Published:
02/26/2011 11:10am
Timeless wisdom of Temples.
Timeless wisdom of Temples.
My recent pilgrimage to India inspired me to share some of my rich experience of Temples in India with other like minded people. It is just not possible to write everything about my experience which had a deep and powerful effect on my psyche and self. It is hard to describe in words the alchemical nature of these images and carving on the temples walls, but I am sure these attached photos will give you a little taste of it. These temples are not the places of worship, but they certainly give you experience in your transpersonal nature, a Trans like state, where your mind stills to absorb the experience of the moment. I think current psychology can grow allot by simply studying the images of these temples. It is sad that the guides in India are not educated enough to understand the mind blowing spiritual messages behind these images. Thus for visitors it remains just a myth or mystery and they sadly miss out on the transforming experience of the energies of these sacred sites.
India has a rich cultural and historical heritage which is well preserved in its temple architecture and pilgrim sites. From the majestic Himalayan ranges in the North, to Kanyakumari in the South, India is arrayed with thousand of shrines, temples and worship places dating back to thousands of years. Many theories have been formulated in such a huge number to explain the existence of these holy sites, paving the path to attain salvation or "nirvana". In a way these images hold in their forms the knowledge and wisdom of esoteric text. I suppose the intension behind creating these most magical images must have been to make this esoteric wisdom available to those who were less privileged or those who were unable to find a proper spiritual guidance; So that they can attain this knowledge through visual experience.
The statuary and adornment in these ancient temples showcases one of the world's foremost artistic heritages. The designs of major temples have augmented into enormous architectural splendour. A Hindu temple, Devalayam, Devasthanam or Mandir is considered as a place of worship for followers of Hindu religion. My own understanding and meaning of this word Mandir is ‘A place to realise what resides within the Heart’ which have nothing to do with any religion, instead it is a universal name of a place for any spiritual seeker to face their truth. The temple is a representation of the macrocosm (the universe) as well as the microcosm (the inner space). A characteristic of most of these temples is the presence of murtis (images) of the Hindu deity to whom the temple is dedicated. They are usually dedicated to one primary deity, the presiding deity, and other subordinate deities associated with the main deity. However, some temples are dedicated to several deities, and others are dedicated to murtis in an iconic form. Many temples are located in key geographical points, such as a hill top, near waterfalls, caves, oceans and rivers, because the Puranas mention that the ""the gods always play where groves are near rivers, oceans, mountains, and springs"
Temple construction in India started more than 5000 years ago. Temples marked the transition of Hinduism from the Vedic traditions of ritual sacrifices to a religion of Bhakti or love and devotion to a personal deity. Visitors and worshipers to Hindu temples are required to remove their shoes and other footwear before entering them. Taking your shoes off is not just a tradition or religious fanaticism; instead it is of great scientific value in balancing your physical energies in order to connect with your higher nature, which is the purpose of visiting these sits. As these sacred sites are mostly located on energy belt, when you walk on the grounds bare footed, through your feet your body is able to absorb these higher energise.
Additionally, it is customary, particularly at South Indian temples, for men to remove shirts and to cover pants and shorts with a traditional cloth known as a lungi. I suppose, it is to avoid any sexual attraction to
