Kadavul Temple Tank Is Reborn

The holy tank is retiled and renewed

This is a photo from 2023, showing the need to renovate the tank, built in 1959 and painted once since then.

After draining the water, workers grind off the old concrete

The rains slowed the progress, so a tent was installed.

A shot of Sambandar dancing with delight.

He seems to enjoy the new fountain.

The large Kamachi Amman Temple tank in Kanchipuram

Projects can be great teachers of patience and persistence. Behold the Teacher of Tolerance, the Preceptor of Perseverance, the Lecturer of Long-Suffering, our very own Kadavul Temple Pool.

It was three years ago that we began retiling the 1959-era pool. It had served us well and was ready for a new life. In our February 2023 contract the company estimated in writing that it would take 2 1/2 months. Here we are 2 1/2 years later and it was just completed. For all that time tens of thousands of visitors saw just a green construction-site barrier that concealed the work, and hid from view the fact that workers were not showing up and progress had stalled. Karmas held back the team, and we had to let them go.

In February of this year we hired another team and their first work was to demolish all of the inferior work of their predecessors. But they did it efficiently and work proceeded apace. Turns out to get a big project done it helps to show up every day! And they did. Completing it a few days ago. It is quite beautifully done and visitors can once again enjoy the presence of water near the temple, an important element in temple sacred architecture. Jai to Josh and his team, especially the ever-jolly Chico who made us some three-star Michelin hot sauce. A small celebratory party is planned for the completion.

In the sacred geography of South India, temple tanks are not just water reservoirs—they are portals to the divine. Called pushkarini, theertham or kulam, these tanks invite the heavens and cleanse the soul. They are places where pilgrims bathe or just wash feet and hands before entering the sanctum, where festivals come alive with floating lamps, and where lotuses are encouraged to grow.

Water is a symbol and necessity for life. Temple tanks in India hold centuries of devotion and the blessings of countless rituals. With our new tile installation, we restore not only beauty but sanctity—inviting reflection, reverence and return to the sacred cycle of nature and spirit. As the sun rises over the newly laid tiles, the tank once more becomes a living mandala of worship and wonder. Ours has a small murti of the child saint Sambandar, dancing playfully and blissfully as he beholds God Siva. It is said that later in life he lead processions of devotees, singing and dancing through towns and temples, awakening people’s faith and love of God Siva.