Ruthra Kshetram Gurukulam
Project Paper: Encyclopaedia of Sacred Sites in Malaysia
A Historical & Archival Documentation Project
| Project Lead / Author | GURU HAMSA (Founder & Chief Writer) |
| Identity Card No. | 741109-08-5203 |
| Office Address | NO.3, TAMAN DELIMA, JALAN KAMPUNG KOH, 32000 SITIAWAN, PERAK, MALAYSIA. |
| Contact Numbers | TEL: 05-6981174 | H/P: 014-9681174 |
| Email & Website | e-mail: guruhamsa@yahoo.com | WEB: www.encyclopaedia.my |
| ISBN Reference | 978-629-92116-0-0 |
| Total Project Budget | RM 500,000.00 |
1. PROJECT OVERVIEW & VISION
Vision: To establish a definitive national chronicle that safeguards, celebrates, and immortalizes the sacred Hindu architecture, spiritual heritage, and living traditions of Malaysia for future generations.
Mission: To conduct systematic nationwide field research, oral history recording, and archival verification across more than 1,000 sacred sites, compiling them into a high-quality two-part hardcover encyclopedia.
2. KEY RATIONALE & OBJECTIVES
Malaysia’s Hindu sacred sites embody centuries of living heritage, architectural art, and community history. Establishing this encyclopedia is imperative for several fundamental reasons:
- Preserving Unwritten Oral History: Recording oral traditions and narratives of early plantation and estate temples before they face permanent loss.
- Documenting Two Eras: Dividing research into Pre-Independence (Pre-1957) and Post-Independence (1957–Present) to capture pioneer roots alongside modern structural development.
- Academic & Cultural Reference: Providing a verified national repository for researchers, historians, devotees, and international institutions.
- On-Ground Field Verification: Utilizing GPS mapping, high-resolution media, drone aerial photography, and official temple records for absolute accuracy.
3. VOLUMES & SCOPE OF WORK
Part 1: Pre-Independence Era (Before 1957)
Scope: Documenting over 500 historic temples established during early migration, plantation settlements, and colonial hubs.
- Ancient shrines and estate heritage temples.
- Archival research on founding families and labor forces.
- Traditional South Indian architecture in Malaya.
Part 2: Post-Independence Era (1957 – Present)
Scope: Documenting modern sacred sites, expansions, and spiritual centers built post-Merdeka.
- Modern architectural landmarks and glass temples.
- Community evolution and organizational registrations.
- Kumbhabhishekam histories and festival preservation.
4. FINANCIAL PLAN & EXPENDITURE SUMMARY
The total estimated expenditure for research, fieldwork, archival validation, graphic design, layout, and printing is RM 500,000.00. (Mobile users can scroll horizontally to view the full details breakdown cost)
| No. | Expense Category & Description | Amount (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nationwide Fieldwork & Logistics Travel, fuel, tolls, lodging, and field guides covering 1,000+ temples across all states. | 125,000.00 |
| 2 | High-Resolution Photography & Media Professional camera gear, drone aerial photography, digital archiving. | 75,000.00 |
| 3 | Research, Archival & Translation Services Historian honorariums, multi-language translations, national archives verification fees. | 85,000.00 |
| 4 | Editorial, Layout & Graphic Design Content compilation, proofreading, typesetting, custom mapping, prepress. | 65,000.00 |
| 5 | Printing & Hardcover Binding Foil-stamped hardcover production, premium paper, ribbon bookmarks, slipcases. | 110,000.00 |
| 6 | Administration & Operational Reserve Field kits, legal compliance, ISBN registration, launch event, operational reserve. | 40,000.00 |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT BUDGET: | 500,000.00 |