TFIPOST हिन्दी
TFIPOST Global
Tfipost.com
Tfipost.com
No Result
View All Result
  • Premium
  • Politics
    • All
    • Analysis
    • Opinions
    • Trending
    why are national parks closed during monsoon?

    Why India’s National Parks Close During the Monsoon; And Which Ones Stay Open

    Saquib Nachan, Alleged ISIS India Chief, Dies After Brain Haemorrhage in Delhi Hospital

    Saquib Nachan, ISIS India Chief, Dies After Brain Haemorrhage in Delhi Hospital

    VP Dhankhar Questions Emergency-Era additions to Constitution

    VP Dhankhar Questions Emergency-Era Additions “socialist” and “secular” to Preamble, Calls Them a Wound

    Prada acknowledges India's traditional intellectual property

    Prada Responds to Controversy Over Kolhapuri Chappals, Acknowledges Indian Footwear Inspiration

    • Analysis
    • Opinions
    • Trending
  • Economy
    • All
    • Business
    • Economy1
    • Finance
    CDPLC gives MDL a strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean Region

    India’s Strategic Victory : Mazagon Docks acquires majority stake in Sri Lankan Dockyard

    China's Fertiliser Export Halt to India Raises Strategic Red Flags

    China’s Fertiliser Export Halt to India Raises Strategic Red Flags, Prompts Swift Response

    India’s Economic Engine Accelerates

    India’s Economic Engine Accelerates: S&P Projects 6.5% GDP Growth for FY26

    US-Iran Tensions Shake Global Markets

    US-Iran Tensions Shake Global Markets; Oil Prices Surge and Safe-Haven Assets Rise

    • Business
    • Finance
  • Defense
    • All
    • Defence
    • Strategy
    • Weaponry
    F-35 jet stranded in Kerala

    Grounded British F-35B to Be Shifted to Kerala Hangar for Repairs, UK Confirms

    Indian Navy Was Ready to Strike: A Catastrophic Blow Pakistan Barely Escaped

    Op Sindoor: Indian Navy Was Ready to Strike – A Catastrophic Blow Pakistan Barely Escaped

    UK’s F-35 Jet Grounded in Kerala for 10 Days Over Engineering Glitch

    UK’s F-35 Jet Grounded in Kerala for 10 Days Over Engineering Glitch, No Takeoff in Sight

    CQB carbine

    DRDO and Indian Army Unveil Indigenous CQB Carbine for Urban Warfare

    • Defence
    • Strategy
    • Weaponry
  • Geopolitics
    • All
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia Pacific
    • Europe
    • South Asia
    • West Asia
    How Modi Government Protected India’s Chabahar Investment During Iran-Israel Conflict

    India Did What Others Couldn’t: How Modi Govt Kept Chabahar Port Safe Amid Iran-Israel War

    CDPLC gives MDL a strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean Region

    India’s Strategic Victory : Mazagon Docks acquires majority stake in Sri Lankan Dockyard

    durga temple demolished in bangladesh

    Durga Idol Crushed in Dhaka Demolition; India Condemns Bangladesh’s Assault on Hindu Sentiment

    PM Narendra Modia

    PM Modi Heads to Brazil for BRICS Summit as Putin, Xi Skip Key Global Meet

    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia Pacific
    • Europe
    • South Asia
    • West Asia
  • Knowledge
    • All
    • Culture
    • Education
    • History
    • Indology
    jagannath yatra 2025 begins

    Jagannath Rath Yatra Begins, Millions Join Sacred Procession in Puri

    indian culture as world civilisation

    The Indian Roots of World Civilizations

    death anniversary of shyama prasad mukherjee

    From Sacrifice to Sovereignty: How Modi’s India Is Realizing Shyama Prasad Mukherjee’s Vision

    Rohith Vemula Bill Sparks Outrage Over Flawed Premise and Vote-Bank Politics

    Karnataka’s Rohith Vemula Bill Sparks Outrage Over Flawed Premise and Vote-Bank Politics

    • Culture
    • History
    • Indology
  • Law
  • Lounge
    • All
    • Books
    • Cinema
    • Entertainment
    • Food
    • Games
    • Health
    • Lifestyle
    • Satire
    • Sports
    • technology
    • Travel
    South Indian cuisine is a celebration of flavour,

    South India’s Guilt-Free Delights: 5 Low-Calorie Snacks That Taste Like Pure Joy

    check how old your aircraft is

    Curious About Your Aircraft’s Age? Here’s How to Find Out in Under a Minute

    brain health boosting exercises

    10 Fun Brain Exercises to Keep Your Mind Sharp and Delay Cognitive Decline

    A Deep Look into Mucormycosis and Throat Cancer

    A Deep Look into Mucormycosis and Throat Cancer

    • Books
    • Cinema
    • Food
    • Health
    • Sports
    • technology
    • Travel
    • Satire
Tfipost.com
  • Premium
  • Politics
    • All
    • Analysis
    • Opinions
    • Trending
    why are national parks closed during monsoon?

