Indian temples are marvels of the time, where divinity, science, and art mix together. They may have begun as places of worship, but they've remained reservoirs of advanced scientific knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and geometry. Beautiful celestial alignments of the places give them an insight into greater comprehension of the cosmos, symbolic to the unification between human souls and the universal essence.
The Foundation: Geometry and the Cosmos
Geometry is the basis of Indian temple architecture based on the ancient science of Vastu Shastra. This architectural discipline prescribes the use of geometric principles to align human-made structures with cosmic energies. Often, the temples are designed using a mandala, which is a sacred geometric pattern symbolizing the universe.
The sanctum sanctorum, or garbhagriha, is the central
core of the cosmos. The planning for the temple is done in such a way that its
orientation is cardinal and astronomical, hence establishing harmony between
the physical and spiritual realms.
"यस्य विश्वं वसु तत्स्थलं चान्नित्यम्।
विश्वात्मना निर्माणं देवालयं भवेत्।
"That which reflects the universal spirit is the
temple, a divine space built in harmony with the cosmos." Requirements of
the Temple A template representing astronomical views
Most of the Indian temples are examples of astronomical
precision. Their design is such that the celestial events like the solstices,
equinoxes, and movements of planets are aligned and captured in their layout
and orientation. Their layout usually captures cycles of sun and moon, so they
symbolize the eternal dance of time and space.
The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi is a great example of
brilliant use of optics. In one of its inner chambers, a small hole in the wall
acts as a natural pinhole camera projecting an inverted image of the towering
gopuram onto the opposite wall. It speaks of the architects' understanding of
light and its behavior, beautifully blended into sacred architecture. 
Kolhapur Mahalakshmi Temple: Kiranotsav
The Mahalakshmi Temple in Kolhapur demonstrates
precision in astronomical alignment. Twice a year, during Kiranotsav
(Festival of Rays), the rays of the setting sun pass through a small window to
illuminate the deity’s idol, symbolizing divine cosmic energy. This occurs in
January and November, showcasing how ancient architects celebrated celestial
phenomena.
Konark Sun Temple, Odisha: Chariot of Time
Konark Sun Temple is another great one, designed to catch
sun rays at dawn. Its design is a chariot with 12 wheels. Each of these wheels
serves as a sundial. The chariot is used to highlight the months in a year and
thus, this temple can be considered as a cosmic calendar.
Brihadeeswarar Temple, Thanjavur: Solar Shadows
The Brihadeeswarar Temple is famous for its great
architectural precision, especially about a shadowless design. On noon day
there is no falling shadow of the vimana or spire of the temple, the display of
high mastery of engineering over solar geometry.
Surya Tilak at Shree Ram mandir : Indian Institute of
Astrophysics (IIA)
In a modern tribute to ancient optical science, the Indian
Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) created an artificial pinhole camera at the Shree
Ram Mandir. This innovative project uses optical principles to project
celestial images, demonstrating how ancient architectural knowledge can inspire
contemporary scientific instruments.
Ananthasayanam Temple, Thiruvananthapuram: This temple is
perfectly in-line with an equinox.
The Ananthasayanam Temple in Kerala is very accurately
aligned on the equinox. This means that the first rays of the sun fall upon the
reclining Vishnu deity. This alignment reflects balance and cosmic harmony.
Sun, Sacred Geometry, and Festivals
The sun is at the central place in Indian temple design. The temples include the Sun Temple in Modhera and the Martand Sun Temple in Jammu and Kashmir, perfectly designed to catch the rays from the sun on solstices and equinoxes. Such alignments are at once impressive architectural feats and integrations of celestial rhythms with daily spiritual practices.
Festivals like Makar Sankranti that celebrate the sun moving northwards often have rituals centered around such temples. The geometry of the temple thus connects human life to the larger cosmos and reminds devotees of their place in the cosmic cycle.
Temples as Cosmic Microcosms
It often appears that the Indian temples depict cosmos. This
Garbhagriha was the cosmic center equivalent, for the mount Meru appears to
stand at the centre or in other words is placed right at the axis of that world
from this temple spire; carving on the walls of both sides demonstrate the
spheres of living both here and there, meaning how such a place fills the
requirements of the bridge or connects people to the heavenly and terrestrial
worlds.
Most Sanskrit verses refer to the connections of temples
with geometry and cosmology. The following verse comes prominently to the fore:
"सर्वभूतस्थानमात्मानं सर्वत्र सम्पश्यति।
ततो न विजुगुप्सते सर्वं ब्रह्ममयं जगत्".
("One who sees the self in all beings and all beings in the self, realizes that the entire universe is a manifestation of Brahman.")
Conclusion: Science and Spirituality United
Indian temples, with their geometrical precision and
celestial alignments, carry the tale of superior knowledge that ancient India
possessed. Whether it is the pinhole camera effect at Virupaksha Temple, the
solar dynamics of Konark, or the shadowless marvel of Brihadeeswarar-the
structures speak of the complete integration of science and spirituality.
They remind us that the ancient architects and spiritual
leaders looked at the cosmos for inspiration, guiding human beings to a deeper
understanding of existence. Temples continue to inspire awe and not only give a
glimpse into the divine but a profound connection with the universe itself.
Written by
Sujal Dharne