Temples - Part I

 Temples (The heart of local communities)

The tourists were awed by the grandeur of the humungous structure. The intricate stone carvings, the small statues on the tall towers all caught the fascination of the group.

The magnificent structure, intricate carvings, idols, sculptures are all common features in temples. The experienced guide was walking the group down the memory lane, explaining every corner of the place to its detail.

Some in the group started murmuring that kings and emperors who built such huge temples actually wasted people’s tax money. Others chose to ignore such comments. Emboldened by the non-opposition, the murmur became louder, this time with uncharitable comments.

The guide decided to explain the ‘pseudo-intellects’ how temples served various socio-economic agenda in olden times.

Thus spoke the guide, “Kids, I have been listening to your comments throughout. I understand that you people are completely ignorant about the glorious history. That’s very sad. Now, learn from me. I can only pity you people for your ignorance.”

The group glared at the guide. The unwavering guide continued, “Temples, as you believe,  are not wasteful buildings. They have provided employment to the local communities, have served to save the communities from disasters and natural calamities, served some agrarian purposes, doubled up as entertainments cum learning centres.”

Unmoved by the introduction, the group of ‘intellectuals’ decided to counter the guide. “How?” asked one of them, and the others getting ready with their volley of questions. Unperturbed by the arrogance, the guide started explaining the facts that got buried in the sands of time.

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