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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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Herringbone Plant Motifs
Spandrel Detail
Typical Plan of Mosque
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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