Are ASI Temples safe ?

Amrutheshwara Temple

Lot of worries arise while writing on the Monuments we have at  present. A stunning revelation cautions the people as well as the Government that the country has lost hundreds of richly carved sculptures and icons and the trade continues even now. The loss is not just pertained to neglected temples, but also at "protected "temples of Archaeological Survey of India. The ASI seems to think that they have done their job by providing a fence around the temple complex and erecting a blue board declaring that it is a National Monument. Do they just maintain the Garden around and do nothing for the security of the monument ? Posting unarmed guards will no longer serve the purpose. No one is there to watch people entering the Temple with suspected motives. The curator and other officials appointed by ASI are rarely seen during office hours. The fence is just to prevent the entry of goats and dogs. Anybody can trespass easily and this has facilitated the entry of anti social elements who stole the idol of Ganesa near the flag post at Darasuram. Hence the ASI should provide tall walls around the complex and install cameras and burglar alarms. Surprise checks and audits are essential to take stock of the situation periodically. 

Among the most lovable travel destinations of Karnataka, Shimoga (now known as Shivamoga) has lots to offer. By taking an overnight train from Bangalore one can easily reach Shimoga early in the morning.The places of interest in this region are Jog falls, Barkara falls, Agumbe, to name a few. The visit to Elephant park located at a distance of about 50 km from Shimoga must cheer everyone as it is close to Bhadra Dam.

 The elephant camp has about 20 big and small elephants which are taken care of by mahouts. It is certainly a beauty to watch the jumbos at a time when they are taken inside the river for bath.

Children take time to watch the elephants from a very close distance. The whole area is surrounded by mountains, palm and coconut trees and paddy  fields. The greenery is seen all along the road as this route takes you to Malnad region of Kerala.

Ananthapuri belongs to the same region where it has a beautiful temple of Hosyala period.The Temple was built by Amrutheeswara Dhandanayaka, a general of Hoysyala King Veera Vallaba II  in 1196 A.D. It is now maintained by the ASI with a lawn around it . As said earlier, high  walls are not there to ensure security  of the Temple complex.

The visitor can become speechless on going round the temple as it has outstanding sculptures on all the sides. The exceptionally carved sculptures include scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharatha.
Lord Amruthapureeswara's Vimanam is of Eka thala ( Eka Kuta) style whereas those at Belur and Somnathpur are of Tri kuta style. Soft clay stone is used and the temple has about 140 panels depicting the scenes of Hindu epics. The Mahamandapa has large pillars and the Sanctum has the Shiva linga murthi who is worshipped by the locals and people from outside the village.

Declaring the Heritage site as a National Monument is not suffice. The ASI must seriously consider to step up the security of the place and build a wall and post security guards by keeping vigil at all times. There is no point in giving publicity to this place as it can invite more risks and problems. This should be applicable to all ASI sites. About other temples "maintained " by the State Governments, less said , the better.