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Science and Golden R...
Science and Golden Ratios in Mandala Architecture
by: Rekha RaoThe book throws light on the structural, philosophical and scientific perspectives of mandala designs of temples, and explores the relationship between spiritual ideas and the ideas of scientific advancement as exhibited in the mandalas of ancient temples.
₹810.00
ISBN: 9788124605875
Year Of Publication: 2011
Edition: 1st
Pages : xxi, 284 p
Bibliographic Details : 48 Colour & b/w photographs, Glossary; Bibliography; Index
Language : English
Binding : Hardcover
Publisher: D.K. Printworld Pvt. Ltd.
Size: 23
Weight: 600
Indian temples are a rich repository of the religious, cultural, and artistic life of the society. Of special importance here are the circular, intricate, and artistic patterns called the mandalas, which are placed in the bhuvaneshvari of the temple that is conceived as the microcosmic representation of the cosmos in a temple.
The study of the significance of the mandalas are based on the aspects like symbolism, fractals, numerology, and sacred geometry that are used as codes to reveal the mystery of the universe and the eternal laws that govern the order of the universe. The diagrams of mandalas, concealing vast and grandest knowledge of science and spirituality in an amalgamation, are condensed to simplest graphic designs so that the knowledge of science was accessible to the commoners. The study presents the structural, philosophical and scientific perspectives of some mandalas belonging to the early Calukya, late Calukya and the Hoysala temples of south India. The research work also explores the study of the Golden ratios on which the mandalas and the divine images of the temples are designed.
The book will prove extremely absorbing to scholars concerned with the study of the art and architecture of the ancient divine sculptures.
Preface
World of Mandalas
Introduction
1. The Basics of the Mandala
The Central Axis of the Temple
The Purpose, Structure and Meaning of a Mandala
Wave Pattern in a Mandala
Graphic Symbols and Geometric Patterns of the Mandala
Lotus Bud and the Koshas — the Sheaths Enveloping the Soul
Lotus Designs
Shape of Lotus Petals
Pancayatana and Bhadra Mandalas
Kirtimukha: The Face of Glory
Number Symbolism
Fractals: An Interpretation and Representation
Iconographic Representation of Pancabhutas, the Five Elements
2. The Structure, Philosophical and Scientific Perspectives of Mandalas in Temples
Laws of Motion in the Svastika Mandala of Badami Cave
The Dissolution of the Universe – The Crunch in the Matsya Mandala of Badami Cave No. 2
The Source of Energy: Naga Mandala at the Badami Cave
Mandala of the Cosmic bi-unity at the Somanathpur Temple
Rhythm of Life in the Mandala of Keshava Temple, Somanathpur
The Birth of the Universe in the Mandala of Belavadi Viranarayana Temple
The Astronomical Time Cycles of Ancient Hindu Philosophy in the Mandala of Belavadi Viranarayana Temple
Manifestation of Sound in the Mandala of Virabhadra Temple, Keladi
The Power of Light in the Mandala at Belur Cennakeshava Temple
Mandalas in Square Grids
The Significance of the Astadikpala Mandala at Marale Siddheshvara Temple
Mandala of Square Grids in Marale Siddeshvara Temple
3. Golden Ratios in Mandalas: And their Application in Hindu Divine Sculptures
Golden Ratios and Geometry in the Mandala of Ittagi Mahadeva Temple
Golden Ratios in the Mandala of the Hoysaleshvara Temple at Halebid
Application of Golden Rectangles in the Hindu Divine Sculpture of Tirupati Venkateshvara
Golden Ratios in the Nataraja Sculpture of Cidambaram
Divine Proportions (Golden Ratios) in the Sculpture of Gommateshvara at Sharavanabelgola
Golden Ratios in the Buddha Image at Saranath
Epilogue
Illustrations
Glossary
List of illustrations
Bibliography
Index
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