Expert says it fulfils 6 out of 10 criteria, has all the qualities to be included in the revised tentative list of UNESCO
The Srirangam temple complex fulfils six out of 10 criteria for declaration as a world heritage site of UNESCO, according to an expert Roopmathi Anand.
The complex, spread over 150 acres, is a masterpiece of human creative genius. It is an exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or a civilisation. Also, it exhibits an important interchange of human values over a span of time or within a cultural area of the world on development in architecture or technology monumental arch and town planning. These are some of the criteria that the temple complex has met, says Ms. Anand.
She goes on to add that the complex is an outstanding example of a type of building, architecture or technological ensemble, which illustrates significant stages in human history. It is directly or tangibly associated with events or living traditions with ideas or beliefs with artistic and literary works of outstanding universal significance besides situated in areas of exceptional natural beauty.
Last week, Ms. Anand, who has been a consultant for several government agencies, made a presentation on the temple complex before the Advisory Committee on World Heritage Matters (ACWHM) attached to the Union Culture Ministry. Having studied several world heritage monuments, Ms. Anand is convinced that the Srirangam temple complex has all qualities to be included in the revised tentative list.
In general, Tamil Nadu deserves to have several sites in the UNESCO list of heritage sites, she says, adding that she has been carrying out in-depth study of the Srirangam temple complex for several years.
List not updated in last 10 years
Steve Borgia, adviser, ACWHM says, “The world heritage list, comprising Indian cities, has never been updated in the last 10 years. Moreover, it did not have any representation from the southern States.
“Hence, we have decided to hold meetings all over the country. We would like to discard the old list and come out with a new set of 30 sites. The new list will be presented at the South Asian Regional Workshop to be held in New Delhi next month and the final list will be ready by December.”
To have good number of participation from all stakeholders, the ACWHM invited representatives from the State government, colleges, trusts, non-governmental organisations, INTACH, the ASI and conservation architects.
“Tamil Nadu was very well represented at the conference. The State also sought the world heritage tag for Fort St. George, which is the first fort to be built outside of England by the British. The recognition should have been given to Fort St. George long ago,” he says.
Keywords: Srirangam temple, world heritage site, UNESCO,
The 160 acres Srirangam temple complex with 7 walled enclosures or Prakarams around the sanctorum has 21 Gopurams, the Rajagopuram being the tallest (236 ft). While the inner four prakarars are religious zones the outer three belongs to the bustling town filled with houses, shops and establishments.
The temple with its hoary traditions, art and architecture is an embodiment of a distinct religious culture that defines our dynamic cultural identity in terms of customs, values, language and rituals, principles of life, moralities and shared ideals.
The Srirangam temple is also a symbol, a spiritual expression, a connect of the temporal with the sacred.
The continuance of a traditional heritage with its established systematic patterns of beliefs, thoughts, behaviors and ethnic values despite several invading onslaughts and destruction due to plunder showcases the spiritual strength of a dynamic culture consciousness.
This is the largest functional temple system in the world.
A site considered worthy of UNESCO heritage site accreditation should offer access to all irrespective of religion, disability or caste.
If the Srirangam temple fulfills these criteria, then it should be considered for one.
Many thanks to Roopmathi Anand and authorities !!!!
My guess is if we get UNESCO heritage status, we get the access to procedures and processes to be followed in maintenance/preservation. This may result in some bitter following of processes, but that may only for the good of the temple. Its our responsiblity to thank the temple's builders and pass the good architecture to our next generations.
I wish Madurai Meenakshi Amman temple is also studied, as it is considered to have started functioning 1000 years ago. One of the trees that existed in the forest (It is said that Madurai was a forest then) is preserved opposite to the Durga shrine.
This heritage status should not be accorded to Srirangam temple just by seeing the outer portions of the temple. The main sanctum sanctorum of Lord Ranganatha swamy should also be seen in order to assess this. The prevailing situation is such that ordinary devotees are not to able to get darshan of the Lord Rangantha because there is a screen most of time. But inspite of this very few people are allowed to see (only VVIPs). Does this mean ordinary devotees cannot have darshan even darshan timings?. If this temple is given heritage status there will be more rules and regulations and finally none of the general public can see the Lord. If so what is the point in giving heritage status? The whole purpose should be that everyone including devotees from all over the world must able to able to have darshan of the Lord freely during Darshan times. Further a huge amount is charged for this. This should be investigated and the darshan should made available to one and all with a nominal rate.
Without fixing the stagnant sewage problems around the temple, I don't
think so....
I think it is hightime, we should include Srirangam (No.1 in 108 Vaishnavites) in World Heritage side. This temple is a magnificient art form of Chola kingdom (Dharmavacholan/Killivalavan enhanced the temple in their rule). This is also the biggest functioning Hindu Temple in the world at-present (Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the biggest but it is not functioning anymore due to lack of care). We shouldn't let this happen to our sacred Indian temple.
Please Email the Editor