Thirunelli Temple

• 26 Apr 2023

Why in News?

Recently, the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has urged the government to conserve the 600-year-old ‘Vilakkumadom’, at the Sree Mahavishnu Temple at Thirunelli, Kerala.

What are the Concerns?

• The 600-year-old Vilakkumadom structure, made of exquisite granite, is located at the Sree Mahavishnu Temple in Thirunelly, Wayanad district.
  • The ongoing renovation of the temple has raised concerns about the preservation of its heritage.
• The structure has a rich history dating back to the 15^th century AD, and its key elements have not been given due consideration during the renovation process.
• The potential completion of the Vilakkumadom structure and the destruction of the Chuttambalam (rectangular structure covering the temple) has resulted in a loss of heritage and created a gap in its value and importance that could be forgotten or misinterpreted in the future.
• The incomplete structure had stood as a testimony to a rich cultural heritage but has been remodeled in an insensitive way.
  • It is said that the work was launched by the king of Coorg without the permission of the temple’s custodian, Kottayam Raja. Later, the Kottayam Raja ordered the construction work, and the structure remained untouched afterwards.

What are the Key Points Related to Thirunelli Temple?

• About:
  • Thirunelli Temple, also known as Amalaka or Sidha Temple, is a Vishnu temple in Wayanad district, Kerala.
  • The temple gets its name from an idol of Lord Vishnu resting on an amla tree in a valley, which was discovered by Lord Brahma while circling the globe.
• Architecture of Thirunelli Temple:
  • The Thirunelli temple's architecture follows the traditional Kerala style. The temple has an inner sanctorum, surrounded by a tile roof structure, and an open courtyard around it.
  • The east entrance of the temple is decorated with a granite lamp post. The outer wall of the temple is bound by granite pillars that are cut in cubicle style, which is not commonly seen in Kerala.

What are the Efforts to Safeguard Cultural Heritage?

• Global:
  • Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2005
  • Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, 2006.
  • United Nations World Heritage Committee: India has been elected as a member of the committee for the term 2021-25.
• Indian:
  • Adopt a Heritage Programme
  • Project Mausam
  • Article 49 (DPSP)
  • AMASR Act and National Monuments Authority (NMA)
  • PRASHAD Scheme

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year’s Question (PYQs)

Q. Which of the following is/are among the Fundamental Duties of citizens laid down in the Indian Constitution? (2012)

1. To preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture
2. To protect the weaker sections from social injustice
3. To develop the scientific temper and the spirit of inquiry
4. To strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (c)

Source: TH

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