A STUDY ON HINDU TEMPLE PLANNING,

CONSTRUCTION AND THE VAASTU

by

SUJATAVANIGUNASAGARAN

Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment

of the requirements for the degree
of Masters of Science Building Technology

l\1ac 2002
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

Acknowledgement

Firstly I would like to pay my obeisance to the almighty and would like to start this study

with Her blessings. I wish to express my gratitude to all those persons have helped the

completion of this work. I thank Prof Madya Dr. Tan Guat Lin, Dr. Mohd. Rodzi Ismail

and Prof Madya Dr. K. Ramanathan for their guidance throughout this study. I would

like to express my gratitude to Mr. Ravi from MPPP, Mr. Palani Kumar Sthapati, Mr.

Alagarsami and Mr Muthiah, who are currently working on Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan

Temple. I would also like to thank Mr. Presenan from The Mahamariamman Temple,

Queen Street, Mr. Kannan from The Ayira Vaisyar Sundaresvarar Temple and Mr.

Mohana GurukaI from Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple, Penang Hill, for their elaborate

explanations on the respective temples. Lastly I would like to thank my family and

friends for their endless support.

11
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

Abstract

A Hindu Temple should be designed to maintain its ancient aesthetics, mysticism,

philosophy, design principle, components, quality, nature and comfort. This can be done

with incorporating the Vaastu in building Hindu Temples. In Malaysia, there are no rules

to govern the religious buildings. Therefore there are no scale to measure the quality of

Hindu Temples. The existing Hindu Temples in Malaysia are of many scales; from icons

under trees to medium scale temples. This dissertation, A Study on Hindu Temple

Planning, Construction and The Vaastu is to analyse the relevance of Vaastu in building

a Hindu Temple, with three temples in Pulau Pinang, Malaysia as the case study.

Vaastu is a study related to Building Science hence can be called Science of Building

Technology of ancient time, which is also very similar to the modem one. This Science

is Universal therefore can be applied to other buildings as well. Latest technology on

materials and construction can be incorporated in a Hindu Temple, as long as it does not

affect the Vaastu. In order to understand this study, the beliefs of Hinduism, types and

characteristics and the components of Hindu Temples are discussed.

The study is analysed according to the Primary and Secondary Data. The case studies,

the Primary Data are analysed according to The Site and The Temple Design. The

analysis of The Site consists of The Sun Movement, The Slope and The Substructures.

The Temple design consists of Shapes and Proportion, Measurements, Materials,

III
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

Construction Principles and Services. All these criteria are then compared among the

three temples and with the ancient temple. Other Primary Data are interviews with

various individuals related to the study and the data from internal publications. The

Secondary Data are accumulated from articles, newspapers, brochures, magazines,

books, other related dissertations, websites and e-groups.

Vaastu, the science applied in Architecture is explained in detail emphasising on the

basis of Vaastushastra, which makes the criteria for the analysis. Other fields, which are

of non-architectural matters but related to the Vastu; Astronomy, Astrology and Ritual

Performances correlation and their importance, are explained briefly.

The site analysis according to Vaastu is basically good and would reap benefits. But the

building itself and the materials do not comply fully to the rules and regulation of the

Vaastu. The analysis proves that The Mariamman Temple is the best as per Vaastu. The

Sundaresvarar Temple, a recently built temple does not fully incorporate Vaastu in its

design. The existing shrine of Thirumurugan Temple is recently being constructed as per

Vaastu. The temple built according to Vaastu should be able to provide psychological

needs like peace and tranquillity to the visitors.

The case studies prove that Vaastu is important but is not fully incorporated in planning

and construction of the temples in Malaysia. This study is hoped to bring the awareness

of the importance ofVaastu, which is gaining recognition nowadays.

IV
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

Abstrak

Kuil Hindu mesti direkabentuk dengan mengekalkan unsur-unsur purba seperti estetik,

mistisisme, falsafa~ prinsip rekabentuk, komponen, kualiri, sifat alam, dan keselesaan.

Keadaan ini boleh dicapai dengan menggabungkan Vaastu dalam pembinaan Kuil Hindu.

Di Malaysia, tiada peraturan yang khusus untuk pembinaan bangunan beribadat. Maka

Kuil Hindu yang terdapat di Malaysia mempunyai pelbagai skala; dari ikon di bawah

pokok sehingga ke kuil bersaiz sederhana. Disertasi ini, 'A Study on Hindu Temple

Planning, Construction and The Vaastu', mengkaji kepentingan Vaastu dalam pembinaan

Kuil Hindu dengan memilih riga kuil di Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.

Vaastu ialah kajian mengenai Sains Bangunan maka boleh dikatakan Sains Teknologi

Bangunan purba, yang sangat menyerupai yang moden. Sains ini boleh dikatakan Sejagat

maka boleh diaplikasi pada bangunan lain. Teknologi terkini dalam bidang bahan binaan

dan pembinaan boleh digabungkan dalam pembinaan Kuil Hindu jika tidak mengganggu

Vaastu. Untuk memahami kajian ini, kepercayaan Hindu, jenis dan ciri-ciri, dan

komponen Kuil Hindu diperbincangkan.

Kajian ini dianalisa menggunakan Data Primer dan Sekunder. Kajian kes, Data Primer'

dikaji mengikut Tapak Pembinaan dan Rekabentuk Kuil. Tapak Pembinaan merangkurni

Pergerakan Matahari, Kelandaian dan Substruktur. Rekabentuk Kuil pula merangkumi

Bentuk dan Proposi, illllran, Bahan Binaan, Prinsip Pembinaan dan Perkhidrnatan.

