Gopuram




A Gopura (singular) (Sanskrit: गोपुर) or Gopuram (plural) is a monumental tower, usually ornate, at the entrance of any temple, especially in Southern India. A temple may have multiple gopurams, typically constructed into multiple walls in tiers around the main shrine. The temple's walls are typically square with the outer most wall having four gopura-vimanas, one each on every side, situated exactly in the center of each wall. The sanctum, sanctorum and its towering roof (the central deity's shrine) are also called the vimanam. Gopurams are exquisitely decorated with sculpture and carvings and painted with a variety of theme.

The form began rather modestly in the 10th century, as at Shore Temple, Mahabalipuram, with the 11th century Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, marking a crucial step forward with two multi-storey gopurams from that period, much larger than any earlier ones, though much smaller than the main tower of the temple. The four gopurams of the Thillai Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram are important early examples, begun in the mid-13th century but completed over a longer period.  It is said that the gopuram was constructed to large heights this is because the old people who cannot come to temple can also pray their god by sitting at their place just seeing the gopuram. The other reason for the height is to facilitate the travelling folk to identify the locations easily, it is the reason that  Gopuram’s of the temples have to be built high.


The science behind these constructions is that, the temple architecture gives cosmic energy to the main deity in the grabha Griha. Firstly, the Juathaskambam act like an antenna and receives the cosmic energy from the space and through an underground channel it is connected to the main deity in the Grabha-graha. The cosmic energy constantly flows through the Juathaskambam to the idol.

 
Secondly, the celestial power drawn through the drone gives the deity effulgence and metaphysical powers. The cosmic energy is further maintained by sound waves (vedic chants) and the pyramid like tomb. This structure helps to amplify and preserve the cosmic energy. These are the reasons for anyone to feel a positive energy, goodness, calmness or divinity when we approach the inner sanctum.
 
The copper plate has the tendency to suck and part the Ether( a chemical component) when that penetrates through the copper and the Herbal resulting in powerful atomic energy that penetrates through the skin to cure the human, and that’s why the copper plate is put on the temple tower.
The mainpart of the gopuram is its Kalasam.Kalasam is made of five metals combine to call impon ie Gold,Silver,Brass, copper and Lead.Nine grains are stored in Kalasam called as Navadhanyam: Barley, Ragi, Varagu, Thinai, Kambu, Horsegram, Saamai,Cholam and Paddy. If any natural calamities like flood or tsunami occurs,there willbe a huge destruction. Grains stored inside the Kalasam will be used to redevelop the agriculture. But the grains stored in the Kalasam expires in 12 years. So a function conducted every 12 years in the name “Kumbabisekam” to change the grains in the Kalasam.

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