Temple tanks, traditionally known as “Theerthams,” “Pushkarnis,” or “Kulams”, are sacred water bodies associated with Hindu temples across India. These tanks not only serve as sources of water for ritual purification and ceremonies but also reflect the architectural grandeur and spiritual ethos of temple culture, especially in South India. Tamil Nadu is home to some of the largest and oldest temple tanks in the country, often serving as venues for important temple festivals like Theppam (Float Festival). These tanks are constructed with precise geometry and aligned with temple architecture, symbolizing the cosmic ocean in which divinity resides.
Sanatana Dharma, meaning "eternal law" or "eternal religion," is the traditional term for Hinduism, a way of life based on ancient Indian scriptures like the Vedas. It encompasses a wide range of philosophies, customs, and spiritual practices, and is often described as a universal and eternal order.