About The Course
The course aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the various aspects of Sanaatana-Devaalaya Ecosystem including art, architecture, aesthetics, archaeology, inscriptions, iconography, rituals, construction, and maintenance. It covers the various styles of temple architecture seen across the lengthen and breadth of Greater India as well as across the millennia. It emphasizes the importance of temples as the nucleus of Indian culture and ensuring that they will be dynamic living entities and not just as monuments.
Syllabus
- Unit I: Meaning of the Indian Temple
- ◉ Etymological definition of the word devālaya
- ◉ The Evolution of the concept of Temple from the Vedas, Epics, and the purāṇas
- ◉ The concept of a man-made structural temple and the philosophy of a temple
- ◉ The entire universe and the human body as a temple
- ◉ Streams of knowledge which contribute towards understanding the temple ecosystem
- Unit II: Kinds of Temple Architecture
- ◉ Rock Cut Architecture and Structural Temples - Hindu, Buddhist, and Jaina
- ◉ The Evolution of the concept of Temple from the Vedas, Epics, and the purāṇas
- ◉ Nāgara, Drāviḍa, and Vesara kinds of architecture
- ◉ Overview of the improvisations in temple architecture around the country in various periods of time
- ◉ Materials used for temple construction and a brief overview of techniques
- Unit III: Structural and Functional Units of a Full-fledged Temple
- ◉ The ṣaḍvargas of a temple - details of various parts and their purpose
- ◉ Kinds of pillars, windows, ceiling, and architectural ornamentations in a temple
- ◉ Function and configuration of the various maṇṭapas, mālikā, and other structural features of a temple
- ◉ The difference between the major and minor parts of north Indian and South Indian Temples
- Unit IV: Philosophy behind Temple Architecture and Vāstu-puruṣa-maṇḍala
- ◉ The concept of the pañca-bhūtas, pañca-kośas, and avasthā-traya represented in the vertical and horizontal planes of the Temple Architecture
- ◉ The Story of the vāstu-puruṣa and the making of the maṇḍala
- Unit V: Sculptures in Indian Temples
- ◉ Representative and Non-representative sculptures
- ◉ Discussion of sculptures that represent episodes from the Epics, purāṇas, and folklore; evolution of sculptures across different periods in time and the contribution of different dynasties
- ◉ Local tastes and flavours in temple sculptures - Temples in India and Greater India (Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, Bali, and Vietnam)
- ◉ Iconography of various deities
- ◉ Dance sculptures and their codification
- Unit VI: Interpreting Temple inscriptions
- ◉ Historical and socio-cultural details that can be derived from temple inscriptions
- ◉ Various scripts and languages used in temple inscriptions
- Unit VII: Multi-faceted functions of a Structural Temple
- ◉ Temple as a seat of justice and economic hub
- ◉ Temple as a social, spiritual, educational and artistic organisation
- Unit VIII: Tīrtha-kṣetra around India
- ◉ An overview of the śaiva, vaiṣṇava, and śākta tīrtha-kṣetras around India; their sthala-purāṇas, connection with the Vedic tradition and the Epics
- Unit IX: Temple rituals and their meaning; destruction of temples; their rejuvenation in the modern day
- ◉ Meaning of various temple rituals; the tradition of the Vedas and the āgamas
- ◉ Destruction of temples due to invasions; reconstruction and rejuvenation of temples in the modern day
More Information
- Learning Objectives
- This is meant to be a foundation course on Indian Temples and will introduce various dimensions of temples
- Intended Outcomes
- At the end of the course the student will gain;
- ◉ Exposure and Awareness: Learners will gain a profound exposure to and awareness of the various dimensions of the temple ecosystem
- ◉ Contemporary Relevance: Learners will understand the temple is the heart of the Indian civilization and will understand the importance of restoring and rejuvenating the temple culture in places it is lost.
- ◉ Intellectual and Aesthetic Enrichment: The course will enrich learners’ intellectual horizons, expanding their understanding and appreciation of the Indian temples.
- ◉ Holistic Perspective: Learners will be inspired to adopt a holistic perspective on the multiple streams of knowledge, various kinds of arts, and the philosophical undercurrent of the temple eco-system
