Course Details

TAT3104 – (C.P.H.S – Core Course) Temples occupy an important place in the Hindu mind, both in India and amongst the diaspora. The temple heritage of India constitutes a treasure trove of knowledge preserved and passed on through the ages. Modern day temples in large metros and in the diaspora reflect the collective memories of traditions spanning centuries. There is more to temples than what meets the eye. Temples are not mere congregational sites or prayer halls; they are a sacred space to commune with the source or oneness of existence. And they have been centers of culture for millennia. This course provides an overview of Hindu temples and traditions with emphasis on architecture, sculpture, worship and festival traditions, sthala-puranas and more. Module 1: Overview of Hindu Temples Topics: 1.A geographical overview of temples and traditions across India 2.A historical overview of the temples of India 3.Diaspora temples Module 2: Hindu Temple Architecture and History Topics: 1. The Nagara Style of Temples 2. The Dravida Temple Architecture 3. The Vesara style of temples 4. Temples of the Western Ghats 5. Evolution of Temple Architecture 6. The Pallava, Chola, Pandya, Hoysala and Vijayanagar Contribution to temples 7. The Kalinga, Rashtrakoota, Chandela contribution to temples 8. The Bhakti movement in Tamilnadu 9. The Bhakti movement of the 2nd millennium. Module 3: Hindu Temple Traditions Topics: 1. Temples and references in Puranas 2. Sthala Puranas or Local Traditions 3. Temple Clusters – Abodes of Shiva 4. Temple Clusters – Abodes of Vishnu 5. Temple Clusters – Shakti Pitham 6. Temple Clusters – Other 7. Festival Traditions – The Bhrahmotsavam 8. Worship Traditions – Agamas 9. Temples and Music 10. Temples and Dance – The Devadasi Tradition 11. Current State of Temple Worship