Religious tourism

WHAT IS TOURISM?Tourism is travel for recreational or leisure purposes. The World Tourism Organization defines tourists as people

who "travel to and stay in places outside their usual environment for not more than one consecutive year for leisure,business and other purposes not related to the exercise of an activity remunerated from within the place visited".Tourism has become a popular global leisure activity. In 2008, there were over 903 million international touristarrivals, with a growth of 6.6% as compared to 2007. International tourist receipts were USD 856 billion in 2008.Despite the uncertainties in the global economy, arrivals grew at around 5% during the first four months of 2009,almost a similar growth than the same period in 2008.

TOURISM IN INDIA

It is boom time for India's Tourism and hospitality sector which offers almost all types of tourism at one destination.The Indian subcontinent is bounded by the majestic Himalayan ranges in the north and edged by a spectacularcoastline surrounded by three seas – Arabian Sea in the West, Bay of Bengal in the East and Indian Ocean in theSouth, India is a vivid kaleidoscope of landscapes, magnificent historical sites and royal cities, golden beaches, mistymountain retreats, colorful people, rich cultures and festivities. The world’s leading travel and Tourism Journal,“Conde Nast Traveler”, ranked India amongst top 4 preferred holiday destinations in the world! There are number offactors responsible for the growth of Indian tourism at global level. India is a peaceful country without any politicaldisturbance except for few destinations where a tourist is required to get special permission from local authority toenter into that area. There is healthy competition among all the states to attract the tourists from all over the world forspeedy economic growth and employment generation. Not only this Ministry of Tourism and Culture has recentlylaunched a campaign called ‘Incredible India!’ in order to encourage different types of tourism in India.

WHAT IS CULTURAL TOURISM ?

Cultural tourism' (or culture tourism) is the subset of tourism concerned with a country or region's culture, specificallythe lifestyle of the people in those geographical areas, the history of those peoples, their art, architecture, religion(s),and other elements that helped shape their way of life. Cultural tourism includes tourism in urban areas, particularlyhistoric or large cities and their cultural facilities such as museums and theatres. It can also include tourism in rural

areas showcasing the traditions of indigenous cultural communities (i.e. festivals, rituals), and their values andlifestyle. It is generally agreed that cultural tourists spend substantially more than standard tourists do. This form oftourism is also becoming generally more popular throughout the world, and a recent OECD report has highlighted therole that cultural tourism can play in regional development in different world regions. Cultural tourism has been

defined as 'the movement of persons to cultural attractions away from their normal place of residence, with the

intention to gather new information and experiences to satisfy their cultural needs'.

Destinations

One type of cultural tourism destination is living cultural areas. For an indigenous culture that has stayed largelyseparated from the surrounding majority, tourism can present both advantages and problems. On the positive side arethe unique cultural practices and arts that attract the curiosity of tourists and provide opportunities for tourism andeconomic development. On the negative side is the issue of how to control tourism so that those same culturalamenities are not destroyed and the people do not feel violated. Other destinations include historical sites, modernurban districts, theme parks and country clubs, coastal or island ecosystems, and inland natural areas.

THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA

India with its centuries old civilization is perhaps one of the few nations, which has a cultural heritage that is rich,diverse and unique. The richness and diversity of the Indian culture has its roots in its history. The history of India istestimony to the fact that foreign invasions influenced the polity and culture of India. Right from ancient times whenAlexander invaded India and brought with him Greek influences till the coming of the British in the 16th century,India was constantly targeted by many invaders. These invasions from outside made India the melting pot of differentfaiths and cultures. With these invasions came the art and architecture, different beliefs and customs of the invaders toIndia. The cultural heritage of India is not limited to the art and architecture that we see today in the form of manyarchitectural wonders that dot many Indian cities but it traverses beyond that. Cultural heritage of India is theembodiment of all things beautiful that make one stand and take notice. For example a music concert in the backdropof the Taj Mahal or a dance festival at the famous Konark Temple leaves visitors enthralled and spellbound.

