The Hindu Temple v2.c11.s9.6

v2.c11.s9.6

²⁰³ The vision of the Temple, the Seat of Liberation, is amplified in the image of Vaikuṇṭha, the World wherein dwells the Supreme Viṣṇu. Vaikuṇṭha is described as full of many cities. In the centre is the city of Ayodhyā, surrounded by ramparts and gates in the four directions each having a high Gopura. In its centre is the "inner city" (antaḥpura) of Viṣṇu, itself surrounded by ramparts. In the centre of the "inner city", is the hall, "the King's abode" (rājasthāna) and in the centre of the hall is the "Beauteous Throne", the essence of all the Vedas. In its centre is the Yogapīṭha, the Base of Reintegration, and in its centre is the eight petalled Lotus, at the centre of its petals is the Supreme Puruṣa and Īśvarī ('Padmapurāṇa Uttarakhaṇḍa' ch. CCLVI, 7-26; cf. also CCLVII. 120-133). The temples of South India, the Drāviḍa country, with their Prākāras, or ramparts surrounding the innermost shrine, are the architectural form of Vaikuṇṭha, the 'Un-hindered', pervaded throughout by the Supreme Puruṣa.