Just read it, Liked it and sharing with you all with a hope you all like it reading too: House-of-god Description: The science behind temple architecture in southern India leaves SEEMA BURMAN spellboundMy friends often wonder why I love to visit temples in southern India. Temples there are architecturally marvellous but their idols are so far inside the sanctum sanctorum that it becomes difficult to get a good view of the deity, they often complain.When I pondered over their comments, I realised most people who visit temples never attempt to connect with the positive energy that these places of worship radiate. It never occurs to them that a temple is a representation of the macrocosm or the universe, as well as the microcosm, the inner space.Temples built in ancient India were based on scientific principles. Their location, dimension, direction and the shape, size and expression of the idol of the presiding deity were based on calculations mentioned in the agamas and Shilpa Shastra. These treatises on temple architecture even mention the specifications to be followed to select the architect, masons and carpenters.After the temple is built, it is consecrated by special pujas and offerings. To activate the idol, specific mantras are chanted for a set number of days by those who lead a pure life. Thus, through these processes, a dominant force is created.In southern India, there has been a glorious tradition of temple worship. Over the years, there have been many schools of temple-building the Dravidian, Chalukya, Chola, Pallava, Pandya and the Hoysala. The art made its transition from temporary structures of wood and mortar to more enduring edifices.Typically, in a south Indian temple, the gopuram or gateway is massive and magnificent. When we stand in front of it, we realise that we are actually quite insignificant before the Lord of the universe.As we proceed inwards, leaving behind the grand carvings and decorations of the outside, we notice that the sanctum sanctorum is small and dark. This is also called the Garbha-griha or womb-house. This windowless room houses the deitys idol and we can have the darshan of the deity only when a light is lit and waved before the idol. This indicates that we have to leave the grand external world outside, direct our minds inward, light up the lamp of knowledge and behold the Lord within the sanctum of our hearts.Temples radiate positive energy. Sage Ramana Maharshi demonstrated that more than physical energy, it is ones spiritual energy that is auspicious for a temple. When the Sri Chakra was being installed at the Ramana Ashram, he took personal interest in it and granted his auspicious powers to the Sri Chakra. He was known to be unwell at that time, but despite that, he personally monitored the making of the yantra. Adi Shankara himself installed the idols of Kamakshi and Sharada at Kanchipuram and Sringeri.Swami Vivekananda laid down guidelines for the temple of Sri Ramakrishna at Belur Math. Architectural motifs found in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain temples and churches and cathedrals of Europe were beautifully blended during their construction.The temples of Sri Kalahasti, Srisailam, Simhachalam, Hampi, Aihole, Tiruchi, Rameshwaram, Chidambaram and Madurai are some of the finest works of divine art.There are many mythological tales to support the power of temples.We have instances of Hanuman appearing before Tulsi Das, when the latter cried for help and Vitthalanath came to meet his devotee, Pundarinath. Ma Anandamayi, who spent most of time in the Kali temple that she got built, exuded graceful energy, despite not eating anything for six months. These seemingly magical happenings occurred either because of divine energy being manifested or because of the extreme love a bhakta showed for a particular deity. Or it could be attributed to the sadhanas they undertook to purify their minds and activate their chakras.Idols are so full of energy that by meditating in their vicinity, anyone can be energised. One simply has to be a receiver, a seeker. Those who go to these places of worship with selfless intent, always benefit.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 03:21:08 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015