This is exactly what one feels when on a heritage tour of India. Be it music, dance, fine arts, cuisine, customs orfestivals, the cultural heritage of India touches you in more than one way. Experience the age-old

customs andtraditions followed by Indians on your cultural heritage tour to India. Enjoy the sounds, sights and taste of India withHeritage in India.India colorful and vibrant, a land as diverse as its people. A mosaic of faiths, cultures, customs and languages thatblend harmoniously to form a composite whole. One of the world’s oldest living civilizations - which gave to theworld - the concept of zero, the primordial sound Aum, Yoga, and Buddhism.Today - the India of the 21st century is carving a niche for itself as an economic superpower. The Maharajas of yorehave yielded place to some of the wealthiest tycoons of the world. Our country has achieved remarkable breakthroughs

in missile, aeronautical and space technologies. India has become the hub of Information technology in south Asia,owing to its vast pool of English-knowing technical manpower!Enchanting India…a treasury of art, architecture; philosophy, classical dances and music; the mesmerizing Taj, theeternal Ganges, the Thar desert, the mighty Himalayas, tropical rainforests, the Cape where the waters of three seasmingle…the rich fauna-snakes, peacocks, Royal Bengal Tiger, lions…India is all of these and more …India-perennial, yet young and dynamic; come discover its myriad moods- in the pages of India Heritage-a websitewhole-heartedly devoted to providing a kaleidoscopic view of this wonderland to the world!

India “Land of Temples”

India - A land of intense spirituality and religious faith reflected in the profusion of temples present in thissubcontinent. Temples are found every where in India from large monumental structures to small stone buildings, eachhaving certain significance and greatly influencing the lives of the people who regard the temple as a place where theycould be close to god.Hinduism is the religion followed by the Hindus. The Hindu philosophy has a very strong influence on the peoplegoverning various aspects of their lives including their spiritual life. The Hindu temples apart from being religious alsoplay the role of a social, cultural and economic center influencing the lives of the people both in the cities and villages.These wonderful monuments form a part of the Indian cultural heritage.

TEMPLE TOURISM

We as Indians have always had and will continue to have an obsession for Temples. Temples have been a part of theIndian tradition since times Immemorial. The Concept of improving the Tourism in India has always enthralled meand that’s the reason for me to choose Temple Tourism as a Topic for my paper presentation. It is an absolute pleasureto know about the cultural diversity of our country. Any other kind of tourism has to be developed to

increase thepopularity among people but when it comes to temple tourism the situation is totally different we’ve got the Templeswith us, it’s just a question of preserving the temples and promoting the temple tourism among the tourists. India isfamous for its temples and that is the reason that among the different kinds of tourism in India, pilgrimage tourism isincreasing most rapidly.

Significance of Pilgrimage

Pilgrimage is an important part of spiritual life for many Indians. Indians see life itself as a journey, coming from Godand returning to God. The pilgrim seeks to separate himself from the everyday concerns of the world, and to spendtime in the presence of God as he travels to a place of special meaning. A pilgrimage is a symbol that is acted out.Back in the middle Ages pilgrimages were very popular. It may have taken many years. The pilgrims would usuallytravel in groups, and stay in monasteries or inns overnight. But now the situation is totally different the Pilgrims taketime out of their busy schedule to keep their mind at peace.

Promoting Temple Tourism

Secular India is home to Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism and other innumerable religioustraditions. Hinduism is the dominant faith, practiced by over 80% of the population. Besides Hindus, Muslims are themost prominent religious group and are an integral part of Indian society.In fact India has the second largest population of Muslims in the world after Indonesia. Common practices have creptinto most religious faiths in India and many of the festivals that mark each year with music, dance and feasting areshared by all communities. So let us now see as to what are the most important tourist destinations in India when itcomes to temples. There are Temples in India which fills the heart of tourists with peace and they are truly bewilderedat the aspect of the humungous structures of architecture and cultural traits of India.

WORLD FAMOUS TEMPLES OF INDIA

SHORE TEMPLE AT MAHABALIPURAM

It is believed that there were seven magnificent temples what are known as the seven pagodas, built near the sea shore.But the lonely survivor is the shore temples. It was originally constructed during the 7th century and later it wasNarasimha Varman II, completed the skilled work in his rule. This is one of the oldest of the south Indian Templeswhich were structural temples constructed in the nature Dravidian style. This shore temple has gained popularity andtourists gather here because it has been listed among the world heritage sites of the UNESCO. The temple is full ofdesigns made by carvings.There are three temples of which two Shiva Temples face east and west respectively. The other one is the VishnuTemple. The Vishnu temples were built by Narasimha Varman I and the other two were built by Narasimha VarmanII. One can find the beautifully carved twin Dwarka Palaks (gate keepers) at the entrance of the east facing ShivaTemples. On both sides of the temple inside are the marvelous sculptures of Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu with theirbetter halves. There are sculptures of Somaskanda - lord Shiva with his better half, Parvati, and his sons, Skanda and

Ganesha are found on the near wall. The central shrine is in the form of a rectangle. It has a magnificent statue of lordVishnu which is known as Sthala Shayana Perumal or Ananthasayana which means sleeping Vishnu. The peculiarityabout this particular temple is - Vishnu reclines on the floor listening silently the sounds of names. The figure ofVishnu is found in segments which are to be looked through various doors.

