Temples are more than just places of worship. They serve as symbols of hope and centers for the spread of ideologies, culture, and civilisation. They inspire personal growth and spiritual enlightenment, and serve as natural centers for education” (Education in Ancient India by AS Altekar) The construction of bhavya Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Ram Janmabhoomi has been debated among individuals with specific Leftist ideologies, who argue that alternative initiatives such as educational institutions or hospitals would be more advantageous for society. However, it is essential to consider whether this perception accurately represents these structures’ full benefits. In Bharat, temples have long been associated with the country’s development. Building a temple can also have tangible benefits for a community regarding cultural preservation, economic growth, social cohesion, spiritual well-being, spiritual and moral guidance, education and enlightenment, philanthropy and social welfare, promotion of tourism and economy and cultural diplomacy. Thus, looking from a holistic point of view, it is essential to explore the biases underpinning such reactions and recognise that temples have served as vital community resources throughout history, regardless of an individual’s caste, class, or reed.
Reviving Temples
Here are the temples that saw revival in last 10 years
- Kashi Vishwanath: Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor in Varanasi at a special event on December 2021. This Rs 339-crore project took less than three years to be completed
- Kedarnath Temple: The 2013 floods in Uttarakhand left a trail of destruction and also inflicted heavy damage on the famous Kedarnath temple in the state. PM Modi in 2017 launched a reconstruction project for the Himalayan temple, believed to be a abode of Bhagwan Shiva
- Somnath Temple: During his 10-year tenure, Prime Minister undertook several initiatives for the revival and beautification of the famous Somnath temple in Gujarat. In 2021, PM Modi inaugurated the Somnath seaside promenade, an exhibition centre and reconstructed temple precinct of Old (Juna) Somnath
- Ujjain’s Mahakal: In October 2022, PM Modi inaugurated the first phase of Mahakal Lok corridor developed on the premises of the famous Mahakaleshwar temple in Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain
- Kashmir temples: In Kashmir, the Modi Government rebuilt or renovated several temples, inclduing Raghunath Temple, Srinagar, Martand Temple of Anantnag, Gaurishankar Temple of Patan, Pandrethan Temple, Srinagar. Avantiswara temple of Awantipora is also being renovated
- Grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya: The Prime Minister Modi-led Government’s resolve to build Ram Mandir on January 22, 2024 when Ram Lalla’s new idol was consecrated at the newly-constructed temple. According to reports, the government has planned to develop Ayodhya into a world-class city and spend over Rs 30,000 crore for the initiative
“Temples maintained schools and refuge for sick men and animals, dispensed charity to beggars, and relieved the poorer citizens in times of distress and famine” (The Wonder that was India by AL Basham)
Importance of Temples
A temple is a place of inner worship, not just outer ceremonies, that directly opens our minds and hearts to the divine. Spirituality and life are not separate from every individual, just as God and nature are one. It is not a monument to a uniform belief but an expression of life in its richness and abundance. Ample literature and articles document how temples have supported individuals in different aspects of their daily lives. Temples have served as playgrounds for children, places of leisure and spirituality for elders, and socialisation hubs for young and middle-aged people. They have provided peace, calm, and positivity for monks, saints, and others seeking it, shelter for dwellers and small business opportunities for small entrepreneurs. In addition to these benefits, temples have also been places of love, bonding, learning, artistic expression and even refuge for animals. They have become an integral part of people’s lives. The place of temples was encouraged to be a place of court for local matters/disputes. It is a place not just for prayer at a particular time of the day, but one can come at any time. It serves as a shelter for those who feel isolated or disconnected and offers a sense of belonging. It is essential to recognise their significance. Dismissing their importance without understanding their value to communities would be a disservice to the individuals who rely on these structures for support.
