In recent events, calls for conservation of the 600-year-old ‘Vilakkumadom’ at Kerala’s Sree Mahavishnu Temple made by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) have been making headlines.
Concerns Around Vilakkumadom
Vilakkumadom, a magnificent structure built from exquisite granite, is situated in the Sree Mahavishnu Temple in Thirunelly, Wayanad district. With its origins dating back to the 15th century AD, the structure stands as a testament to a rich cultural legacy. However, concerns have been raised by the INTACH with the ongoing renovation of the temple.
Critics argue that the renovations have disregarded the key elements of the structure’s historical significance. The potential completion of Vilakkumadom and the destruction of the Chuttambalam (the rectangular structure enveloping the temple), will result in a loss of heritage, creating a void in its value and importance.
The Vilakkumadom structure is said to have been started by the king of Coorg without the permission of the temple’s custodian, Kottayam Raja. The structure remained untouched after the Kottayam Raja later ordered the construction work.
About Thirunelli Temple
Referred to as the Amalaka or Sidha Temple, the Thirunelli Temple is a Vishnu temple nestled in Wayanad district, Kerala. Its name is derived from an idol of Lord Vishnu found resting on an amla tree in a valley, identified by Lord Brahma during his global journey.
Thirunelli Temple’s Architecture
Thirunelli Temple follows traditional Kerala-style architecture. It has an inner sanctum encircled by a tile roof structure, with an open courtyard surrounding it. The temple’s east entrance boasts a granite lamp post, while cubicle-style granite pillars, uncommon in Kerala, bind the outer wall of the temple.
Efforts to Preserve Cultural Heritage
Several efforts are being made on both global and national scales to safeguard cultural heritage. Globally, measures such as the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, 2005 and the Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, 2006 have been introduced. India has also been elected a member of the United Nations World Heritage Committee for the term 2021-25.
On the Indian front, several initiatives including the Adopt a Heritage Programme, Project Mausam, Article 49 (DPSP), AMASR Act and National Monuments Authority (NMA), and PRASHAD Scheme have been put into motion.
UPSC Civil Services Examination Question
A Previous Year’s Question (PYQ) related to this topic from the UPSC Civil Services Examination asked which among the listed duties are considered Fundamental Duties of Indian citizens according to the Indian Constitution. The answer was: to preserve the rich heritage of our composite culture, to develop the scientific temper and the spirit of inquiry, and to strive towards excellence in all spheres of individual and collective activity.
