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EN
ES
FR
Réf.
41470
Type
conference item
Titre
The temple as a metaphor for the journey within
Langues
English
Auteurs
Croker, Alan
Date
2008
Pages
11 p.
Titre de conférence
16th ICOMOS General Assembly and International Symposium: ‘Finding the spirit of place – between the tangible and the intangible’
Lieu de conférence
Quebec, Canada
Date de conférence
29 sept – 4 oct 2008
Mots-clés
Hindu architecture / temples / intangible heritage / sacred places / historic buildings / rituals / tangible and intangible
Résumé en anglais
This paper will explore the relationship between the tangibleand intangible as it is expressed in the South Indian Hindu temple, and
identify those aspects which embody and support this relationship. Thiswill assist and inform future conservation and management.
The Hindu temple is a three dimensional diagram of the subtle levels ofexistence, which takes us from the mundane world to the divinity
embodied in a particular image or icon in the sanctum. It is a metaphor forthe journey of the worshipper from this manifest world to the divinity
within; a point of stillness beyond space and time, and beyond place.The place itself may be the physical locus for a particular aspect of the
Absolute, but the realisation of that Absolute within oneself, is the ultimateaim of the temple. This is expressed in architecture, iconography, ritual
and individual participation. Thus the temple in time and space (andtherefore place) has its ultimate meaning beyond these limitations.
identify those aspects which embody and support this relationship. Thiswill assist and inform future conservation and management.
The Hindu temple is a three dimensional diagram of the subtle levels ofexistence, which takes us from the mundane world to the divinity
embodied in a particular image or icon in the sanctum. It is a metaphor forthe journey of the worshipper from this manifest world to the divinity
within; a point of stillness beyond space and time, and beyond place.The place itself may be the physical locus for a particular aspect of the
Absolute, but the realisation of that Absolute within oneself, is the ultimateaim of the temple. This is expressed in architecture, iconography, ritual
and individual participation. Thus the temple in time and space (andtherefore place) has its ultimate meaning beyond these limitations.
Document joint
77-QPy9-13.pdfLicence
Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (BY-NC-ND)
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