Rejuvenating the flowing sanctity of Panatirtha : enhancing the natural and cultural tourism of Panatirtha, Tahirpur through architectural and planning intervention

Abstract

According to a popular adage, "sava tirthe varvar, pana tirthe ekvar," the same purity that can be obtained by bathing in other holy locations for periods of time can be obtained by bathing in "Panatirtha" only once. Therefore, the site holds a significance of great height for Hindu and Vaishnav followers. Sri Advaita Acharya, the 14th-century reformer of "Advaita Tattva; Non-Dualism" philosophy, was born in the holy site of Panatirtha, Tahirpur. Although the Panatirtha pilgrimage ceremony has been held on the banks of the Rakti River for over 500 years, with the belief that the seven sacred rivers (a reference to the Veda) have arrived together by the summoning of Advaita Acharya to fulfil his promise to his mother, the site has not yet been explored in terms of its future development. As devotees who travel to pray face obstacles, the spirituality of the place is eroding, and with it, the philosophy of Advaita Acharya, the rebirth of non-dualism is perishing. People are increasingly flocking to other spiritual sites in the area where better facilities have been established. Therefore, it is important to maintain spiritual areas and the underlying idea, while also improving areas where large numbers of people can congregate for rituals and incorporating these into regular user activities. Conservation and careful planning are required, as is the urgent search for untapped potential at the site. Beautiful, natural geology characterizes the area. Existing tourist attractions may be linked to the site, and the area might be transformed into a spiritual-based cultural tourism development area that could shine a light on the site all year long and preserve its ethos for future generations.