Temple Tanks: The Sacred Waters of Indian Architecture
An integral and often spectacular component of the Indian temple complex is the temple tank. These man-made bodies of water are not mere reservoirs; they are sacred spaces, architectural marvels, and vital hubs of religious and social life. Known by a multitude of names across India—including Pushkarini, Kalyani, Kunda, Sarovara, Tirtha, or Ambalakkuḷam—these tanks are a testament to the profound reverence for water in Hindu culture.
Historical and Cultural Roots
The tradition of building sacred water structures is ancient in India. Many scholars believe that temple tanks are a cultural and architectural continuation of the great public water structures of the Indus Valley civilization, such as the famous Great Bath at Mohenjo-daro.
The design of water storage has always been a critical aspect of Indian architecture, particularly in the western regions where the climate alternates between extreme dry seasons and heavy monsoons. Over time, the functional need for water conservation merged with spiritual symbolism, and the design of temple tanks evolved into a sophisticated art form.
Ritual Purpose and Sacredness
The water in a temple tank is considered sacred, often symbolically linked to the holy Ganges River. Its primary purpose is for ritual purification. Devotees traditionally perform ablutions, washing their hands and feet or fully immersing themselves in the water, to cleanse themselves before entering the inner sanctum of the temple.
These tanks also play a central role in various temple festivals and rites of consecration. They are used for the ritual immersion of deities, such as the immersion of Ganesha idols during the Ganesha Chaturthi festival. In some traditions, the waters of specific tanks are believed to possess curative powers, capable of healing diseases and ailments.
Architectural Forms: From Reservoirs to Stepwells
Temple tanks vary greatly in their architectural form, from simple, unadorned reservoirs to highly elaborate, multi-story structures.
- Reservoirs: The simplest form is a square or rectangular reservoir, often lined with stone, with steps leading down to the water from one or more sides.
- Stepwells (Vavs and Baolis): The most architecturally spectacular form of the temple tank is the stepwell. Known as a vav in Western India and a baoli in the North, a stepwell is a deep, masonry well with a long, descending flight of steps that allows access to the water at any level. Many stepwells are monumental in scale, designed as inverted temples with colonnaded pavilions, galleries, and intricate sculptural decoration.
Notable Examples
- Hampi, Karnataka: The ruins of the Vijayanagara Empire at Hampi feature several impressive temple tanks. The Stepped Tank at the Royal Center, lined with green diorite, is a perfect example of geometric precision and artistry.
- Bhoga Nandeeshwara Temple, Karnataka: This temple boasts a beautiful and serene Kalyani, a classic example of a South Indian temple tank.
- Stepwells of Gujarat and Rajasthan: These states are famous for their magnificent and ornate stepwells, which were often commissioned by royalty and nobility and served both sacred and secular purposes.
In Sikhism, the concept of a sacred temple tank, known as a sarovar, is also central. The most famous example is the Amrit Sarovar at the Golden Temple in Amritsar, from which the city takes its name.
Temple tanks are a unique and beautiful feature of Indian architecture, perfectly blending the practical with the spiritual and creating spaces of enduring tranquility and beauty.