The Hindu Temple v1.c9.s6.8

v1.c9.s6.8

broad. Given any position it is of primary importance where the temple faces. In the orientation of the temples three principles combine (1) the orientation proper, for the temple should face the East, the rising sun; (2) the temples should face the Centre—of the settlement, the village or town, etc.; (3) God in his peaceful (śānta) image should be located in and turned towards, the habitations of men; God in his wrathful (ugra) image should be situated outside and face away from the habitations of men. The ‘ugra’ aspect of the image is linked up with the quality ‘tamas’, which implies destruction; and with Abhicārika rites.