10 Minutes With Shantha : Chapter 09 Summary - Sanctity of Garba Griha at Thanjavur Temple

Narrated by Shantha Lakshmi

Chapter 9 of Shall We Dance explores the profound connection between the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur and the rise of Bharatanatyam in South India. The chapter delves into the symbolism of the temple's vimana (tower over the inner sanctum) and gopuram (entrance tower), emphasizing their spiritual significance.

The vimana represents a cosmic mountain, symbolizing spiritual ascent, while the gopuram marks the transition from the material to the spiritual realm. The chapter highlights the deliberate placement of the 108 karanas (dance postures) in temple iconography, symbolizing Shiva's cosmic dance and yogic energy. It underscores the integration of these architectural elements into Bharatanatyam, preserving cultural and spiritual traditions.

The chapter also draws from various scholarly sources to provide a comprehensive understanding of the cultural significance of the Brihadeshwara Temple's architecture and its deep connection to Bharatanatyam, illustrating the intertwined nature of South Indian dance, spirituality, and cultural heritage.

Episode Transcript

(00:00):
9. Sanctity of Gharbhagraha at Tanjavur temple. The chapter explores the profound relationship

(00:10):
between the Bhrgadeshwara temple in Tanjavur, built by Raja Raja Chola and the rise of
Bhartanatyam dance in South India. It dwells into the interesting connections between
the 108 Karnas, Chakras in the human body, Vimana Temple tower and Gopuram gateway tower.

(00:31):
Vimana The definition of Vimana. The Vimana is a structure over the Gharbhagraha inner
sanctum in South Indian temples. It is usually pyramid shaped and symbolizes the deities
abode representing the connection between the earthly realm and the spiritual world.
The Vimana is considered as a species as seeing the deity itself. It varies in size and style

(00:59):
depending on the temple and reflects the diversity of Hindu temple architecture across regions.
Examples, notable Vimanas include those at Bhrgadeshwara temple in Tanjavur, Nataraja
temple in Chidambaram and Venkateshwara temple in Tirumala.
Gopuram The definition, a Gopuram is a monumental tower marking the entrance of a Hindu temple

(01:25):
particularly in South India. A seven tire Gopuram represents the seven layers of matter
enveloping consciousness. Significance, passing through the Gopuram symbolizes leaving the
material world and entering the spirit realm. It also serves as a landmark and source of

(01:46):
positive energy. Examples, famous temples with seven tire Gopurams include the Sri Ranganatha
temple at Sri Rangam, Meenakshi temple at Madurai and Bhrgadeshwara temple at Tanjavur.
Dance Imagery in South Indian temples. Placenant and meaning, the Vannath Ape Karnas in temple

(02:07):
iconography are deliberate and intentional deeply rooted in traditional Indian dance and
embuared with maithic, yogic and ritual meanings. Symbolism, the Karnas help identify the Vimana
as a symbolic representation of Kailasa, Shiva's mountain home reinforcing themes of

(02:28):
devotion, meditation, ritual worship and transformation.
Tanjavur temple, the Vimana at Bhrgadeshwara temple resembles folded hands above the head
symbolizing prayer and reverence, iconography and dance in the Vimana.
Symbolic messages, the 108 Karna program within Rajaraja Vimana symbolizes Kailasa and carries

(02:55):
symbolic messages of yogic energy and transformation. Shiva's dance, the Vimana is conceptualized
as a southern Kailasa where Shiva performs the 108 Karna Tandava. The Karnas in the upper
rims of Vimana represent the foundational source of yogic energy, Muladhara Chakra.

(03:19):
Yogic connection, the Vimana structure with its base supporting wall and superstructure
symbolizes levels of yogic attainment. The Garbhagrha inner sanctum corresponds to the
Muladhara Chakra filled with spiritual power.
Gopuram and Vimana relationship, symbolism transfer, the symbolism of the Vimana as a

(03:43):
cosmic mountain and seat of yogic energy is transferred to the Gopuram. The Muladhara
8 Karna symbolizes rising energy from the foundational source much like a spiritual ascent in meditation.
Prelude to Vimana, the Gopura serves as a prelude to the Vimana indicating the beginning

(04:05):
of spiritual activity and pointing to the central theme of the Vimana.
Choreography and Temple Architecture
Integration in Bhartanatyam, incorporating Gopuram inspired movements in Bhartanatyam
preserves traditional aspects of the dance and connects it to temple architecture. Cultural

(04:27):
continuity, this integration ensures the continuity of cultural and artistic traditions associated
with Hindu temples linking past and present.
Conclusion, the chapter emphasizes the deliberate placement and profound meanings of dance imaginary
in temple architecture. The Bhrigadeshwara temples Vimana and Gopuram symbolize spiritual

(04:53):
ascent and transformation resonating with themes of devotion and yogic energy. The integration
of these architectural elements into Bhartanatyam underscores the interconnectedness of dance,
spirituality and cultural heritage in South Indian tradition.

(05:13):
Research Sources
Referenced works, the chapter draws the variety scholarly works of on Indian dance, temple
architecture and iconography including dissertations and research papers by experts like Dr. Bindu,
S. Shankar, Pallavi Malavath, Elizabeth Pankajabenik and others. The chapter provides a comprehensive

(05:39):
understanding of the symbolic and cultural significance of Bhrigadeshwara temple architecture
and its relation to Bhartanatyam emphasizing the dance forms deep roots in South Indian
spiritual and cultural traditions.