|
|
Temple
The Sanskrit word for Temple is Devalaya, which means The abode of
God.
HINDU
TEMPLES:
Temples are divided into three segments in vertical and horizontal
planes. The three segments in the vertical plane are Inner sanctum
sanctorium( Garbha Mandira), the middle structure - the towers (Vimana),
and the tip of the tower (Gopura). The construction of the segments
is such that the deities are installed facing east and in the morning
times, the sun's rays brighten the Garbha Mandira. In the horizontal
plane, the three segments are Inner sanctum sanctorium (Garbha Mandira
or Mukha Mantapa), the assembly hall (Ardha Mantapa), and the main
hall (Maha Matapa). Surrounding all three segments is path for going
around the temple. The significance of the PRADAKSHINA (going around
the temple) is that as the devotes walk around thinking about the
god inside the temple as well as inside themselves, they should conquer
the six main enemies: Kama (lust), krodha(anger), lobha (miserliness),
moha (attachment to the senses), mada (pride),and matsarya (jealousy).
DEITIES
One of the basic tenets of Hinduism is that God can be realized through
different paths and path of devotion (Bhakti Yoga) is the simplest
and most effective path for the realization of God. In Bhakti Yoga,
the all- pervasive and formless god is given a physical form with
whom the spiritual aspirant can establish an intimate one-to-one relationship
so that "communication" with God becomes most direct and
effective. The is why the Vedas have sanctioned Vigarha (Statues or
Idols) worship as one of the approaches to God. The statues are usually
made of metal, granite stone or marble. The sastras (scriptures) have
laid down rules regarding how a Vigraha has to be cast, consecrated,
and installed with vedic rites, before it can become a divine form.
The shilpis (artisans) who sculpture the stone into a Vigraha are
skilled workers who are well versed in the art of transforming a stone
into God-like figure. The statue of the deity installed inside the
sanctum sanctorium (Garbha Mandira) is the center point of the temple.
After the installation of the statues. And invoking life into the
statues per scriptural injunctions, the statues are never moved.
A devotee, standing in front of these statues, experience tranquility,
peace of mind, and spiritual bliss. He is able to develop an Ishta
Devatha(or desired form of Lord) which he or she carry in his mind
at all times. The prayer to this deity continues even when he has
left the physical presence of the Vigrahas. The temple bells enable
him/her to concentrate on God and remind him of the constant Divine
vibration. When a coconut is broken, one notices the several layers
to reach the center. This breaking of the coconut signifies the destruction
of ego by the devotee removing the several layers of ignorance until
the universal truth or Lord is reached. Finally, the camphor light
(Arati) symbolizes the removal of darkness within us.
The physical
locations of the various deities are shown in the following diagram..
|