    Why India’s National Parks Close During the Monsoon; And Which Ones Stay Open

    Saquib Nachan, Alleged ISIS India Chief, Dies After Brain Haemorrhage in Delhi Hospital

    Saquib Nachan, ISIS India Chief, Dies After Brain Haemorrhage in Delhi Hospital

    VP Dhankhar Questions Emergency-Era additions to Constitution

    VP Dhankhar Questions Emergency-Era Additions “socialist” and “secular” to Preamble, Calls Them a Wound

    Prada acknowledges India's traditional intellectual property

    Prada Responds to Controversy Over Kolhapuri Chappals, Acknowledges Indian Footwear Inspiration

    • Analysis
    • Opinions
    • Trending
  • Economy
    • All
    • Business
    • Economy1
    • Finance
    CDPLC gives MDL a strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean Region

    India’s Strategic Victory : Mazagon Docks acquires majority stake in Sri Lankan Dockyard

    China's Fertiliser Export Halt to India Raises Strategic Red Flags

    China’s Fertiliser Export Halt to India Raises Strategic Red Flags, Prompts Swift Response

    India’s Economic Engine Accelerates

    India’s Economic Engine Accelerates: S&P Projects 6.5% GDP Growth for FY26

    US-Iran Tensions Shake Global Markets

    US-Iran Tensions Shake Global Markets; Oil Prices Surge and Safe-Haven Assets Rise

    • Business
    • Finance
  • Defense
    • All
    • Defence
    • Strategy
    • Weaponry
    F-35 jet stranded in Kerala

    Grounded British F-35B to Be Shifted to Kerala Hangar for Repairs, UK Confirms

    Indian Navy Was Ready to Strike: A Catastrophic Blow Pakistan Barely Escaped

    Op Sindoor: Indian Navy Was Ready to Strike – A Catastrophic Blow Pakistan Barely Escaped

    UK’s F-35 Jet Grounded in Kerala for 10 Days Over Engineering Glitch

    UK’s F-35 Jet Grounded in Kerala for 10 Days Over Engineering Glitch, No Takeoff in Sight

    CQB carbine

    DRDO and Indian Army Unveil Indigenous CQB Carbine for Urban Warfare

    • Defence
    • Strategy
    • Weaponry
  • Geopolitics
    • All
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia Pacific
    • Europe
    • South Asia
    • West Asia
    How Modi Government Protected India’s Chabahar Investment During Iran-Israel Conflict

    India Did What Others Couldn’t: How Modi Govt Kept Chabahar Port Safe Amid Iran-Israel War

    CDPLC gives MDL a strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean Region

    India’s Strategic Victory : Mazagon Docks acquires majority stake in Sri Lankan Dockyard

    durga temple demolished in bangladesh

    Durga Idol Crushed in Dhaka Demolition; India Condemns Bangladesh’s Assault on Hindu Sentiment

    PM Narendra Modia

    PM Modi Heads to Brazil for BRICS Summit as Putin, Xi Skip Key Global Meet

    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia Pacific
    • Europe
    • South Asia
    • West Asia
  • Knowledge
    • All
    • Culture
    • Education
    • History
    • Indology
    jagannath yatra 2025 begins

    Jagannath Rath Yatra Begins, Millions Join Sacred Procession in Puri

    indian culture as world civilisation

    The Indian Roots of World Civilizations

    death anniversary of shyama prasad mukherjee

    From Sacrifice to Sovereignty: How Modi’s India Is Realizing Shyama Prasad Mukherjee’s Vision

    Rohith Vemula Bill Sparks Outrage Over Flawed Premise and Vote-Bank Politics

    Karnataka’s Rohith Vemula Bill Sparks Outrage Over Flawed Premise and Vote-Bank Politics

    • Culture
    • History
    • Indology
  • Law
  • Lounge
    • All
    • Books
    • Cinema
    • Entertainment
    • Food
    • Games
    • Health
    • Lifestyle
    • Satire
    • Sports
    • technology
    • Travel
    South Indian cuisine is a celebration of flavour,

    South India’s Guilt-Free Delights: 5 Low-Calorie Snacks That Taste Like Pure Joy

    check how old your aircraft is

    Curious About Your Aircraft’s Age? Here’s How to Find Out in Under a Minute

    brain health boosting exercises

    10 Fun Brain Exercises to Keep Your Mind Sharp and Delay Cognitive Decline

    A Deep Look into Mucormycosis and Throat Cancer

    A Deep Look into Mucormycosis and Throat Cancer

    • Books
    • Cinema
    • Food
    • Health
    • Sports
    • technology
    • Travel
    • Satire
No Result
View All Result
Tfipost.com
Tfipost.com
No Result
View All Result
  • Premium
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Defense
  • Geopolitics
  • Knowledge
  • Law
  • Lounge
MASHABLE IS A GLOBAL, MULTI-PLATFORM MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY FOR MORE QUERIES AND NEWS CONTACT US ON THIS EMAIL: INFO@MASHABLEPARTNERS.COM

We need to resuscitate abandoned temples, not beg for “World Heritage Site Status”!

