Temple Complex Research Articles

GENESIS OF THE VISUAL CONCEPT OF CAVES INTERIORS OF THE DUNHUANG TEMPLE COMPLEX (4TH – 14TH CENTURIES)

The cave temple complex of Dunhuang is a unique example of a large-scale synthesis of arts in the interiors of sanctuaries of the 4th – 114th centuries. The article systematizes the scientific source base, the materials of the graduate student's own field studies, and on their basis, the periodization of wall paintings and sculptures is analyzed and the peculiarities of the genesis of the figurative concept, methods of artistic expression, common plots, etc. are determined.
 The innovation of the presented research consists in summing up the evidence base for known theses. This is traced by various defining features, which are specific plots in different periods, compositional structure, polychromy, methods of detailing. Using the example of the wall painting with Buddha, the well-known chronology of the three stages of the development of the wall painting is visually argued and detailed:
 – 1st stage – period of development (Northern Liang Dynasty (401-439), Northern Wei Dynasty (439-534), Western Wei Dynasty (535-556), Northern Zhou Dynasty (557-581));
 – 2nd stage – the period from prosperity to decline (Sui dynasty (581-618), Tang dynasty (618-907), Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms (907-960), the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127);
 – 3rd stage – period of borrowings (Xi Xia dynasty (1038-1227), Yuan dynasty (1271-1368).
 A comparison of the stages of the development of frescoes and sculptures and the periods of the appearance, flourishing and decline of various genres of wall painting (religious Buddhist, portrait, landscape) showed that despite the fact that the political and economic situation, the cultural and artistic preferences and religious commitment of the rulers equally influenced the activation of the development or the decline of art, the stages of development of mural painting and sculpture do not always coincide. In the same way, the period of the appearance and spread of various subjects was analyzed and it was proved that the canonical Buddhist images also underwent significant changes, giving rise to new and new compositions (for example, the appearance in the Tang era of the composition "Buddha in Nirvana" with a giant figure of the Buddha, or the spread of sculptures of a multi-armed Guanyin in the Yuan era).

The view from Mathura: nationalist projections in local perspective

ABSTRACT Following the Indian Supreme Court's verdict allowing the construction of a Rām Mandir at the site of the former Babri Masjid in 2019, Hindu nationalists have put renewed pressure on the North Indian city of Mathura. There, the seventeenth-century Shahi Idgah shares a boundary wall with a temple complex associated with the birth site of the deity Kṛṣṇa. Between 2019 and 2023, at least nine court cases were filed to remove the idgah from the vicinity of the Kṛṣṇa Janmabhūmi. With the future of a contentious religious site unfolding in the courts, I adopt an ethnographic perspective to assess the consequences of political stake claiming in the name of religion within the city of Mathura. I argue that the very threat of transforming a religiously plural landscape into a distinctively Hindu territory has had material consequences for those who live in Mathura. This situation demonstrates how rhetorical and spatial erasure mutually reinforce one another within contemporary Hindutva projects, whereby Muslim sacred territory in India becomes progressively more difficult to access, both conceptually and on the ground.

Transformation of tradition in Kenzo Tange’s projects as a way of shaping contemporary Japanese architecture

This study explored the transformation of tradition in contemporary Japanese architecture, with a focus on Kenzo Tange’s works as a potential solution to the lack of national identity in modern urban spaces, particularly prevalent in post-socialist countries. Such homogenisation, as established by previous research, has negative implications for human psychology. The purpose of this study was to identify K. Tange’s creative approach to the use of tradition in the context of modernity. Ukrainian, Japanese, English, American, and other sources on the history of traditional and modern architecture in Japan, including the theoretical achievements of K. Tange himself and several sources on the architect’s works, were used in the study. A considerable amount of photographic material was also collected for the study. The paper described certain types of traditional religious architecture in Japan. The architecture of Shinto and Buddhism were considered as prototypes. Accordingly, the following objects of K. Tange were analysed: The Peace Memorial Museum in Hiroshima, in comparison with the Ise Shrine Complex; Kurashiki Town Hall in comparison with the main pavilion of the Buddhist temple complex; the Kagawa Prefecture Government Office Building in Takamatsu in comparison with the Buddhist wooden pagoda. As a result, it was found that the transformation of tradition in K. Tange’s works can occur at four levels: the organisation of the master plan, the formation of the interior space of the building, the formation of its overall structure, and at the level of semantics. For each example of transformation, appropriate references were made to certain features of Japanese architecture or traditional Japanese worldview that were discovered during the study. In addition, an algorithm for introducing traditional features into modern architecture was presented, which, given the need to rebuild Ukrainian cities destroyed as of 2023, could help revive them while avoiding the architectural shortcomings of the past

