The science of ancient Hindu Temples

Temples have always been central to Indian society, functioning not just as hubs of
education, art, and culture, but also as potent energy centres. Unlike modern places of
worship, ancient temples were designed as dynamic energy centres where individuals, if open
and receptive, could experience profound transformation. The craft of temple building is a
meticulously developed science rather than merely an art.

Every detail of temple architecture, from their precise

 location,
 design, dimensions of the idols to the orientation of the sanctum
 material used

is governed by precise scientific principles. Temples are envisioned as

microcosms, embodying the five elements (space ,fire earth, air, and water)
and housing a presiding deity. This deity is believed to have its own
independent intelligence, continuously radiating energy.
Location and Geographic Alignment of Temples

In ancient India, temples were constructed at locations where Earth's magnetic waves
were particularly dense. The point on the earth’s surface that is closest to the dipole center is
the south-eastern Asia region. This means the magnetic field intensity is unexpectedly strong
there compared to the magnetic fields measured over the rest of the earth’s surface. Notably,
Earth's magnetic equator passes very close to Tamil Nadu and Kerala in South India, where
some of the most historical and magnificent temples of India are located.

Some of the eminent temples include:

 Meenakshi Temple
 Thanjavur, Kumbakonam, and Gangaikonda Cholapuram
 Kanchipuram, known as the "City of a Thousand Temples"
 Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameshwaram
 Nataraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva
 Arunachaleswar Temple
 Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple in Pudukottai

Additionally, the Kasar Devi Temple, a renowned Durga temple in Uttarakhand, is one of
only three places in the world that lies within the famous Van Allen Belt, known for its high
concentrations of electromagnetic particles originating from Earth's crust. In the late 19th
century, Swami Vivekananda visited Kasar Devi and meditated there for several months. It is
believed that he had a mystical experience during his stay, profoundly influencing his
spiritual beliefs and teachings. The beauty and tranquillity of this village had a significant
impact on him.
 There are eight ancient temples which are also testimony to the importance of location of
the temples.These lie more or less on the same geographic longitude of 79° E 41’54”. (The
original zero degree meridian)These popular temples are:

 Kedarnath: 79.0669°
 Kalahashti: 79.7037°
 Ekambaranatha (Kanchi): 79.7036°
 Thiruvanamalai: 79.0747°
 Thiruvanaikaval: 78.7108°
 Chidambaram Nataraja: 79.6954°
 Rameshwaram: 79.3129°
 Kaleshwaram (N-India): 79.9067°
 These Lord Shiva temples were constructed about 4,000 years ago by ancient architects
during an era with no satellite technology, GPS, or other modern tools to measure exact
latitude and longitude. Despite being separated by hundreds of kilometers, these temples were
accurately established along the 79° longitude. The distance between Kedarnath and
Rameshwaram is 2,383 kilometers! Many historians and archaeologists are researching to
uncover the secret behind such magnificent engineering feats.

These locations are notable as they are also among the Panchabhuta Sthalas,
representing the five elements: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. The elements are referred
to as Mahabhutas (big ghosts) as these elements according to ancient Indian texts (Tatva
Bodha) can be converted to each other. The temples corresponding to these elements are:

 Water: Thiruvanaikaval
 Fire: Thiruvannamalai
 Air: Kalahasti
 Earth: Kanchipuram
 Space/Sky: Chidambaram

There are references to the Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram being the centre of the
Earth's or Universe's magnetic field. The temple is situated precisely at a point where there is
zero net pull towards the south or north pole, signifying a state of complete emptiness or
empty space, known as "akaash" as the temple represents. This place of complete bliss is
symbolized by the cosmic dance of bliss performed by Lord Shiva.
The Role of Materials and Construction Techniques

Ancient temple construction design involved detailed science, accurately aligning the
temple's layout with astronomical and cosmic movements. Hindu architecture pioneered the
relationship between the human figure and the system of proportion, later studied by
Leonardo da Vinci and Le Corbusier. This system is based on the geometry of the Vastu
Purusha Mandala, where the form of Purusha fits within a square, considered the highest
geometric form.
 The basic form of the Vastu Purusha Mandala is a square, representing the Earth,
divided into smaller squares arranged in a grid. Each smaller square depicts the area of
respective gods. The most commonly used mandalas are squares subdivided into 64 or 81
smaller squares, forming the ground floor plan for Hindu temples.The temple plan's basic
shape is derived from the outermost ring of squares in the mandala, dictating the thickness of
the walls and the placement of the main shrine. The central squares are reserved for the main
deity, while the inner ring of 12 squares forms the walls of the Garbhagriha (sanctum
sanctorum), and the next 16 to 28 squares form the Pradakshina Patha (circumambulatory
path). These simple divisions and permutations of squares form the basis for developing
complex temple compounds.

Visiting temples is not solely for seeking blessings but also for achieving a calm and
better mindset. In many temples, the statue of the deity is placed on a copper plate, which is
believed to absorb Earth's magnetic waves. Copper is an ideal material for shielding against
radio frequencies because of its ability to absorb both magnetic and radio waves.

The bells in Hindu temples are not made from ordinary metals. They are composed of
various metals, including cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, nickel, chromium, and manganese.
Traditionally, a bell is made of Panchadhatu, or five metals, representing the Pancha Bhuta
(the five elements). The precise proportions in which these metals are mixed is a refined
chemical process, resulting in bells that produce a distinct sound capable of harmonizing the
left and right hemispheres of the brain. When a bell is rung, it produces a sharp yet lasting
sound that echoes for at least seven seconds, resonating with the seven healing centers or
chakras in the body. This sound clears the mind of all thoughts.

