Spiritual architecture

Be it our intricately carved temples or the towering cathedrals of Europe, the architectural designs have unique power to transcend the mere construction of buildings and serve as a bridge between the earthly and the universal divine. It is a profound art form that reflects humanity’s search for the sacred and the divine.

For instance, the temple architecture of South India, primarily associated with the Dravidian style, follows a distinctive pattern, characterised by towering gopurams, vimanas and expansive courtyards. Every element of the temple, from its entrance to the sanctum, is imbued with symbolic meaning. The gopuram, mandapa (pillared hall), and garbhagriha (inner sanctum) represent stages of spiritual progress, guiding the devotee from the external world towards the divine presence of deity in the sacred centre. The main deity is positioned such that the temple aligns with celestial movements, enhancing spiritual vibrations. The entire structure of a temple represents the journey of the soul toward enlightenment. Each stone is carved with purpose. The gopuram reminds us to rise above worldly distractions, the corridors teach patience, and the sanctum inspires surrender. 

In ancient civilisations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece, monumental temples were constructed as dwellings for gods, where rituals were performed to maintain cosmic order. Many spiritual structures emphasize height and grandeur to symbolise humanity’s aspiration towards the divine. Gothic cathedrals with their soaring spires, Buddhist stupas with their pointed forms, and Hindu temples with towering gopurams all strive to visually and spatially connect the earthly and heavenly realms. Similarly, Islamic architecture, with its grand mosques and minarets utilizes geometric patterns, calligraphy, and expansive courtyards to evoke a sense of unity and infinity.  In Japanese Zen Buddhist temples, the architecture is minimalist, with a focus on natural materials, and flowing spaces. This design encourages visitors to focus on inner reflection and mindfulness. The Bahai House of Worship in New Delhi is shaped like the Lotus as the flower is often associated with purity, sacredness, spirituality and knowledge; the Lotus Temple creates a space for people of all religions to gather, reflect and worship. In general, spiritual architecture with its harmonious balance of design and materials seeks to create an environment conducive to prayer, meditation, reflection and sensory experience.