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Each new area helps us prepare for the symbol of Shiva contained inside the sacred garbhagriha (womb chamber). Stepping before Shiva's symbol is our ultimate destination, philosophically and symbolically. One does not just walk through a vastu temple; one takes a symbolic journey through the stages that remind us of the Truth.
The Temple Platform
The Kandariya Mahadeva is built on an extremely spacious ten-foot high platform or jagati that resembles a terrace. Many scholars believe that four small shrines once graced each corner of the jagati. The original construction of five structures, while dedicated to particular deities, would have been a reaffirmation of the importance of the five elements of space, air, fire, water, and earth as the source of all creation. The element of space was associated with the ornate temple, built to honor Shiva, which still stands in the center of the platform.
We walked clockwise around the platform of the Kandariya Mahadeva and saw how the vastu architect honors the rituals attached to Hinduism. The first niche on the exterior wall contained a carving of Ganesha, the elephant-headed god, the son of Shiva, and the first deity prayed to in a Hindu ceremony. Brijendra pointed out that the Kandariya Mahadeva was positioned on an east-west axis, with its entrance opening to the east. The east is the direction of knowledge, enlightenment, and most especially spiritual enlightenment. He called our attention to the temple's entrance. It was dark and mysterious, and resembled a cave. The temple's similarity to a mountain and a cave was deliberate.
The Kandariya Mahadeva is dedicated to Shiva, the deity in the Hindu Trinity who represents the destructive aspect in the process of creation, preservation, and destruction. The destructive aspect of Shiva is necessary. It allows for the ongoing process of re-creation, which sustains the universe. The undulating shikharas on the Kandariya Mahadeva, moving along a gradual ascent to the summit, remind us of the path that leads to freedom from the cycle of life and death into the realm of pure essence and immortality.

 
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