MEENAKSHI AMMAN TEMPLE

This is decidedly the oldest city of South India, truly representing Dravidian culture. European scholars havecompared it to Athens of Greece. It was in the past the seat of the Tamil Academy (the Tamil Sangam). It is estimatedthat there are 33 million carvings in the Madurai temple. Gopuram, in South Indian architecture, is the entrancegateway to the Hindu temple enclosure. Relatively small in the earlier period, the gopuras grew in size from the mid-12th century until the colossal gateways came to dominate the temple complex, quite surpassing the main sanctum forarchitectural elaboration.”

Tirumulla Nayak commenced a gopura, which, had he lived to complete it, would probably have been the finestedifice of its class in southern India. It measures 174 ft. from north to south, and 107 ft. in depth. The entrance throughit is 21 ft. 9 in. wide; and if it be true that its gateposts are 6o ft. (Tripe says 57 ft.) in height, that would have been the

height of the opening. Its doorposts alone, whether 57 ft. or 60 ft. in height, are single blocks of granite, carved withthe most exquisite scroll patterns of elaborate foliage, and all the other carvings are equally beautiful. The great templeat Madurai possesses all the characteristics of a first-class Dravidian temple, and, as its date is perfectly well known, itforms a landmark of the utmost value in enabling us to fix the relative date of other temples.

GOLDEN TEMPLE

The Golden Temple or Darbar Sahib, situated in Amritsar, Punjab, is the most sacred temple for Sikhs. It is a symbolof the magnificence and strength of the Sikh people all over the world. In the evolution of the Darbar Sahib, isentwined the history and ideology of Sikhism.Sri Harmandir Sahib, also known as Sri Darbar Sahib or Golden Temple, is named after Hari(God) the temple of God.The Sikhs all over the world, daily wish to pay visit to Sri Amritsar and to pay obeisance at Sri Harmandir Sahib intheir Ardas

Sri Harmandir Sahib, is built on a 67ft. square platform in the centre of the Sarovar(tank). The temple itself is 40.5ft.square. It has a door each on the East, West, North and South. The Darshani Deori (an arch) stands at the shore end ofthe causeway. The door frame of the arch is about 10ft in height and 8ft 6inches in breath. The door panes aredecorated with artistic style..The bridge is connected with the 13 feet wide 'Pardakshna. It runs round the main shrine and it leads

to the 'Har kiPaure' (steps of God). A regular recitation of Guru Granth Sahib is also held there. On the top of this room stands thelow fluted 'Gumbaz'(dome) having lotus petal motif in relief at the base inverted lotus at the top which supports the'Kalash' having a beautiful 'Chhatri' at the end.Its architecture represents a unique harmony between the Muslims and the Hindus way of construction work and this isconsidered the best architectural specimens of the world. It is often quoted that this architecture has created anindependent Sikh school of architecture in the history of art in India.

TIRUPATI BALAJI

The ancient and sacred temple of Sri Venkateswara is located on the seventh peak, Venkatachala (Venkata Hill) of theTirupati Hill, and lies on the southern banks of Sri Swami Pushkarini.It is by the Lord's presidency over Venkatachala,that He has received the appellation, Venkateswara (Lord of the Venkata Hill). He is also called the Lord of the SevenHills. The temple of Sri Venkateswara has acquired unique sanctity in Indian religious lore. The Sastras, Puranas,Sthala Mahatyams and Alwar hymns unequivocally declare that, in the Kali Yuga, one can attain mukti, only byworshipping Venkata Nayaka or Sri Venkateswara. The benefits acquired by a pilgrimage to Venkatachala arementioned in the Rig Veda and Asthadasa Puranas. In these epics, Sri Venkateswara is described as the great bestowedof boons.

History

There is ample literary and epigraphic testimony to the antiquity of the temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara. All the greatdynasties of rulers of the southern peninsula have paid homage to Lord Sri Venkateswara in this ancient shrine. ThePallavas of Kancheepuram (9th century AD), the Cholas of Thanjavur (a century later), the Pandyas of Madurai, andthe kings and chieftains of Vijayanagar (14th - 15th century AD) were devotees of the Lord and they competed withone another in endowing the temple with rich offerings and contributions.

