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In ancient Bharata, the temple was far more than a place of worship—it was the vibrant epicenter of society, anchoring a temple-based economy that touched every facet of life. From grand festivals featuring exclusive silks and jewellery to elaborate offerings of food (exemplified by the Jagannath Temple in Puri), the temple influenced desires (icchaa), thoughts (vichaar), behavior (vyavhaar), social structure (vyavastha), and work (kaarya). Far from just being merely a spiritual center, it served as a dynamic hub for knowledge, insightful debates, commerce, art and opportunities for collective upliftment.
Settlements were designed according to Vāstu Shāstra, placing the temple at their core and embodying the principle as stated in Kautilya's ArthaShastra“Sukhascha moolam Dharma, Dharmascha moolam Artha & so on..” In this vision, righteous living (Dharma) underpins prosperity (Artha), and together with wisdom prosperity & humility( Vinay), leads to Kāma (a fulfilled life) and Moksha (liberation from that which limits). This framework infused moral and ethical values into daily life, guiding trade, governance, relationships, and personal growth.
The spatial layout was meticulous: Brahmins and priests resided closest to the temple, followed by administrative centers and traders, while service providers like ironsmiths and potters, Brithak Yoddha( mercenary warriors) occupied the periphery—strategically placed for both community service and security.
Bhāratā represents a way of life rooted in a deep realization of the sacred center (Param-Atma), which extends to even the smallest aspects of peripheral life. Temples were masterpieces of architecture, harnessing cosmic energy to align human consciousness with the rhythm of the universe. This legacy lives on in the rituals and traditions that promote harmony and well-being across the mineral, plant, animal, and human kingdoms.
Every element in Bharata was aligned with these core principles, ensuring that society served all, balancing material prosperity with higher wisdom and virtue. The external world reflected the internal harmony of its people—where music, dance, and art were sacred expressions that nurtured the soul and upheld dharmic values.
Ancient Bharata, and its enduring legacy, stand testament to this seamless unity of the sacred and the mundane, with temples as its pulsating heart.
Hari Om!!
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