Indian temples are storehouses of our cultural heritage and a synthesis of worldly and spiritual pursuits. They are the microcosmic representation of the Macrocosm. In the past, temples were also centres of traditional learning where knowledge was passed on orally and these temples nurtured several forms of art and śāstric branches of knowledge. They also served as abodes providing emotional and psychological strength to devotees and as spiritual centres for vedāntic study and practice.
The temples surviving in India today, the texts associated with their construction and ritualistic practices are parts of the intangible heritage of India. Though gigantic and mesmerizing in their form, the intricacies of their architecture and iconography is less known today. The selection of the place where a temple is to be built, the installation of the primary deity, its consecration and associated rituals, the construction of the various other adjuncts of the temple and several such related aspects need to be studied in detail based on indigenous texts and such a study throws light on the genius of the ancients. A thorough understanding of Indian cultural history and mythology enhances the study of the iconography of a temple. This multi-dimensional approach can inspire today’s students of art, architecture and engineering to understand the principles of effective and creative constructions of our predecessors.
Objectives:
The workshop aims at:
- Giving a broad outline of the subject matter and scope of the Mayamatam.
- Understanding the fundamentals of temple architecture in the light of the Mayamatam.
- Studying iconographical guidelines in the said text.
- Understanding the practical and contemporary aspects of temple architecture and iconography reflected in the Mayamatam.
Topics to be Covered:
A detailed study of the Temple Art, Architecture and Iconography of the following sections will be carried out:
- The topics dedicated to the temple architecture in the Mayamatam
- The iconographical elucidations in the Mayamatam
- The practical aspects and current practices of the temple architecture in the light of the Mayamatam
The workshop is organized in association with Amrita Centre for Research and Development
Venue: Online workshop organized by Amrita Darshanam, Bengaluru Campus
Registration
Online sessions from 10am to 5pm on 8 Sundays:
Dates
- November 2020: 8th, 22nd, 29th
- December 2020: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th
- January 2021: 3rd
The details of workshop schedule, session topics and session links will be shared with registered participants later.
Fee Details
- Indian General: Rs. 4720/-
- Indian Students: Rs. 2950/-
- International Participants: USD 250/-
All are welcome. Workshop participants will be awarded a certificate.
Last Date for Registration : 7 November 2020
