Temple Astronomy
This blog series explores the connection between temples and celestial events. Part 1 focuses on temples in general, while specific temples associated with unique celestial events will be the subject of future blogs.
Temple, as we understand it, is a place of worship where it is easy to connect with the divine.
Imagine standing before a towering Hindu temple, its spires piercing the sky like fingers pointing to the stars. For millennia, these sacred structures have stood as more than places of worship—they are cosmic compasses, meticulously aligned with the heavens. Ancient builders oriented them to the various astronomical phenomena and celestial bodies as recommended in the स्थापत्यवेदः and वास्तुशास्त्र. These alignments served multiple sacred purposes.
First, they enabled precise ritual timing for a festival with a perfect astronomical combination.
Second, they symbolised the profound harmony between the microcosm (human life and the temple) and macrocosm (the universe), reflecting Hindu philosophy where every stone echoes the stars' eternal dance.
Third, by channelling prana—or vital energy—from celestial events, amplifying spiritual potency, drawing divine forces into the sanctum for enlightenment and protection.
Fourthly, the temple was also used as a timekeeper, a learning centre, a calendar maker, a festival, a ritual marker, and an observatory.
Fifthly, they acted as local economic centres. Donations in cash or kind helped local areas.
Astronomy and Religion played an important role in Astral worship. It was believed that the cosmos, including the Navagraha (9 planets, including Rahu and Ketu, the shadow planets), influences day-to-day life on Earth and plays an important role in an individual’s life. Probably, out of apprehension or respect, people chose to adore and worship these celestial bodies as gods. This was the same belief of the Greeks, Romans, Babylonians, etc. Alegorical stories were created to explain the astronomical phenomena.
Refer to my blog “Vedic Period 3”, which explains how the Rigved explained how planets came to be known as Gods.
Place of worship: A Celestial Signature
Vedic Period
There is no evidence of any temples during the Vedic times; all worship and rituals were conducted at temporary यज्ञ कुंड altars (Vedi). There was no fixed cardinal direction, but they were sacralised as given out in Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa 10.2.3.1
प्रजापतिर् वै इदं कर्म दिक्षु विदधे meaning “Prajāpati arranged this rite according to the directions”
Worship was also in the form of अग्नि चयन2,3or यज्ञ, a 12-day ritual. The यज्ञ कुंड, यज्ञ स्थल, its construction, orientation, seating arrangements of priests and the area around यज्ञ कुंड were perfectly designed according to the astronomical facts. Subhash Kak explains the relationship between lunar and solar years. He shows how the यग्न स्थल resembles the universe, cosmos, which represents the earth, sky and the zodiac.
Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa 6.1.1–6 describes the creation of the universe, which is depicted in the shape of an altar/वेदी and अग्नि चयन.
One such falcon-shaped यज्ञ कुंड, denoting a cosmic year and the Sun’s journey, is excavated from Purola, Uttarkashi; likely belonging to the Kuninda period (150 BCE - 250 CE),
Subhash Kak illustrates in his research papers the connections between Rig Vedic hymns, the dimensions of altars, and aspects related to the lunar year, yug duration, solstices, and equinoxes.
Altars could be shaped like a square, triangle, trapezium, bird, or chariot wheel.
Post Vedic Period
Over time, निराकार worship shifted to साकार worship, leading to a rise in temple construction 300 BCE onwards.
The temples saw the emergence of East-facing Garbhagrah to receive morning sunlight. As stated in शिल्प शास्त्र (A treatise on Indian Architecture and design),
Mānasāra 3.1–3 says
प्राची दिग्देवतानां स्यात्
“The eastern direction belongs to the gods.”
Puranic- Agamic phase
The Sun’s gaze on the
deity got prominence. Vishnu Puran in 2.12.43 says
आदित्यो वै जगतः चक्षुः
“The Sun is the eye of
the world.”
Over a period of time
the Solar motion governed the temple geometry.
Varāhamihira’s
Bṛhat Saṃhitā 53.3 quotes
प्रासादानां
प्रमाणानि रविमार्गेण कल्पयेत्।
“The measurements of temples should be determined according to the Sun’s path.”
The core philosophy, expressed as (यथा पिण्डे तथा ब्रह्माण्डे)1, is a foundational Vedic theory often attributed to the Yajurveda. However, the specific science of architecture (वास्तुशास्त्र) is formally derived from स्थापत्यवेदः, which is an उपवेद of the Atharvaveda, and deals with planning, designing, and construction of houses, villages, and cities. The temple and the town should mirror the cosmos.
