Religion & Architecture by Lipi Agarwal

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HINDUISMOne of the oldest religions of humanity (2000-1500 BCE)

No particular founder.

The vast majority of Hindus live in India and Nepal

Originst started among people who settled in the valley of the Indus River. Some scholars have hypothesized

that the “Aryan Invasion” is the key event in then founding of Indian civilization and Hinduism.

Goal of Hinduism• Moksha: release or liberation of atman (the soul) from the endless cycle of rebirth (samsara).

• You achieve Moksha by having good Karma.

• Infinite bliss and awareness

• United forever with the divine

• Sacred exclamation to be uttered at the beginning and end of a reading of the Vedas or

previously to any prayer or mantra.

Architecture and Construction of the Hindu Temple.The Vastu-shastras are the general manuals on Hindu architecture and they, along with many other

manuals, are consulted to help properly create the sacred temple. All Hindu temples begin with a

ground plan, a sacred geometric diagram called the mandala that is representative of the universe.

The mandala is a grid, a large square that is divided into smaller squares by intersecting lines. It is

considered to be “a symbolic pantheon of the gods”

Temple Architecture• Called Mandir , Deol, Devalaya in India

•Religious

– Astronomy

–Sacred geometry

•Representation of macrocosm and microcosm

•Has an inner sanctum: garba girha

•Sanctum crowned by a shikara

–Distinguishes the Nagra and Dravidastyles

Hindu temple architecture combines harmony and

symmetry with a high degree of outer adornment.

Elements are designed to have correct

proportions and exert a positive influence on their

surroundings.



North Indian Stylesagara style

From Himalayas to the Deccan

Shikhara

–beehive shaped

–Capotas and gavakas

–amalaka

Shrine is square at center

Bell-shaped structure on main shrine

South Indian Styleravidian style

Shikhara

–pyramid shaped

Have different: ground plan; position of stone deities;

decorative elements

Walls around whole building

Different types: Pallava, Chola,Pandya, Rashtrkuttas, Chandelas, Vijayanagar, Nayak

Lingaraja Temple Jagannath Temple Rajarani Temple

Shore TempleMeenakshi Temple

The exteriors are generally morehighly decorated than the interiors

which are usually relatively plain.

As the worshiper moves from the

outer part of the temple towards

the sanctuary the amount of

decorations declines. Around the

sanctuary the amount of

decoration is minimal so as not to

take anything away or divertattention from the icon in the

central shrine



TAOISMaoism is China's indigenous religion.

tarted during 4th or 5th BCE.

Originsaoism was started by the Chinese philosopher Lao Tze,the Supreme master, in the 6th century BCE.

Goal of TaoismTaoism teaches the role of nature and the relationship between human beings and the natural

elements. Practice self control of mind and body, and act without thinking of themselves, in other

words act selflessly.

Architecture and Construction of the Taoism Temple.aoist buildings must be located in a natural environment. They must be in harmony with nature and

heir environments. When selecting an appropriate location for the temples, the concepts of the yin and

ang and the Eight Trigrams must be at play.

Temple ArchitectureCalled Gong, Guan or Miao in Chinese

Three kinds: palace-like and ordinary temples, and simple hut or caves

Temple buildings, consist of the divine hall, the alter, the room for reading sculptures and practicing

asceticism, the living room, the reception room for pilgrims, and the park where visitors can rest.

The holy statues of Dragon and Tiger are set in front of the main gate of a Taoist temple

Concepts of Bilateral symmetry

Enclosure ,Hierarchy, Horizontal Emphasis & Cosmology

Roofs are sloping with upturned corners.

The primary supports in a Chinese structure are columns, beams and brackets (called dou-

gong). These are made out of wood and could be intricately decorated.

The main act of worship is lighting incense or joss sticks therefore at the entrance to the main temple

area, there will be a large container for burning joss sticks or incense.Taoist Temple roof are Blue in color.



Windows, doors, eaves, and

girders of Taoist constructions

are carved with Chinese

characters such as Fu (blessing),

Shou (longevity), Ji (auspicious)

a Daoist temple have a main hall

for a single deity, but other

deities’ statues could come on

the sides or behind the main

statue. Also, an interesting

feature of Daoist temple

architecture is that the main

door is not centred, but on the

side, in the belief that this

would prevent unwanted spirits

from entering the mainsanctuary.

Temple of Heaven

The Taoist principle, 5

Elementry Substances

to form everything in

the world are Wood,

Wind, Fire, Water &

Earth. Chinese

Architect chooen

Timber because it isdrived from

Wood, one of the five

Taoism respects

anything which is

more of nature or

closer to nature.



BUDDHISMDeveloped in India 2500 yrs ago

Founded by Siddharth Gautama.

The vast majority of Hindus live in India ,China, Japan, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia

OriginsSiddhartha Guatama, or Buddha which means “enlightened one” lived in the 5th century BC became

the enlighted one at the age of 35.

Goal of Buddhism• Based on many of the core concepts of Hinduism

• Essence of Buddhism is the attainment of enlightenment

• Points to a way of life that avoids self-indulgence and self-denial.

Architecture and Construction of the Stupa.

A stupa is a mound-like structure containing buddhist relics, typically the remains of Buddha, used byBuddhists as a place of worship. These stupas are the circular tumuli built of earth, covered with

stone or brick, the plan, elevation, section and the total form of which were all derived from circle.

Temple ArchitectureStupas are one of the most prominent and powerful architectural

element used in Buddhist architecture. A Stupa is a dome shaped

monument used to house Buddhist relics or to commemrate

significant facts of Buddhism.

•Its nucleus is a simple hemispherical brick structure built over therelics of the Buddha.

