Things noteworthy during renovations

While doing the renovations and related services to the abode of the Lord who takes abode in the hearts of the serving devotees there are a few things to note which could help preserving the glory of the temple.

Working in accordance with the AgamAs. Though the devotion is the prime these Agamic rules passed on to us through centuries are quite significant and observance of them would certainly result in good.
Preserving the treasures. This not only includes preserving the art that are rich in the Hindu temples, but also the valuable historical information available through the writings on the stones etc. When painting or chiseling the walls one could make sure that these important documents of the temple are not lost.
Color of the Lord ! It is quite strange that the colors that are painted on the forms of the dEvas & God, Goddesses do not correspond to the color they were praised in the purANas. But this needs to be followed properly. For example, Lord shiva should be in flame/red-whitish color, Goddess shakti in greenish/blackish color and Lord vishNu also in the blackish color. The colors of the Lords indicate something and this needs to be observed.
The Sanctum Sanctorum (garbha gR^iham) is the heart of the temple. Nowadays it has become quite customary to put jazzy tiles and flashy lights there. This is something to be avoided. The thoughts of the devotee should converge on the main idol residing in the garbha gR^iham. So the altar needs to be appropriately neat and lit so that the idol of the God is visible and most importantly the focus is on the God - that is the other things in the altar are not catching the eyes of the devotee. This would be a very basic requirement. By putting jazzy tiles etc one gets caught by the decorations and the prime intention of the focus on the God's idol is lost. So this could be avoided.
Working in accordance with the local tradition of the temple. Respecting any special rules that are followed in the temple.
Working with the service mentality and devotion.

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