Sanātana Vijñāna & Warangal Fort

Telengana, the new province of India (2014) is explored from a Science Heritage perspective. It is seen she has an ‘impact crater’ of a geological period of the pre-Himalayan (Eocene) period. It has dual rings like complex craters acting as ramparts and hence the entire is the Warangal Fort. This is a case of ‘natural heritage’. Inside it is a Siva temple which is the central piece. It is a case of ‘man-made heritage’ and provides material for the Caption. Temple’s remains (demolished during the Islamic period) are studied from Science and engineering Heritage perspectives. Engrossing field study leads to interesting transpiration that yields a plethora of Hindu Sc & Tech aspects dating to c.13-14th A.D. Astronomically the temple appears to be associated with the star Betelgeuse i.e., Rigel of the Orion constellation (Vana Rājā Kalāpuruṣa Maṇḍala). The 1000-pillar temple complex -Hanamkonda (Han ūmān \ Hanūmā town) is associated possibly with the same constellation. There are three structures and the layout is alike Orion’s eastern triplet (κ-Ori – ε-Ori -&- α Orionis from S-to-N). These construe archaeo-astronomy (ancient pure science). Historically belongs to the Kakatiya (medieval) extending backward to tribal societies and pre-periods. Preliminary surface scanning of the satellite images of the Hyderabad Muslim heritage region indicates vestiges of a star\triangular shaped foundation of a possible erstwhile structure to the west by southwest of the Golconda fort. An excellent example of Vedic Sc. & Tech.

Śivagṛha: religious harmonization and the concept of unity in diversity

Prambanan Temple is a Hindu Nusantara Theological Archetype, where the name of the Parabrahman temple becomes Prambanan which means worship of the Supreme God, or the highest temple. The pattern of temple construction that uses the Vāstupuruṣamaṇḍala pattern and the concept of worship is characterized by Hindu Theology which is universal, overshadowing all isms. Relics in the form of Prambanan Temple, the grandest temple in Nusantara, illustrate the glory of Hinduism in the past and the theological concepts and ideas of diversity that are developing today. This qualitative research examines Prambanan Temple as an Archetype of Hindu Nusantara Theology that encourages religious harmonization and upholds the concept of unity amid differences. The research was conducted in several locations, such as the Prambanan Temple Complex, the Indonesian National Museum, the Jakarta National Library, and the Yogyakarta Archaeological Agency. Data analysis was carried out using qualitative analysis known as Ethnographic Content Analysis (ECA), a combination of objective content analysis with participant observation. The original name of Prambanan Temple is Śivagrha which means House of Śiva or Śivalaya-nature of Śiva, as well as the temple of Lord Śiva. Śivagrha is a temple complex worshiping the Tri Murti, namely Brahma, Visnu, and Śiva, as the Creator, Sustainer, and Demolisher. From the structure of the building and the text search, this temple has a Śivaistic concept, namely Śiva is worshiped as the highest Devata. However, it also attracted other devotees and united them with the construction of other deities worshiped in the various temples in this complex. Thus Prambanan became a center of worship, a center for study, a center for Brahmin activities, and a spiritual center or a yatra destination for the wider community.

Ancient center of Xi'an (PRC): preservation and historical value of buildings of ancient architectural complexes

This article is devoted to the study and protection of the historically significant architectural complexes of Xi'an, which include the buildings of the Wolong Temple, the Confucius Temple Complex, the Little Study Alley Mosque, and the Memorial Complex of the Xi'an Branch of the Eighth Road Army. The article discusses the timing when each of the buildings was erected, as well as the process of their preservation today. The historical value of each site is described, and their current condition and possible threats to preservation are considered. Various methods of protecting and preserving the architectural complexes, such as conservation, restoration and reconstruction, are presented and their applicability in the context of the region is discussed. It is concluded that there is a need to preserve and protect these historically significant architectural complexes for future generations.

