Temple building: 2 definitions

Introduction:

Temple building means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

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In Hinduism

Vastushastra (architecture)

[«previous next»] — Temple building in Vastushastra glossary
Source: Shodhganga: Elements of Art and Architecture in the Trtiyakhanda of the Visnudharmottarapurana (vastu)

Temple building is a sacred work and is necessary especially in the age of Kali (i.e., kaliyuga), who represents irreligiousness, according to Puranic lore such as the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, an ancient Sanskrit text which (being encyclopedic in nature) deals with a variety of cultural topics such as arts, architecture, music, grammar and astronomy.—According to the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa, temple building is regarded as a sacred work. The Bṛhatsaṃhitā also agrees on it and says that-one, who wishes to attain desirable things in this world, should construct a temple. [...] In the Bhāgavatapurāṇa, it is said that after Dvāparayuga, on the very day when lord Kṛṣṇa left the earth, Kali, who is the source of irreligiousness had entered in this world. Thus, people of Kaliyuga have lost their power to communicate with God directly through prayers and chanting mantras. And that is why, specially in the Kali-yuga, the necessity of the temple building is suggested in the Viṣṇudharmottarapurāṇa.

Vastushastra book cover
context information

Vastushastra (वास्तुशास्त्र, vāstuśāstra) refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

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Pancaratra (worship of Nārāyaṇa)

[«previous next»] — Temple building in Pancaratra glossary
Source: Shodhganga: Kasyapa Samhita—Text on Visha Chikitsa (p)

Temple Building is denoted by the Sanskrit term Mandira-Nirmāṇa and represents one of the principal topics of the Pāñcarātra division of the Vaiṣṇava Āgamas.—The almighty Hari, out of compassion for mankind in general, felt that the Vedas and Śāstras could not be easily grasped and practised by people belonging the diverse communities and cadres, whose potential and comprehension would vary vastly. Hence, he promulgated the Pāñcarātra doctrine [teaching for example temple building—mandira-nirmāṇa] which is the essence of the Vedas, in a simplified form.

Pancaratra book cover
context information

Pancaratra (पाञ्चरात्र, pāñcarātra) represents a tradition of Hinduism where Narayana is revered and worshipped. Closeley related to Vaishnavism, the Pancaratra literature includes various Agamas and tantras incorporating many Vaishnava philosophies.

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