1.Why can’t India have world-class #Temples? 👇#TweetThread below👇
2.I recently had the privilege of visiting the #Borobudur temple in Indonesia. There is SO much we can learn from them.
3. Its one of the world’s largest temples and a UNESCO site. It is said to be shaped as a #sriyantra.
4. It is divided into the 3 layers of kamadhatu, rupadhatu, and arupadhatu.
5. You have attractive multicolored info-graphics boards providing information on the temple.
6. For visitors that want to immerse themselves culturally, there are also easy instructions on rituals (like how to take a Pradakshina, why it is important, etc).
7. It is impossible to feel one with the divine in dusty/squalid environs; so a cleaning crew keeps the temple-compound sparkling clean.
8. There is even a small convenience fee for using public toilets… all of which goes to the cleaner/janitor.
9. Foreign visitors pay US$ 20 (ensuring revenues) while locals pay US$ 2 (ensuring that devotees have access).
10. Huge tracts of anganas and land around temples are “prohibited areas” where commercial construction is disallowed. This prevents commercialization and avoidable destruction of the aura, ambience & ecology.
11. Indian govt removed that prohibition for Indian heritage. Interestingly ONLY @ShashiTharoor opposed the Monuments Bill, 2017 (which allows for construction WITHIN 200 mtrs).
12. Worse. The Govt is proposing the Antiquities Bill that will allow the buying/selling of heritage. swarajyamag.com/politics/the-p… w/ @jsaideepak
13. Anyway, back to #Borobudur. All these measures allow it to thrive as a civilization symbol for their people.
14. Not just the bhaktas, but a welcoming environment that attracts visitors from all faiths. Inter-faith awareness... just what the world needs today.
15. The result – Over 2 million people visit is every year… making it (a) a huge tourism pull, & (b) Source of soft-power; for Indonesia.
16. But most importantly, one that you can peacefully share with your kids; and pass on your heritage to the next generation. (end)
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