The Hindu Temple v1.c8.s2.20

v1.c8.s2.20

In the Hindu temples, such as they are known, and for which the texts lay down rules, the Prāsāda is the shell of the Garbhagṛha. The Garbhagṛha is essentially a small dark chamber, square in plan³⁹. In this respect it is unchangeable throughout the ages. The problems of architecture, developed in the West, to build a space resonant with the rhythm of the prayer and concentration of an assembled community, remained outside the Prāsāda. The Hindu temple is built with the fervour of devotion (bhakti) as a work of offering and pious liberality, in order to secure for the builder, a place in heaven, which means a high level of inward realisation and to increase the religious merit of his near relatives : by a transfer of merit, the Prāsāda functions similarly, for every devotee, who comes to and enters the temple. The temple is built as a work of supererogation, with the utmost effort in material means and the striving of the spirit so that the Prāsāda attains and leads to the Highest Point⁴⁰.