It was during the rule of the Vijayanagar dynasty that the contributions to the temple increased. Sri Krishnadevaraya had statues of himself and his consorts installed at the portals of the temple, and these statues can be seen to this day. There is also a statue of Venkatapati Raya in the main temple.

KASHI VISHWANATH TEMPLE

The oldest living city in the world, Varanasi is the ultimate destination of all Hindu pilgrims searching for mokshafrom the cycle of birth and re-birth. The word 'Kashi' originated from the word 'Kas' which means to shine. Kashi ismentioned repeatedly in the scriptures - the Brahmanas, Upanishads and the Puranas. It is the oldest center of learningand the University here is still widely respected for its Sanskrit, Philosophy, and Arts faculties. Hyuen Tsang, theChinese traveler visited Varanasi in the 7th century.

Stepped in tradition and mythological legacy, Kashi is the 'original ground' created by Lord Shiva and Parvati. The Kashi Vishwanath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple was destroyed in the various invasions and was rebuilt in 1776 by Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. Hundreds and thousands of pilgrims flock to Varanasi to offer homage and wash away their sins.

KONARAK

Konark Sun Temple is located , in the state of Orissa near the sacred city of Puri. The sun Temple of Konark isdedicated to the sun God or Surya. It is a masterpiece of Orissa's medieval architecture. Sun temple has been declareda world heritage site by UNESCO.

The Konark temple is widely known not only for its architectural grandeur but also for the intricacy and profusion of sculptural work. The entire temple has been conceived as a chariot of the sun god with 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, with a set of spokes and elaborate carvings. Seven horses drag the temple. Two lions guard the entrance, crushing elephants. A flight of steps lead to the main entrance. Arka is the Sun God.

The Nata Mandir in front of the Jagamohana is also intricately carved. Around the base of the temple, and up the walls and roof, are carvings in the erotic style. Architecture of the Temple

The massive structure of the temple, now in ruins, sits in solitary splendor surrounded by the drifting sands. The entire temple has been designed in the shape of a chariot carrying the Sun God across the heavens. The huge intricate wheels of the chariot, which are carved around the base of the temple, are the major attractions of the temple. The spokes of these wheels serve as sundials, and the shadows formed by these can give the precise time of the day. The pyramidal roof of the temple, made of sandstone, soars over 30 m in height. Like the temples at Khajuraho, the Sun Temple at Konark is also covered with erotic sculptures.

Muslim Mosques

India's religious tolerance has made lots of religion flourish. The religious centers of Islam are not only a place ofworship, but a center of learning too. There are tombs such as Taj Mahal that showcases the depth of undying love and

Mughal Emperor Humayun's Tomb, which is considered the most perfectly planned octagonal building in the historyof Indian Architecture.Agra and Fatehpur Sikri are not mere rich legacies of Mughal History, they are the finest examples of architecture,which combined both Hindu and Muslim elements in it. The remains of seven cities in Delhi include the remnants ofShahjhanabad and Qutub Minar, which are worth a visit. Lucknow and Hyderabad's Nawabi legacy is still lurking inthe monuments such a Bada Imambara and Charminar.

Famous Mosques in India Jama Masjid , Delhi

Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India and the final architectural extravagance of Mughal emperorShah Jahan. It's also known as 'Masjid-i-Jahan Numa', 'Jahan' means 'World' and Numa means 'Visible'. AReligious Masterpiece The construction work continued for six years, ending in 1644. The structure was placedon a high platform so that its magnificent facade would be visible from all the adjoining areas. It's an austere, yet,a beautiful building. Just like other buildings of Shahjahanabad, this one was also built with red sandstone. Whitemarble has also been used extensively, specially in the three domes and has been inlaid with stripes of black.

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is the best example of the culmination of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the finest examples of Mughal architectural splendour at its height. Ajmer Sharif

The shrine is considered to be a place of wish fulfillment for those who pray with devout and pure hearts. It is said that Emperor Akbar sought blessings for his son at the Dargah. Bada Imambara, U.P.

Also called the Asafai Imambara this huge and elegant building is almost built like a fort. Nawab Asaf-ud-Daulla built this building in a famine relief program in 1784. Chota Imambara, U.P.

The third Nawab of Avadh, Muhammad Ali Shah built this imposing structure of Chota Imambara in 1840. The real name of this structure is Husainabad Imambada

Christian Pilgrimage

Christianity has had long and glorious relations with India. The advent of Europeans in India from the 15th centuryonwards led to the mass influx of Christians and subsequent development of Christian worship places. Some of thechurches of colonial India are comparable to the best in the world and are as much a part of the heritage of India as itsancient temple.