Kesemua kriteria ini dibandingkan di antara ketiga-tiga kui! dan juga dengan kuil purba.

v
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

Data Primer lain didapati dengan menemuramah individu yang berkenaan dan data dari

penerbitan persendirian. Data Sekunder dikumpul dari artikel surat khabar, ri sal ah,

majalah, buku, disertasi lain, laman web dan 'e-groups'.

Vaastu, sains yang diaplikasi dalam Senibina dihuraikan secara terperinci dengan

menekankan asas Vastushastra, yang juga membina kriteria untuk analisis. Bidang lain

yang bukan berkenaan Senibina tetapi berkait rapat dengan Vaastu; Astronomi, Astrologi

dan Upacara Amal dihurai secara am. Pembinaan tradisi mengikut Vaastu dibandingkan

dengan kajian kes yang dibina secara kebiasaan pada masa kini.

Mengikut kajian kes berkaitan Vaastu, secara amnya tapak pembinaan kesemua kuil

adalah baik dan akan membawa tuah. Tetapi bangunan dan bahan binaan tidak

sepenuhnya mematuhi peraturan Vaastu. Kuil Mariamman adalah yang paling baik

mengikut Vaastu dan diikuti oleh KuiI Sundaresvarar yang barn dibina. KuiI

Thirumurngan pula tidak mematuhi Vaastu maka pembinaan bam dijalankan mengikut

Vaastu.

Kajian kes ini membul.'tikan bahawa Vaastu adalah penting tetapi tidak diutamakan

dalam pembinaan kuiI di Malaysia. Diharap kajian kes ini akan membawa kesedaran

ten41ng kepentingan Vaastu yang semakin dikenali pada masa kini.

\-1
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning. Construction and The Vaastu

Contents

Acknowledgement
Abstract
Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
List of Coloured plates

Page
1.0 Introd uetion 1
1.1 Scope 7
1.2 The setting 9
1.3 Methodology 11
1.4 Objective 14

2.0 The Hindu Temple 15

2.1 The Beliefs of Hinduism 17
2.2 Types of Hindu Temple and its Characteristics 20
2.3 The components of Hindu Temple 25

3.0 The Vaastu 29

3.1 Vaastu and Vastu 29
3.2 Vaastu and Feng Shui 34
3.3 Vaastushastra 39
3.4 Mayan 43
3.5 The Basis of the Vaastushastra 49
3.5.1 Cosmic Influence 49
3.5.2 Solar Energy 50
.3.5.3 Geo-magnetic Fields 55
3.5.4 Geology of the crust 59
3.5.4.1 Materials 59
3.5.4.2 Construction Principles 63
3.5,5 Hydrology and Eco-systems 70
3.5.6 Socia-Cultural Belief 75
3,6 Characteristics of science of Vaastu 76
3.7 . Vaastu Purusha Mandala 77
3.8 Vaastu and Energy 81

VII
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

4.0 Other fields related to the Hindu Temple Planning and Construction 84
4.1 Astronomy 86
4.1.1 The Hindu Calendar 88
4.2 Astrology 90
4.2.1 The Zodiac 91
4.2.2 The Constellation 91
4.2.3 The Horoscope 93
4.2.4 The Measurement Compatibility 96
4.3 RitualisticPerfonnance 101

5.0 The Case Studies 106

5.1 The Maha Mariamman Temple, Queen Street. 108
5.1.1 The Site of The Mariamman Temple 110
5.1.2 The The Mariamman Temple Design 115
5.2 The Ayira Vaisyar Sundaresvarar Temple, Jalan Kebun Bunga. 122
5.2.1 The Site of The Sundaresvarar Temple 124
5.2.2 The Sundaresvarar Temple Design 129
5.3 The Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple, Penang Hill. 136
5.3.1 The Site of The Thirumurugan Temple 137
5.3.2 The Thirumurugan Temple Design 139
5.4 Discussion 144
5.5 Conclusion and Recommendations 153

Glossary
Bibliography
Appendices

VI 11
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

List of Tables

Table 1.1: The number ofreligious buildings in Pulau Pinang. 10

(Laporan Pemeriksaan 1985, MPPP)
Table 2.1: The Style and Characteristics of South Indian Hindu Temples. 21
Table 2.2: The Components of Hindu Temple. (Shivaacaariyar, 2001) 26
Table 2.3: Substructures in a Hindu Temple Complex and the Direction. 28
(Shivaacaariyar,2001)
Table 3.1: Differences ofVaastu and Vastu. 29
Table 3.2: The concept of Element. Nature ofHymns, Governing Deity and 32
Particle. (modifiedfrom Saharasbhude,--)
Table 3.3: The Properties ofFive Elements of Feng Shut. 34
(Skinner, 1998)
Table 3.4: Effects of Slope and Direction of a Site. (modified from Pulippani, 54
1998)
Table 3.5: Characteristics ofthe five basic elements and soil properties. 71
Table 3.6: Buried materials that would bring bad and good luck. 73
Table 3.7: Measured Values ofBio-energy for Human and Religious 82
Symbols. (Sahasrabudhe, --)
Table 4.1: Vaastushastra corre/arion wirh Yogashastra, Astrology and Science. 84
(SafuL~rabhude, -j