Greek Island Temple Complex Reveals ‘Countless’ Offerings Left by Ancient Worshippers

Greek Island Temple Complex Reveals ‘Countless’ Offerings Left by Ancient Worshippers

“It is a Gurdwara, Not a Memorial.”: The Politics and Aesthetics of Sikh Memorials for 1984

This paper looks at two memorials built in India to commemorate Sikh victims of the violent events of June 1984 and November 1984. Gurdwara Yaadgaar Shaheedan (Gurdwara Martyrs’ Memorial) was built in the Golden Temple complex, Amritsar in 2013, and the Wall of Truth: Sikh Genocide Memorial was inaugurated in Gurdwara Rakabganj, New Delhi in 2017. While both memorials commemorate related events and are built by the same group of people, they differ completely in the choice of nomenclature, design and even the justification given for their creation. This paper discusses the differences between these memorials and their relevance in the memorial politics of contemporary India.

STUDY ON ART AND ARCHITECTURAL PATTERN OF THE SUN TEMPLE OF KONARK IN EASTERN INDIA

The aim of article is to emphasize the arts and architectural features of the Sun temple of Konark in the Puri district of Odisha. This massive Sun temple, constructed in the traditional Kalinga style, is shaped like a chariot of the Sun God, drawn by a group of seven horses and equipped with twelve pairs of exquisitely engraved stone wheels. Because of the temple's stunning eastward slope, the main entrance is first struck by the first light of dawn. An elephant and a man are crushed beneath the two enormous lions guarding the entrance on either side. The outside walls of the temple are covered in carvings of erotica, beasts, monsters, warriors, and animals. The enormous, seventy-meter-tall main sanctum, known as Vimana, collapsed in 1837 as a result of the heavy structure and poor soil. Around the main temple, archaeologists have also uncovered a few other subsidiary temples of the eleventh-century. The Mayadevi temple honors one of the wives of the Sun God, while the other is thought to be devoted to Lord Vishnu. There are a good number of "Mithuna" sculptures at Konark Sun temple. Aside from the entrance, the only remaining buildings today are the "jagamohana" (porch) and "Nata Mandir" (Dancing Hall). The Nata Mandir alludes to the 'Devdasis' tradition, in which dancers resided within the temple complex and dedicated their lives to classical dances such as Bharatnatyam and Odissi. The third point in the state's golden triangle is Konark Sun Temple; the first two points are Jagannath Puri Temple and Bhubaneswar Lingaraj Temple. It was originally constructed on the sea bank by Narasimhadeva-I, but it is now quite a distance from the coast. Just outside the Sun temple is the Nine Planets Temple, also known as the Navagraha Temple. Inside is a massive black slab that has idols of the nine planets carved out of chlorite stones. Originally housed above the main doorway, the slab is currently on display within the Navagraha temple. Out of three structures of Sun temple, the structure of jagamohana is only survived till today, but some portions of the vimana and natamandapa portions have existed to know their designs and plans.

Бабиш-мола — столичный город эпохи античности в низовьях Сырдарьи: стратиграфия, периодизация, хронология

The article publishes the results of several years of excavations at the Babish-Mola settlement, on the territory of the ancient delta of the Syr Darya, where the agricultural Chirikrabat archaeological culture was widespread in the second half of the I millennium BC. During the three seasons of field research, the premises and a section of the bypass corridor in the north-western part of the building of the palace and temple complex — the “Big House” on the citadel of the settlement were partially opened. As a result of the work carried out on stratigraphic data, it was possible to identify three relatively different periods in the life of this site: the early one — the construction and short-term functioning of the building as a palace and two periods of habitation when the site was abandoned by the first inhabitants and fallen into disrepair. In the course of the research, a few, but quite expressive archaeological complexes were discovered, mainly fragments of ceramics, on the basis of which the lifetime of the site can be tentatively dated within the 4 th—2 nd centuries BC.

