The Inner Parikrama

The Inner Parikrama 

The Dhyanalinga Temple layout is geometrically a simple fusion of shapes, but experientially a profound space for meditation. The peripheral dimension of the structure is a congregation of modulated spaces subtly preparing the visitor for meditation at every step. The unusual sunken reception engages the viewer with the 17 feet white granite monolith, the Sarva Dharma Sthambha. Symbols of major religions of the world are inscribed on three sides of this Sthamba forming an appropriate sign of welcome for one and all, beyond religious divide.
The back of the Sthamba is inscribed with the schematic of the seven chakras of the human body, in the form of lotuses that represent different levels of consciousness. The chakras are flanked on either side by flowing forms of snakes, representing the Ida and Pingala nadis, the masculine and feminine or the logical and intuitive energy states. The central stem connecting all the chakras at the center is the Sushumna nadi, the principal channel of energy according to the yogic sciences. A rising sun carved in stone crowns the Sthambha, symbolizing a new dawn and the pattern of fallen leaves beneath the sun symbolizes the death of the past. The Sthambha area of the temple is built in the form of a yantra, which is closed on three sides and gives the feeling of an open-arm embrace to the visitor.
The stone gateway or the Thorana is designed according to the principles of traditional Indian Temple Architecture. It safeguards the temple and acts as the main entrance. To reach the open pathway, the parikrama, the seeker crosses the three entrance steps symbolizing the gunas - Tamas, Rajas and Sattva, which are the three basic qualities of the mind. The unusual height of the steps forces the visitor to press the sole of his feet on the pebbled surface of these steps, which in turn activate certain nerve centers in the body - a preparation of the system to make it more receptive to the energies of the Dhyanalinga.
The parikrama, leading to the Dhyanalinga, communicates a sense of both artistry and spirituality. It comprises a central pathway, which is open to the sky, establishing a visual connection between the entrance and the dome, reinforcing the integrity of the relationship of spaces. The central pathway is flanked on either side by covered aisles.
As one enters the parikrama, on the left is the statue of Pathanjali, the celebrated author of Yoga Sutras, regarded as the father of yogic sciences. The eleven-foot tall statue is deliberately placed in a sunken shrine, thus establishing an immediate relationship between the colossal identity of Pathanjali and the dwarfed viewer at the same level. The statue sculpted in black granite depicts a fusion of snake and man, symbolizing the dual nature of life. It also symbolizes the divine nature of man evolving from his earthbound nature. Hence, the sunken shrine depicts the snake below the earth and the man above it. The snake covering the head of the statue with its hood represents the raising of energies through the seven chakras, thus reflecting the objective of yoga.
On the right is the Vanashree shrine, the feminine deity of the Dhyanalinga temple and a counterpoint to the Pathanjali shrine. In contrast to Pathanjali's sunken base, the Vanashree shrine is placed at a higher level than the pathway. The Vanashree, made of green granite, is a sculptural relief of a peepal tree. A gold leaf at the center symbolizes warmth and prosperity. The energies of the deity are such that it is especially beneficial for women and children to meditate in the vicinity of the shrine. The traditional Keerthi Mukha, the glorious face, finds place above the shrine of Vanashree.
Six artistically sculptured granite panels cover the aisles, illustrating the stories of six South Indian sages who attained enlightenment. Each panel captures a moment in these extraordinary lives. On the threshold are six images of meditative postures each carved into a triangular form, which indicate the Siddhi State of six spiritual chakras. The form of a yogi prostrating before the Dhyanalinga suggests the sense of surrender that is required to enter the Dhyanalinga space.
The parikrama ends at a vaulted tunnel that leads to the dome of the Dhyanalinga. Carved on the threshold of the entrance are two snakes with a single raised hood, indicating the non-dual nature of the Dhyanalinga. Over the vault is a seven-hooded monolithic snake, symbolizing the seven dimensions of life reaching the peak of consciousness.
The earth colors, the natural granite, irregular surfaces and the shapes that form the Dhyanalinga temple create a very earthy and ethereal ambience, blending with the surroundings and intensifying all elements of nature; a smooth prelusion to the warmth and womb-like feel of the Dhyanalinga Dome.