Table -1.2: The Solar System and the Astrology. 86

Table -1.3: The 12 month in Lunar Calendar. (The Kumbhabhisegam 88
lvfaga::ine ofArulmigu Alaha Mariamman Temple, 1998)
Table -1.4: The Season in Hindu Calendar. (The Kumbhabhisegam 89
Maga::ine ofArulmigu lvfaha Mariamman Temple, 1998)
Table 4.5: The Zodiacs and The Constellations. 92
(modified from Sahasrabudhe, --)
Table 4.6: Thefive Muhurta and the foundation stone laying time and its effect. 95
Table 4.7: The deity and the governing Nakshatra. 99
(Shivaacaariyar, 2001)
Table 5.1: The differences between the Sundaresvarar Temple and 126
The A1adurai Jleenakshi Temple.
Table 5.2: The result of the three case studies analysed 144

IX
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

List of Figures

Fig. 1.1: Methodology Chart. 13

Fig. 2.1: Section of a Hindu Temple, components ofHindu Temple, the icon 25
would be placed side ways in the moolasthanam. (to proportion, not to
scale)
Fig. 2.2: Ground FloorPlan, Components of Hindu Temple. (not to scale) 25
(Ramanathan, 1998)
Fig. 2.3: The Components of Hindu Temple and the Human Body. 27
(Ganapati, 1988)
Fig. 3.1: ring and Yang. (Skinner, 1998) 34
Fig. 3.2: Four celestial animals ofFeng Shui. (Skinner, 1998) 36
Fig. 3.3: The Current Lo Shu and the 'jlying' Numbers in a Lo Shu. (Skinner, 37
1998)
Fig. 3.4: The process of manifestation ofsubtle energy into embodied energy. 47
(Ganapati, 2001)
Fig. 3.5: Vaastu Purusha ,Mandala in terms ofJaivic and Pranic Urjas. 51
(Sahasrabudhe, -~
Fig. 3.6: Exposure of a Rectangular Site to Solar Radiation. (Sahasrabudhe, -~ 52
Fig. 3.7: The loading of the site according to the directions. 54
(Gouru Tirupati Reddy, 1999)
Fig. 3.8: Earth's magnetic field subjected to shock-wave front from solar wind 56
(Sahasrabudhe, --)
Fig. 3.9: . Conceptual sketch showing the flow ofsolar plasma around [he 56
earth's magnetopause. The earth's magnetic field is distorted into a
teardrop-shape by the force of the solar wind. (Sahasrabudhe, --)
Fig. 3.10: Square and rectangular plots are dynamically balanced. 58
(Sahasrabudhe, --)
Fig. 3.11: Cow-faced plot (Goumukh) allows for stress relief while 58
Tiger:faced plot (Vyaghramukh) results 111 stress concentration.
(Sahasrabudhe, -~
Fig. 3.12: The chart that govern the direction of different idols. 64
(Kadirappai, 1998)
Fig. 3.13: The average height of a man. (Ganapati, 2001) 65

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 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

Fig. 3.14: The section showing the 23.5° angle. (Kadirappa, 1998) 68
Fig. 3.15: The proportion o/the vimana according to the human body. 69
(Ganapati, 1988)
Fig. 3.16: The wrong and right position of the beam in a vimana construction. 69
(Shivaacaariyar, 2001)
Fig. 3.17: The wave pattern, Vaastu Purusha Mandala. (Ganapati, 2001) 78
Fig. 3.18: Vaastu Purusha Mandala significance of deities. (Sahasrabudhe, --) 83
Fig. 3.19: Vaastu Purusha A;fandala. (Ganapati, 2001) 102

Xl
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

List of Coloured plates

CP. 1.1: Orphan temple. an idol under a tree. (Ramanathan. 1998) 23

CP. 1.2: The Ambal Temple in Jalan York Close, P. Pinang. (Ramanathan, 23
1998)
CP. 1.3: The Sivasakthi Temple. Jalan Ayer 1tam, P. Pinang 23
CP. 1.4: The two shrines against the town background along Jalan 23
Jelutong, P.Pinang.
CP. 1.5: One of the shrine, Jalan Jelutong, P. Pinang. 23
CP. 1.6: Another shrine, the Murugan Temple, Jalan Jelutong, P. Pinang. 23
CP.5.1: The Mariamman Temple, Queen Street. 108
CP. 5.2: The Southwest of The Mariamman Temple is the multi-purpose 111
hall.
CP. 5.3: The front portion on the Northeast is vacant but at the rear 111
another shop house.
CP. 5.4: The rear gate at Pitt Street and the vimana of The A1ariamman 111
Temple.
CP. 5.5: The dvajastambham, balipeedam and simha vahana of The 116
Mariamman Tempie.
CP. 5.6: The moolasthanam of The lvfariamman Temple. 116
CP. 5.7: The left side of the moolasthanamwlth subshrine. 116
CP. 5.8: The subshrine in The IHariamman Temple. 116
CP. 5.9: The usage 0.( blue polycarbonate in The Afariamman Temple. 121
CP. 5.10: The green paints and grain ofgranite or marble for column in The 121
lvfariamman Temple.
CP. 5.11: The decorative lighting 'rI'ith exposed wiring in The Mariamman 121
Temple.
c.P. 5.12: The fluorescent and emergency lighting in The .'\fariamman 121
Temple.
CP. 5.13: The rain walers dO'Yvn pipe in The Jvfariammnan Temple. 121
CP. 5.14: The Sundaresvarar Temple, Jalan Kebun Bunga.
CP. 5.15: The front gate of The Sundaresvarar Temple flanked by houses 125

Xll
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

and another building on the Northeast.