Basilica of Bom Jesus - Goa

The church of Bom Jesus, "Good" or "Infant" Jesus, is known principally for the tomb of St. Francis Xavier. In 1946, it became the first church of India to be elevated to the status of Minor Basilica. One of the richest churches in Goa, it is covered with marble and inlaid with precious stones and paintings depicting the life of St. Francis Xavier. The basilica, where the mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier are kept, is the best specimen of baroque architecture in India. St. Francis's body was brought to Goa almost 150 years after his death. It was a gift from Medici, Cosimo III, the Grand Duke of Tuscany. It now lies in an airtight glass coffin, placed inside a silver casket fashioned by a 17th century Florentine jeweller. The chapel attracts large numbers of visitors every year.

The Church of St. Cajetan, Goa

The Church of St. Cajetan is modelled on the original design of St. Peter's Church in Rome. The Church ofBom Jesus with its facade decorated with Ionic, Doric and Corinthian pilasters, shows the application of theClassical order. The Se' Cathedral, with its Tuscan exterior, the Corinthian columns at its portals, the raisedplatform with steps leading to the entrance, the barrel-vault above the nave, is yet another example ofRenaissance. The paintings in the churches were done on wooden borders and fixed between panels havingfloral designs as in the chapels housing the tomb of St. Xavier, the arches above the altars in the transept ofthe Se' Cathedral and in the nave on either side of the main altar in the Church of St. Francis of Assisi..

Christ Church & St. Michael's Cathedral, H.P.

The most prominent building on the famous Mall of Shimla is the yellow Christ Church, reputed to be the second oldest church in northern India. It still has those lovely stained glass windows for which it is so famed. Church of the Sacred Heart, Delhi

This Church displays a strong Italianate influence, with a facade of white pillars supporting a canopy setagainst a dark brick background, and circular arcades turrets rising above the roof to each side of the entranceporch. The lofty interior has a towering curved roof, polished stone floors and broad arches set into smoothwalls, presenting a very grand look.

Santa Cruz Basilica, Kerala

The Santa Cruz Basilica is a historic church that was built by the Portuguese. The church was elevated to acathedral by Pope Paul IV in 1558 AD. In 1795 AD, it fell into the hands of the British when they took overCochin and was demolished.About a hundred years later, Bishop Dom Gomez Ferreira commissioned a new building at the same site in1887 AD. The church was proclaimed a Basilica in 1984 by Pope John Paul II.

Little Mount, Chennai

Little Mount in Saidapet is where he lived and preached. It is not much of a hill but high enough for thechurches on it to be noticed form a distance. The new church, consecrated in 1971 attracts attention byunusual circular shape. However, it is the old church next door, built in 1711 as extension to shrine which thePortuguese had built in 1511 that is thronged by pilgrims. It is not impressive from the outside, but isminiscule interior has an atmosphere not found in many churches. This Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament isbuilt against and above the rock cave that was St. Thomas' home.

Strategies to enhance religious tourism through Corporate Market Responsibility (CRP)

Definitely, the marketers would get benefit out of the booming religious tourism as they could find new territoriesto sell their products and services. They would also take part in developing these Places along with localdevelopment authorities.

a) Marketers could participate in providing basic sanitary facilities along with they could promote theirproducts viz. If X company sponsors the Free or Paid Rest room facilities, its products would only be sold.b) Marketers could also participate in constructing rooms for devotees to stay and promote their productsc) Marketers could offer free/paid transportation facilities which will carry the promotion of their products/servicesd) Pharmaceutical companies could sponsor free medical camps in which their products could be promotede) Food products companies could set up their outlets to sell products with subsidized /actual pricesf) Clothing/Garment companies could set up their stalls to promote their products and services

It clearly shows that there is enough room for marketers to participate in Corporate Market Responsibilitywhich offers the dual benefit of offering services to the society as well to promote their products/services.This would definitely provide a lucrative mind space in potential target group in which would not have doneby spending millions on conventional promotion tools.

Hence, it is the marketers and the state and central government could join their hands to concentrate onthese locations in order to generate business and employment opportunities as well to promote theirproducts/services. If this done, the government would not worry about offering minimum 100 daysemployment opportunities, they will take care of themselves. The government could seek help frommarketers to offer necessary infrastructure support viz. transportation, water and sanitation, power andother basic facilities which ensure the influx and pleasant stay of pilgrims.

