OmVaastushastra

Temples & Vaastushastra

Eastern philosophy is based on the concept of five great elements, with the living being symbolically representing the energetic form of these elements.

Temple architecture in India represents this concept of evolution and radical changes. The complex energy forms and finer elements are intertwined with deities, trees, plants, colours, shapes and forms in the temple architecture. Different deities in the temple represent body, mind, intellect and the sub-components. These deities are then linked to the cosmos by associating them with specific directions. This philosophy establishes a chain of relationships between micro level elements and the macro level existence. The Mandalas (rings) available in temples are essentially charts of existence, transformations, and energetic.

Advanced concepts of mathematics have been utilised in Vaastushastra, especially in temple architecture, to achieve desired shapes, forms, and spaces. Science and scientific logic has been an integral part of Vaastushastra.

The purpose of all rituals is directed towards reshaping of human psyche, transformation of individual perception into global perception, and radical changes in personal thoughts, desires, and ambitions. The space or sky is reshaped in temple architecture through domes, pyramids, various shapes and forms to provide maximum rhythmic response to achieve the desired results.

The characteristics and energies of the five great elements indicate that the finer the element in order of existence, the powerful is its control over the low-level existence. Earth, water, wind, fire, and ether have increasing degree of fineness as also higher energy content. Sky or ether is represented by spaces and has control over the other four elements. Correlating inner spaces with outer spaces is the essence of Vaastushastra. The moment a right relationship is established between inner and outer being, cosmic bliss starts showering on the individual. This is what is termed as a change in the Prarabdha or the change in the destiny of the human being.

All religious rituals have a definite aim - transformation of the lower energy formats in the human being into the energy form of the outer spaces, or the sky, or the global being that is immensity. A suitable medium is provided by the sky as shaped by the domes and pyramids. A deity in the temple is a medium to absorb all the individual desires suitably transformed by rituals. The 'Deep Mala' (vertical fire pillar) in the line of the deity's vision in the outer space of the temple serves as the bridge linking the inner vessel of collective desires represented by the deity with outer space or sky that is global immensity. This fire pillar has a characteristic shape, which points towards the sky. A divine fire, .which is the purifying factor in the temples, is lit using ghee (butter-oil) made from cow's milk. Through this fire circulates a rhythmic ascending energy form. Deity's vision is normally aligned to the North or the East directions, which are the sources of Jaivik Urja or positive energies.

The theme of Eastern philosophy rests on 'Mana', 'Pavan', and 'Gagan' (mind, wind, and sky). Wind is the bridge for the mind to ascend to the sky. The holistic concept of evolution is defined in terms of the medium - the wind. Wind represents both, the sound and the sky. Therefore, primordial sounds are the keys to reinforcing the bond between the mind and the sky. Controlling the wind element at individual level is called 'Pranayam'. We can say that the temple architecture provides a natural stage of 'Pranayam', not with any definite individual efforts, but through various forms, shapes, rituals, and sounds. These parameters establish a unique path for correlating the wind and the sky. Domes and pyramids in the temple transform the sound to a Mandalas (spherical response). The echo of this rhythmic primordial sound takes, the wind to the sky. The 'Gurutatva' (the master element) is described as 'Akhand Mandalakaram'. This implies that the rhythmic 'Mandalas' created by the echo of primordial sounds activates the 'Gurutatva' in the human mind.

To summaries, temple architecture in the Eastern thought creates a space for holistic atmosphere of natural Pranayam suitable for any individual. Echo of primordial sounds enters the limitless finer circles beyond the audible range and help's the mind to ascend from 'Saguna' state (existence having a form) to 'Nirguna' state (formless existence). The tradition of 'Aarati', I.e., chorus singing of prayers accompanied by rhythmic sounds of various instruments, at the end of any ritual, prayer, or 'Yagna' (sacrifice) is the key to merging the mind, the wind, and the sky to enter the holistic 'Nirguna' state.