CP.5.16: The left elevation of The Sundaresvarar Temple. 125

CP. 5.17: The icon under a tree in The Sundaresvarar Temple site. 128
CP. 5.18: The two entrance to the two moolasthanam in The Sundaresvarar 128
Temple site.
CP. 5.19: The subshrines and icons encompassing The Sundaresvarar 128
Temple.
CP. 5.20: The entrance to multi-purpose hall in The Sundaresvarar Temple 128
site.
CP. 5.21: The interior of the multi-purpose hall in The Sundaresvarar 128
Temple.
CP. 5.22: The entrance on the Northeast in The Sundaresvarar Temple. 130
CP.5.23: The gopuram on top of the Northeast entrance in The 130
Sundaresvarar Temple.
CP. 5.24: The mixed usage of material with paint in The Sundaresvarar 135
Temple.
CP. 5.25: The wooden door in The Sundaresvarar Temple. 135
CP. 5.26: The usage ofglass in The Sundaresvarar Temple. 135
CP. 5.27: The opening is kepf minimum: ventilation through wired openings 135
in The Sundaresvarar Temple.
CP. 5.28: The usage o.ffloor tiles in The Sundaresvarar Temple. 135
CP. 5.29: The fuorescent light and ceilingfan in The Sundaresvarar Temple. ·135
CP. 5.30: The Thirumurugan Temp/e, Penang Hill. 136
CP. 5.31: The multi-purpose hall o/The Thirumurugan Temple. 140
CP. 5.32: The moolasthanam o.fThe Thirumurugan Temple with subshrine. 140
CP. 5.33: The subshrine of The Thirumurugan Temple. 140
CP.5.34: The gopuram on top of the entrance in The Thirumurugan Temple. 140
CP. 5.35: The reinforcement of roof slab construction will hold the 143
decorative ceiling in The Thirumurugan Temple.
CP.5.36: The brickwork in between concrete columns in The Thirumurugan 143
Temple.

Xlll
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

C.P. 5.37: The plasterwork to create designs on the wall in The 143
Thirumurugan Temple.
CPo 5.38: The decorative panel stuck {a the wall using mortar in The 143
Thirumurugan Temple.
CP' 5.39: The copper rod used as the bone for the statues in The 143
Thirumurugan Temple.
CPo 5.40: The water down pipe under the pedestal of va hana and 143
balipeedam in The Thirumurugan Temple.

XIV
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

1.0 Introduction

Ancient buildings are always impressive. The magnificent structure and details are a

masterpiece. These buildings have an order or pattern to it. It is not only the construction

techniques and the materials that make the Hindu Temple a magnificent structure. It is

the Vaastu, the ancient science, and the building technology that was used to construct it.

It is believed that a Hindu temple, which is built according to the Vaastu, the structure

itself can be prayed to.

The Hindu Temple, the abode of god, has been a proud structure of the Hindus. It is also

the tourist attraction in many countries especially in India. It could be said that India has

the most ancient and beautiful Hindu temples. In Malaysia, Hindu Temples are important

for its pilgrimage and also as tourist attractions (the historical buildings). Most of the

Hindu Temples in Malaysia are not built according to the Vaastu. Some temples, which

are built according to Vaastu \vill have sakti or be powerful and will have a lot of

devotee visiting it.

The Hindu 'Temple is considered as a part of Traditional Architecture of the Immigrant

Communities in The Encyclopedia of Malaysia, 5 Architecture, In this book, lL.'1der the

'Indian temple traditions' by Ramanathan (1998) it is said that, although the Indians in

Malaysia form a minority ethnic group, they are prolific temple builders. The 17,000 or

more Hindu temples and shrines scattered around the country not only range from simple

roadside shrines dedicated to folk and tutelary deities to large temples dedicated to

agamic gods and goddesses but also reflect the diverse religious practices within the
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Corstruction and The Vaastu

Hindu religion and other subethnic divisions based on caste, area (.)f origin in India and

community grouping.

The Vaastu is the traditional Building Architecture used in Hindu Temple Building. The

Vaastu is a science of Building Technology. It is similar to Feng Shui, a disipline used in

Chinese Architecture.

The Oxford Dictionary explains the meaning of these words;

Building house or other structure with roof and walls

Technology knowledge or use of mechanical arts and applied sciences

Science branch of kno\vledge involving systematised observation,

experiment, and induction; knowledge so gained; pursuit or

principles of this; skilful technique.

Vaastu is a design principle or order that has been tried and tested by the builders or

sthapathis. It also can be said as 'Building Technology'. The Vaastu is not only for

temple construction but can be used for other buildings as well because this knowledge is

Universal and can be adapted to modem context.

This present study, A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu, is

done to study the importance ofVaastu in Hindu Temple Planning 8.:."ld Construction.

2
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

Vaastu is the energy contained in the Universe, which is not visible to the eyes. Vaastu is

the building, created by human by using the five elements of the universe and it is

visible. The five elements are earth, water, fire, air and sky / space. A building is a living

organism made of four gross elements at comer zones while the primal element of space

(energy) acting at the centre. The space so enclosed is packed with three more elements

at subtle level namely, sound, light and pulse / vibration. These are the eight elements

that every animate is composed of In Vaastushastra vibration, waves,' sound and light

are the active parameters in this science. Qualities are classified, based on orientation,

directions and energy resources. Qualities of direction can be improved on the basis of

the five great elements.

