Pics: Justine D’Silva

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jun 15: The roof covering the steps of Madhwa Sarovar of Sri Krishna Math here has now been given indigenous touch. You are mistaken if you perceive a grand, unique roof in the place of the current one.

Often we forget our ancient customs and lifestyles because of our total involvement with concrete structures everywhere. But a look at this roof of Sri Krishna Math is sure to lead you down the memory lane. The roof we are talking about happens to be a roof made of hay.

Till a few decades back, until the tiled roofs became the order of the day, huts and houses used to have thatched roofs and dried hay and bamboo sticks were used to make roofs. With the modernity having its sway, the use of natural things became lesser and people fell for concrete roofs. This kind of roof used to be provided for this pond until two decades ago.

This roof has been recreated as per the wishes of the current Paryaya Swamiji of Admar Math, Sri Ishapriya Theertha. The purpose is to introduce to the current young generation to the skilful and creative skills of our elders. This roof covers the bathing bay where the Swamiji and priests take a bath. The roof depicts the leaning of the Swamiji towards the folklore culture.

Creating a roof from dry hay is not easy. It requires some skill. In the recent past, people have lessened their agricultural activities and mechanization has taken over. If the persons concerned lose even a little concentration, the roofs can develop problems and water can begin to seep from these roofs.

Nowadays, we find less and less number of people weaving coconut fronds into sheets which protect house walls or become base for roofs made of hay. The number of harvesters has become less. These days, creating huts in malls and resorts has become a symbol of prestige.

This roof has been created by a six-member team led by Nannu Moolyada, an elderly farmer from Kunjarugiri. As many as 400 sheaves of hay have been used for the purpose. The roof is created by laying coconut frond sheets over a labyrinth of bamboo sticks and then spreading out dry hay over them.

Govindaraju of Admar Math, speaking to Daijiworld, revealed that taking advantage of the lockdown period, many changes have been made inside Sri Krishna Math. He said that the work of painting which was stranded midway during the Paryaya has been resumed. He said that certain changes are also being made inside the dining hall and the route through which the queue of devotees passes, to meet social distance norms once the Math is opened for the public.