While doing the renovations and related services to the abode
of the Lord who takes abode in the hearts of the serving devotees there
are a few things to note which could help preserving the glory of the
temple.
Working in accordance with the AgamAs. Though the devotion is the
prime these Agamic rules passed on to us through centuries are
quite significant and observance of them would certainly result in good.
Preserving the treasures. This not only includes preserving the
art that are rich in the Hindu temples, but also the valuable
historical information available through the writings on the stones
etc. When painting or chiseling the walls one could make sure that
these important documents of the temple are not lost.
Color of the Lord ! It is quite strange that the colors that are
painted on the forms of the dEvas & God, Goddesses do not correspond to
the color they were praised in the purANas. But this needs to be
followed properly. For example, Lord shiva should be in flame/red-whitish
color, Goddess shakti in greenish/blackish color and Lord vishNu also
in the blackish color. The colors of the Lords indicate something and
this needs to be observed.
The Sanctum Sanctorum (garbha gR^iham) is the heart of the
temple. Nowadays it has become quite customary to put jazzy tiles and
flashy lights there. This is something to be avoided. The thoughts of
the devotee should converge on the main idol residing in the
garbha gR^iham. So the altar needs to be appropriately neat and
lit so that the idol of the God is visible and most importantly the
focus is on the God - that is the other things in the
altar are not catching the eyes of the devotee. This would be a very
basic requirement. By putting jazzy tiles etc one gets caught by the
decorations and the prime intention of the focus on the God's idol is
lost. So this could be avoided.
Working in accordance with the local tradition of the temple.
Respecting any special rules that are followed in the temple.
