement, Kadeswara Subramaniam appealed to both the state government and the HR&CE Department to take immediate action to protect temples from natural disasters. He called for the implementation of effective flood-prevention measures and proper water management strategies to safeguard the temples and their heritage.
Respect for Devotees’ Sentiments:
Subramaniam also emphasized the need for the government to respect the sentiments of devotees and ensure that Tamil Nadu’s temples are protected from natural calamities. He called on the HR&CE Department to prioritize temple preservation and maintenance, rather than focusing solely on the collection of funds.
Conclusion:
This appeal highlights the urgent need for the state government and HR&CE Department to take responsibility for the protection and preservation of temples, which are not only religious sites but also cultural and historical treasures. The growing risks due to climate change and natural disasters make it essential for authorities to adopt modern, proactive measures to safeguard these heritage sites for future generations.
