|
|
|
|
|
|
The pillars and the deities stacked in vertical rows also accentuated the importance of the ascent, as did the walk through the temple. As we proceeded from one chamber to the next, we climbed steps that led to a higher floor, until the last few steps brought us to the garbhagriha. Here, too, the verticality continued. The most sacred object in the temple, the marble Shiva Linga, was placed on a yoni pedestal that elevated the symbol of this deity so that it rose above the highest floor in the temple, the floor of the garbhagriha. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As I stood before the garbhagriha, my mind was completely focused. I was ready to view the symbol of the deity inside this central sanctum, which was only ten feet square, with walls that were nearly completely unadorned. I noticed a beautiful carved panel in the lintel over the door that led into the holy sanctuary. Shiva occupied the center position, flanked by Vishnu and Brahmaanother architectural clue that identified the god honored in this temple. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The connection of the cave and mountain further accentuate vertical movement. The shaft of the Shiva Linga is in the exact center of the womb, which is also the Brahmasthana. The Shiva Linga also sits at the highest point inside the temple. The shaft, which is four feet in circumference, is the spiritual axis that connects to the gold finial on top of the highest peak on the temple roof, which is directly above the garbhagriha. The linga's energy travels up the temple axis to the top of the finial, which is the highest point of the building. There, the energy continues to radiate and merge with the invisible Essence, symbolized by the linga. The verticality connected to the Shiva Linga shaft speaks of the same Ultimate Truth. By praying before the Shiva Linga in its womb chamber, the devout experience a symbolic return to the womb and an act of renewal and rebirth. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The path to immortality is also echoed on the horizontal plane. We walk from a large open space marked by its dualitieslight and darkand the dualities attached to the cardinal deitiesto the garbhagriha, which is an |
|
|
|
|
|