The Hindu Temple v1.c8.s6.14

v1.c8.s6.14

Garbha which signifies the womb as well as the embryo in the microcosmic sense, denotes Prakṛti, primordial Substance, in its macrocosmic application. The name of the innermost sanctuary does not primarily designate it as the house of God; it refers to a state or degree of manifestation. The manifested world, ontologically exists by increasing condensation : ether, air, fire, water and earth, the subsequent element always retaining the qualities of the preceding ones. Four elements : air, fire, water and earth can be touched, seen, tasted and smelt; they proceed in ever increasing density from the first element, ether (ākāśa). It is perceived by hearing. Sound (śabda) is the quality of ether (ākāśa), the first and foremost of the elements in the process of manifestation. In the beginning was the Word.