Sacred Architecture

With the passing of the ages Empires are created and destroyed, new cultures appear and then again fade, like changing seasons into the shadows of eternity. Vanishing into oblivion, all that remains of those that were once great and powerful in this World are but a handful of relics. Time, the destroyer of all things, vanquishes even the most invincible empires leaving behind their remnants to be marveled at by future civilizations. And marvel we do at the wonders of the past, especially the architectural wonders.

Stonehenge

Be it the pyramids of Egypt, the cathedrals of Rome, the Parthenon of Athens, the Forbidden City in Beijing, or Stonehenge, our mind is at once awed by the beauty and grandeur of ancient architecture.

Until recent years modern society has viewed much of the world's ancient architecture and art as "simply decorative" or, in a general sense, as a tribute to God; not that it might have any "practical" function in helping us to understand the nature of the world we live in. However, recent studies in the field of sacred architecture (Vastu Shastra) by men like Keith Critchlow of the Royal College of Art in London have uncovered hidden dimensions revealing a far-reaching connection between architecture and the nature of existence. Critchlow, perhaps the best-known advocate of the theory of sacred architecture, believes that basic architectural principles on the physical level are integral with structure on the metaphysical level.

Most sacred architects maintain that the ultimate reality exists beyond the mundane plane of temporary forms. As such, that higher reality, infinite in nature, can make itself known to the finite living entities, in the world here below. It does so through revealed forms which, while seemingly limited and temporary, provide a bridge between the finite and the infinite. Some regard the ideal forms of sacred Vastu architecture as metaphors while others prefer to see them as fixed, eternal truths. In any case it is a fact that sacred architectural forms (as presented in the Vastu Shastra) have the ability to uplift the human consciousness from the mundane reality to the supernatural.

Throughout the world it's hard to find a place where sacred architecture is as developed a science as is that found in India. India's ancient Temples and palaces are certainly among the finest ever built. From the Taj Mahal, the seventh wonder of the world, to the Pagodas of Tamil Nadu, from the Himalayan hill shrines to the great Temple at Jagannatha Puri, India is a veritable treasure-house of sacred architecture. In fact there are more existing examples of sacred architecture in India than in all other countries of the world combined.

Temple at Jagannatha Puri

The knowledge of sacred architecture in India has existed in the oral tradition since before the Vedic Age, some five thousand years ago. From the oral tradition it was later recorded in the Sanskrit mantras and compiled under the title Vastu Shastra. According to Indian authorities the Vastu Shastra is possibly the oldest known architectural treatise in the world today. The word shastra means literature or more accurately "enlightened literature." The word vastu, meaning the manifest, comes from the word vustu, meaning the unmanifest. The philosophical purport of the words vustu and vastu form the basic concepts of India's sacred architecture and are among the first lessons taught to the students of Vastu Shastra. That which is manifest in this world, vastu, it is said, is originally existing on the plane of the transcendental or unmanifest, vustu.

To instruct students of the Vastu Shastra about the meanings of vustu and vastu, the unmanifest and the manifest realities, the example is used of the moon and its reflection in water. "The moon is present in the sky, but when rising above a lake it becomes visible or manifest in the water. In the same way the origin of all things exists first in the eternal reality and then becomes manifest here below in the world of gross sensual objects." This simple analogy demonstrates the nature of vustu, that which exists eternally, and vastu, that which is temporarily manifest.

Vastu Shastra thus perceives existence in terms of two dimensions: first the infinite spiritual realm and second the finite accommodating space for insentient material objects. This concept of a superior plane of existence, where the original form of things exist eternally, is the basis of India's sacred architecture. It is believed by modern scholars that the science of the Vastu Shastra is traceable to at least the year 3000 B.C., if not before and that the science of Vastu Shastra is a living tradition which is in no danger of becoming extinct. The earliest known master of the Vastu Shastra was Maya Danava, recognized as the founder of the tradition of India's sacred architecture.

Of all types of structures in the field of sacred architecture, the building of a Temple requires the utmost degree of knowledge and training. Those building a house, a school or even an office building take into consideration the basic knowledge of sacred architecture for successful execution; but the Temple, being the very abode of Divinity, requires the greatest skills and is the most painstaking in its execution. In the development of a Temple project all phases of construction from beginning to end are thought out and executed according to the direction of the Vastu Shastra.

