What is a building if it does not house the divine? What is a structure if it does not reflect the cosmos? Temples in Sanātana Dharma are not just places of worship; they are the very embodiment of divine geometry, spiritual energy, and cosmic order. Every temple is an architectural symphony—each pillar, each carving, each space designed with metaphysical significance to facilitate the union of the human and the divine. Unlike the sterile, utilitarian spaces of Western architecture, Indian temples are living sanctuaries, where form and function merge into transcendental experiences. They are both physical and spiritual laboratories, where rituals, art, and the science of vastu (cosmic architecture) converge to create a space that nurtures the soul.

This section of the Journal of Sanātana Dharma invites exploration into the intricate connection between temple architecture and the spiritual ideals they represent. How do the temples, through their design, channel shakti and divine energy? What is the role of Vastu Shastra in aligning human spaces with cosmic forces? How do the sculptures, frescoes, and inscriptions within these temples narrate the eternal truths of the universe? Temples are not mere backdrops to worship—they are themselves a form of worship, standing as monuments to the principles of dharma, beauty, and divine order.

We invite contributions on:

• The sacred geometry and principles of Vastu Shastra in temple architecture
• The symbolism behind the temple’s design: The Shikhara, Mandapa, Garbhagriha, and more
• The role of Prāṇa (life-force) in temple construction and consecration
• The relationship between temple architecture and cosmic metaphysics: From the mandala to the cosmic yantra
• Sculptures, frescoes, and iconography in temples: Art as an expression of divine truths
• The evolution of temple architecture across regions and dynasties: Dravidian, Nagara, and Vesara styles
• The significance of Stūpas and Chaityas in early Buddhist architecture
• The role of temples in preserving cultural and spiritual heritage through architecture
• Temples as centers of education, community, and pilgrimage
• The revival of traditional temple architecture in modern times: Challenges and opportunities

We welcome scholarly papers, research, and essays that not only analyze temple architecture from a technical or aesthetic perspective but also from a spiritual and philosophical one. The temple is more than just a structure—it is a microcosm of the universe, an architectural embodiment of dharma, and a site of personal and collective transformation. Understanding the temple is to understand the very nature of reality itself.