Regular visits to temples, including the practice of walking clockwise around the
main idol, are believed to expose individuals to beneficial magnetic waves. Over time, this
consistent practice fosters a sense of positivity and well-being. Temples are thoughtfully
designed to harness and radiate pure vibrations of magnetic and electric fields, creating an
atmosphere filled with positive energy.

Traditionally, temple floors—particularly at the sanctum sanctorum—were

constructed using materials known for their conductive properties. These materials allowed
positive vibrations to flow through the feet and into the body. This is why walking barefoot in
the temple's core area is considered essential.

In essence, ancient temples were centers of energy alignment and concentration, often
referred to as "energy hubs." Regular visits to these sacred spaces are recommended to
rejuvenate and realign oneself with positive energies.

Ancient Scriptures and Architectural Guidelines

Several ancient scriptures, including the Vedas, the Brahmanas, the Upanishads, and
the Bhagavad-Gita, provide remarkably precise details on measurement techniques, materials,
and other technical specifications for constructing Indian temples. Key technical scriptures in
architecture and sculpture, such as the Shilpa Shastra and Vastu Shastra, offer foundational
guidance for temple construction. One of the most significant texts in this domain is the
Manasara, also known as Manasa.

The Manasara Shilpa Shastra is an ancient Sanskrit scripture on Indian architecture

and design, organized into 70 chapters and containing 10,000 shlokas. It is one of many
Hindu texts on Shilpa Shastra, the science of arts and crafts that flourished in the first
millennium CE. Among the few Hindu architectural scriptures whose complete manuscripts
have survived to the modern age, the Manasara is the most referenced scripture in Southern
India for architecture and iconography. The rules and guidelines outlined in these scriptures
are meticulously followed in temple construction, ensuring that the architectural practices
remain true to their ancient origins.

The Konark Sun Temple: A Marvel of Ancient Science and Religion

The famous Konark Sun Temple, is one of the most beautiful and astonishing
manifestation of fusion of science and religion in India. Everything in this temple has been
made with scientific reasons. The temple is designed as a giant chariot of the Sun God, drawn
by seven horses with 12 wheels. It houses three statues of the Sun God representing the
morning (8 ft), afternoon (9 ft), and sunset (3.5 ft). The temple's design symbolizes time: 24
wheels for the hours of the day, 12 wheels for the months, 8 spokes for the day cycle, and 7
horses for the week. Additionally, there are also moon dials for nighttime timekeeping.

There were magnets strategically placed at major nodes, with variable flux and
magnetic intensity. A large magnet was installed at the temple's central base. When the Sun-
God statue was positioned at the centre, the magnetic effects caused the idols to float in the
air. Daily, sunlight would enter the temple and fall on a large diamond placed in the centre of
the statue, enhancing the mysterious floating effect.

The temple was attacked and damaged by the Muslim invader Kala Pahad in 1568 and
later plundered by the British, who removed its magnets and statues. Even today many of the
statues can be seen in the museums in England.The British also filled the temple with sand in
1903, claiming navigation issues. Today, the temple remains closed.

Although modern science dates the temple to the 13th century, some sources claim it
was built by Lord Krishna's son Saamb. The Chinese traveller Hiuen-tsang mentioned the
region and the Sun Temple in the 7th century, indicating its prosperity even then.Imagine for
a moment the incredible coordination and expertise required to construct the Konark Sun
Temple ,some 5,000 years ago. Astrologers, engineers, and workers collaborated with
remarkable precision and professionalism to achieve this architectural marvel.

Restoring the Konark Sun Temple to its original state, with active rituals and
maintenance, could revive its historical and cultural and scientific significance.

The Sandbox Technology of the ancient Ramappa temple

The 1000 Pillar Temple, the Ramappa Temple, showcases the advanced
understanding of earthquake-resistant techniques of ancient Indian temple architects , The
technology used a thousand years back is now referred to as "Sandbox Technology."
 The earthquake resistant temple would require at least three meters deep foundation ,
that was filled with a sand mixture fortified with granite powder, jaggery (a traditional
unrefined sugar), and Terminalia chebula (a type of medicinal fruit). This created a robust
base that absorbed vibrations from low-level earthquakes, preventing damage to the structure
above.

For added stability during larger earthquakes, a unique technique was implemented.
They drilled small tunnels through the stones used in walls, pillars, and rooftops, into which
they poured melted iron. This formed iron dowels that held the stones together, ensuring the
integrity of the structure even under significant seismic stress. These iron dowels acted as
reinforcements, creating a cohesive framework that kept the construction intact despite
intense vibrations.

The Ramappa Temple, built in the 13th century, exemplifies the effectiveness of
sandbox technology. It withstood a major earthquake in the 17th century with minimal
damage, highlighting the durability of this ancient construction technique.

The Indian Archaeological Department and NIT Warangal first studied these ancient
techniques in the 1980s, uncovering the innovative methods used by Indians in Temple
architecture . During a conference of archaeological department officers in 1991, the term
"sandbox technology" was coined, formally recognizing the method's historical and
engineering significance

Thus, ancient Indian temples were not just places for prayer but intricately
designed spaces for spiritual and energetic transformation, showcasing the seamless
integration of science, spirituality, and art in Indian culture.