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Introduction To Temples of Kerala
Introduction To Temples of Kerala
Introduction To Temples of Kerala
Kerala
EVOLUTION OF RELIGION, GODS, SHRINES AND TEMPLES
A Typical Temple :
History:
Components of a Temple:
SCHEME
A Typical Temple:
GENERAL FORM & LAYOUT
Traditional Hindu temples in Kerala are simple structures made of wood, brick and
laterite stone. Often, from afar, the only sign that marks the presence of old
temples is a tall, ceremonial flag-mast. The main sanctum hosting the deities
-the Sreekovil - is invariably a single storied building of a circular or square plan.
Inside the temples, use of oil lamps in contrast to electrical lights lends an air of
serenity and mysticism. Walls of the Sreekovil are rarely left bare, and are instead,
covered with intricate, beautiful mural paintings or wood carvings.
The building base is usually of granite and the walls are of laterite stone masonry
covered with lime plaster. The inner framework is of wood. This timber
framework supports a conical or pyramidal roof covered with copper tiles. These
sloping-roof buildings cope very well with the torrential rains that are a hallmark
of Kerala's climate.
Evolution of temples in Kerala is closely linked to her social and cultural history.
History:
THE EARLIEST TEMPLES & SHRINES
The earliest people to make Kerala their home were the Dravidians. Cultural
affinities ( inheritance through women, snake cults) and anthropological evidence
point to the Mediterranean origins (Nubia, Upper Egypt) of her Dravidian people.
As the early settlers cleared thickly forested lands for farms and settlements, they
set aside small areas of the original forest completely untouched. These became
the earliest known sites of worship - the Kaavus - Dravidian Sacred Groves. In
these groves, no flower was ever plucked, no tree felled and, most importantly, no
snakes disturbed or harmed. This tradition continues today in most Nair
households with the Kaavu being considered home to all Naagas (snakegods) and
holy spirits.
The first organised religions to reach Kerala came with the Jains and the
evangelizing Buddhist missions of Emperor Ashoka in 300 - 200 BC. As in other
parts of the country, these missionaries employed the then local language to spread
their religion.
Components of a Temple :
THE PANCHA-PRAKARA LAYOUT SCHEME
The Bhakti Movement and resurgence of Hinduism also marked the revival of
temple construction. Fully realising the need to create places of worship that
would attract devotees, the Pancha-Prakara scheme became the standard for
temple architecture. As the term indicates, the five (Pancha) enclosures (Prakaras)
around the Sanctum were:
Lamps`
4. PURATTHE-BALIVATTAM / SIVELIPPURA - Outer enclosure
and cirumabulatory pathway
Oottu-pura: Lunch-hall
Puram-mathil: Outer-wall
Precise dimensions of each of the above components are laid out in Tantra
Samucchaya, a treatise on temple architecture compiled and written in c.1300 AD.