dr kak on the architecture of the great siva temple at prambanan, java, indonesia @bharatenduh

Prambanan_chapter.pdf Download this file

jun 20th, 2011 CE

superb essay on how the dimensions of the great siva temple at prambanan are consistent with hindu architectural principles and astronomy. prof kak has written a similar essay on the architecture of angkor wat as well. his work on the vedic fire altars -- such as the ones constructed for the great vedic rituals (agnicayana) such as the recently concluded yaga at panjal, kerala -- and on the astronomical codes in the rig veda is relevant in this context. 

prambanan and the buddhist equivalent, borobudur, are both within a few km of jogjakarta. i visited both about twenty years ago. unfortunately the eruptions of the nearby volcano mount merapi have damaged prambanan quite a bit. of the three tall, slender temples there to the trinity, the siva temple is the biggest and best preserved. (it is actually a devi temple, also known as 'slender maiden'). but even that has been hurt by the earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

when i went there, on full moon nights, the local javanese enacted the 'ramayana ballet' in an open-air stage next to the temple. it was a magnificent sight. i don't know if they still do it. 

borobudur, by the way, is the largest structure in the southern hemisphere! and angkor wat in cambodia is the largest religious structure in the world.

 

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Subhash Kak

Dear All,

This attached article on the great Shiva temple of Java will interest you.

Subhash