Thiruvananthapuram : Temples have for long symbolised man’s oneness with nature. Now, at a time when protection of the ecology and garbage disposal have emerged key concerns of local communities, the Travancore Devaswom Board (TDB) is treading the green path with public participation.
TDB is launching ‘Prakrithi Pooja’ in its temples to send across the message of the scriptures that it is the duty of every devotee to live in harmony with nature and to keep the temples and their own surroundings clean and green. Three temples in the city have been selected for the launch, and Health and Devaswom Minister V S Sivakumar will inaugurate the ‘pooja’ at Shangumugham Devi Temple at 10 am on Saturday.
The other two temples are the Parasurama Temple at Thiruvallom and the OTC Hanuman Kovil at Palayam. The project is being implemented in association with Nature’s Green Guardians Foundation (NGGFn), a not-for-profit organisation. ‘Prakrithi Pooja’ will be conducted in strict compliance with traditional rituals and attempt to solve problems faced by temples everywhere. The scheme will include segregated collection of waste, nature-friendly conversion of biodegradable wastes and proper disposal of other wastes.
Another important aim is the greening of the temple premises by planting trees and plants as prescribed in the Vedas and Upanishads. The TDB said in a statement that the Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanical Gardens and Research Institute, Palode, is extending its support in selecting the plants. Other aspects of the scheme include recycling of grey water from the temple for use in gardening and promoting ‘greener’ temple festivals and educating devotees to follow a green lifestyle.
With the support of devotees, TDB plans to extend the scheme to all temples under it. Interested devotees can also register with the administrative officer/sub group officer for sponsoring ‘Prakrithi Poojas’ and contribute towards tree plantation.
Source : New Indian Express