Means of Subsistence
Temples in ancient times were crucial in promoting sustainable livelihoods by providing employment opportunities to the local community. During the Cholas period, the temple became the location for many kinds of routine exchanges, the crucial place for many professions to whom the temple was employed directly or indirectly. The temples acted as patrons for craftsmen, artisans, farmers and other professionals, thereby helping preserve traditional skills and knowledge. The practice ensured the community’s sustainable economic development and helped promote the local economy’s growth. The temple’s role in employing the local population helped establish a self-sufficient ecosystem that was less dependent on external factors. The temples significantly preserved the region’s cultural heritage by promoting traditional practices and skills. Temples serve as places of worship and spiritual significance and are vital in promoting economic growth in the surrounding communities. This is achieved by generating employment opportunities in the hospitality, transportation and other related industries. Additionally, temples attract more visitors, leading to increased footfall and consumer spending in the local businesses. Such developments can improve the area’s infrastructure and services, benefiting the community and the services in the area.
Women’s Participation in Temples
Some of these temples have gone beyond their religious obligations and have made significant contributions to society, becoming a hallmark of women’s empowerment. Various initiatives are aimed at promoting gender equality, which are visible in such places. Women’s empowerment is a significant feature of these temples. Women sign up as volunteers and participate in garland-making, flower arranging, cleaning and running shops. They form groups with like-minded people to engage in music, dance or shlokas. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of women pursuing Vaishnava and other religious degrees, regardless of age. Group sessions, such as discussions on religious texts, provide a supportive environment for women to work through their issues, build confidence, and boost their self-esteem. For instance, foreign women participate in Vittal chanting and dance rituals at Brindavan. Although their religious background is unknown, their positive attitude and participation in the ritual are the things that matter. Seeing others adopt our traditions while we abandon them and follow their culture is disheartening.
A Place of Education and Learning
Bharat’s temples have been crucial in promoting education and knowledge dissemination for many years. Historical evidence dating back to the 10th century AD underscores the temple’s significance in educating children. Dancing and music were included in the temple rituals as forms of service to the deity. A book Education in Ancient India by AS Alteker discusses the temples as education centres. In rural areas, temples were the location of the village assemblies and the place of formal education. In 1083 AD, at Tavarekere, Karnataka, there was a Sattra attached to a temple offering students free food. A small Sanskrit college flourished in Talgund, Shikarpur district, in 1158 A.D. It provided free food and education to 48 students who studied Veda Puranas and Canarese. Punnavayilin, Tanjore, had a grammar college with 60 acres of land. Due to its wealth, it provided free food and education for around 500 students. During the Chola kingdom, which existed before this period, it supported these schools and colleges by donating funds and providing free food, teachers’ salaries, and student boarding facilities. During the 18th century, every religious centre in the Southern part of India used to maintain a Sanskrit Patha-Sala. Most of the temple authorities organising Sanskrit schools and colleges are typical of the age. Many more existed, with no memory handed over to the present generation.
For the welfare of locals, Tirupati Tirumala temple (Andhra Pradesh) is running a college and a free food facility that can serve 2,000 people at one time
In recent days, Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning in Puttaparthi (Andhra Pradesh) has provided various undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. The Sri Sathya Sai Baba Trust founded this institute. The Chinmaya Vidyalaya schools are an exemplary model of educational institutions operated by the Chinmaya Trust, a spiritual organisation. These schools focus on providing a comprehensive education that integrates academic learning with moral and spiritual values. Furthermore, the Chinmaya Mission has extended its educational reach by establishing various trusts and initiatives to support less privileged children accessing quality education. These initiatives not only contribute to the academic development of individuals but also help foster a sense of community and social responsibility. The temple is an institution that provides a platform for individuals to learn from a diverse group of people.
Temple and Community Welfare
Temples have been and will continue to be valuable assets for community development. Throughout history, temples have served as sources of livelihood for communities. They have provided spaces for agricultural land and markets, enabling local community members to sell their produce, and promoted sustainable farming practices such as crop rotation, irrigation techniques, and soil conservation. Temples have also functioned as reservoirs, providing water sources for the community. From ancient times, temples have constructed ponds and tanks, which have been used for irrigation, bathing, cleaning, and animal husbandry. Today, many temples continue to uphold this tradition by constructing artificial tanks that benefit both the temple and the community. During the 15th century, during the Vijayanagar kingdom, temples served as sustainability centres for the surrounding villagers. Historical evidence reveals the economic prosperity of this region, with rubies and gold being sold in local markets. These findings highlight the significant role of temples in the economic and social development of the time.
