Apart from Panchadashi, Swami Chinmayananda learnt the following Upanishads: Prashna, Mundaka, Mandukya, Aitareya, Chandogya etc. These Upanishads have Mahavakyas which are the essence of the vedas. These are statements indicating oneness of the Individual and the Supreme. These should be heard from a Spiritual master, reflected and contemplated upon. 

 

It is rare to find temples for Mahavakyas where the Great Statements are the Altar of Contemplation. Presented here are the 4 Mahavakyas from the Upanishads in a most innovative and modern way with the help of light and sound. 3 of them Swami Chinmayananda learnt from Swami Tapovanam. Fourth became his experience. 

 

Temple 1 : This is Brahma, this is Indra, this is the creator Prajapati, this is again all the Gods and these 5 great elements, namely earth, air, space, water and fire. All the small creatures and the other seeds of creation. Egg born, womb born, sweat born, earth born namely trees and so on. Horses, cattle, men, elephants and all the breathing things that are here. The moving, flying or the immovable. All these are guided by Consciousness and are supported by Consciousness. 

 

The Universe has Consciousness as its guide. Consciousness is the basis of all. Consciousness or Pragnanam is Brahman.

 

Design Notes

 

Mahavakya Temples

 

The four Mahavakyas are experienced within four temple structures. It is rare to find temples for Mahavakyas where the Great Statements are the Altar of Contemplation. 

 

In the first structure, the visitor experiences an expanse of creation (Brahman) through animate and inanimate forms depicted as flat surfaces, cut outs and mobiles. The forms move from two dimensional to three dimensional. Consciousness is the substratum of the Universe and is shown pervading everything, through controlled lights that move across and connects all forms of creation. A central altar is designed to display the Mahavakya - Prajnanam Brahma(Consciousness is Brahman) on an engraved stone tablet.