Lighthouse

Author(s): Udayvallabhvijay
Publisher: Pragna Prabodh Parivar

Page 20

A notion is gaining ground that temple construction means wastage of money and labour. The intellectual class today raises its objection against the tradition of construction of temples and asks whether projects of service to mankind would not be better? They ask-instead of wasting money in stones, if the same money is used towards wellbeing of humans, would it not be better. They also ask – when people face problems of poverty, unemployment and inflation; how can construction of temples be justified? What is the social output of temples? Even if we were not to consider the gains on spiritual front or the feeling of inner contentment (which are non-material gains) and were to consider this issue from pure intellectual point of view, even then the tradition of construction of temples can be proved to be useful or profitable for the society in many ways. Normally, in construction of any temple, the labour cost far exceeds the cost of material. Because of the artistic talent required in engraving and other aspects of temple construction, almost 75% of the total cost goes for payment of labour charges. This means that of the total amount spent only 25% goes for purchase of stones. Rest of the money goes to human beings. 25% money spent on material generates 75% as wages for labour and the main beneficiary are human beings and that too from the poor labour class. If you get a poor man's cycle repaired, it cannot be called cycle seva, it is manav seva only.
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