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Mandir Mantra -Webinar on Temple Architecture.

Mandir Mantra – Temples, Traditions, Techniques, Tales

Every Indian village has a temple. Till a few years ago, the village temple used to be the focus of social and cultural life of the village.

The word ‘temple’ is derived from the Latin word templum means a “sacred precinct”. But Indian temples are meant to be so much more than just a sacred abode of the Gods!

Our temples are cultural, educational, economic and social institutions that guide the socio-cultural life of people and give continuity to traditional Indian values.

One of the most significant highlights of Indian architecture has been the evolution of the Hindu temple architecture over the ages.

The development of Indian Temple architecture displayed the genius of Indian builders creating, developing and perfecting distinct architectural styles. Temple architecture in India is unique and it reflects both the spiritual thought as well as the cultural values of Hindus as they developed over the centuries.

This webinar aims to trace the development of Indian Temple architecture over the years and talks about ways in which we can reclaim our sacred spaces.

This unique seminar is being curated by noted activist and writer Shefali Vaidya whose interest in temple architecture started in her childhood when she visited Shiva temple of Tambdisurla, the only Goan temple that survived the wanton destruction carried out by the Portuguese in name of the Cross during the 16th century. She says “interest developed into a full-bodied passion as I travelled all over India as an adult and visited temples constructed in different styles, from the Nagara style of North India to the Dravida style of South India.”

Shefali studied Indology formally through courses and under the guidance of  renowned archaeologist and an expert in Hindu iconography, Dr. G. B. Deglurkar. She says ” He helped me channelise this interest into a systematic area of study. It also made me realise that despite wanton destruction and merciless mutilation of our temple by the Islamic invaders, our temple art continues to inspire generations of Hindus through millennia. ”

Hindu temple architecture is the physical manifestation of the intense spirituality of Sanatana Dharma. Our temples are an expression of our religious faith, our search for the Divine and our love for the profound that transcends the profane. Temples are found everywhere in India, in big cities as well in tiny villages, deep inside lonely forests and smack in the middle of crowded urban markets.

This thought is the basis of this webinar on temple architecture that Shefali Vaidya is curating. You do not need a formal degree in archaeology or a certificate from ASI to understand and appreciate temple art. All you need is a passion and a sense of belonging, that feeling that you are connected to a living tradition that is thousands of years old.

Please register on https://indicacademy.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kYx54ihGQXCtefvDJghWcQ

There will be 4 sessions of 45 minutes each.

Session 1 – Keynote Address

The Temple Chronicles – An overview of Hindu temples

Dr. G. B. Deglurkar – Archeologist, Ex Chancellor, Deccan College of Architecture, Authority on Hindu Iconography.

Session 2 – Sacred Sanctuaries Of The South – Dravidian Temple Architecture

Bharath and Gurpreet – Authors of a book on Chalukya and Pallava Architecture

Session 3 – Divinity Devotion and the Deula – The story of Odisha Temples

Ashutosh Mohanty – Young historian specialising in Odisha art.

Session 4 – Saving Sanatana Spaces – How temples can once again be the nucleus of the Hindu Socio-cultural life

Vijayalakshmi Vijayakumar, Indian Classical Dancer, director – Soft Power Centre, Founder – Gudiya Sambhrama.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article belong to the author. Indic Today is neither responsible nor liable for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information in the article.

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