First of all it is necessary to select a suitable place where the Temple should be built. The suitable choices are mentioned in the Vastu Sastra: "The best location to build a Temple is at a tirtha (holy place)." A tirtha is a ford or crossing place from this world to the above-a point of marriage between transcendence and the mundane. A tirtha provides a crossing place for the upward journey of the soul and a place for the downward crossing-for the crossing of higher entities who sometimes descend to this world for the good of mankind.

If construction of the Temple at a tirtha is not possible then another appropriate location should be found. The vastu shastra then says, "The Temple of Godhead should be situated in a beautiful place where rivers flow, on the banks of a lake or by the seashore; on hill tops, mountain slopes, or in a hidden valley. The site of the Temple may be selected in a forest, a grove, or in a beautiful garden. Temples should also be built in villages, towns and cities or on an island, surrounded by water."

Next a construction plan is required and here begins the highly technical aspect of sacred architecture to bring about the descent or manifestation of the unmanifest and unseen. The architect or Sthapati begins by drafting a square. The square is literally the fundamental form of sacred architecture in India. It is considered the essential and perfect form. It presupposes the circle and results from it. Expanding energy shapes the circle from the centre; it is established in the shape of the square. The circle and curve belong to life in its growth and movement. The square is the mark of order, the finality to the expanding life, life's form and the perfection beyond life and death. From the square all requisite forms can be derived: the triangle, hexagon, octagon, circle etc. The architect calls this square the vastu-purusha-mandala—vastu the manifest, purusha the Cosmic Being, and mandala, in this case, the polygon.

When completed the vastu-purusha-mandala will represent the manifest form of the Cosmic Being; upon which the Temple is built and in whom the Temple rests. The Temple is situated in Him, comes from Him, and is a manifestation of Him. The vastu-purusha-mandala is a mystical diagram. It is both the body of the Cosmic Being and a bodily device by which those who have the requisite knowledge attain the best results in Temple building.

The conception of the "Cosmic Being" as a person has held a prominent place in Indian theistic thought since time immemorial. Ancient Sanskrit literature illustrate the personal features of the Cosmic Being.

"The planetary systems in space from the highest down to the lowest represent the head, neck, chest, thighs, legs and feet, respectively, of the Great Universal Being. His arms are the Divine entities headed by Indra, the ten directional sides are His ears, and physical sound is His sense of hearing. His mouth is blazing fire. The sphere of outer space constitutes His eye sockets and the eyeball is the sun as the power of seeing. The rivers are His veins, the trees are the hair of His body and the omnipotent air is His breath. The passing ages are His movements." [1]

The perception of the Cosmic Being is considered to be the preliminary stage of self-realization and thereby a qualified form of pantheism which gradually leads one to understand the personal feature of the transcendent Godhead. The concept of spirituality in the system of sacred architecture in India is something that goes beyond the mere static relations between inert objects and space as found in other architectural traditions. The relationship of objects with one another and space in India's sacred architecture extends to include higher entities said to be in charge of various aspects of universal affairs, all of whom carry out their work in accordance with the will of God.

In order to establish the vastu-purusha-mandala on the construction site, it is first drafted on planning sheets and later drawn upon the earth at the actual building site. The knowledge of its meaning and execution is the first discipline which the architect must master and it requires in-depth understanding of astrology. The drawing of the mandala upon the earth at the commencement of construction is a sacred rite in itself. The rites and execution of the vastu-purusha-mandala, for which a priest will also be summoned later on, are not accessory nor are they a mere accompaniment to the Temple. They sustain the Temple in their own sphere of effectiveness to the same extent that the actual foundation supports its weight.

Based on astrological calculations the border of the vastu-purusha-mandala is subdivided into thirty-two smaller squares called nakshatras. These nakshatras correspond to the constellations or lunar mansions through which the moon passes in its monthly course. The number thirty-two geometrically results from a repeated division of the border of the single square. It denotes four times the eight positions in space: north, east, south, west, and their intermediate points. The closed polygon of thirty-two squares is now symbolical of the recurrent cycles of time as calculated by the movements of the moon. Each of the nakshatras is ruled over by a Divine entity, called a deva, which extends its influence to the mandala. Outside the mandala lie the four directions, symbolic of the meeting of heaven and earth and which also represent the ecliptic of the sun-east to west and its rotation to the northern and southern hemispheres.

