Jain Heritage and Beyond

Author(s): Shailesh Shah
Publisher: Oshwal Associations of The UK

Page 88

TEMPLE: AN IMAGE OF GOD
Shikha
Kshudranasi
Mukh
Shikharam
Galu
Kanta
Bahumut (Skandin
Prastatam
Hith
CHE
Padvargam
Ghutan
los
Adhishthanam
Uppapitham
Charan
Ancient builders saw the temple not just as a sacred structure, but as an image (murti) of the Lord. The structure did not look as a splitting duplication of the enshrined image, but the major organs were similarly named, performing an identical spiritual purpose. The treaties Vedhavastu Prabhakara, Shilparatnakara and other volumes extensively describe the mandir as Devaswaroop-the body of God where the... Paya Shila
: Foundations are feet Foundation to Jagati
Thighs Sacred syllable 'He' (āï¢)
Movement of feet Sthambha
Pillars are knees Garbhagruha
Inner sanctum is stomach Madhyasthan (Brahmasthana) Place of image is navel Simhasan
Throne is heart Murti
Image is soul Pillar bases
Sense organs Shikharabandha
Spires are shoulders Ghanta
Bell is tongue Deepa
Lamp is breath Shukanasa
Lion is nose Gavaksha
Windows are ears Amalaka (Amalsaro)
Shikhara top is neck Kalasha
: Golden pot is head Dhaja
Flag is hair Shila
Stone blocks are bones Mortar
Muscle
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