TEMPLE ARCHITECTURE

Temple architecture of Kerala is different from that of other regions in India. Largely dictated by the geography of the region that abounds in forests blessed with the bounties of the monsoons, the structure of the temples in Kerala is distinctive. The roofs are steep and pointed, and covered with copper sheets. The Kerala roof resembles those found in the Himalayan regions and those in East Asia.

The shape of the roof is in accordance with the plan of the sanctum below. With a circular plan, one sees a conical roof, while with a square plan the roof is pyramidal. The roof is constructed with wood and is covered with copper plates. Most of the temples seen today in Kerala have undergone several phases of renovation, given the perishable nature of the construction materials.

The central sanctum of a Keralite temple is referred to as the Sree Kovil. A cloistered Prakara, pierced at one or more cardinal points with a Gopuradwara, surrounds it. The cloistered Prakaram has a Namaskara Mandapam located directly in front of the sanctum. This Prakaram also houses subsidiary shrines. A kitchen is located in the southeastern corner of the cloistered Prakaram.

The Mukha Mandapam is integrated with the Gopura entrance. The flagstaff or Dwaja Stambham is located outside of the Dwajastambham. The Balipitham may be located in the Mukha Mandapam or in the outer courtyard. The outer Prakaram or courtyard houses other sub shrines, and optionally a temple tank.

The Kuttambalam or the theater hall of the Keralite temple is located either as a part of the inner Prakara, on the southeast corner facing north, or as a separate hall outside the innermost Prakaram, either facing into the temple or facing north. This has a stage, raised from the rest of the floor, and a backstage area. This is the site of the performance of Kathakali or Chakkiyar Koothu recitals. Thus the Kuttambalam plays a role in educating visitors on the rich legends of the Indian cultural fabric.

The Keralite temple is an amalgam of stonework, woodwork, stuccowork and painting - harmoniously blended into a structure vibrant with traditions of the region. The woodwork here is of great importance, and it gives the essential verve and character to the Kerala temple silhouette. The inner skeletal framework of the temple is of wood, although the base and the structure above are of granite and laterite respectively. The roof projects out at several levels, in order to protect the inner skeletal framework from the vigorous monsoons that inundate the region. The Kerala temple walls are of coursed laterite stone masonry plastered in mud and lime. Murals are seen on several of these temple walls.

VASTHU

An ancient Indian science of architecture, Vasthu, helps in making a congenial setting or a place to live and work in a most scientific way taking advantage of the benefits bestowed by nature, its elements and energy fields for enhanced wealth, health and prosperity. This sublime art blends architecture and nature to awake a new outlook in modern day structures from mini-houses to mega-mansions.

The Sanskrit word 'Vasthu' means 'dwelling place' and it is derived from the root verb 'Vas' that means to 'dwell'. It is the mystic study of designing & positioning of architectural structures. This science deals about how to construct merit-full houses, temples, business centers etc and is purely astrological science based on the happenings of cosmic rays illuminated by nine major planets of the globe.

The merits and demerits of the structure fully based on the Vasthu Vidya, meaning the Science of Dwelling, in connection with creation of the built-up body. The Vasthu science deals about the measurement details, shape details, nature of earth in construction of buildings in order to strengthen the health of the structure.

Vasthu finds its references in Vedic knowledge and has come down to us through these years. It considers the five elements - Fire, Water, Air, Earth and Ether - as forces, which originate from a single source but have different characteristics. We are born out of them, we grow with them, we live in them, we are surrounded by them and we go back to them. So why not channelise them during 'life here'? Vasthu helps us utilize this energy to make our lives comfortable.

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