Vastu-purusha-mandala

The centre of the mandala is called the station of Brahma, the first of beings and the engineer of universal order. Surrounding Brahma are the places of twelve other entities known as the sons of Aditi, who assist in the affairs of universal management. The remaining empty squares represent the akasha or pure space. The vastu-purusha-mandala is now complete, forming a sort of map or diagram of astrological influences that constitute the order of the universe and the destinies of human lives. When placed on the building site the vastu-purusha-mandala determines the time for beginning construction. Only by the combination of the vastu-purusha-mandala and astrological calculations can this factor be ascertained.

The Temple itself should always face east as that is considered the most auspicious direction -- the place of origin of the sun. From the east appears the rising sun, the destroyer of darkness. The sun is the giver of life. It brings joy and happiness and is the watchful eye of the "Cosmic Being." The vastu shastra states that a building with improper proportions and wrong orientation will create an environment which is conducive to disturbances like disease, death and destruction, and may be inhabited by subtle entities with envious and deceitful natures.

The construction of a Temple is something like the birth of a human being - who according to the time and place of his birth will come under certain astrological influences throughout life. The time of construction, the place and position of a structure are all important factors for the future of the building. Therefore, according to the vastu shastra, all structures should be erected according to auspicious astrological calculations to assure successful execution, longevity, and lasting prosperity.

From the diagram of the vastu-purusha-mandala the architect next proceeds to develop the vertical and horizontal dimensions of the Temple. Here to a wide range of factors must be taken into consideration. To guide the sacred architect of today a long and rich tradition of already existing Temples and sacred buildings in India serves as a great inspiration to his work. The architect's creative intelligence will be an all-important ingredient in the final design, while the mandala and the vastu shastra will continue to be the tools of his execution.

The size of the structure will determine the various kinds of building materials to be used at different stages of the construction. Building materials like stone, marble, brick, plaster, wood, etc., are selected for the main body of the Temple, whereas elements like gold and silver will be used for final ornamentation. Only organic materials are used in sacred architecture. Manmade materials like simulated marble, plastic and asbestos are not acceptable building materials. The reason being that inorganic materials are not considered adequate conductors of cosmic energies.

The plotting graphs of the Temple are divided into two main sections-the ground plan and the vertical alignment. The square, the rectangle, the octagon and the pentagon are fundamental patterns in the horizontal or ground plan. In the vertical alignment the pyramid, the circle and the curve are most prominent. The subdivisions of the ground plan include the brahmasthana (the main shrine and smaller chapels) and the mandapam (balconies, assembly halls and auditoriums). The vertical plan consists of drawings for the gopuram (entrance ways), the vimana (the structure above the main shrine or chapel) and the prakara (the walls).

The brahmasthana is said to be the principal location in a Temple since it is here that the seat of Godhead will eventually be placed. At the base of the foundation of the brahmasthana, located at the station of Brahma on the vastu-purusha-mandala, a ritual is performed called garbhadhana, the ritual which invites the soul of the Temple to enter within the buildings' confines. In this ritual a Brahmin, priest, places a golden box in the earth during the ground-breaking ceremonies. The interior of the box is divided into smaller units exactly resembling the vastu-purusha-mandala. All the units of the gold box are first partially filled with dirt. In the thirty-two units representing the nakshatras (lunar mansions), the units of Brahma and the twelve sons of Aditi, the priest places an appropriate mantra in written form to invoke the presence of the corresponding divinity.

The Sanskrit mantras chanted by the priest are in no way less important than the mandala itself. The mandala having set up an archetypal diagram of universal order, the mantra infuses the mandala with spiritual powers. The mantras chanted by the priest are distinct from ordinary mundane sounds. Mantras, composed of "atomic" monosyllabic sounds derived from the Sanskrit alphabet, are said to be non-different from the very substance which they invoke. The mantras are the subtle form of the mandala and are inseparable from it. As the architect must have undergone extensive training in the field of sacred architecture and astrology to construct the mandala, similarly the Brahmin who chants the mantras must also have requisite knowledge of the science of sacred sound vibrations.

In the unit of Brahma a golden serpent with many raised hoods is placed. The serpent form is then surrounded with nine precious jewels or navaratna. Ananta represents the energy which supports the very existence of the universe. The universe rests in space and that space is the energy of Godhead appearing as Ananta. The nine jewels - diamonds, emeralds, rubies, pearls, yellow sapphire, blue sapphire, red coral, cats-eye and jade - invoke the astrological influence of the nine planets.