Japan: Travel notes

The article covers some of the most prominent cultural landmarks of central Japan. Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, and their suburbs and nearest region were the foundation and all the fundamental principles of Japanese architecture and art, in particular the art of calligraphy, ceramics, red lacquer painting, and the famous Japanese weaponry. Nara became Japan’s first permanent capital in 710 (by the order of Empress Gemmei), a 72-year period in Japanese history known as the “Nara Age.” It is noted that Buddhism, and later Zen Buddhism, first came to this territory from China. For twelve centuries, Buddhist art was considered a “Japanese classic.” On the territory of the Nara temple complex, one can observe the organic coexistence of ancient Shintoism and Buddhism adapted to the consciousness of the Japanese. In the central region, a revered archaeological site is the underground structure of Isi-Butai, which dates to the ancient Asuka period (538–645). Despite many years of research of this attraction, the so-called “stone stage”, the water pipe laid in the dungeon, other details remain mysterious (about their origin) and are of keen interest to archaeologists. The paper also provides information about the Horyuji architectural ensemble (607–623). The focus is on the personality and educational role of Prince Shyotoku, who succeeded Empress Hashihito no Anahobe, the prince’s mother. The Chugudi temple (Ikaruga’s old palace) was dedicated by Shōtoku to his mother’s memory. Now there are only a few stones from this temple. Information is provided about the sculptural masterpiece of the Asuka era—the statue (national treasure) Nyoirin Kannon Bosatsu, which is one of the most poetic sculptures in Japanese plastic. Special attention is paid to the embroidered sacred banner Tenjukoku Shūchō Mandala depicting the “Land of Heavenly Longevity.” The fabric is considered the oldest embroidery in Japan.

РЕСТАВРАЦІЯ БРАМ МОНАСТИРСЬКОГО КОМПЛЕКСУ СВЯТОГО ЮРА У ЛЬВОВІ

The main gates were intended for the passage or passage of a large number of people in public, defensive or sacred complexes. They also had a symbolic meaning. In monastery and temple complexes, the main gate served as a boundary between secular and divine space with high spiritual values, a place of prayer and repentance. The article examines the main entrance gates of the St. George complex, which have survived to this day in an almost authentic form.The architectural, artistic and compositional solution of two gates - important structural elements of the St. George complex - was considered and analyzed. Architects created high-art works using architectural and artistic means, which according to their proportions, artistic and compositional solutions fit harmoniously into the structure of the St. George complex. The architecture of the gates reflects the skill and talent of artists of a certain historical era. They belong to unique works of art that have historical and cultural value, therefore their protection and preservation is relevant nowadays. In the process of research, the technical condition of the two gates was studied and restoration measures were developed in order to preserve them from further destruction.

Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple Complex (Bali Island): features of composition and decoration

This article is devoted to the study of the ancient Balinese temple Pura Luhur Uluwatu, which belongs to the circle of the six most revered sanctuaries of the island (Sad Kahyangan). The purpose of the article is to analyze the features of the spatial organization of the temple complex, the main types of structures on its territory, the motives of sculptural decoration. Based on the methodology of the regional approach, the author pays special attention to the study of the identity of this architectural ensemble as an example of the pura public temples of South Bali. In the course of the research, the methods of compositional analysis of the planning structure of the temple, morphological, iconographic and artistic analysis of decor motifs, full-scale study of the cult object and others were used. The scientific novelty of the article is that the architectural composition and plastic decoration of Pura Luhur Uluwatu are considered for the first time in the aspect of the relationship of regional-typological and local-individual characteristics. The study also concretizes the list of architectural forms within each spatial zone of the main sanctuary and its satellite temple Pura Dalem Jurit, clarifies their structural and functional characteristics, outlines a holistic picture of the decorative decoration. As a result of the conducted research, it was concluded that Pura Luhur Uluwatu is a striking example of the sacred architecture of the southern region of the island with typological features inherent in it: variability of planning development, closeness, economical use of temple space, free interpretation of individual decorative motifs. The uniqueness of the temple is manifested in its spectacular location on the edge of a sheer cliff protruding into the ocean, the elongated plan of the main sanctuary, the contours of which repeat the outlines of the southwestern protrusion of the Bukit Peninsula, the extreme minimalism of structures and the means of decorative design used, the simplicity of architectural forms. The creative imagination of local craftsmen was reflected in the original configuration of the entrance gates Candi Bentar and Candi Kurung, as well as in the articulation of individual decorative elements (kasar mascarons, kalasa vessels, etc.).

