Dr. M.G. Sasibhooshan, Former Reader, University College, Trivandrum, spoke at the GEP Public Lecture Series on "Temple Architecture and Its Role in Radiating Energy." Dr. C.S.P. Iyer, Director of the GEP Research Centre and Professor Emeritus, IIITMK gave the Welcome Address. H.H. Swami Isa, Founder of the GEP, gave a discourse on Human Energy connected with Earth Energy. 

A renowned historian and author, also serving as Vice Chairman of the Vyllopilly Samskrithi Bhavan, Dr. Sasibhooshan is well known as an expert on temple architecture and especially the history of Trivandrum's own Padmanabha Swamy Temple, which has recently made international news.

Explaining the little-known facts behind the science of space (or Vaastu) in Kerala architecture, Dr. Sasibhooshan presented how temple architecture has brought about "serenity and peace of mind to those who visit temples."

"The essence of Kerala's architectural art lies in its simplicity and its linear rhythm. It always emphasises harmony with nature," he said.  

H.H. Swami Isa gave an Address about Energy in Vaasthu. He explained that the shape of the energy field changes when constructions change, because the basis is matter. He spoke about the parallels between the human body and a building--both are bundles of energy, Swamiji said, but the arrangement of the matter and consequently the energy vibrating beneath it, makes all the variations we see.

Swamiji emphasised the need for scientific determinations of what type of facility is expected from a new building--if it is for peace of mind and happiness, for example--and how this is possible through the design. An awareness of the energy field is a must.

He also mentioned about the role of purity in buildings. The level of purity also affects the energy field; a very dirty but well-designed hall will still make the visitor agitated and unhealthy. "Purity means the type of energy that brings about balance," Swamiji said.

A discussion session was led by Dr. C.S.P. Iyer. He provided some guidelines on the avenues for research that should be conducted into the components of traditional architecture, especially emphasising that what is ancient science needs to be put in a language which modern science can understand.  He suggested research could be conducted on how electrical and magnetic fields are designed to be at maximum in temples, for example, through the use of copper in many ornaments, which is an excellent conductor. He also pointed out that most temples face east, and in the early morning sunrise, UV rays from the sun naturally purify the grounds.
 

More Talks in the Series