Temples (In the understanding of a novice)

“May God come and reside in our hearts;
May our body be the temple of God.”
--- Rig Veda

Rather than being inquisitive about the existence of god, I like to ponder about the one that helps to recognize the insensible with our senses – “Temples”.

A hindu temple is the representative of the Universe and the Inner space and its architecture merges astronomy and aesthetic geometry. Ideally, a nature’s rough cave is refined by a smoothened archetype, well made shape and deliberately rectangularized form conveying the hidden meaning of shaping the raw nature into refinement. The plan of a hindu temple is a square divided into 64 or 81 each conveying specific divinity and is oriented to face east. A temple consists of Garbhagraha, pradaksinapatha, mukhamantapa, antarala, mantapa, dhvajastambha, balipitha, and prakara.

Garbhagraha, a square with low roof , no doors or windows and a geometrically centered idol and light coming only through the front door opening.
Pradaksinapatha, a passage around the garbhagraha for circumambulation.
Mukhamantapa, yet another passage in proportion to the garbhagraha, which is sometimes used to keep the offerings on special occasions.
Antarala, a narrow passage that connects garbhagraha to the mantapa.
Mantapa, a big hall used for singing, reciting the mythological texts, dancing and for other congregational religious acts.
Dhvajastambha, a flag post made of copper or bronze in front of grabhagraha, with a flag which usually figures the vahana of the garbhagraha deity.
Balipitha, a lotus or footprint of the deity fixed near the dhvajasthambha.
Prakara, high wall with one main and three other gates in the cardinal directions.

Over the roof of the garbhagraha, there is a small tower which is usually high in North Indian Temples and low in case of south Indian temples. The main gate of Prakara has the Raja Gopuram which usually consists of odd number of stories like 3,5,7 etc. each carrying it own importance.
Three stories represent three states of mind conscious, subconscious and dreamy.
Five stories represent five senses.
Seven represent five senses along with mind and intellect.

To be continued…………..