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.
Signs on temple doorsteps
Kaduveli Siddhar at Sri Mahakaleshwarar Temple
Kaduveli Siddhar, also known as Kaduveli Siddha, is one of the renowned 18 Siddhars in the Tamil Siddha tradition. The story of Kaduveli Siddhar, a sage who performed intense penance under a peepal tree, is also linked to the temple. His penance was so fervent that it caused a drought, which was only alleviated when […]
Classic texts: Mayan’s Aintiram
The Essence of “Aintiram”: An Ancient Tamil Canon of Cosmic Architecture The “Aintiram” stands as a seminal scripture in the realm of Tamil architectural philosophy, marking one of history’s earliest explorations into the enigmatic concept of space — a vital constituent woven into the cosmic tapestry. Traditionally, the wisdom of “Aintiram” is linked to the […]