Mayan's concepts ofVaastu are taught in International Institute of Mayonic Science and-

Technology, Chennai, Tamilnadu India. Ganapati Sthapati, India's leading authority on

Vaastushastra, follows the Mayan's ideas. One of the ideas is the Vaastu Purusha

Mandala, a chart, which relates the layout to orientation of a site with energies, surrounds

the environment. The shape of a good or ideal plot for any building constructions are

square or rectangle. All other shapes are considered dynamically unbalanced and are

considered useless. The shape and form influence !ifes. Shapes are very important in

designing a structure. Shapes have some properties which enhances a building when it is

used with proportion. There are two forms of shapes Symmetric and Asymmetric. Vastu

emphasis on simetrical.
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

Perfectly uniform shapes like squares and rectangles produce high positive energies so

long as they are not made up of negative material. The energy levels get amplified by use

of positive materials. Many of the odd shapes produces negative energy level. The

positive energy refers to the way the the sound and light are reflected, transmitted or

absorbed by the materials.

To construct a new temple, first the direction of the temple going to face is determined,

the length and breadth, the measurements of the moolasthanam and then the dimensions

of the icon, the deity to be instaJled is determined. The Mariarnman Temple has

measurements, which are considered good as per Vaastu.

The ancient System of Iconography, very much like the western counterpart, was

governed by a 'sacred' maths in which position, group, proportion, symmetry and

number, were of e>...'1raordinary symbolic importance and were themselves an integral part

of Iconography. Before a temple is constructed and an icon installed, the aayaathi,

'sacred' maths calculations must be carefully computed and observed to ensure the

desired benefits accrue to the worshippers and society at large. The objective of aayaathi

is to ensure that the blessings of God is conferred upon all. The calculation of aayaathi is

also known as aayaathi porutham (measurement compatibility).

4
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

Vaastu is a combined study of science, art, astronomy, astrology, religion and mysticism,

and also deals with the influence of climatic elements like temperature, pressure, wind

velocity and direction, sunlight, humidity, radiation and other weather conditions, space,

time, dynamics and man's place in nature. All these forces have a distinct effect on a

building and its dwellers. Vastushastra strives at reaching a balance between the human

beings and their environment.

The Hindu religion has features of philosophy, epic, mythology and rituals. Spiritual

ideas and philosophical concepts are propagated through standard religious texts,

mythological stories and symbols as an assimilable fonns of religious preaching. The

laymen will not question something religious but will question something scientific.

People of ancient times did not have even the basic education to understand science. So a

myth, symbol or faith, religious belief is used as mode of explanation by the sages.

The Vaastu without myths and religion can be considered Universal and can be used not

only for Hindu Temple planning and construction but for other buildings as well.

The traditional materials are tested and approved as per Vaastu. Every material in the

Universe radiates some energy at its own specific frequencies, today is said to be

amenable to Kirlian photography. In Vastu, the materials collected for building a

structure itself, involve the influx and interaction of a series of invisible forces that the

time selected should be capable of screening off the destructive forces and calling into

action the constructive ones.

5
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning. Construction and The Vaastu

In modern days the materials for a building are chosen according to the cost, availability,

properties of the material, construction method and labour. Many composite materials

are made to suit the climates and to achieve certain qualities. Reinforced concrete, glass

and metal are a few of them. The latest or new technology in constructions and materials

can be used as long as it does not affect the Vaastu.

6
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

1.1 Scope

The temples distributed around Malaysia are of the same manner so this study is set in

Pulau Pinang and three temples are chosen for the case studies. The Hindu Temples in

Malaysia can be divided to North Indian Style and South Indian Style. The case studies

are of the South Indian Style Temples.

The existing Hindu Temples in Malaysia are of many scales; from icons under trees, a

simple cubicle with zinc roof, roadside shrines to medium scale temples. The large

temples are temple complexes with substructures which are normally found in India. The

three temples chosen for the case study are of medium scale. The components of a

medium size temple are the pirakaaram (perimeter wall), moolasthanam (sanctum),

artha mandapa (ante sanctum), vahana (vehicle), balipeedam (a sacrificial altar),

dvajasthambam (a flag post), maha mandapam (a great hall), vimana and stupi (the dome

and pinnacle) and sometimes the gopuram (the entrance tower).

These three temples can be categorised under modern style. Modern style temples are

any constructed temple of noticeable dimensions and are eclectic. The styles are

borrowed indiscriminately from all the ancient styles and do not derive elegance. Refer

Table 2.1.

7
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

Vaastushastra has a wide usage. The Vaastu principles can be applied to analyse not only

temples or houses but also towns and cities, agricultural sites and farms, industries and

factories, and other buildings. Mohenjo Daro and Harappa, the ancient civilisation of

India are also said to be as per Vaastu by the Vaastu practitioners.

Vaastushastra discussed in this study is the art and science of Architecture and Sculpture

of the Hindu Temple. Since in a temple the building and the sculptures cannot be

separated, this study discusses the Vaastu in architectural context with very brief

explanation where necessary on Iconography.

The basis of Vaastushastra makes the criteria for the case studies analysis. The criteria

are The Site and The Temple Design. The analysis of The Site consists of The Sun

Movement, The Slope and The Substructures. The Temple Design consists of Shapes

and Proportion, Measurements, Materials, Construction Principles and Services. All

these criteria are then compared among the three temples and with the ancient temple.

The planning and construction of a Hindu Temple will not be complete without the

auspicious day and timing (muhurta) and the ceremony for the entrance of the site

(vaastupuja). Other fields, which are of non-architectural matters but related to the Vastu

are Astronomy, Astrology and Ritual Performances. Their correlation and their

importance are explained briefly.