Animesh Pandey by Animesh Pandey
29 September 2023
in Opinions
We need to resuscitate abandoned temples, not beg for “World Heritage Site Status”!
Share on FacebookShare on X

The appetite for tourism has grown significantly, especially in India, where monuments and various historical sites are in abundance. Travelers are now seeking out new and exciting destinations to explore. In this quest for unique experiences, the allure of UNESCO World Heritage Sites has become increasingly appealing.

The UNESCO label carries a certain prestige, making it a natural choice for tourists looking for exceptional places to visit. Yet, there is a pressing question that demands our attention: However, does the designation of a “World Heritage Site” truly benefit these revered locations, or does it, in fact, bring about more harm than good?

RelatedPosts

Pakistan Received Chinese Satellite Intelligence During Conflict with India

Why 2025 Must Mark a New Chapter in the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty

India Declines UN Role in Air India Crash Investigation

Load More

To be honest, the title of a “World Heritage Site” is not a source of pride, especially in the context of ancient temples and historic landmarks. This label can turn out to be more of a curse than a blessing in certain cases.

So, join us onboard as we embark on an analytical journey to explore the intricate relationship between the coveted status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the preservation of ancient temples. We aim to shed light on whether this prestigious title serves as a guardian of our cultural heritage or unwittingly contributes to its decline.

Why is the “World Heritage State” tag a BANE?

The “World Heritage Site” status, while esteemed in many aspects, can sometimes prove to be a curse, particularly for historical and religious places. For those unfamiliar with the term, a UNESCO Heritage Site designation signifies that a monument or city is recognized and protected for its exceptional historical, cultural, or architectural significance, meeting one of ten specific criteria.

However, the real challenge lies in the unintended consequences of this recognition, specifically the risks associated with uncontrolled tourism and haphazard tourist development around these revered sites. Take, for instance, the construction of large hotels and the unchecked exploitation of groundwater near ancient temples. These actions not only jeopardize the water table beneath the temples but also pose a threat to their structural stability.

Also read: After Kashi and Ujjain, Maa Kamakhya Devi Temple gets a royal facelift

Preserving these temples is already a formidable task, but the more significant issue lies in the lack of comprehensive planning in the vicinity of these sites, leaving them at the mercy of market forces. There needs to be a balance in modernity and spirituality, but sadly, such is not the case.

Let’s consider the Brihadeshwara Temple as a case in point. The temple derives its name from “Brihat” (meaning big or vast) and “Ishvara” (referring to Bhagwan Shiva), emphasizing its status as one of the most significant Shiva temples. An icon of Bharat’s vivid culture, for nearly ten centuries, the temple operated in accordance with its sacred purpose. However, in 1987, the temple was granted the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and that’s when things turned for the worse?

Following UNESCO designation, these temples often transform into bustling tourist hubs, compromising their spiritual sanctity. The area surrounding these temples becomes challenging to regulate, making it difficult to enforce restrictions on meat, alcohol, or other activities that may disrupt the spiritual atmosphere. Restaurants selling non-vegetarian cuisine, which would have been unthinkable just a few decades ago, now sprout up within a kilometer of iconic temples like Brihadeshwara.

Moreover, when temples are reduced to mere picnic spots, norms become blurred, and visitors may arrive wearing attire that was previously considered disrespectful. Need we tell you what happened to the sanctity of Kedarnath Dham of late?

Spiritualism cannot be compromised for Tourism

Why do we visit temples? Undoubtedly, it’s to worship. But in the context of Sanatani temples, there’s more than meets the eye.

In days of yore, temples served as versatile hubs where culture, trade, and spirituality coexisted harmoniously. Even today, our temples are conduits for the exchange of energy. When we step inside, there’s an undeniable aura of positivity that envelops us.

Yet, when that feeling fades, the signs are crystal clear: the sanctity of the place has been stripped away. This is precisely what the “World Heritage Sites” tag can do to historical places of profound spiritual significance.

Let’s take a glimpse at the Konark Sun Temple, for instance. Worship of natural elements and forces like the Sun, Moon, Earth, and water is woven into the fabric of Indian culture. In eastern India, especially states like Bihar and Odisha, the veneration of the Sun God is deeply ingrained.

