Temples of Vedic tradition contain both the beauty and the brain of the entire existence. They depict the secrets of Vedic wisdom that our ancient scientists, rushis have passed onto us. Temples are centres of learning the right way of leading life as shared by rushis.
They are built to remind everyone of the Supreme power who is the source of creation. They are built to give us a beautiful way to express our gratitude and love towards that Supreme power. They are built to teach us the right way to approach the Supreme power. They are built to inculcate within us humility along with deep devotion towards the Supreme power. They are built to celebrate the oneness amongst all of us. They are built to enhance the understanding of nature around us. They are built to give us true experience of bliss!
The aura of a temple that has been eulogised by the prime devotees, the alwars, transcends barriers of nationality, religion, caste and creed, and becomes a place of universal divine inspiration. 108 such Divya Desams which were Ramanujacharya’s source of inspiration, are getting ready to give us all a holistic inspiring experience right here in the outskirts of Hyderabad at JIVA, Sri Ram Nagar under the able guidance of Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swami! We all know that the entire premises are being offered as a token of gratitude towards the great acharya, Bhagavad Ramanuja as part of His millennium birth anniversary!
On the 26th of November 2018, Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji inaugurated the construction of Vimana, the beautiful structures built over the inner-sanctums of the 108 Divya Desams, the centres of inspiration. A temple structure primarily has Upapeetam, Adhishtanam, Paadavargam, Prastaram, Kantam, Sikharam, Sthupi. The Kantam, Sikharam and Sthupi together are called by the term, Vimana! If we add Karnakutam or Karnaprasadam to the three, the Vimana will become a dwithala vimana, a two-storied Vimana. The 108 Divya Desams are being built as dwithala-vimanas.
On the 26th of November 2018, Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji inaugurated the construction of Vimana, the beautiful structures built over the inner-sanctums of the 108 Divya Desams, the centres of inspiration. A temple structure primarily has Upapeetam, Adhishtanam, Paadavargam, Prastaram, Kantam, Sikharam, Sthupi. The Kantam, Sikharam and Sthupi together are called by the term, Vimana! If we add Karnakutam or Karnaprasadam to the three, the Vimana will become a dwithala vimana, a two-storied Vimana. The 108 Divya Desams are being built as dwithala-vimanas.
The science of arts and crafts (Silpa-sastra) and the science of temple architecture (part of agama-sastra) have given huge importance to Vimana in their texts! Silpa-sastra says Vimana relates to ‘measure’, the meaning goes deeper than physical measure. Agama-sastra mentions that one can simply bow down to the Vimana and it equals bowing down to the Deity in the temple. Our rushis and acharyas have beautiful sensitive tender hearts. Anything that is in and around the Deity is as pious as the Deity Himself because they know that one of the most accessible forms of God is Deity. Everything that is physically close to the Deity is an absolute treat to them!
The chief architect, Sriman Prasad garu along with his team visited 92 Divya Desams, studied the architecture, captured more than 12,000 photographs to make sure the sanctity and originality is maintained.
Above all, Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji’s intense love for God, transforms every step in the making of the Statue of Equality, into an inspiration in itself. His strict adherence to Vedam is apparent in every nook and corner at the site. The Statue of Equality is the actualisation of Swamiji’s vision of expressing his reverence and gratitude towards the Acharya of Acharyas, Ramanujacharya. Without using words Swamiji has taught us the lesson of a lifetime…. the importance of an Acharya in everyone’s life. May this magnificent expression of reverence, fill our hearts with gratitude towards our Acharya. May our hearts always whisper…. Om asmad gurubhyo namaha.
JIVA campus has:
- a Vidyalaya for children learning Vedam
- a school and college for visually challenged children
- volunteers working tirelessly for providing necessary infrastructure to educate children in tribal areas
- a goshal where cows are being bred with warmth
- a hospital where the ill are treated with love and care…!
One can see the good knowledge shared by Ramanujacharya being put into action at this campus and feel elated.
We welcome you to stay tuned and join us in inaugurating the Statue of Equality at JIVA, Sri Ram Nagar, Hyderabad soon!
– Chief architect, Prasad Garu, Statue of Equality
Please donate and do your part in preserving the beautiful wisdom laid by our acharyas for the benefit of yourselves and your next generations!
