architectureFrom a cross-cultural perspective, there are many different examples
of artistic structures: Jewish synagogues, Buddhist stūpas (memorial
structures), Muslim mosques, Christian churches, and Hindu temples.
Each of these examples possesses it own style, purpose, and symbolism
that embodies information about the religious tradition. The Gothic-style
Christian church in Europe stresses, for instance, the transcendence of
God with its soaring spires pointing upward toward heaven. The interior
height of the building makes a worshiper feel insignificant. The ground
plan is modeled on the cross, its stained glass windows depict biblical
scenes, and these windows invoke light symbolism associated with the
beauty of heaven.
In contrast, the base of the Muslim mosque (masjid in Arabic that
means a place of prostration) is modeled on the symbolically square
earth and its dome signifies heaven based on Muslim cosmology. An
externally important physical feature of a mosque is the minaret, a tower
used to call the faithful to prayer. An internal feature of the mosque is
the mihrāb, a niche indicating the direction of Mecca for prayer and a
place where an imān (prayer leader) stands during daily prayer. Another
significant feature is the minbar (seat or chair) that dates to the time of
the prophet Muhammad. Placed at a right angle to the mihrāb, it is a
raised place from which sermons are delivered, such as a pulpit in a
Christian church.
Similar to the ground plan of an Islamic mosque, a Hindu temple con-
sists of squares in a different way because they depict heavenly space on
earth and each square is inhabited by a deity. The temple ground plan
functions as a sacred geometric diagram (maÏ ̄ala), which reflects the
essential structure of the universe and a miniature version of a divine
world. Hindu temples are constructed according to a system of precise
mathematical measurements, which enables them to exist harmoniously
with the mathematical foundation of the cosmos. Some temple ground
plans are thought to represent the body of a cosmic man, which suggests
that humans are a microcosm of the wider cosmos. Sometimes temples
suggest bodily sheaths or layers, with the outer layers representing the
physical body and the interior sanctum of the temple symbolizing the
immortal self.
North Indian temples are frequently modeled on mountains with their
ascending towers that stand at the center of the world and symbolically
connect heaven, earth, and the underworld. In contrast, South Indian
temples consist of seven rectangular walls arranged concentrically. At the
four entrance points, there are soaring pyramidal structures (gopurams)
often adorned with divine images. Many southern temples also have
tanks full of water used on ceremonial occasions.