A gold lid with the seven continents of the earth engraved on it is placed on top of the box. When this is done the priest then performs the ritual sacrifice or sanctification ceremony called agni-hotra, the fire sacrifice. During the agni-hotra the priest offers clarified butter, the symbol of religious principles, into the fire, which represents the mouth of the Cosmic Being. Along with the offering of clarified butter five types of grains-rice, wheat, barley, rye and dhal, all produced of the earth - are also offered in the fire. This too is performed with the chanting of mantras.

Once the garbhadhana and agni-hotra ceremonies are complete the actual construction of the Temple takes place according to the previous preparations. When the foundation is finished the vertical structure is raised and the body of the Cosmic Being becomes visible to the naked eye. The external features of the Temple are brought to life through finely sculpted figures and paintings. The art and sculpture frequently portray the forms of Divine entities and the different stages of consciousness in the gradual evolution of life throughout the Universe. This is no less exacting a science than that of the architect or of the Brahmin priest. It is often the work of the master artisan, through painting and sculpture, that most enables one to perceive the actual sacredness of the Temple.

The prakaras or walls that fortify the Temple may vary in size and number according to the dimensions of the Temple. Larger Temples, like the one in Sri Rangam, are sometimes surrounded by up to seven concentric walls which represent the seven layers of matter-earth, water, fire, air, either, mind and intelligence-that cover the original consciousness of the living entities in the material world. The gopurams, or gateways through the prakaras, are symbolic of being liberated from the bondage of matter as one enters the Temple and proceeds toward the central shrine.

Sri Rangam Temple

The vimana or tower, also called the shikara, is raised to its final height above the sanctum as the last stones are put into place. Resembling a great mountain, the vimana is crowned with a golden spire called kailash, the heavenly abode. At the sides of the vimana are fixed the fierce faces of Yali, the protector of the Temple.

Yali at Arunachaleswarar Temple

In its iconography and image the yali has a catlike graceful body, but the head of a lion with tusks of an elephant and tail of a serpent. Sometimes they have been shown standing on the back of a makara, another mythical creature. Some images look like three-dimensional representation of yalis. Images or icons have been found on the entrance walls of the Temples, and the graceful mythical lion is believed to protect and guard the Temples and ways leading to the Temple. They usually have the stylized body of a lion and the head of some other beast, most often an elephant. Other common examples are: the lion-headed (simha-vyala), horse (ashva-vyala), human (nir-vyala) and the dog-headed (shvana-vyala) ones. Yali is found as stone carvings in numerous Temples in South India.

Narasimha at the Shiva Arunagirinathar Temple, Tiruvannamalai

Saiva texts hold that the unpacified Narasimha Avatar of Vishnu was controlled and assimilated by Shiva in the form of the Yaliappar (Tamil)

The Temple is now ready for the ceremony known as pratistasthana, the installation of the deity. The scared altar in the brahmasthana, central shrine, is located directly above the gold box, placed in the earth during the garbhadhana ceremony. Here on the sacred altar representing the heart of the Cosmic Being, the deity of Godhead called the archa-vigraha, the manifest form of total divinity is installed. The mandala, the mantra, and above all the sincerity and faith of the participants combine together to invoke the appearance of Godhead. The universe is the manifestation of the Divine form of Godhead in the world of mundane existence. The body of the Temple is the representation of that cosmic form, whereas the archa-vigraha is the manifestation of the transcendental form of Godhead descending from beyond the mundane. The ceremony for installing the deity is performed with great pomp and upon its completion the Temple is complete.

There are altogether forty-five basic varieties of Temples mentioned in the vastu shastra. These too have their many variations and thus the styles of sacred Temple architecture in India are as unlimited and diverse as the very nature of the infinite being they represent.

From the drawing table to the finished product of a gorgeous Temple, sacred architecture in India is a science and a work of art. Moreover it is an attempt to raise the human consciousness to the stage of self-realization where one ultimately sees Godhead everywhere, in all things, and at all times.

[1] Keith Critchlow, Order in Space

[Above adapted from Swami B.G. Narasingha narrative]

Sacred Architecture Practice

Sacred architecture (also known as religious architecture) is a religious architectural practice concerned with the design and construction of places of worship and/or sacred or intentional space, such as churches, mosques, stupas, synagogues, and Temples. Many cultures devoted considerable resources to their sacred architecture and places of worship. Religious and sacred spaces are amongst the most impressive and permanent monolithic buildings created by humanity.

