The Science of Temple Worship

Why do we need temples when God is everywhere?...A wise man answered Air is everywhere, still you need a Fan to feel it.

So, how wise was the man?

We all have experienced that when we are in a silent atmosphere or when we pray together whole- heartedly we certainly experience peace and satisfaction. God certainly dwells in every living soul of the universe. If so, then why do we go to temples? Is it a ritual? Or do we simply follow that because our fathers and great grand fathers practiced it?

Well, the answers are that, our ancestors had really implanted many scientific benefits of visiting temples. Here we make a humble approach to share the knowledge that we gained though self-learning, teachings, preaching and of course Wikipedia.

The historical annals on Indian temples date backs to 2nd and 3rd century B .C. Temples did not exist during Vedic period. The practice of casting images of deities mentioned in the Vedic mantras might have come into vogue by the end of Vedic period. The Yajnasala of Vedic period got metamorphosed into temples by epic period owing to the influence of cults of devotion.

A Hindu temple consists of an inner sanctum, the Garbha Griha or the womb-chamber, in which the image or the deity is housed. From the square shape of the Garbha Griha to the finial (which is a point) is the Shikara (Gopura) . This curved form is identified in modern times as the step-pyramid. The Shikara normally refers to the superstructure of the sanctum sanctorum and is the most important part of the temple. The dome (Stupi or Kalasa) is mounted on the Shikara. The Juathaskambam is the very first and the tallest pillar we notice in the temple entrance.

The science behind these constructions is that, the temple architecture gives cosmic energy to the main deity in the Garbha Griha.

Firstly, the Juathaskambam acts like an antenna and receives the cosmic energy from the space and through an underground channel it is connected to the main deity in the Garbha-graha. The cosmic energy constantly flows through the Jathuskambam to the idol and energies the it.

Secondly, the celestial power drawn through the dome gives the deity effulgence and metaphysical powers. The cosmic-energy is further maintained by sound waves (Vedic chants) and the pyramid like tomb. The pyramid like structure helps to amplify and preserve the cosmic energy.

These are the reasons for anyone to feel a positive energy, goodness, calmness or divinity when we approach the inner sanctum.

The deity is washed with various materials (milk, sandal paste, oil) to maintain the idols. The deity is decorated with flowers and ornaments for psychological and visual boost. But the various postures of the deity (sitting/standing, number of hands, weapons they hold) do have significance in emitting the cosmic energy.

Thus the temples serve as the scientific space to receive the shower of cosmic energy or God’s blessings. We hope after reading this when you enter a temple you will scientifically appreciate our culture and rituals and rear our next generation with proper scientific explanation instead of insisting them to follow our rich heritage blindly.