8
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

1.2 The Setting

Hindu Temples in Malaysia can be divided to North Indian Style and South Indian Style.

Since there are more South Indian Style Temples, all three temples chosen for the case

study are of South Indian origin.

Since there are no proper rules governing the temple construction and siting, a vast

number of temples with different size, type and scale can be found in Pulau Pinang. A

shrine can be as simple as an idol under a tree or an idol in a small three-waIled cubicle

with a zinc roof. Although some smaIl shrines do have the components of a temple but

the scale or to be specific the measurements are not according to Vaastu. Temples that

use Vaastu are medium scale temple and large temple complexes with substructures.

The three temple chosen for this study are of medium scale. The components and

substructures of a temple define the size. These three temples have the pirakaaram

(perimeter Wall), moolasthanam (sanctum), artha mandapa (ante sanctum), vaf"tana

(vehicle), balipeedam (a sacrificial altar), dvajasthambam (a flag post), maha mandapa

(a great hall), vimana (the dome) and sometimes the gopuram (the entrance tower).

This study is done in in Pulau Pinang, "The Pearl of the Orient" is on the north - western

coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The island covers about 285 km 2 and the Seberang Perai

covers about 760 km 2 . on the mainland. The population of Pulau Pinang is more than 1

million with Malays making up to 32%, the Chinese 59% and Indians 7%.

9
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

The Georgetown City on the island has a collection of fine old buildings of different

influences and history.

Other places Total in

GeorgeTown
in Pulau Pinang Pulau Pinang
Mosque 32 33 65
Chinese Temple 37 36 73
Hindu Temple 16 12 28
Sikh Temple ""
.J 3
Christian Church 27 12 39

Table 1.1: The number of religious buildings in Pulau Pinang.

(Laporan Pemeriksaan 1985, lv1PPP)

According to the Table 1.1, there are;

1 Mosque for every 2500 Muslims,

1 Chinese Temple for every 3400 BuddhistITaoist

1 Hindu Temple for every 1660 Hindus, and

1 Church for every 1500 Christians.

Three temples in Pulau Pinang are chosen for the case study and they are;

1. The Maha Mariamman Temple, Queen Street, which is the oldest in Pulau Pinang,

2. The Ayira Vaisyar Sundaresvarar Temple, lalan Kebun Bunga, a recently constructed

temple, and

3. Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple, Penang Hill, which is under renovation.

10
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

1.2 Methodology

A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu, is developed through

a critical and innovative problem reviewing. The study is to analyse the relevance of

Vaastu in building a Hindu Temple. To reveal that Vaastu is Science of Building

Technology and is Universal. New Technologies can be incorporated to have a better-

designed Hindu Temples. The scope and the setting of the research are determined and

the Primary Data and Secondary Data are accumulated through various sources.

The research idea for this study is the case studies of three Hindu Temples in Pulau

Pinang; The Maha Mariamman Temple, Queen Street, The Ayira Vaisyar Sundaresvarar

Temple, Jalan Kebun Bunga, and Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan Temple, Penang Hill. The

case studies data can be reviewed as a Primary Data.

The case study is done by analysing each of the temples with the ancient Indian set of

rules and regulation to temple building, the Vaastu. Since the Vaastu consists of various

scopes, only The Site and The Temple Design of Hindu Temples are analysed in The

Case Studies. The analysis of The Site consists of The Sun Movement, The Slope and

The Substructures. The Temple Design consists of Shapes and Proportion,

Measurements, Materials, Construction Principles and Services. All these criteria are

then compared among the three temples and with the ancient temple.

11
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

Other Primary Data consists of the interviews v,lth all the three temple's priests, temple

officials and some devotees. The sthapati and workers in The Thirumurugan Temple

were able to give elaborate explanations on the design and materials in the conventional

method of construction. Internally published Kumbhabhisegam magazines, brochures

were able to reveal the historical background of each temple. Data regarding temple in

Pulau Pinang were accumulated through the interviews with the MPPP officials and their

publications.

The Secondary Data are accumulated through browsing various publications related to

Vaastu; articles, newspapers, brochures, magazines, books, other related dissertations,

websites and e-groups.

The analysis and the results are concluded and recommendations were made for future

studies. Refer Figure 1.1 for the Methodology Chart.

12
 A Study on Hindu T.emple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

The Hindu
Temple

The Beliefs of Hinduism

Types & Characteristics ....................................
The Components

Traditional Conventional
__D_a_ta_)-J·_·_····_·······················_···············_···········..T········_··_··········
'--_(S_e_co,n_dary (The case studies,
Primary Data)

lliww I L..-_ _ _..,.-_ _ _- l

,..--_-,-__p.,erfonnances I
Location The Building
Planner Team
Planning BL
Vaastu & Vastu Zodiac
Policy PP
Vaastu& Constellation
MPPP
Feng Shui Horoscope Construction
1...... Traditional
Vaastushastra Measurement Method
1ayan
The Basis Of Dimension
Vaastushatra Material
cientific New
Characteristics Technology
Vaastu Purusha
Mandala
r aastu & Energy

The Sun Shape & Proportion

Movement Measurements
The Slope Materials
Substructures Construction Principles
Services

Conclusion &
Recommendation

Fig. 1.1: Methodology chart.

13
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

1.3 Objective

This study is to analyse the relevance of Vaastu in buiJding a Hindu Temple. Vaastu is

the energy and the embodied energy. In Vaastushastra vibration, waves, sound and light

are the active parameters in this science. Qualities are classified, based on orientation,

directions and energy resources.

