Temple Science – How temples were designed to maximise conscousness
In the previous sections, we have looked at the fundamental principles and purpose behind temples, their design, architecture and building. As a result, we can conclude that the entire system of building temples is a science, from the directions it faced to placement to the size of the sanctum sanctorum as well as the selection of presiding idols.
Importantly, one can see that the ancient people of Bharat have spared no effort, resources or time to design and erect inspiring structures that primed, protected and preserved their way of living, culture and civilisation. Unfortunately, for most who live in this ancient and hoary land, the understanding of the science and design basis of temples built on thousands of years of research and development has been lost.
However, only by understanding the nuances of this concept, we can experience the intelligence and, power that the civilisational structures were meant to protect.
Temples science included harnessing the power of Energy centres
Temples were more than mere places of worship or prayer. In fact, in addition to being places of prayer or worship, temples have been created as centers of consciousness where an individual is meant to imbibe the enshrined energies that represent our existence. Importantly, temple science included locating the temple strategically to capture the powerful energies that their alignment with the magnetic and north/south pole axis could bring to human consciousness. The main idol is placed in the core centre of the temple where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum.
Further, the main deity is often complemented by one or more minor deities carefully positioned along the path of approach to the main deity. In fact, when one studies these structures, it is apparent that the temple science contained distinct certain patterns, understanding and purpose, designed to maximise the cognitive well-being of the individual and society.
Interestingly, in most the temples we find that the diety’s statue is placed on a copper plate. In fact, it is widely believed that these copper plates absorb earth’s magnetic waves and radiate it to the surroundings. Therefore, it is assumed that a person regularly visiting a temple and walking clockwise around the main Idol receives the benefit of these magnetic waves.
The garbha griha (sanctum sanctorum) is closed on three sides. This increases the amplification of all the energies. The lamp that is lit radiates heat energy and also provides light inside the sanctum. The ringing of the bells and the chanting of prayers takes a worshipper into a trance, thus not letting his mind waver. When done in groups, this relieves people of their mundane issues and stresses while enabling them to migrate from the secular to a spiritual state and seek moksha or liberation.
Temple Science – alignment with the Divine aura
Temple science includes modulation of the five senses to transport the worshipper into a divine state. Earth is represented by incense, water is used everywhere, fire illuminated the deity, the flow of devotees generate air flow and the center of temple is the space where the consciousness is supposed to be still. It represents the ideal state where liberation is achieved.
Starting with the fragrance from the flowers and the burning of karpooram (camphor) create a positive aura. In fact, the effect of all these energies is supplemented by the positive energy from the idol, the copper plates and the utensils used while worshipping the God. So, when the temple doors open for any Aarathi or divine light ceremony, positive energy gushes out onto everyone present there.
The five ingredients of curd, honey, milk, sugar and ghee with which we perform abhisheka on the deity becomes panchamritha when mixed and distributed as prasadam. It is believed to boost physical strength, improve immunity, vitalize the brain, enhance intelligence, memory, grasping power and creative abilities. Moreover, the holy water that comprises of tulsi leaves and karpooram helps to fight diseases like cold and cough.
The temple science in the magic of temple bells
A temple bell or ghanta is another scientific phenomena. It is made of alloys comprising various metals including cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, nickel, chromium and manganese. In fact, the proportion at which each one of them is mixed influences the distinct sound that it can create when rung. Further, when the bell is rung, it produces a sharp sound which lasts for a few seconds, and touches the seven healing centres or chakras in our body.
Also, when the bell is heard, the brain is emptied of all thoughts, and can enter a state of trance if one is receptive. A trance is a state of of semi-consciousness in which a person may be unresponsive to external stimuli but nevertheless capable of pursuing and realizing a union with the deity.
Temple science recognises that liberation is a process. So, don’t just visit, sit down!
Traditionally, the belief is that when one goes to a temple one should sit down for a while before coming out. This is because, temples are places where people can charge themselves with pure vibrations of magnetic and electric fields with positive energy.
Moreover, the floors of the temple are good conductors of these positive vibrations allowing them to pass through our feet to the body. Importantly, this is also why we are asked to walk bare foot inside the temple. When we perform circumambulation or pradakshina or parikrama, we absorb all these positive vibrations and our five senses are activated.
Additionally, blowing of the shankha or conch is considered auspicious as its sound is associated with the sacred pranava ‘Om’ which is considered to be the first sound of creation. In fact, the sound of the conch is believed to the purest form of sound which ushers in freshness and new hope. This gets more powerful with the positive energy radiated in the temples and hence has amazing impacts on the devotees.