Sacred, religious and holy structures often evolved over centuries and were the largest buildings in the world, prior to the modern skyscraper. While the various styles employed in sacred architecture sometimes reflected trends in other structures, these styles also remained unique from the contemporary architecture used in other structures.

Sacred geometry, iconography and the use of sophisticated semiotics such as signs, symbols and religious motifs are endemic to sacred architecture. Entering into a religious building can be taken as a metaphor for entering into a spiritual relationship with the indwelling Self.

Indian architecture is related to the history and religions of the time periods as well as to the geography and geology of the Indian subcontinent. India was crisscrossed by trading routes of merchants from as far away as Siraf and China as well as weathering invasions by foreigners, resulting in multiple influences of foreign elements on native styles. The diversity of Indian culture is represented in its architecture. Indian architecture comprises a blend of ancient and varied native traditions, with building types, forms and technologies from West, Central Asia, and Europe.

Hindu Temple architecture is based on Sthapatya Veda and many other ancient religious texts like the Brihat Samhita, Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastras in accordance to the design principles and guidelines believed to have been laid by the divine architect Vishvakarma.

Divine Architect Vishvakarma

Hindu Temple architecture which evolved over a period of more than 2000 years conforms to strict religious models that incorporate elements of astronomy and sacred geometry. In Hindu belief, the Temple represents the macrocosm of the Universe as well as the microcosm of inner space. While the underlying form of Hindu Temple architecture follows strict traditions, considerable variation occurs with the often intense decorative embellishments and ornamentation.

A basic Hindu Temple consists of an inner sanctum, the garbhagriha or womb-chamber, a congregation hall, and possibly an antechamber and porch. The Hindu Temple represents Mount Meru, the axis of the Universe. There are strict rules which describe the themes and sculptures on the outer walls of the Temple buildings.

The two primary styles that have developed are the Nagara style of Northern India and the Dravida style of Southern India. A prominent difference between the two styles are the elaborate gateways employed in the South. They are also easily distinguishable by the shape and decoration of their śikharas. The Nagara style is beehive-shaped while the Dravida style is pyramid-shaped.

Śikharas - Mountain Peaks

Śikharas
Śikhara, a Sanskrit word translating literally to "mountain peak", refers to the rising tower in the Hindu Temple architecture of North India. Like mountains these structures are larger at the bottom than at the top. They were built of stone and brick and were capped with a bulb-shaped top called an amalaka. The Śikhara over the sanctum sanctorum where the presiding deity is enshrined is the most prominent and visible part of a Hindu Temple of North India.

In south India, the equivalent term for "Śikhara" is "Vimanam". These are not to be confused with the elaborate gateway-towers of south Indian Temples, called "Gopurams", which are perhaps the most prominent features of those Temples.

Vimana is a term for the tower above the Garbhagriha or Sanctum sanctorum in a Hindu Temple. A typical Hindu Temple in Dravidian style may have multiple gopurams, typically constructed into multiple walls in tiers around the main shrine. The Temple's walls are typically square with the outermost wall having four gopuras, one each on every side, situated exactly in the centre of each wall. The sanctum sanctorum and its towering roof (the central deity's shrine) are also called the Vimana. Generally, these do not assume as much significance as the outer gopurams, with the exception of a few Temples where the sanctum sanctorum's roofs are as famous as the Temple complex itself. The structure of Vimana are generally believed to be the docking zone for celestial vehicles in which gods travel.

The photo below was taken during the recent Kumbhabhiskheam at Adiannamalai. The photograph shows the ceremony in which Divine Power is transferred back to the deities by performing an abhishekam (salutary bathing) to the Vigrahas and Vimanas (pinnacles) on the roof with the sanctified holy waters from the kalasas accompanied by Vedic chanting and special rites. On that day at the designated auspicious time, when the Kumbha is bathed with the charged and sanctified holy waters contained in the sacrificial pots, consecrated and sanctified pranic powers trickle down a silver wire and enter the Deity installed inside the Sanctum Sanctorum of the Temple.

Anointing the Vimana

It is not only the mountain Arunachala which is a significant factor in the spirituality connected with this site but also the presence of Arunachaleswarar Temple. The construction of the Temple and its situation magnifies the energies of its surroundings as it was built in strict observance of the sacred geometry of mathematical repetition in natural patterns.