Hindu temples are viewed as a small universe, which reflects the universe, often expressed by the phrase यथा पिण्डे तथा ब्रह्माण्डे, यथा ब्रह्माण्डे तथा पिण्डे …
यथा पिण्डे तथा ब्रह्माण्डे -As is the human body, so is the cosmic
body
यथा ब्रह्माण्डे तथा पिण्डे
As is the universe (the
macrocosm), so is this body (the microcosm)
यथा देहे तथा गेहे -As is the body, so is the building
यथा गेहे तथा ब्रह्माण्डे -As is the building, so is the cosmic
body
यथा आकृति तथा प्रकृति-As is the plan, so is the cosmic order
Subhash Kak gives out the equivalence between the outer and the inner cosmos, which is central to the temple
A Hindu temple encompasses all elements of the cosmos, representing good, evil, and humanity, as well as embodying the Hindu concept of cyclic time and the essence of life. It symbolically illustrates dharma, artha, moksha, and karma. In Hindu beliefs, Vishnu is regarded as the supreme deity, with all other deities positioned facing him. Since these deities are believed to face east, Vishnu himself is oriented toward the west. Consequently, temples dedicated to Vishnu are designed to face this direction.
Temple Plan and Cosmic Alignment
A Hindu temple will invariably align with the cosmos to represent the Universe as a miniature cosmos. It interacts with natural and cosmic forces, providing a link to the worshipper. It is the most accessible demonstration of the merging of macrocosm and microcosm.
Cosmic alignment in temple architecture is orienting the temple in cardinal directions in relation to the celestial bodies like the sun, moon and the stars (yog tara or a nakshatra) and the deity which resides in the temple.
Fractal geometry is used
in temple architecture. Fractal patterns
and geometric ratios create self-similar designs that reflect the universe's
infinite complexity, aligning human structures with divine order. The core
concept of the fractural theory is similar to Hindu Philosophy, which
describes the cosmos as holonomic and supports the Hindu philosophical concept of
one among all, all is one.
Architectural Styles
Hindu temples are constructed according to the following architectural styles.
· Nagara (North Indian)· Dravidian (South Indian)
· Vesara (Hybrid, a mix of both styles)
वास्तुपुरुषमंडल
A typical temple’s layout is as per the वास्तुपुरुषमंडल, a cosmic grid of 8x8 or 9x9 squares. Large temples are built around this mandal, which forms the temple's blueprint.
- Central
Square (Brahmasthān):
- Represents
the spiritual core, the axis mundi, where cosmic energy is most
concentrated.
- Symbolises ब्रम्हा, the creator, and the point of maximum prāṇa.
- Cardinal
Directions:
- East: इंद्र – god of rain and
king of the devas. Associated with beginnings and illumination.
- West: वरुण – guardian of
cosmic law and water. Symbolises introspection and endings.
- North: कुबेर – lord of
wealth. Represents prosperity and stability.
- South: यम– god of death.
Associated with transformation and moksha.
- Corner
Guardians:
- NE (ईशान): Shiva
in his tranquil form – auspicious and spiritually potent.
- SE (आग्नेय): Fire
god – energising and purifying.
- NW ( वायव्य ): Wind
god – movement and communication.
- SW (नैऋत्य):
Goddess of dissolution – protective and fierce.
- Intermediate
Squares:
- Include
deities like आदित्य, सवित्र, मित्र, पूषन, भग, गंधर्व, मारुत, each representing solar, lunar, and
elemental forces.
- These
deities govern specific energies and functions within the temple’s
layout, ensuring cosmic balance.
The वास्तुपुरुषमंडल reflects the microcosmic mirror of the universe, where each square channels a specific cosmic force. It’s not just architecture—it’s a living map of divine energies.
A temple will usually have the following components/ Elements
Shikhar/ Viman
A tower-like structure is constructed on top of the garbhagriha, called as Viman (Dravidian style), Shikara (Nagara
Style). This symbolises Mount Meru connecting the earthly realm to the cosmos/heavens
The top of this tower is an amalaka/ Capstone (symbolising the Sun). It may have a lotus/ Kalash/ carved stone, symbolising abundance and immortality. It is assumed that from here, the final connection of the individual to the cosmos takes place
Mandap
A pillared hall in front of the Garbhagriha is for the assembly of devotees. There can be more halls as an ardhamandap, a hall at the entrance connecting the main mandap. Dr BS Shylaja has found a 4-pillared Mandap adjoining the main temple complex. This mandap had visibility to the horizon, used for observation. (Bettadapura temple near Hasan, in Karnataka)
Pradakshina Path
A dedicated path around the Garbhgriha for ritual parikrama. (Reinforcing the cyclic nature of time and encircling the cosmos)
Gopuram
An ornate tower at the entrance of the temple (Dravidian style)
Toran
An ornate gateway to the temple (Nagara Style)
ध्वजस्तम्भ in front of the main shrine.
दीपस्तंभ symbolising the removal of darkness and bringing spiritual light to devotees. Place near the entrance.
