The Original Temple Ecosystem: More Than Worship Historically, a Devasthana (temple) was a self-sustaining micro-economy and community anchor. The Economic Foundation: Temples were supported by vast tracts of land (jameenu) granted by kings and local chieftains. The revenue from these lands didn't just support the priests; it maintained an entire community of weavers, accountants, cooks, musicians, and dancers. The Social Value: It was a sanctuary for intellectual and community life. The speaker explicitly notes that temples hosted daily or seasonal pravachanas (discourses) where philosophy, ethics, and epics were debated and disseminated to the public. This kept local communities culturally and spiritually educated without formal schooling. The transition started when legal frameworks began shifting temple management toward the state (through systems like "schemes" or government trusts) When the administration changed and old land grant structures broke down under colonial and early post-independence governance, the financial link between the temple lands and the hereditary artists was severed. will be continued.. this is part 1 want hear your thought... #temple #culture