Hindu temple architecture and the Vastu Purusha mandala

Vishnu Temple

Vastu Purusha and the Construction of a Vishnu Temple

Temples are both a shaper and product of the culture that inspired them. They are unlike buildings that are strictly for a utilitarian purpose. Temples are meant for a specific purpose, connecting the occupant with some aspect of the divine. They are spaces set aside for the development of the unique relationship between mortal man and the immortal world of the gods. Temples have always been a central point around which activities revolved in Indian life (Kumar, Rao, & Parthasarathy). The temple is a central location for many culturally significant social activities and family activities alike (Kumar, Rao, & Parthasarathy).

The architecture of the temple serves its occupants by attempting to eliminate the boundaries between man and the divine (Kumar, Rao, & Parthasarathy). The structure serves as a functional boundary between the worshiper and the outside world. When one steps into a temple, they leave the material world behind and enter the realm of the otherworldly presence. United Hindu Temple of LA, located in Covina, California differs from Hindu temples located in India, yet preserves the necessary elements of the Indian architecture necessary for worship.

The Hindu temple is a prime example of architecture that directly supports the belief system of the builders. One can find examples of temples that are simple and ones that are complex. However, regardless of the complexity of architectural design, certain key elements must be present in the design in order for the building to service its purpose. The outer appearance of the temple and the space inside translate the divine into a visual representation that can be understood by the devotees (Kumar, Rao, & Parthasarathy). Temples built in the United States mimic those found throughout India. They must be constructed according to strict guidelines, or they will lose their religious significance.

The development of modern temple style has a long past, undergoing several major form changes before arriving at the design most widely used today (Kumar, Rao, & Parthasarathy). Muslim invasions destroyed many Hindu temple, whereas British policy during the Indian occupation was one of neglect (Kumar, Rao, & Parthasarathy). They simply let the temples fall into ruin. However, the temple represents the Hindu culture and the people use them as centers of cultural preservation. The temple is linked to the people, as much as the people are linked to the temple.

Sunnyvale Hindu Temple and Community Center

The Sunnyvale Hindu Temple is an excellent example of Vedic Architecture. The Inner sanctuary is laid out in precise relation to the vastu purusha compass. However, due to the enormity of the building and the detail inside, this is not evident while inside the building. It only becomes apparent when viewing a floor plan of the building. Exact measurements could not be taken of the building due to its scale. In addition, this activity may have been an insult to the occupants of the building. However, from the floor plan, one can see that it has the necessary elements described in the test.

It is apparent that the site determined many of the elements of the building. This temple is not laid out in the traditional fashion and is missing some elements. For instance, it does not have a circular path around it. The triangular shape of the lot obviously restricted the ability to include this traditional element of the design. However, the circular entrance serves a similar purpose. Allowing the worshiper to enter the sanctuary or the communal portions of the building.

The Sunnyvale Temple contains a mix of circular and square element, both inside and outside of the building. In this manner, the symbolism of the mandala is repeated throughout the structure and grounds (http://www.sunnyvaletemple.org/siteplan.htm).The space is grand, but also preserves the simplicity necessary to put the mundane aside while in the space.

The Sunnyvale Temple is home to many community events and services throughout the year. The Temple is home to daily worship services, weekly services, yoga classes, and special holiday events (http://www.sunnyvaletemple.org/activities.htm).It serves as the center of Hindu life in the Sunnyvale area. The center of the community of worship and community service.

The Sunnyvale Temple, like many temples in the U.S., differs from temple constructed in India. It has the basic elements, but due to site restriction, code restrictions, and other architectural considerations, temples in the United States differ in aesthetics from those overseas. The question is whether these differences harm the intent of the temple, or whether the sacredness of the space can be preserved despite these missing elements.

In the case of the Sunnyvale temple, my impression is that the sacred element of the space is preserved. However, the elements of the temple are preserved through the actions of the occupants, more than through the architecture. It serves its function as a community center and place of worship. However, the Shikhara is not as grand as those in India. It is not as big and grand, but it still preserves the solitude and elements necessary to symbolize the path to enlightenment. The inner sanctum is dark, yet all other parts of the building are designed to be light and vibrant. The Sunnyvale Temple is an excellent example of the preservation of key elements of Vedic culture, under the restrictions imposed by the site and construction regulations of the U.S.

The Experience of the Temple

When the worshiper enters the temple, they are passing through a doorway where the world is left behind. By entering the building, they are becoming a part of the energy field that is the temple (Kumar). As the field enclosures and pavilions are symbolic of the phases of the journey that man must pass through to attain enlightenment (Kumar). As the worshiper enters the space, they symbolically begin a journey that will lead them to the center of the universe, and ultimately to the physical center of the temple. As one passes through the gate of the temple, they are greeted by a multitude of figures on the outer walls. These first images represent the material world (Kumar).

As one works to the center of the temple, the figures become mythical. This stage is meant to take the worshiper from the material world and into the meditative state, similar to what is achieved in yoga (Kumar). The light moves from lightened halls to darker passages, representing night and the sleep state (Kumar). When the devotee enters the inner shrine, all boundaries to the material world are said to be stripped away.

The Hindu temple is one of the most ornate buildings and consists of architecturally complex detail that is almost overwhelming. The detail is of such scale that it is difficult to comprehend. This adds to the feeling of grandeur and helps the worshiper to achieve the desired mental state. The sanctorum is known as the garba-griha (womb house), the place from which all matter comes (Kumar). The garba-griha is circled by a path, where the devotee walks in a counterclockwise direction, representing encircling the universe (Kumar).

A the worshiper approaches the temple, the most striking feature is the tall structure, that shoots skyward, seeming to tough the sky. This element is known as the Shikhara, which marks the location of the shrine room. It represents a mountain reaching skyward (Kumar). It is believed that Gods live in mountains, so this structure makes an appropriate location for the inner sanctorum. The spires of the structure are carved with gods residing on their slopes. Once again the detail of the structure is too much to comprehend for the worshiper, therefore, it helps to induce the feeling of being in another world. The Shikhara also symbolizes the individual's rise to through the levels of enlightenment (Kumar).

According to the Hindu religion, man was once a divine being himself, but through certain acts, lost his divinity. The Temple is a place where man can regain a little of the divinity that he lost along the way. To the western eye, the temple appears to be grandiose and materialistic. The high degree of ornamentation appears to be in excess, hardly worthy of the spiritual meaning inherent in the design. However, in order to appreciate the ornamentation and experience of the temple, for the spiritual space that it is, one must attempt to view it in reference to the meaning behind the various elements. Only when one can do this, can they understand the experience that the temple offers to those who enter.

Vedic astrology and symbolism form the central theme of the temple (Sriselvamsiddhar).

Without this influence, it is believed that the worshippers will not be able to have the divine experience that they desire. The elaborate processes that are involved in the construction of the temple have been a part of Vedic tradition that are so ancient that no one really knows where they originated. They have been passed down through the epics, such as the Matsya Purana, Skanda Purana, and the Vishnu Purana (Sriselvamsiddhar). The ritual and construction of the temple is an integral part of Vedic tradition and philosophy. The various parts of the temple are laid out with geometric precision. The measurements must be precise. It is believed that if the measurements are not precise, then the occupants will experience negative affects (Sriselvamsiddhar).