Date:20/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/20/stories/2008012052060200.htm

Andhra Pradesh

Temple architecture gets utilitarian

S. Harpal Singh

‘Space constraint is one of the major reasons for additional structures’

Novel blend: The new Ramalayam at Chanda (T) is a mixture of the traditional and the utilitarian symbolised by the long hall under the Garuda Stambham.

ADILABAD: Traditional temple architecture that was confined to guidelines on proportions and aesthetics has come to incorporate utilitarian structures as can seen in the new Hindu places of worship in Adilabad district. Use of modern construction material in place of the hardy stones has given scope for inclusion of useful spaces like a long congregation or dining hall under the main temple.

“Space constraint is one of the major reasons why we are forced by people to go in for additional structures even if it means violation the norms on proportions. Sometimes, even the garbha gudi is built in violation of the guidelines on proportions. A hall that can accommodate more number of people is preferred,” pointed out P. Murugesan, the only ‘aalaya nirmana shilpi’ or temple architect in Adilabad district. In the last 20 years since he migrated to Telangana area from Myladuthurai in Tamil Nadu’s Nagapattinam district, the shilpi has constructed scores of temples in Warangal, Karimnagar and Adilabad districts.

“Construction of temples with stones has almost been given up. Now we have cement-concrete-brick structures that look artistic but hardly follow the laid down construction parameters. We are asked to design the structures as per available space that means the norms are sacrificed,” said Mr. Murugesan. The demand for inclusion of utility spaces can vary from place to place. At some places people even want a commercial complex if open space is available besides the hall underneath the elevated main temple.

“Shastras do not permit an open space between the vigraha sthanam where the idol is installed and bhoo sthanam that is the piece of earth on which the main temple stands. If a hall stretches under the garbha gudi of the temple, it violates this rule. In order to avoid such an occurrence we now construct the hall under the mahamantapam or front half of a given temple keeping the garbha gudi attached to the earth,” explained the shilpi.

The Ramalayam constructed by Mr. Murugesan at Chanda (T) is an example of a blend of the modern and the traditional. So also are the Harihara skhetram near Nirmal, Dattatreyalayam at Badankurti in Khanapur mandal and the Ramalayam at Pipparwada.