Garbhagriha
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Garbhagriha or Garbagriham is a Sanskrit word meaning the interior of the sanctum sanctorum, the inner most sanctum of a Hindu temple where resides an image of the primary deity. Literally the word means "womb chamber" from Sanskrit word garbha for womb. Only priests are allowed to enter.[1] [2] [3]
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[edit] Hindu
In the Dravida style, the garbhagriha took the form of a miniature vimana with other features exclusive to southern Indian temple architecture such as the inner wall together with the outer wall creating a pradakshina around the garbhagriha. The entrance is highly decorated. The inner garbhagriha or shrine became a separate structure, more elaborately adorned over time.[4]
The garbhagriha is always square and sits on a plinth, its location calculated to be a point of total equilibrium and harmony as it is representative of a microcosm of the universe. In the center is placed the image of the deity.[5]
[edit] Kerala
The present structure of most of these temples is a two storeyed vimana with a square garbhagriha and a surrounting circumambulatory path, an ardha-mandapa and a narrower maha-mandapa.[4]
[edit] Notes
- ^ Garbhagriha. Retrieved on 2007-01-24.
- ^ Architecture of the Indian Subcontinent - Glossary. Retrieved on 2007-01-24.
- ^ Templenet - Glossary. Retrieved on 2007-01-29.
- ^ a b Temple Architecture. Retrieved on 2007-01-24.
- ^ Thapar, Binda (2004). Introduction to Indian Architecture. Singapore: Periplus Editions, p 43. ISBN 0794600115.
[edit] External links
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