•It is crowned by the chatra, a parasol-like structure symbolizing high rank, which was intended to

honour and shelter the relics.

•It has four profusely carved ornamental gateways and a balustrade

encircling the whole structure.

•DOME- is a solid brick-work & has a slight ‘crushed’ profile at top

and was surmounted by HARMIKA with a central triple

umbrella.

•

The facing of the dome consists of dry masonry composed of hammer dressed stones laid in even courses.

•The terrace is at some height from ground creating a separate

and upper AMBULATORY which is provided by a double staircase

with high BALUSTRADE, on the south side.

•There are four gateways known as ‘TORANAS’ at the cardinal

points to the compass and are slightly staggered from the railing

enclosing stupa.

•The ambulatory or pradakshina path is fenced by railingall around

the stupa.



Stupa at sanchi

Stupa at ruwanwelsia , srilanka

Stupa at chedi , china

Shapes of the stupas

goes on changing as

each one were having

its own way to

represent

Stupa at myanmarStupa at islamabad



CHRISTIANITY Christianity began in 30 A.D.

Christianity started at Pentecost by the power of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and disciples of Jesus

Christ after His death.

OriginsChristians believe that Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Bible.

Goal of Christianity • The Mission of The Church is to be faithful in fulfilling the commandment of Christ to “Go into all

the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the

Son and of the Holy Spirit.

• Observance of The Law which is written in Scripture

• Communication with God through prayer and self-denial.

Architecture and Construction of the ChurchMost cathedrals and great churches have a cruciform groundplan. The plan is usually longitudinal, in

the form of the so-called Latin Crosswith a long nave crossed by a transept

• Called Church, Catedral.

• Churches don’t have to be large or fancy, some churches are even in peoples houses & can be

small and basic while a Cathedral is a large & very special church. It has stain glass windows an

organ and usually a large spire/steeple.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_prophecy

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_Bible

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundplan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_Cross

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nave

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transept

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transept

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nave



http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundplan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew_Bible

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_prophecy



ISLAMIslam per Quran God revelation to prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through the angel

Gabriel (or Jibril) started in year 610 AD in Makkah (or Mecca) in Saudi Arabia.

OriginsThe origin of Islam is accredited to the prophet Muhammad.

Goal of Islam• The shahadah (creed)

• Daily prayers (salat)

• Almsgiving (zakah)

• Fasting during Ramadan

• The pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj) at least once in a lifetime.

Architecture and Construction of the Mosque

Building were traditionally designed to beat the heat, with lots of shade and large openings facing thewind. Fountains and pools an even streams were placed in courtyards to provide a cooling effect.

The idea of a mosque is to create as much space as possible for the uninterrupted communion

between worshipers and God.

Temple Architecture• Called Mosque, Masjid

• There are two main styles of mosque architecture: 1) hypostyle, in which the roof is supported on

pillars: and 2) domical, where the walls are surrounded by a dome.

•

Generally built around open courtyards, surrounding which are one or more iwan (prayer halls).• The iwan facing Mecca is the main prayer hall, or mihrab apse, where the imam leads the faithful

in prayer.

• In front of a mosque are pools, where the faithful wash before entering the mosque.

• The main doorway is oriented in the direction of Mecca.

• Most mosques have a qibla (a marking showing direction of Mecca).

• Minarets or towers: Originally used as torch-lit watch tower. Later used for azaan given by Muezzin

or Maula to call for prayer.

• Cupolas-small dome-like structure,on top of a building.

• Dome symbolises the arch of heaven. Built in brick and stone and external surface plastered .The

dome placed on the surface by transition from square plan below to circular plan above by

superimposing angles with pointed pendentives ,squinch arches and stalactites.

• Beautiful ornament at corners.

Pointed arch

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shahadah

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salat

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zakah

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hajj

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hajj

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zakah

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salat

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shahadah



Herringbone Plant Motifs

Spandrel Detail

Typical Plan of Mosque

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:TajSpandrel.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:TajFlowerCloseUp.jpg

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:TajGuldastaGeometricDeco.jpg



JUDAISMThe start of Judaism was by the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (1900 BCE). After Jacob went to

Egypt with his twelve kids and seventy grandchildren, the Jews became a nation of six hundred

thousand men throughout their 210 years of slavery in Egypt.

OriginsThe start of Judaism as a religion was at Mount Sinai at the great revelation (1400 BCE). The start of

Judaism as a religion was when Hashem (God) gave the ten commandments to the Jewish nation at

Mount Sinai. From then on for forty years the Jewish people wandered in the Sinai desserts and

Moses taught them the Torah, as he heard it from Hashem (God).

Goal of Judaism• Moksha: release or liberation of atman (the soul) from the endless cycle of rebirth (samsara).

• You achieve Moksha by having good Karma.

• Infinite bliss and awareness

• United forever with the divine

• Sacred exclamation to be uttered at the beginning and end of a reading of the Vedas or

previously to any prayer or mantra.

Architecture and Construction of the Hindu Temple.The Vastu-shastras are the general manuals on Hindu architecture and they, along with many other

manuals, are consulted to help properly create the sacred temple. All Hindu temples begin with a

ground plan, a sacred geometric diagram called the mandala that is representative of the universe.

The mandala is a grid, a large square that is divided into smaller squares by intersecting lines. It is

considered to be “a symbolic pantheon of the gods”

Temple Architecture• Called Mandir , Deol, Devalaya in India

•Religious

– Astronomy

–Sacred geometry

•Representation of macrocosm and microcosm

•Has an inner sanctum: garba girha

•Sanctum crowned by a shikara –Distinguishes the Nagra and Dravidastyles

Religion & Architecture by Lipi Agarwal

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