Modern Hindu Temples

For someone who has vissited quite a few Hindu temples outside of India, I find the architecture of most of them very fascination. Perhaps it is a reflection of the changing times. Perhaps we need to take change by our stride and get moving. Perhaps even welcome change with a PurnaKumbham ( or red carpet, should I say?).

However, I am trying to find some answers for things that I am unable to simply explain.

My rudimentary knowledge of the Agama Shastras, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agama_(text)) , that ancient Hindu set of codes, that included the science of buildings, especially temples, amongst many other things, stipulates that

1. there shall be a pond or lake close to the temple where people can bathe/ wash their feet before going in.
2. There shall NOT be any Shauchalayam ( Toilet) within the temple precincts.
3. The main Diety shall be surrounded by other dieties in a scientific manner, as shall befit the location and the Dieties.

Now let us look at the above, in today's context. Given the extreme space constraints, it is impractical to continue to have ponds and lakes, especially near the newer temples being built. Even if we do construct them, it is next to impossible to see water in those ponds 365 days in the year. And even if they do have water, it idiotic to try and stop people from abusing the temple pnod water ( for eg. one can see people washing trucks and cars in these ponds , in the smaller villages in Thanjavur District in India, known for this magnificent and ancient temples). As for the larger cities, the less said, the better.

Today, practically every "modern temple" ( built within the last 50 years or so), has a toilet within the temple precincts - for the "convenience" of the devotees. I personally wrench my face when I see a toilet therein. To me, it is plain disgusting. The arguement of some of my friends on this is - in today's world people live in far flung places, as opposed congregation around the temple in olden days, and therefore they need this convenience. Fine. But why dont temple managements build these toilets OUTSIDE the precincts, rather than building them inside, and spoiling the ambience, in the process?

As for the third, given the space constraints, the modern temples find all types of dieties being scatteered in whatever little space that is available- again a complusion of the times perhaps, but falling short clearly, on aesthetic and devotional appeal. One can even find "Shiva-Vishnu" temples within the same compound - something that was unthinkable a few centuries ago... I wonder what the Agama Shastras prescribe, when it comes to this!! So much so for Integration !!!!