For instance, Tirupati Tirumala temple (Andhra Pradesh) is surrounded by shops and other dwellings that belong to the temple. For the welfare of the locals, the temple administration is running a college, a hospital, and a free food facility that can serve 2,000 people at one time. There are also other temples with community kitchens and charitable activities for pilgrims, such as the Golden Temple in Amritsar, Madurai Meenakshi Temple (Tamil Nadu) and Puri Jagannath Temple (Odisha). The temple is a cultural hub where people from different backgrounds visit with one thought of love and devotion in mind
without any discrimination.
Healing, Positivity & Personality Development
The temple, a revered place of worship, has long been associated with healing and spiritual well-being. Temples are the sacred places where the power of collective spiritual aspiration is developed and focused. Temples are power stations that generate a higher consciousness among individuals. Temples bring in spiritual energies, purify our collective psyche of negative thoughts and serve as a place of counsel for individuals facing difficulties. Temples like Tiruvallur-Veera Raghava temple, Vaitheeshwaran temple, Balaji Temple in Rajasthan, and many others have long been associated with healing physical and mental ailments. In addition, they serve as profound catalysts for personality development, nurturing individuals in ways that extend far beyond mere religious observance. These sacred spaces provide a conducive environment for self-reflection, introspection, and spiritual growth, which are integral to shaping one’s personality.
Regular visits to temples instil a sense of discipline and routine, encouraging individuals to dedicate time to introspection and contemplation amidst busy lives. The rituals and practices observed within temples, such as prayer, meditation, and chanting, help individuals cultivate inner peace, mindfulness, and emotional stability. Research suggests that the chanting of God’s names, such as Vittal, can have a positive impact on cardiac health. The temple’s positive energy, created through reciting Sanskrit mantras and songs during poojas, can calm and relieve the distress of those seeking solace. Blowing conch is an excellent exercise for the diaphragm, chest, neck muscles, thyroid glands, vocal cords, and improving the aerial capacity. Om chanting has been practised for centuries in Hinduism, and recent studies have shown that it has several health benefits. Om is considered a sacred sound and is believed to be the sound of the universe. When chanted, it is said to have a calming effect on the mind and body. Reduces stress and anxiety, improves concentration and focus, improves sleep, lowers blood pressure, and boosts immunity. Through these spiritual exercises, individuals learn to manage their thoughts and emotions more effectively, fostering greater resilience and mental well-being.
Temples serve as repositories of ancient wisdom, scriptures, and philosophical teachings, providing individuals with valuable insights into the nature of reality, the purpose of life, and the principles of ethical conduct. Such contemplation nurtures a sense of humility, curiosity, and open-mindedness, which are essential for personal growth and development. Moreover, the communal aspect of temple visits facilitates social interaction, networking, and cultivating empathy and compassion towards others. Engaging in acts of seva (selfless service) within temple communities fosters a spirit of altruism, teamwork, and community responsibility, all vital for building strong interpersonal relationships and contributing positively to society.
Temples are pivotal in fostering holistic personality development by nurturing spiritual growth, promoting emotional resilience, fostering social connectedness, and imparting timeless wisdom.
Tourist Hub
The temple’s aesthetic beauty is also noteworthy. Many temples have gardens, which are maintained to provide flowers for the gods and goddesses. These gardens serve as alluring tourist spots and feature a variety of flowers that create a serene ambiance. In Srivilliputhur (Virudhunagar district), the garden where Goddess Andal was found is still used to get flowers for Gods and Goddesses. With the use of modern facilities, temples can create beautiful and sustainable gardens that not only add to the overall ambience but also attract tourists. These gardens serve as an excellent platform for educating visitors about the significance of conserving natural resources, minimising waste and respecting local customs and traditions. By adopting eco-friendly practices, temples can preserve the environment around them and ensure their sustainability for future generations. With the right approach, temples can set an example for other institutions to follow and promote sustainable tourism. I will be able to enjoy them as well.
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