Preserving the Past for Future: A Study of Seven Sacred Sites in Tamil Region, Southern India

Darsana S B

The region of Tamil Nadu situated in the southeastern part of India is known for its rich cultural heritage in the form of temples. The region is studded with innumerable temples that span through many centuries by different dynasties. What is interesting is the maintenance of these living heritage sites by the present population through rituals and stories. A series of disconnected seven sacred temples built in the 10th - 11th centuries CE were interwoven with interesting legends by the later rulers in the 14th to 16th centuries CE, that transform them into a ritualised centre. The present population of these seven temples act as guardians of the ritual topography and sacred geography. Interestingly, there are ten sets of Saptasthanams or Seven Sacred Sites, that is totalling to seventy. All of them are located near the verdant landscape of river Kaveri delta. Each Saptasthanam has different legends associated with it. Divine wedding is the theme of the Saptasthanams at Tiruvaiyaru, Karandai, Nallur and Kumbakonam, while attaining moksha or salvation is the theme at Tiruchakrappalli, Tirunilakudi and Kanjanur. People accompany the newly married in their palanquin procession. An attempt has been made by the author to study the scope of these ancient places as culturally rich tourist destinations. The temples come back alive in the summer month with people navigating the various temples by river crossing. The community participation is enormous that makes these sacred landscapes more vibrant and energetic. Through the interplay between the past and the present, rich cultural sites are getting preserved for future generations.