The Hindu Temple v1.c4.s2.2

v1.c4.s2.2

A pilgrimage or visit to a temple is undertaken for the purpose of looking at it (darśana) with the sight of knowledge. Darśana is also the name of the six traditional points of view or methods of cognising Truth.¹⁴ The architect of the temple was not only a master of the 'ocean of the science of architecture'. Balanced himself in body and mind, he had to be versed in the traditional science (śāstra) in its various branches, and as much in the knowledge of rhythms (chandas),¹⁵ mathematics and astronomy as in the conditions of different places, etc. ('Samarāṅgaṇasūtradhāra', XLIV. 2-4, and 'Vāstuvidyā', I. 12-15). The various arts and sciences had to be known for one and the same purpose, so that he could apply them in his work which was to be an image and reconstitution of the universe.