Vaastu Aspect of Some Religious Places

Temple architecture is a specialised subject in Vaastushastra. Right from selection of site, to defining the dimensions of the structure, to placement of water source or pond and deep mala, to determining the exact form and proportions of the idol is a distinct science in itself From Vaastu point of view religious places of all faiths are of special importance, as devotees gather at these sites to offer their prayers and try to establish a link with the almighty. It is the meeting ground for the microcosm and the macrocosm. All religious places are built with due love and faith, but only a few locations cross the barrier of local fame and become prominent and well known throughout the land. Here, we have tried to understand importance of some of these places from Vaastushastra angle.

Effects of the Vaastu Deficiencies:

Although this synagogue is one of the most beautiful structures in Pune, there are hardly any visitors. No worthwhile ceremonies or religious meetings take place in this building, and it remains closed throughout the year for all practical purposes.

Haji Ali Dargah at Mumbai

The Dargah of Haji Pir at Mumbai is situated just off the seacoast. The main entrance to the site is from a causeway projecting into the sea from the South side. Access is from the over ground path during low tide, and from an underground tunnel during high tide. Entry towards the main monument is also available from the North, East and West sides, which have openings towards the sea.

Water surrounds the monument at high tide. The semi-circular water-flow around the side is considered an excellent virtue in Vaastushastra, and bestows the site with distinct eminence. The popularity of the Dargah can be gauged from the fact that it is bustling with believers from all religious faiths throughout the year.

Golden Temple at Amritsar

Devotees from all religious faiths visit the world-famous Golden Temple, the most important place of worship for the Sikh religion, and the seat of Akal Takht. The temple is encircled by water, which is considered auspicious in Vaastushastra. The square foundation gives the place stability and strength. The cellars in the complex indicate strife and infighting. The entrance is from North side, bestowing the place with wealth and financial resources.

Basilica of Bom Jesus (Church in Old Goa)

In spite of the presence of other majestic and glorious churches with Venetian craftsmanship in its vicinity, Basilica of Bom Jesus is comparatively a widely known church in Goa. It is basically an example of Roman / Tuscan Doric architecture. The mortal remains of St. Francis Xavier have been preserved here. People from all over India, Africa, and the Arabian Gulf assemble in this place during the novena and feast on December 3 every year and during special display for public every 10 years.

The South entrance is pointer to salvation from earthly bonds. The openings on the West give the place abundant wealth. Roads on East, South, and West sides of plot give it a businesslike character and prosperity. But the partly blocked North and East directions result in deserted look for the area for most part of the year.

Tryambakeshwar Temple at Nasik, Maharashtra :-
This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Tryambakeshwar form, has its North-South length greater than the East-West breadth. The West and Southwest sides of the temple are blocked by hillocks. A water pond is located on the Northeast side. All these parameters result in a virtuous Vaastu. Despite the fact that this temple is located in a remote place and not easily accessible, people from all over Maharashtra visit this place in full faith and devotion.

Mahalaxmi Temple in Mumbai :-
The Mahalaxmi Temple in Mumbai is located along the seaside and is blessed with lunar shaped water flow along its periphery. Presence of such a water source is considered auspicious in Vaastushastra, and gives the place fame, glory and financial strength. We find that people visit this Mandir throughout the year to offer their prayers. This Mandir is seen in all its glory and splendor during the Navaratri festival.

Kashi-Vishweshwar Temple at Varanasi :-
This temple is a classical example of construction based on Vaastushastra principles. Its divine location on the banks of the river Ganga on the ghats of Varanasi has a distinguished character. The Ganga, the river of India the coming from, Northern Himalayas, flows eastwards along the ghats, bestowing the temple premises with bliss, religious reputation, and financial resources. The idol of Lord Vishweshwara faces the East. The entrance from the East effects peace and tranquility for the devotees in the inner precincts of the temple.

Lord Balaji Temple at Tirupati :-
The temple is located in hilly terrain and can be reached after putting in due efforts. The presence of solid rock on the South and Southwest side coupled with slopes towards the East and North blesses this site with virtuous qualities. The Northern entrance and

a water pond on the Northeast side provided the Temple Trust with abundance of wealth and finances. It is perhaps the richest temple in India with millions of devotees coming for 'darshan' every year.

Architecture and craftsmanship are relevant factors in the construction of religious places. But, only a few religious places appeal to peoples, sentiments and achieve distinction and glory. By design or otherwise some favorable Vaastu aspects are found in all the famous religious places.