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scenes and hunts in the jungle, domestic scenes. Directly above this band of carvings is the higher realm of demigods, celestial musicians and angels, and mithunas (erotic couples) who express in accessible human symbolism the belief of the union of the atma or soul with the Paramaatma, or Supreme Soul. |
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Moving higher up the temple, we come to the mass of eighty-four shikharas (spires or peaks) that jut up from the temple and create the roof. These shikharas are decorated primarily with geometric patterns. Within this entire mass of vertical projections just an occasional deity is showcased in a niche or corner projection. This is the world of Essence, Truth, and Cosmic Energy that is invisible yet present everywhere. The temple shikharas remind us that we must get beyond the limitations of our own body and its demands and distractions so that we can discover the divinity that exists within us. The lack of earthly forms on the spires takes us from the realm of manifestations into the realm of the invisible Supreme Essence. |
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The gold finial on the summit is placed inside a receptacle, which is called the kalasha. The celestial architect, Vishwakarma, originally created the kalasha to hold amrit (the nectar that brings moksha or immortality). The kalasha and finial represent the Supreme Essence in its unseen form. The worshipper can see this part of the temple from a distance and knows that the journey made through the temple is symbolic. It is a journey intended to remind the worshipper of the proper path to follow, right now in this current life, in order to reach the nectar of immortality (moksha). |
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When worshippers arrive at the temple, they go inside and pray before the image or symbol of the deity. While they pray to the deity, they know that the deity is symbolic of something that is formless and unseen. The function of the form is similar to the function of a myth: it is filled with deeper meanings that are presented at a level that all worshippers can appreciate. They know that the linga stands for the Supreme Essence, which cannot be touched or viewed with the eyes. |
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From outside the temple, we are also reminded of the important principle of dualities through the architect's design. From any angle, we notice the |
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