Temple Architecture - Hinduism.

[Celtaur]

As I was looking at various Hindu Temples I became increasingly amazed at how elaborate the structures are. There's something about Architecture that is fascinatingly powerful. It's a representation, especially when it reflects a religion, of a collective consciousness of a group. Thoughts together, creating a physical structure to be seen for miles, and holds it's own energy.

There's something about Hinduism that draws me to it. Probably all the options, all the gods and goddesses representing different energies and experiences of life. I also like chakra's a lot and yoga, the devotional aspect of revering life and the divine speaks deeply to me.

Spirituality is amazing. Not enough people are into it, at least from what I see in the West. I think they're missing out. There's so much culture, so many concepts and idea's seeking answers to life's mysteries.

I love that a collective of thoughts can come together to a point of devotion, to create a structure of great beauty that reflects the idea's of people.

[Mohandas]

Ah, yes the Hindu Mandir (temple). Certainly my favorite places of worship in the world...

I must say, Celtaur that I am intrigued by the image you posted... I don't recognize the specific architecture and please forgive me for saying but it looks markedly like a Buddhist shrine to me, rather than Hindu. I'm not sure but I think I can even spot the golden Buddha sitting in the lotus pose with the classic umbrella-like shade over his head. I would almost guess Thai or possibly Cambodian... maybe I'm totally off the mark, I don't know.

If it is Hindu, I would very much like to know where it is and to which deity it is dedicated. Fascinating.

With Love
Mohandas

[Celtaur]

Hi Mohandas... I'm not sure. I was doing a search for images of Hindu Temples and this temple came up. The image lead me to the site below eventually where the BBC got it from.

BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham
BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham is a 100-acre Hindu temple complex in New Delhi, India. It aims to showcase Hinduism's ancient art, culture and spiritual heritage.

Since its opening in November 2005, Swaminarayan Akshardham has become a popular landmark of India's cultural and religious landscape, attracting more than five million visitors a year. It featured in the 2009 edition of the Guinness World Records book for being the largest Hindu temple in the world.

- http://www.baps.org/

I don't think the statue is of the buddha but is shown here.



The Lotus yard is also a part of this temple. As you can see it really is huge.



I have a little album of Hindu Temples I started last night. They are beautiful.

[Mohandas]

Wow, that's certainly a Hindu shrine alright! I must pass by to see it one day. I guess the golden figure must be Swaminarayan...interesting.

The modern Hindu architecture is not so familiar to me... It really is stunning. Biggest in the world eh?

Wonders never cease...

Thanks for that, Celtaur

With Love
Mohandas