Prasada as cosmos
By M. A. Dhaky
Summary
M. A. Dhaky’s essay presents the Indian temple (prasada) as a microcosm of the universe and a personified embodiment of transcendence. He explains that both northern and southern temples are designed as the Purusha or cosmic person, with each architectural element corresponding to cosmic parts. The construction process—from foundation to finial—reenacts creation and invokes cosmic energies. Dhaky analyses the significance of the temple’s axis, the ascending tiers representing different worlds, and the sanctum as the womb of creation. He notes that once consecrated, not only the image but the entire structure becomes a receptacle of divine presence. The article draws on ancient architectural treatises prescribing proportions based on cosmic measurements, and it examines how cardinal directions, mandalas and ritual conduct fuse art, science and spirituality. Dhaky surveys examples from Brahmanical, Jain and Buddhist traditions, demonstrating that despite stylistic differences, the underlying cosmological symbolism is shared. He cautions against reducing temples to archaeological monuments and urges appreciation of their metaphysical intent.
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Conclusion
Dhaky concludes that the Indian temple is an architectural cosmos, a three-dimensional mandala through which devotees experience the universe and the supreme reality. Each structural element and ritual act contributes to this cosmic symbolism, making the temple a living organism rather than a static building. Recognising this metaphysical intent allows modern scholars to appreciate temples as embodiments of philosophical ideas, not merely as historical monuments.