In Odisha, the 13th-century Konark Sun Temple, which some believe to be even older, stands as a testament to the people’s unwavering devotion to the Sun God. The people of Odisha, with their seafaring prowess, played a pivotal role in spreading Hinduism to Southeast Asia, resulting in the proliferation of Sun Temples in the region.

However, a peculiar paradox unfolds at the Konark Sun Temple—it no longer reveres the Sun God. Instead, it has transformed into a tourist destination rather than a place of Hindu worship. The question begs: What purpose does a Sun Temple serve if you can’t offer worship?

Konark possesses a rich history, but its survival hinges on the restoration of puja, the act of worship, within its walls. Consider Kashi (Varanasi), which has thrived for millennia due to the integral role of puja in its lifestyle—not something reserved solely for tourists.

Have you ever wondered why the Somnath Mandir in Gujarat continues to be revered despite renovations? Firstly, its spiritual sanctity remained intact through the efforts of Sardar Patel and “Acharya” KM Munshi. Secondly, it doesn’t bear the burden of a “World Heritage Site” tag, which shields it from the onslaught of unbridled tourism.

Also read: Hindu Temples in and Around Gaya That Are Worth a Visit

Why resuscitating abandoned temples is a must

Resuscitating abandoned temples isn’t just a matter of cultural pride; it’s a necessity for a brighter future. While challenges undoubtedly exist, preserving our cultural heritage while embracing modernity is a tightrope worth walking.

Call it what you want, but the Uttar Pradesh (UP) model of preserving heritage sites, led by Yogi Adityanath, demonstrates how to strike that balance effectively. Take a glance at Ayodhya in 2010 compared to today, and you’ll understand the transformation.

However, it’s not just about well-known places like Ayodhya. Lesser-known treasures like the Martand Surya Temple, currently in ruins, deserve our attention too.

To genuinely and enduringly preserve our cultural heritage, we must replicate these successes across the country. It’s not just a matter of nostalgia; it’s an investment in our identity and a commitment to a richer future.

Support TFI:

Support us to strengthen the ‘Right’ ideology of cultural nationalism by purchasing the best quality garments from TFI-STORE.COM

Also Watch:

Tags: AyodhyaBrihadeshwara TempleCultural heritagecultural pridecultural significanceHeritage Preservationheritage siteshistorical sitesIdentityIndiaKonark Sun TempleMartand Surya Templeresuscitating abandoned templesspiritual sanctityTemplesTourismUNESCO World Heritage SiteUttar Pradesh modelYogi Adityanath
ShareTweetSend
Previous Post

Manish Kashyap: The Thorn in Nitish Kumar’s Side

Next Post

Alliance between Khalistanis and Manipur seperatists?

Related Posts

way ahead of G7 summit
Opinions

When The Summit Became A Stage: The G7, Trump’s Exit, And Fractured World

17 June 2025

In the crisp alpine air of Kananaskis, nestled amidst the brooding Rockies of Alberta, world leaders gathered to forge...

The Tale of how Operation Sindoor Silenced Satyapal Malik and His Echo Chamber
Opinions

Operation Sindoor Success: Satyapal Malik and ilks disappears into abyss of silence

8 May 2025

On May 6, former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satyapal Malik appeared in a much-publicised interview with controversial journalist Karan...

Operation Sindoor
Defense

Why Operation Sindoor? Because No One Touches the Sindoor of an Indian Woman Without Consequence

7 May 2025

In a rapid and decisive response to the Pahalgam Islamist attack that claimed the lives of 26 innocent tourists...

Load More

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms of use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Currently Playing

The gulf crossroads: usa stakes, China's money and Iran's nuclear threat.

The gulf crossroads: usa stakes, China's money and Iran's nuclear threat.

00:30:34

HOW NDA IS MAKING IN- ROADS INTO TAMIL NADU?

00:05:57

the ganga treaty is about to expire. What happens next?

00:06:54

India's Rise: Defense and Diplomacy in 2047 Vision

00:22:51

1975 emergency: India's 21 month dictatorship.

00:10:29
Facebook Twitter Instagram Youtube
tfipostTfipost.com
Right Wing | News Analysis | Indian Opinion
  • About us
  • Careers
  • Brand Partnerships
  • Terms of use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap

©2025 TFI Media Private Limited

No Result
View All Result
  • Premium
  • Politics
    • Analysis
    • Opinions
    • Trending
  • Economy
    • Business
    • Finance
  • Defense
    • Defence
    • Strategy
    • Weaponry
  • Geopolitics
    • Africa
    • Americas
    • Asia Pacific
    • Europe
    • South Asia
    • West Asia
  • Knowledge
    • Culture
    • History
    • Indology
  • Law
  • Lounge
    • Books
    • Cinema
    • Food
    • Health
    • Sports
    • technology
    • Travel
    • Satire
TFIPOST हिन्दी
TFIPOST Global

©2025 TFI Media Private Limited