TEACHING THE CHARACTER OF NATIONALISM IN HISTORICAL MATERIALS IN ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Nationalism is the noble value of Pancasila which must be owned by students as the next generation of the nation to realize their independence and contribution to the country, so that the competitive character of students can be realized among themselves in the era of globalization. This study aims to reduce the content of the characters and their teaching methods in the class IV package book theme 5 of the 2018 Revised Edition of My Hero Curriculum 2013. This type of research is descriptive qualitative research with content analysis, namely research that describes the Character of Nationalism and is then used to analyze the contents of teacher and class student books. 4 themes 5 My heroes. The results of the research and discussion that the researchers conducted showed that 1) The content of the character of nationalism in student books still contained some material that did not meet predetermined indicators, namely the "Let's Discuss" activity in the student book sub-theme 1 about Majapahit's territory, the "Let's Read" activity in student book subtheme 1 which discusses Mahapatih Gajah Mada, the "Let's Read" activity in the student book is discussing the text of the story entitled "Penataran Temple Complex". 2) The learning design for the teacher's Nationalism character content looks less varied and monotonous, making learning less meaningful.

HUDUDLARDA ZIYORAT TURIZMINI RIVOJLANTIRISHDA TURISTIK BRENDLARNING AHAMIYATI

The article deals with the creation of a tourist image and brand of regions in order to increase the potential of pilgrimage tourism in Uzbekistan. The historical and cultural objects of the Kashkadarya region were studied from the point of view of the potential for creating a tourist brand. A SWOT analysis of the temple complex of Abu Muin an Nasafi in the Karshi region was carried out.

Yogi Sculptures: Complex Āsanas Across the Deccan

This chapter aims to broaden our understanding of the visual record of yogis carved upon the temple pillars and walls of several Vijayanagara-era temple sites in the Deccan—including major temple complexes at Hampi, Śrīśailam, Śṛṅgerī, Lepākṣī, and Śravaṇabeḷagola. The yogi sculptures are a key feature of a broader visual program of artistic temple production that spanned across these Vijayanagara temple sites during the 15th and 16th centuries. I argue that the pervasive sculptural presence of yogis performing complex āsanas in the Deccan during this period is a testament to the physical presence of lived yogis in and around these south-Indian temple sites. In several cases, the sculptures of particular āsanas predate and anticipate textual evidence thereof, providing unique insight into “on the ground” yoga traditions. Renditions of certain contortionist postures and those involving physical “props” may also be indicative of a shared performative community of physical culturalists (including yogis, dancers, and gymnasts) who were active at such temples, especially during annual festivals. The assessment of this material record of yoga practice is crucial for our understanding of the historical development and geographical location of physical yoga traditions in precolonial South India.

Decorative Features of the Temple Complex Pura Beji (Sangsit, the Island of Bali)

The author examines the sculptural decoration of the Pura Beji temple – a vivid representative of the style of sacred architecture and decorative plasticity of northern Bali. This temple complex is the sanctuary of the subak irrigation association. It is unique with a peculiar vocabulary of decor, rich texture of stone carvings, masterfully executed in a “pink” paras. The purpose of the article is to use the example of analysis of the decorations of temple buildings (Candi Bentar gates, Candi Kurung, Candi Laras altars, Apit Lawang) and samples of round sculpture to identify the characteristic features of the decorative desing of Pura Beji, to reveal the features of the iconographic reading of individual motifs and images, their spatial configuration. The work is based on empirical material from field studies conducted in April 2019 (Desa Sangsit, kabupaten Buleleng). The study of the temple decor was carried out using the methods of full-scale research, non-standardized interviews; comparative analysis; iconographic, compositional, artistic analysis of images. For the first time, the diverse repertoire of Pura Beji's plastics was analyzed through the prism of the leading iconographic program related to the cult of fertility and the specifics of Balinese Hinduism (with its rich mythopoetics, metamorphoses of the divine and demonic worlds). This predetermined the abundance of floral ornaments and chimerical, fantastic images in the decoration of the temple, their organic fusion. The role of active contacts of the northern coast of Bali with the cultures of Eastern civilizations and Western Europe in the formation of the original style of carving by Sangsit masters is also taken into account. The author comes to the conclusion that the decorative design of Pura Beji is characterized by: rethinking the codified patterns of decor, the use of original motifs and borrowed replicas; compositional freedom of ornamental constructions; continuous filling of the wall surface with sculptural decoration in relief, the applicative manner of applying the ornament. Also noteworthy is the hyperbolized way of articulating decorative elements, manifested in the reception of emphasized grotesque in the interpretation of zoomorphic images and the dominance of a large pattern of leaves and flowers.

