Temples: history, architecture and distribution

[Hauma Hamiddha]

<!--QuoteBegin-rajesh_g+Jan 22 2004, 01:59 PM-->QUOTE(rajesh_g @ Jan 22 2004, 01:59 PM)<!--QuoteEBegin--> However, there is an old family temple in the property. We would all like to move the temple to another place. What do our ancient traditions say about such moves ?
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There are traditional rules for temple relocations or demolition- the most general outline is given in the agni purANa. If it is a simple temple with a single idol inside it then the idol may be relocated to a suitable place with appropriate pacificatory rites at the new and old site. Care should be taken that the idol is not damaged. The old temple may then be dismantled. For more involved cases one may consult a special class of people called the sthapativid. These to my knowledge only exist in Tamil Nad these days (probably in Andhra too). Some lingas of shiva and shalagramans of vishNu should not be moved as this is supposed to bring misfortune to the doer according to tradition.