W45 D2 - Lessons from Ancient India - Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism Art - The Adventure Box Podcast

Introduction to Sacred Spaces: What is a Temple, Stupa, or Cave Shrine?

Throughout history, humans have created sacred spaces to honor the divine, seek spiritual insight, and connect with the mysteries of the universe. In the Indian subcontinent, three major religious traditions—Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism—developed unique and powerful expressions of sacred architecture. While they differ in belief systems and rituals, all three share the common practice of creating carefully designed spaces where individuals can engage in worship, reflection, and spiritual discipline. These places are more than physical buildings; they are cosmic representations, spiritual tools, and cultural treasures.

 

In Hinduism, the temple is considered the earthly residence of the gods. In Buddhism, the stupa represents the enlightened mind of the Buddha and is a symbol of the path to Nirvana. In Jainism, cave shrines and temples are peaceful places for meditation and worship, often emphasizing simplicity and spiritual purity. Though different in form and function, each structure is rooted in the goal of spiritual elevation and the human quest for liberation.

 

The Hindu Temple: A House of the Divine

Hindu temples, or mandirs, are often described as the home of a deity on earth. The central part of the temple, called the garbhagriha (meaning “womb chamber”), houses the primary image or murti of the god or goddess. This inner sanctum is typically small, dark, and closed to the public except during rituals, symbolizing the mysterious and hidden nature of the divine. Surrounding the sanctum are various halls (mandapas) for public worship and ritual performances, and sometimes corridors for circumambulation (pradakshina), allowing devotees to walk around the deity in reverence.

 

The temple is designed according to ancient geometric guidelines known as vastu shastra, and every architectural element holds symbolic meaning. The towering spire above the sanctum, called the shikhara, represents a cosmic mountain—Mount Meru, believed to be the center of the universe. Worship in Hindu temples includes offering flowers, food, incense, and light to the deity, reciting prayers, and engaging in elaborate festivals that bring the community together. Temples are thus both spiritual and social centers, bridging heaven and earth through their sacred geometry and ceremonial life.

 

The Buddhist Stupa: A Symbol of Enlightenment

Unlike the Hindu temple, the Buddhist stupa is not a house for a god, but a symbolic monument. The stupa originated as a burial mound to house relics of the Buddha or other enlightened beings. Over time, it evolved into a sacred structure that represents the path to enlightenment and the body, speech, and mind of the Buddha himself. The stupa typically consists of a large, dome-shaped mound (symbolizing the universe), a square base, and a spire at the top called a yasti, which rises through a platform called the harmika. Surrounding the structure is often a circular path for circumambulation, allowing devotees to meditate by walking around it in a clockwise direction.

 

Each architectural part of the stupa corresponds to a stage in the Buddhist path. For example, the base represents mindfulness and moral discipline, while the spire symbolizes wisdom and the final attainment of Nirvana. Stupas are not spaces to go inside but are approached and walked around with devotion. They are often adorned with carvings and gateways (toranas) that tell stories from the Buddha’s life or previous lives. The act of visiting and circumambulating a stupa is itself considered a meritorious act, strengthening one’s connection to the Dharma and promoting spiritual growth.

 

Jain Rock-Cut Shrines and Temples: Paths to Liberation

In Jainism, sacred spaces often reflect a commitment to asceticism, purity, and non-violence. Jain cave shrines and temples are designed as serene places for meditation and the veneration of tirthankaras, the enlightened teachers who have crossed over the cycle of birth and death. The early Jains, like the Buddhists, created rock-cut sanctuaries in cliffs and hills, especially in western India. These cave temples, such as those at Udayagiri or Ellora, are carved directly from stone and often contain beautifully detailed statues of seated or standing tirthankaras in meditative poses.

 

Unlike Hindu temples which are lively with music and offerings, or stupas that are symbolic monuments, Jain shrines emphasize silence and introspection. Temples like those at Mount Abu or Shravanabelagola feature gleaming marble halls, intricate domes, and symmetrical design—all conveying spiritual balance and purity. Devotees offer prayers, fast, or engage in scriptural study, but the ultimate goal is personal liberation (moksha) through self-discipline and the renunciation of worldly attachments. The art and architecture of Jain spaces are expressions of their central values: simplicity, order, and the pursuit of inner peace.

 

The Purpose of Worship and Meditation in Sacred Architecture

Across all three religions, sacred architecture serves more than aesthetic or cultural functions—it is meant to guide the devotee on a journey inward. These spaces are built not just to house images or mark holy ground but to shape the experience of the worshipper. Every turn in a temple, every step around a stupa, every echo in a cave shrine is designed to remind the individual of the greater spiritual truths. In Hinduism, the goal is to honor and connect with the divine presence. In Buddhism, the architecture reminds the practitioner of the transitory nature of life and the path to enlightenment. In Jainism, the quiet, balanced structure reflects the inner stillness one seeks to attain.