대순진리회 전자문화지도 개발 시론

This article is meant to serve as an introduction to the development of digital culture map of Daesoon Jinrihoe. Recently there has been frequent discussion over the need to provide information on the website of Daesoon Jinrihoe’s Yeoju Headquarters Temple Complex, and the further need to produce a digital culture map of Daesoon Jinrihoe. The production of digital culture map of Daesoon Jinrihoe has the advantage of being able to publicize and enhance its status worldwide beyond simply building digital archives, collecting data, visualizing Daesoon Jinrihoe materials, and acquiring tools for research on Daesoon Jinrihoe. Therefore, the development of Daesoon Jinrihoe’s digital culture map is expected to be a step for Daesoon Jinrihoe to leap forward globally. Next in the process would be the study of data. The current status of Daesoon Jinrihoe’s data and analysis of the contents will enable researchers to proceed to the next stage. In the production of digital culture map of Daesoon Jinrihoe, the next step to be studied after data research is to review precedents in the production of digital culture maps related to religion. Researchers will be able to review domestic precedents and overseas precedents, and based on those, it will be possible to suggest a direction for developing Daesoon Jinrihoe’s digital culture map.

Inca Religious Women in the Male Imagination

Abstract During the Spanish colonization of the Andes, enclosures housing Inca religious women became a near-universal topic for male writers, who used women's sexuality to debate Indigenous civilization, sovereignty, and morality. Eyewitness accounts emphasized enclosed women's labor, obscuring the sexual violence that the conquistadores perpetrated against them. In succeeding decades, the religious functions of women's enclosures inspired imperfect analogies that likened their occupants to Catholic nuns and vestal virgins. Spanish writers eventually incorporated Quechua terms for religious women (mamaconas) who served in temple complexes and oversaw the gendered training of chosen girls (acllas) in other enclosures. New details on women's enclosures appeared at the turn of the seventeenth century, including the first accounts of Christian men of Andean descent. The Inca Garcilaso de la Vega's 1609 chronicle synthesized Catholic, classical, and vernacular approaches, providing an authoritative source that subsequent authors consulted as they reduced Inca institutions to metaphors of gender subordination and conquest.

EVALUATION OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF SANITATION AT THE MUARO TEMPLE TOURISM IN 2022

Public places have the potential to become places for disease transmission and environmental pollution, for example, tourist spots. Muaro Jambi Temple is one of the cultural heritage complexes of the largest Hindu-Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia. It is also the most visited tourist spot in Muaro Jambi Regency. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of sanitation at the Muaro Jambi Temple tourist area. The method used in this research is qualitative research with an evaluation approach. There were 8 informants in this study who were taken by purposive sampling. Data collection was carried out by means of in-depth interviews, observation, and document review. Data analysis with content analysis method. The validity test of the research was carried out using the triangulation method. The results showed that the human resources of the Jambi Kecil health center had not met the standards, the cleaning staff or caretakers at the temple were sufficient in quantity but had not been assigned specifically to implement standardization of sanitation for tourist attractions. Funds for the implementation of the program from the Public health center come from BOK, while the tourism management has not prepared funds for implementing sanitation. The facilities and infrastructure of the Public health center are adequate, but the sanitation facilities in the temples are not up to standard. There is no policy that regulates STTU. Examination and assessment of sanitation in the temple had never been done before. When a sanitary inspection was carried out, it was found that the Muaro Jambi temple did not meet health requirements, namely 42.63%. It is hoped that the regional government will make regional regulations regarding the application of STTU and tourism managers will start implementing standardization of sanitation as a necessity. Public places can potentially become places for disease transmission and environmental pollution, for example, tourist spots. Muaro Jambi Temple is one of the cultural heritage complexes of the largest Hindu-Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia. It is also the most visited tourist spot in Muaro Jambi Regency.