MADURAI, INDIA, January 6, 2014 (The Hindu): One look at the sprawling Mariamman Teppakulam, and it is the buzz of humanity inside the tank (a line wate reservoir) that first catches your attention — boys playing cricket, people walking across the tank to go to the other side and few wheeling bicycles through patches of the dry brown and grassy green tank bed.
Many temple tanks in the city which were once brimming with water and where beautiful float festivals were held are bone dry now. The tanks found either inside or outside the temple premises are replete with rich history and fine architecture.
A source of water is something of great importance to a temple. “For most sprawling temples which bears the brunt of a hot sun, a tank ensures that some parts of the temple are always kept cool,” points out Sridhar Bhattar from the Narasingam Perumal Temple. The presence of a temple tank also results in groundwater table getting charged, says A. Gurunathan, Head, Vayalagam Movement of the Dhan Foundation. It has published a book on four prominent temple tanks in Madurai.
“Owing to scarce rainfall and channels that supplied water from a main source going defunct, either a concrete floor or tiles are laid on the tank bed to retain at least the little water that the tank manages to get since it cannot support percolation and groundwater recharge,” he explains.
While the channels need attention, sustained maintenance of the tank is needed, say experts. Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments department officials say Mariamman Teppakulam is to be renovated at a cost of Rs. 40 lakh. It will ensure that the cracked walls are repaired. “People must be aware of the history of old tanks so that they will understand the importance of conserving them. A systematic approach in upkeep of these ancient temple tanks will make a world of difference,” says official.