Temple construction- Purpose

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Actually this is elaborately discussed in the agamas(text books on temple architecture.)

 

Stated briefly,the theme behind the construction of temples is this:

 

Dehodevaalayahproktojeevodehahsanaatanah

Tyajedajnaananirmaalyam soham bhaavenapoojayet

 

( The human body itself is a temple.,The Jeevatma living in it is the deity.Ignorance is the dirt which collects everyday in the temple.This shuld be removed.When ignorance is removed,it will be possible to realise that the Universal Consciousness itself is reflecting in one..This is the Soham experience.This is the real worship.)

 

It is to remind the people abt this fact that several schools of temple architecture were founded in ancient India.Though one might find many differences between the temple architecture of south and north India ,there are some striking similarities too.Also,the architecture of South India attaches much importance to the element of beauty,the fundamental principle is never forgotten or overlooked.Thus we hv beautiful temples in Tamilnadu which excel in portraying the various forms of devas,deities, in various postures both spiritual and erotic.Whereas in Kerala much preference is given to the culture of its own and the dome is very important and the underlying principle for such domes is that the tantras and mantras recited and done shuld hv the vibration in the place.

 

Irrespective of the school of architecture,every temple will have a sanctum sanctorum(Garbha Graha) as well as a shrine(shikhara) which will differ from state to state.These two are the most important aspects of a temple.The sanctum sanctorum is symbolic of the heart,while the shrine symbolises the head.Yoga tradition says that the heart is the seat of the light called prana.The shrine is constructed directly above the idol.It consists of a pot shaped structure.The surface underneath the pot is called Kapala.Although the Prana has its seat in the heart,its activity potential lies in the head.Therefore,at the time of consecrating a temple.equal importance is given to the installation of the idol and installation of the shrine.In fact , a special ceremony called Kumbha Abhisheka forms an important integral part of temple consecration.

 

According to Agama Shastras,not only the idol,but the entire temple symbolises the Almighty.Therefore special Kumbha Abhisheka is performed once in 12 years.Because the shrine has so much spiritual significance,it is kept at the topmost of a temple.Just like a transmitting centre,it needs to be placed at a gud height in order to transmit vibrations of peace and harmony.

Each and every part of human body is represented in a temple.It is a vast subject in itself.In the human body,after the heart and the head,the spinal column occupies an important place as far as energy transmission is concerned.It not only keeps the body upright,but is also a highway for the Kundalini power.The tall pillar erected in front of temples signifies the spinal column.

 

When the Kundalini is kindled and find its way to the top of the shrine,the blissful state results.To symbolise this,small bells are tied at the top of the pillar.Although the vertebral column ends near the neck,the spinal cord continues upto the Sahasrara(the thousand petal lotus which is on the top of the head and the seat of power of the Brahman.)Therefore,the pillar in front of the temple will match the height of the temple itself.Because the spinal column is so important accirding to the Yoga shastra,the southern schools of architecture attach great importance to the pillar.

 

Hare Krishna,

agraman

 

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