During the Chola Empire, the layout of Shiva temples was formalized to a great degree. Based on the Agamas and Shastras, the temple was fully developed into a place in space, time, and consciousness where the microcosm and macrocosm mirror each other. When a temple is built, a site will be chosen, and it has […]
The Legend of Magaleesar Irumbai Temple
The warmth and hospitality that the local community has shown in accepting people of different races, cultures and countries, and in allowing the Auroville experiment to take place in their “backyard”, is truly remarkable. This ancient legend, which we are going to unfold before your eyes this evening, perhaps explains why the villagers have shown […]
Time: Mahakaleshwarar
At the Sri Mahakaleshwarar Temple in Irumbai, the focus is on the profound concept of time as a dominant cosmic force. This temple, dedicated to Mahakaleshwarar, underscores the cyclical nature of existence, emphasizing the perpetual cycles of creation and dissolution that govern the universe. The architecture and rituals performed here are deeply intertwined with this […]
Old fotos from Irumbai
the following photos are from the French Institute in Pondicherry:
Key concepts of temples through a postmodern lens
Images: Cinema and the Temple. In these types of spaces, images manifest as pure energy: in the cinema as reflected light, and in the temple as vibration. They share a common origin: the projector and the deity image or murti within the Garbhagriha (the innermost sanctum). At first glance, the projector seems mundane, being a […]
Temple festivals – tangible experiences of intangible concepts
Festivals hold a special place in a temple as they not only mark significant moments in time but also infuse spaces with sacred energy and communal harmony. Beyond their superficial revelry, festivals embody profound meanings, acting as memory markers that tether us to our cultural roots and connect us with the rhythms of nature. Within […]
Gods at Irumbai temple
The temple in Irumbai Arunacheleeswarar: Arunachaleswarar is intrinsically linked with the Arunachala hill, considered a sacred entity in itself. According to Hindu beliefs, the hill is a natural lingam (a symbolic representation of Shiva) and is revered as a manifestation of Shiva. The Skanda Purana, a Hindu religious text, narrates that Arunachala is a form […]
Moolavar, Ambal, Theertham, Sthala Vriksham, Pathigam: Irumbai Maakaalam Temple Sacred Elements
The Irumbai Maakaalam Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is a wellspring of spiritual heritage, encapsulating the profound mysticism of Saivism through its sacred elements. Each aspect of the temple, from the main deity to the holy water, forms a part of a complex tapestry that defines the temple’s unique identity and its place in the […]
Bindu in Temple Architecture
Discover the profound significance of the Bindu in Hindu temple architecture, symbolizing cosmic energy and serving as the focal point for spiritual practices. Explore the integration of Yantra and Mantra, as well as the architectural blueprint, in creating a sacred space connecting devotees to the cosmos.
Deleuze – house
Explore the concept of deterritorialization in art and philosophy, as well as the role of writing in unraveling the potential of artistic objects.