Killing times

It was this lonley huge temple in Kumbhakonam where the only visitors for that morning seemed to be us. The new generation of priests appeared to be perennially idlling away their time. Mostly they didnt even talk, leave alone chant. But whenever they did they did it so vociferously. An occasional devotee might find it terribly out of place or insulting in most such temples - of boredom. Note the indifferent posture of the figure in the foreground in contrast to the eager silhouette. Later, disinterestedly and dispassionately they even suggested that we spare some tip money.

My friend aghora tells me that the pillar to the left of the door represents the 'Kalasha, with the tree of life'. Well, through those ages life apparently overflowed with all its might that the rulers and artisans took it to themselves to document the celebration of life so profusely in these temples.

Visits to these temples are a gruesome reminder of our times where the depressing Salvador Dalis & 'Guernica 's happen to be what we are destined to treasure for the coming generations.