Elements of the Hindu Temple
Temples often exhibit celestial orientation with solar phenomena. Temples constructed from the 3rd century to date do not show any shift in East-West orientation, indicating the absence of consideration of precession and sidereal zodiac. It shows that all are purely solar-oriented.
However, the temple is positioned in such a way that it can capture and interact with specific cosmic events, such as lunar phases, Equinoxes, Solstices, and planetary movements.
This ensures that the temple remains in tune with the universal rhythms, making it a space where both the celestial and earthly energies converge, creating an environment that is spiritually powerful and harmonised with the larger cosmic order
Temple Layout: Facing the Cardinal Directions and Cosmic Symbolism
East-facing temples: Symbolise the rising sun, new beginnings, commencement of cosmic cycles and divine illumination. Devotees face the deity as the first rays of sunlight enter the sanctum.
Examples- Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Konark and Modhera sun temples
West-facing temples: Less common, but represent
completion of cosmic cycles, introspection, and the setting sun. A symbolic
direction for temples dedicated to deities who govern the transition from life
to the afterlife
Examples: Padmanabhaswamy, Siddhivinayak, Temple, Attahas Shaktipeeth (WB)
North-facing temples: According to वास्तुशास्त्र, this direction is considered very auspicious, associated with Kubera (god of wealth), spiritual prosperity and divine stability. These temples align with the celestial axis. Many temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Shiva are oriented towards the north.
Examples: Brahmapureeswarar nearTrichy, Kundrathur Murugan in Chennai. Some Hanuman shrines are found facing North.
South-facing temples: South is considered an unfavourable direction. According to वास्तुशास्त्र, this direction is often linked to deities like Lord Yama or fierce forms of Shiva, symbolising protection, transformation, liberation and Moksha. It is often used to represent the cyclical nature and release from it. Hanuman Temples usually face south because Hanuman is considered a guardian of this direction and protector of negative energies.
Example-Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga (Ujjain), the only south-facing Jyotirlinga in India, Dakshina Kali (dedicated to goddess Kali), and most Hanuman Temples
Trivia
1. Carl
S Sagan said the same thing centuries later, “The cosmos is within us. We are
made of star stuff. We are way too far from the universe to know itself “
2. वास्तुपुरुषमंडल is a name of 3 parts, Vastu, Purush and Mandal. Vastu is the extent of existence and is beheld in the likeness of Purush. Purush, the cosmic man, the origin and source of existence. Mandal is a closed polygon. The form of the vastu purush mandal is a square.
3. Mundeshwari
Devi Temple, Bihar 108 CE: Considered the oldest functional Hindu temple,
built during the reign of Huvishka.
4. Contrary
to popular belief, temples existed before the 3rd century CE. Evidence
of rock cut shrines of the Kushan period (272-233 BCE)
temples were built in
circular (vitta), elliptical (vettäyata), and
apsidal (capakara) forms. The Ajivika caves at Barabar (Gaya,
Bihar) of Mauryan times, preserve both circular and elliptical shrines in hut
forms with domed or vaulted roofs
5. There
were no temples during the Mahabharat period. Worship was in the form of rituals and
yagna. It could take place anywhere and in household shrines.
6. The
sun temples (Aditya) temples of Varanasi were associated with direct
observations of the sun throughout the year, as well as with specific astronomical
events such as sunspots, meteor showers, and a total solar eclipse (Singh and
Malville 1995).
7. Varanasi (Kashi) is rich with cosmic symbolism and is understood to be a copy of the universe, where Brahma, the lord of creation, was himself born. The eight directions of space and the lords of the seven planets were also reportedly born in the city of Varanasi, exemplified with 56 forms (8 x 7) of Vinayakas/ Ganesha. When pilgrims circumambulate the city on the Panchakroshi circuit, they are symbolically encircling the entire cosmos.
8. Surya Tilak in Ram Mandir, Ayodhya, is an arrangement of mirrors that reflects sunlight during Ram Navami. It is not a permanent architectural feature.
.........To be continued
E & OE
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References: -
- Space and Cosmology in the Hindu Temple by Subhash Kak
- Astronomical Code of the Vedas by Subhash Kak
- The Astronomy of the Vedic Altars and the Rgveda, S Kak
- Technology of Hindu Temples by Dr Uday Dokras
- The Hindu Temple, 1977 by George Michell
- Temple Astronomy and other research papers on the subject by Dr BS Shylaja
- The Temple Architecture of India, Adam Hardy
- Vastu Shastra and Cosmic Alignment in Temple Architecture, Research paper by Sachin Paliwal and Aaditya Verma
- Cosmic order and cultural astronomy- Rana PB Singh
- The Hindu Temple, Stella Krimisch
- Pictures and other articles obtained online.
खूपच छान माहितीपूर्ण लेख आहे. अजून वाचायला आवडेल.
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Excellent research and an outstanding article. Thank you Sir
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