Vaastu is a design principle or order that has been tried and tested by the builders or

sthapathis. It also can be said as Building Technology. This study is also to reveal that

Vaastu is Science of ancient Building Technology, which is very similar to the modem

context.

This study is to reveal that the Vaastu is Universal. The Vaastu without the mysticism

and philosophy is not only for temple construction but can be used for other buildings as

well because this knowledge can be adapted to modern contexi.

This study is to reveal the constraints of latest technology in the Vazstu or in planning

and construction of the Hindu Temple. The understanding ofVaastu C.:ill be incorporated

with new technologjes to have a better-designed Hindu Temples. L::..:est technology in

material and construction can be incorporated in the temple building as long as it does

not bring ill effect to the building.

14
~---~ ?1R~-;;- ;:~-:
- :::;:, ~-- "<
': ---=-- " _'~"1:..\!_._ ~~
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

2.0 The Hindu Temple

The word Temple is derived from the Latin word 'temp!um', which in its original sense

would mean a square or rectangular place made out by the augur for the purpose of His

observations. An extended sense gave it the meaning of a consecrated place. (Sairam,

1982)

The Hindu temple is a place consecrated for and dedicated to the worship of God or

Gods. Hindus revere their temples as sacred, magical places in which the three worlds

(triloka) most conciously commune - structures especially built and consecrated to

channel the subtle spiritual energies of inner-world beings. The temples physic

atmosphere is maintained through regular worship ceremonies (puja), invoking the Deity

(icon) as temporary body to bless those living on the earth. In Hindusm, the temple is the

hub of virtually all aspects of social and religious life.

The Hindu Temple definitions by AIjun Appadurai (1983) suggest that South Indian

Temple should fulfil the follo\\1ng requirements;

• As a place, or a sacred space, the temple is an architectural entity that provides a

royal abode for the deity enshrined in it, who is conceived as a pragmatic sovereign;

15
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

• As a process, the temple has redistributive role, which ... consists of a continuous

flow of transactions between the worshipers and deity, in which resources and

services are given to the deity and a returned by the deity to the worshippers in the

fonn of 'shares', demarcated by the certain kinds of honours.

• As a ... system of symbols, (it) serves to dramatise and define certain key South

Indian ideas concerning authority, exchange (or interaction), and worship at the same

time that it provides an arena in which social relations in the broader social context

can be tested, contested, and refined.

Thus he stresses that, The Hindu Temple is a royal abode, a specific sort of redistributive

process, and a powerfully reflexive symbolic system.

The Hindu Temple is a symbol of the Hindu religion. Symbols effectively employed for

communication \',ith common man who otherwise had no access to the great, intellectual

treaties on ethics, philosophy or metaphysics.

The gopuram symbolises the Mount Meru which the Gods lived and the vimana

symbolises that a man should pass over envelopes of desires, sufferings and joys to

elevate himself to moksha, the supreme degree of knowledge. The clock \\lse

perambulation of the moolasthanam depicts the perambulation of the entire Universe

itself This also is similar to the motion planets revolving around the sun in the Solar

System and also the electrons revolving around a nucleus in an atom.

16
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

2.1 The Beliefs of Hinduism

Any religious art form, the Hindu Temple being no exception, has its foundation on both

faith as well as aesthetic notions of the population. When the religious faith finds its

expression in an aesthetically pleasing manner, a religious art is born.

In India, any traditional art form depicts a religious background without which perhaps it

could not have \vithstood the torrents of time. The faith being permenant and the

aesthetic values highly volatile and fluid in a Hindu Temple explains the importance of

it

There are nine beliefs, which offer a simple summary of Hindu spirituality. Satguru

Sivaya Subramaniyaswami (1993) in Dancing with Siva explains it as;

1. Hindus believe in the divinity of the Vedas, the world's most ancient scripture, and

venerate the Agamas as equally revealed. These primordial hymns are God's word

and the bedrock of Sanatana Dharma, the eternal religion which has neither

beginning nor end.

2. Hindus believe in a one, all-pervasive Supreme Being who is both immanent an_d

transcendent, both creator and Unmanifest Reality.

3. Hindus believe that the universe undergoes endless cycles of creation, preservation

and dissolution.
]7
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

4. Hindus believe in karma, the law of cause and effect by which each individual

creates his own destiny by his thoughts, words and deeds.

5. Hindus believe that the soul reincarnates, evolving through many births until all

karmas have been resolved, and moksha, spiritual knowledge and liberation from the

cycle of rebirth, is attained. Not a single soul will be eternally deprived of this

destiny.

6. Hindus believe that divine beings exist In unseen worlds and that the temple

worship, rituals, sacraments as well as personal devotionals create a communion

with these de vas and Gods.

7. Hindus believe that a spiritually awakened master, or satguru, is essential to know

the Transcendent Absolute, as are personal discipline, good conduct, purification,

pilgrimage, self-inquiry and meditation.

8. Hindus believe that all life is sacred, to be loved and revered, and therefore practice

ahimsa, non-injury.

9. Hindus believe that no particular religion teaches the only way to salvation above all

others, but that all genuine religious paths are facets of God's Pure Love and Light,

deserving tolerance and understanding.

18
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

A Hindu's life is always concentrated in religious practice. Everything and anything a

person does is connected to god. The reason is to attain moksha. The Hindu temple is

considered the abode of god as said above it is the place to create a communion with

god. A Hindu considers the temple as the representation of the divine form (symbol), that

is an important social institution and an integral part of society.