Role of Religious Tourism in Balanced Economic Growth

In India, religious tourism plays a vital role in narrowing economic imbalance. Most of the places, especially ruralareas and the areas which have no core competence or business, survive due to religious tourism. It providesbusiness and employment opportunities to local population helps to take care of their requirements. Forinstance, 'Sulli Karadu' a small dry rural area near Coimbatore, TamilNadu, India, well known for a ruraldeity which is very powerful, ought to be worshipped by offering Camphor in big quantities which isavailable in nearby shops. Devotees stand in mile long queue to offer their offerings. It provides livelihood tolocal population who sell camphor to the devotees which is supplied by camphor manufacturers. Also, it was

interpreted that the whole exercise was orchestrated by the camphor manufacturers to sell their productswhich has been banned by TamilNadu Endowment Board to camphor in temples, by quoting the reason thatwould spoil the environment. How ever, this is a classical example on the religious tourism which fed thewhole village. Also, a place called "Thadi Kombu" near Madurai, well known for a deity viz. "ShornaBairavar" which is very powerful to collect the bad debts, it is the believe that if a pilgrim visit the place for8 times in a particular day of the month, his/her prayers would be answered. This generates employmentopportunities in the sleeping semi-urban small town, also generated business for bus owners who takedevotees for charter trips on that particular day from far off places. These are all the examples of smallplaces which generates business and employment opportunities for the local population, let alone, manyfamous places like "Palani", Madurai, Rameswaram, Kanyakumar, etc. in Tamil Nadu, and well known,"Sabari Malai" in kerala, which generates millions and provides employment opportunities to many. Thewhole kerala belt has been benefiting from lakhs for devotees visit sabari malai during particular seasons.These provide tremendous opportunities for marketers to focus on these locations to market their productsand services. It is the dual benefit of catering location population as well to promote the products/services.

PROTECTING TEMPLES

It must be understood that all objects, whether natural or manmade have their lifespan. But by doing proper, periodicalmaintenance & protecting them from vandals, the possibility of providing extended lifespan to these inanimatestructures always remain. When these places of interest are not maintained, the chances are that they’ll fail to live upto their 'intended' life span is dim. So, proper maintenance not only preserves them for their entire life period, but alsogives them a "Bonus" lifetime.

When a person thinks about India, he can either think about the well-built, well-maintained Delhi Metro, which is one of the best in Asia. The Delhi Metro has world class infrastructure, security & service & wears the look of a corporate major. But on the other end lies the poorly maintained, poorly equipped, sub-standard Indian Railways. Though the largest employer in the world & the most profitable government company, the railways leaves much to be desired when it comes to safety, standard, infrastructure etc.,

Though both are owned & operated by the govt., there is a contrasting difference between these two. The government is treating our ancient monuments too with the same attention it gives to the railways! The Archaeological Survey of India, responsible for the exploration & maintenance of these monuments is dangerously under-staffed & poorly funded. So, the ASI devoted most of its manpower & money power to the high-end monuments such as Taj Mahal, Red Fort etc., starving our antique Indian temples of any funds

Though India is a Hindu dominated country, it doesn't mean that our temples should be preserved well! In Tamilnadu for instance, temples are maintained by the 'Hindu Aranilaya Thurai' which is shredded by politics. Even the world's most revenue-rich temple, in Tripathi does not offer any better prospects. People who pay a high some of money to "see" the God are allowed a closer peep, whereas the freely serviced poor people are forced to wait in their queue's for several hours, if not days! The housing & lodging facilities there are very poor. Transportation is bleak, but collection is great!

Many temples in India refuse to receive any funding from the governments & solely rely on philanthropists. They do not want to rely on governments claiming to be secular! So, with very little funding, poor knowledge of history & its greatness from the part of the temple boards, which priorities the religious aspect of the temple more than its cultural & historical value will do anything, but improve the status of these "iconic" symbols of the world's oldest religion.

There needs to be an effective co-ordination between the government, a well-funded ASI, the temple authorities & of course the devotees. The government should rein in on "illegal" roadside temples & encourage historically significant temples. The temple board should also allow non-Hindu & foreign visitors to come in & visit the temple by charging them a fee & diverting it to welfare works. By allowing tourists, the historical significance of the temple & its image will be defeated.

So if these great monuments have to be maintained properly and if the Temples have to viewed by tourists and greattourist destinations it is up to the People and Government of India to Protect these Architectural Masterpieces byEducating the general public about their importance and Proper funding to maintain them.