Need for Temples
Throughout history, humanity has felt the need for a place to connect with the divine, whether for worship or inner peace. A temple serves as a bridge between humans and this peaceful, powerful energy. This raises the question: how do we create a space capable of holding such immense energy?
Aspects Considered in Temple Construction
A Hindu temple transcends being a mere building; it embodies the divine’s image and energy. It’s a miniature cosmos encompassing the five basic elements earth, water, fire, air, and space, and a presiding deity.
Temples are designed to induce inward focus and meditation effortlessly. Every aspect, from architecture to rituals, is meticulously crafted to facilitate this experience. The very structure and Murti (idol) vibrate at frequencies that elevate human frequency. Temples are strategically located based on positive energy availability from magnetic and electric waves. The main deity resides in the temple’s core center, with the structure built around it. This is where the earth’s magnetic waves are strongest! Most shrines face east, the direction of sunrise, the giver of energy and symbol of light.
Structure of the Temple
The universe (Brahmand) is composed of Prithvi (earth), Jal (water), Agni (fire), Vayu (air), and Akash (space). These five elements are reflected in all aspects of a temple – construction, worship, and rituals. The foundation represents earth, the sanctum walls represent water, and the tower above embodies fire. Air occupies the final tier of the Vimana, and formless space lies above. Thus, the sanctum becomes a constellation of the five elements, the building blocks of existence.
Physically, the temple mirrors the divine form. The Garbhagriha (womb chamber) signifies the head, and the Gopura (tower) represents the feet. The Sukanasi or Ardhamantapa acts as the nose, the antarala as the neck, the various mantapas as the body, and the prakaras as the hands. Vertically, the Garbhagriha represents the neck, the Sikhara (superstructure) the head, and the Kalasha the tuft of hair.
Main parts of the Temple
- Pratimas (idols)
- Garbhagriha (sanctum)
- Antarala (Vestibule)
- Mandapa (hall)
- Adhikara Nandi Jivatma (sacred bull and soul)
- Dhwajastamba (flagstaff)
- Gopuram (gateway tower)
Chakra and the Temple
Beyond the physical, the temple also represents the subtle body with seven psychic centers or chakras:
- Muladhara chakra: The foundation of the energy body, where kundalini awakening begins. It’s also known as the “red bindu,” representing the feminine energy. In the temple, the Dhwajasthamba symbolizes this chakra, channeling lightning harmlessly away from the main structure.
- Swadhisthana chakra: “One’s residence,” representing desires and the unconscious mind. In the temple, the Bali Peetham (sacrificial altar) relates to this chakra, signifying the sacrifice of ego and lust.
- Manipura chakra: Fire and transformation, associated with digestion, energy, and willpower. In the temple, this chakra connects to the Adhikara Nandi / Jivatma, representing Jiva’s transformation towards oneness with Parmatma (supreme self).
- Anahata chakra: The heart chakra represents the purest form of sound and the integration of energies. In the temple, the Mahamandapa (door to the inner temple) embodies this chakra with its open design allowing free airflow.
- Vishuddha chakra: The purification center, associated with higher discrimination and creativity. In the temple, it relates to the vestibule or Antarala, the transitional space between the main hall and sanctum.
- Ajna chakra: In Hinduism, the sixth chakra, called “Ajna” or the “third eye,” sits deep within your head. Think of it as a dormant superpower you can awaken through practices like meditation and yoga. This hidden eye isn’t about seeing the physical world, but about tapping into the deeper, unseen realms. It’s your direct link to the divine, whatever you call it – Supreme Mind, God, Infinite Intelligence, the Universe’s Creator, whatever resonates with you.
While your regular eyes perceive the every day, the third eye opens doors to future insights, strengthens your intuition, and lets you “talk” to the cosmos. It can even help you receive messages from the past and future.
Now, let’s shift gears to Hindu temples. The innermost chamber, the “Garbhagriha,” holds the deity’s power. Imagine entering a dark, square room with just one opening. This design isn’t random. It’s like a container, capturing the deity’s radiating energy. Why? Because merging with this energy, feeling one with the divine, is a deeply personal experience. The darkness and quiet focus your attention inward, making this connection even more profound.
- Pradakshina: Another unique feature of Hindu temples is “Pradakshina,” the ritual of circumambulating the deity. Think of it as walking around the universe itself. The temple layout mirrors the solar system, with the deity as the radiant sun and devotees like planets orbiting it. Just like planets thrive by circling the sun clockwise, devotees walk around the idol (Murti) to absorb its powerful energy. This concept even echoes on a microscopic level, with electrons whirling around the nucleus, just like we circle the divine center.
In essence, Hindu temples are designed to heighten your receptivity to both divine energies and inner harmony. They’re portals to awaken your third eye, connect with the universe, and experience the deep peace of oneness.