Lectures on temples and their rituals

This is a series of lectures detailing many aspects of the great South Indian temple. Each lecture is illustrated with slides and lasts one hour and a half (plus half an hour for questions).

1. The evolution of the great South Indian temple

From the worship of an ant-hill under a tree to the elaborate and gigantic temples of South India, this lecture explores the evolution of the great South Indian temple.

2. The stone mandala

The structure of the great South Indian temple evokes a mandala. It is a representation of the universe and each of its elements has a spiritual and ritual meaning. The lecture takes the audience through this maze of symbols.

3. Consecrations : The concept of God as an Energy

Based on series of slides representing the consecration of a temple and that of a priest, this lecture shows how God is really conceived as a form of Energy, and explains why He can take many forms. These pictures of rituals rarely witnessed give powerful insights into Hinduism.

4. Uses of the temple: priestly rituals and women's rituals

There are three types of rituals performed in great South Indian temples:
- those performed by priests for the God at specific times (puja)
- those performed by priests for the lay worshippers, at their request (archana)
- those performed by anyone (usually women) for their own purposes, not necessarily connected with the temple (such as Pongal, etc...)
The lecture details many of these rituals, shows their different meanings, goals and interactions. It gives a good insight into the feminine rites performed side by side with the very different Brahmin worships.

For more information, do not hesitate to get in touch with me. Important: In order to avoid SPAM and viruses, please include the word: "sari" in the subject of your email. Thank you.

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