The Hindu Temple v2.c11.s2.15

v2.c11.s2.15

The Rivers have their source and origin in heaven. Thence they descend to earth.³⁹ On the entrance of the early temples their images are carved to either side of the lintel ('pataṅga'; 'ūrdhvapaṭṭikā'). On its middle the image of the main divinity of the temple, and to either side of it those of other great Gods are carved.⁴⁰ This then is the celestial region whence the rivers have descended, Gaṅgā, the most sacred of all, celestial Mandākinī, and also Yamunā. From heaven they have come to earth; in the later temples their images are stationed on either side, at the bottom of the door, the current and ripples of flowing waters are in their swaying stances. To look at them is equal in effect to the ritual bath in their waters, especially in the most sacred water of the Ganges. The energy of the waters is so great that the bath itself confers Dīkṣā, initiation ('Maitr. S.' III. 6.2): Ablution, transmutation, and initiation are effected at the entrance. This indeed is its initial and essential meaning in sacred architecture for initiation is derived from 'in-ire' meaning 'to enter'. The power of the flowing waters is in their celestial nature and origin. None are as sacred as those of the Gaṅgā who in her celestial form is Śakti.⁴¹