Across the vast landscape of India, from the stepped Vavs of Gujarat to the expansive Teppakulam of Tamil Nadu, water has always been considered a sacred element. For millennia, temple tanks—variously known as Pushkaranis, Kalyanis, Kunds, or Theerthams—have served as the spiritual and ecological lungs of Indian settlements. However, as modern India grapples with rapid urbanization and environmental neglect, these ancient water harvesters are transitioning from symbols of purity to dangerously polluted cesspools.
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| Madurai Mariamman Teppakulam,Tamil Nadu, globalvisiontours.com |
The Purpose of the Temple Tank: Spirituality and Science
In Hindu philosophy, water represents one of the Panch Mahabhoot (five elements). Historically, temple tanks were mandated by Vastu Shastra not merely for aesthetic appeal but for profound practical benefits.
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Stepped water tank.www.pinterest.com
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Ecological Balance: Strategically, these tanks acted as massive rainwater harvesting systems. By capturing runoff, they recharged natural aquifers and increased the local water table, ensuring that even in dry seasons, village wells remained productive.
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| The Rajagopalaswamy temple,Mannargudi and water tank.thehindu.com |
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| Kapaleeswarar Temple tank,Mylapore, Chennai mylaporetimes.com |
Above image: Kapaleeswarar Temple Tank, Mylapore, Chennai: Way back in November, 2023 hundreds of dead floating in the waters of the heritage temple tank in the SW corner. Cause of death of the fish was due to dirty uncleaned outlet from local drains.This part of area became smelly for a few days.........
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| Kothandaramar Temple W.Mambalam,Chennai thehindu.com |
Above image:At the Kothandaramar Temple tank in West Mambalam the water tank was polluted withs ewage and garbage,causing unbearable stench.Noaction was taken despite complaints from the near- by residents. The effective rainwater harvesting systemin the tank failed due to official negligence. This century-old heritage tank had not undergone any renovation, which explains why its exemplary rainwater harvesting system failed miserably during rains............
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| The Teppakulam of Trichy, TN thehindu.com |
Above image: The Teppakulam of Sri Thayumanaswamy Temple Trichy. Located in the prime bazaar area inside the mainguard gate of Tiruchirappalli city,TamilNadu, this heritage tank is a a sour-eye to the new comers. Lack of barricade around the temple, way back in 2023 this heritage tank became a dumping ground for throwing plastics and food leftovers, resulting in high pollution and death of fish because of deoxygenation..............
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| facebook.com |
The Modern Decay: Causes of Pollution
Despite their historical importance, a 2025 survey of temple tanks in cities like Bhubaneswar revealed a grim reality: more than half are dangerously polluted. The causes are multifaceted:
1. Rapid Urbanization and Encroachment
As cities expand, the natural inlets and aqueducts that fed these tanks have been blocked by concrete structures and roads. This stagnation prevents the natural cycle of water renewal. In temple towns like Kanchipuram, heritage tanks that once overflowed with fresh water are now isolated, stagnant pools.
2. Anthropogenic Pressure and Pilgrim Misuse
A significant source of pollution is, ironically, the devotees themselves. Pilgrims often discard plastic bags, ritual remains, food wrappers, and even clothes into the water. This organic and inorganic waste leads to a drop in dissolved oxygen and an increase in pH levels, making the water toxic to aquatic life.
3. Sewage and Toxic Infiltration
In urban areas, broken sewer lines and poor drainage systems often leak into temple tanks. Reports from INTACH on the temple tanks of Odisha tell that out of 30tanks 18 are dangerously polluted, containing E coli, faecal bacteria and toxic metals like arsenic and fluoride. The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), Bhubaneswar chapter expressed concern over the water bodies in its report. The report further stated that there was a necessity to restore the tanks and revive natural aquifers which had become dried up due to rampant borewell drilling. Such temple water bodies pose severe health risks to those who use the water for "Parihara" (cleansing rituals).
The Path to Restoration: Remedies and Solutions
The restoration of these tanks is not just about preserving heritage; it is a necessity for public health and water security.
Restoring Natural Aquifers: The first step must be the clearing of ancient feeder channels. Reviving the link between the tank and its original water source (rivers or springs) allows for natural filtration and circulation.
Technological Intervention: Implementing small-scale wastewater treatment plants and bio-remediation (using specific plants or microbes to clean the water) can help restore oxygen levels.
Public Awareness and Regulation: Stricter enforcement of "No Littering" zones is essential. Temples should provide eco-friendly alternatives for ritual offerings and ensure that pilgrims only use the water for symbolic sprinkling rather than full bathing in sensitive areas.
Desilting and Maintenance: Periodic desilting, as undertaken by organizations like the Braj Foundation, is crucial to maintain the storage capacity of the Kunds.
In August 2024 Deccan Herald Newspaper reported that to mitigate fish kills, occurring due to pollution in the temple tanks, the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) instructed the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR & CE) department to provide a surface aeration system in the tanks to increase dissolved oxygen levels that will promote aquatic life. This could be done by installing water fountains of suitable numbers at various places, depending on the size of the tanks.
The Pollution Board also instructed HR & CE to stop sewage, sullage, or any other wastewater from entering the temple tanks,besides creating awareness among devotees not to throw items such as flower garlands, clay lamps or any other items during prayers and rituals. The TNPCB document listed the standard operating procedures,but the question is whether HR & CE,a state government agency well known for mismanagement of temples and finances,will follow the procedures to keep the temple tanks clean and tidy.
Conclusion
Temple tanks are the "living chronicles" of India's ancient wisdom in water management. From the Mariamman Teppakulam in Madurai to the small Talis of Goa, these bodies of water are essential for the survival of our groundwater reserves. To let them fall into decay is to lose both a spiritual sanctuary and a vital environmental safeguard. Only through a combination of official policy, community participation, and scientific restoration can these sacred waters be returned to their original state of purity.
https://www.dtnext.in/news/tamilnadu/prevent-pollution-in-temple-tanks-tnpcb-to-hrce-801770
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/temple-tanks-once-played-well-the-role-of-water-harvesters-for-the-people/article30809637.ecehttps://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Tiruchirapalli/food-waste-contaminates-water-in-the-teppakulam-of-rockfort-temple-in-tiruchi/article67380046.ece
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_tank
https://www.esamskriti.com/e/Culture/Indian-Culture/Why-do-Temples-have-Tanks-and-Stepwells-1.aspx
https://www.hinduismtoday.com/environment/indias-profound-kinship-with-wate
K.N. Jayaraman (Author: navrangindia.blogspot.com)
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