The Hindu Temple originally conceived as embodiment of faith to serve the religious

and spiritual needs of the community came to be associated with various social, cultural

and economic activities as well.

The Hindu Temple in modern days serves also as a venue for social actiyjties like

charitable events and cultural activities like classes for traditional dance and music. The

Hindu Temple employs workers, masons, artisans, artist, engineer, priests, scholars,

teachers and other people for maintenance. Thus providing economic activities.

19
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning. Construction and The Vaastu

2.2 Types of Hindu Temple and its Characteristics

Basically Hindu Temples can be divided to North Indian Style and South Indian Style.

Malaysia has more South Indian Style Temples and all three temples chosen for the case

study are of South Indian origin as explained in The Setting. All the temple architecture

of South India can be divided into six distinct periods as in Table 2.1.

The Hindu Temple evolved from simple building to a huge complex and then to simple

shrines again. The early ancient temples are caves temples or rock cut then they

constructed temples. The Simplest form of temple in Sanchi during Gupta Period

consists of moolasthanam with an attached pillared porch and a flat and simple roof,

which evolved from the rock-cut temple.

When kings are deeply involved in religious matters, they started building temples in a

larger scale. The king, Raja - Raja Cholan's temples became the prototype for the Hindu

Temples. Under the royal patronage during u1e Vijayanagar and Post-Vijayanagar

periods the Hindu Temple became a huge complex (with various substructures; sub-

temples, tanks and service structures like kitchen and lodging).

During the modem period, when the British annexed the bng's authorities, depriving the

Hindu Temple of its royal patronage. This activated the construction of shrines, personal

lineage temples and clan temples.

20
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning. Construction and The Vaastu

Style Periods Characteristics Example

Pallava AD Rock cut Mahabalipuram rock

600 - 850 cut temples

Early Chola AD Immense vimana (190 The great vimanas of

850-1150 feet), miniature Tanjore and
gopuram. Gangaikondapuram

Later Chola AD Miniature gopuram Kailasanatha at

1150-1350 Kanchipuram
Immense and grand The gopuras of
gopuram Chidambaram and
Jambukeswaram.

Vijayanagar AD Immense and grand Kalayana Mandapa

1350-1600 gopuram. Mandapa for of Hampi,
resting and monolithic Kanchipuram and
pillars with sculptured Vellore, and
horses, roaring lions, Mandapas of
gods and godessess. Lepakshi.

Post AD Semi-modem style. Rameswaran at

Vijayanagar 1600-1900 Corridors Madura.

:Modern AD 1900 "Mixed style The Penang Hill

and later Thirumurugan
Temple The
Mahamariamman
Temple, Queen
Street.
The Ayira Vaisyar
S undaresvarar
Temple

Table 2.1: The Style and Characteristics o.fSouth Indian Hindu Temples.

21
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

Malaysian South Indian Tempies can be categorised under modern style. Modern style

temples are actually any temple construction of noticeable dimensions and are eclectic.

The styles are borrowed indiscriminately from all the ancient styles and do not derive

elegance.

Dr. K. Ramanathan, (1995) in his thesis, Hindu Religion in an Islamic State: The Case of

Malaysia, categorises Modern Hindu Temples according to the management and rituals

of worship;

• Ethnicity; Chettiar, Ceylonese Tamil, Patthar, Chitties

• Personal Lineage Temples

• Public Owned and Managed Temples

• Penang Hindu Endowments Board Temples- Government Labour-line Temples

• Plantation Temples

• Orphan Temples

In Malaysian conte>.'! the Hindu Temple building does not have any proper rules and

regulations. The statistics in Table 1.1 shows that every 1660 Hindus there are 1 Hindu

Temple. Provision for religious buildings should be made in the early planning of a

tOViIl. There should be a rule to govern the orphan temples, small shrines and icons under

a tree.

22
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

f
,;

CP. 1.1: Orphan temple, an idol under a CP. 1.2: The Ambal Temple in Jalan York
tree. (Ramanathan. 1998) Close. P. Pinang. (Ramanathan. 1998)

-
CP. 1.3: The Sivasakthi Temple. Jalan CP. 1.4: The two shrines against the town
Ayer fram. P. Pinang. background along Jalan Jelutong.
P.Pinang.

~:::::..::~:. .. ~:-::'

--""'-;E~~

~
-I. ~"
"0.-

~ L ....

CP. 1.5: One ofrhe shrine. Jalan Jelutong. c.P. 1.6: Another shrine. the l'vfurugan
P. Pmang. Temple. Jalan Je/u[ong. P. Pinang.
 A Study on Hindu Temple Planning, Construction and The Vaastu

These suggestions are not made to deter religious practices but to prevent the demolition

of these shrines to make way for future developments and to have a quality temple rather

than temples in quantities.

According to the 'Dasar-Dasar dan Garis Panduan MPPP, 1999', for a local development

the provision for religious purpose should be as below;

Non - Muslims - 500 m2 for 5000 people,

Muslims (surau) - 250 m 2 for 5000 people, and

Religious Buildings - (0.4 - 0.5) acres for a city

And the building itself must comply with the Uniform Building By Law.

These are the only rules that govern the religious building in Pulau Pinang. A detailed

and more specific rules and regulations should be imposed. Not necessarily by the local

authoritv alone, but \\lith the collaboration of a religious committee or as the advisory
.,J '-' _

board to maintain qualities of religious buildings.

24