A visit to the magnificent Brihadeshwara temple floods our hearts with devotion and pride. The marvel is a great legacy that the mighty emperor and Shiva bhakta, Raja Raja Chola handed over to us.
Emperor Krishnadeva Raya has renovated many temples in South India including Srirangam Ranganatha temple and Thiruvannamalai.
The countless restoration works on temples done during the Nayaka rule in Thanjavur by their able minister Sri Govinda Dikshitar is heart rending.
Today, the condition of many old temples that are our valuable heritage are in shambles. There are some 1000 year old temples where the Archakas (priests) cannot even afford to buy oil to light the lamps. People working in the temple premises like the sweepers live in abject poverty. Ooduars are a community that sang the devotional Devaram hymns in Shiva temples. It is unfortunate that this community has given up its traditional forte as there is no encouragement or financial compensation for rendering these hymns in dilapidated temples. Musicians, drummers and bell boys who once adorned these places of worship can no longer be found in these magnificent village temples.
Significance of temples: Many old temples are built around the Samadhi of great saints or Siddhas. Also temples visited by saints Appar, Sundarar and Sambandar (Paadal petra sthalam) are believed to behold greater positive vibrations. These temples are our heritage dating back to more than 1000 years. Temples are abodes of spiritual upliftment where the soul seeks to merge with Shiva.
What you can do? You can visit these temples. There are many temples across south India that are starved of funds. You can send money to the temple for performing pujas like Pradosha kala puja etc. You can help repair and renovate the structures. You can send money to distribute prasadam. If you have contacts you can even pay an Ooduar to sing the famed Devaram hymns. You can help preserve our rich legacy from fading away into dust.
Visit these pages for information on some Paadal petra sthalam and how you can help.
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