Experts explain ritual, architecture, theology behind temple worship

Experts and scholars gave an in-depth analysis on the integration of rituals, architecture and theology in preserving the sanctity and functionality of Vaishnava temples.

Parasaram Bhavanarayanacharyulu, an assistant professor at Sri Venkateswara Vedic University (SVVU) and also a Agama advisor to the TTD, on Wednesday (March 25) dwelt on temple architecture as prescribed in the Vaikhanasa Agama (doctrine of temple worship).

Delivering the third lecture in the series on Vaishnava Agama’ organised by the Tirupati regional centre of Indira Gandhi National Centre of Arts (IGNCA), functioning under the Union Ministry of Culture, he also explained the structural components of temples, their symbolic meanings and the scriptural guidelines governing their construction and layout.

Sri Vikhanasa Trust’s Secretary Ganjam Prabhakaracharyulu highlighted the importance of adhering to Vaikhanasa traditions in temple construction and worship and appreciated the IGNCA’s efforts to promote Agamic knowledge among the public.

Stressing the need for scholarly engagement with traditional temple sciences and ritual systems, IGNCA Regional Director K.T.V. Raghavan, in his welcome address, explained how the event provided a platform for traditional practitioners and academic scholars as well, to preserve the nation’s rich Agamic heritage.