Temples: Centers of Knowledge and Healing

As a Bharatiya sanatani, our roots are deeply intertwined with the profound wisdom of our temples which have stood not merely as places of worship but as sanctuaries for humanity’s flourishing. Our temples, with their intricate architectural designs and precise alignment with cosmic energy, serve as beacons of solace and guidance, nurturing both the spirit and the intellect. They are spaces where individuals come not only to seek divine connection but to find unity, healing and purpose. Similarly, churches, monasteries and sacred sites across cultures transcend their role as religious edifices becoming cradles of humanity, where the shared values of love, compassion and peace thrive. These sacred spaces remind us of our collective essence, fostering harmony and elevating the human spirit to a higher plane of understanding and coexistence.

Reviving the Sacred: Reclaiming the Cultural and Spiritual Wisdom of our Bharat’s Temples

Temples of our Bharat have long been the epicenters of culture, tradition and education. More than just places of worship, our sacred spaces have been the cradles of spiritual, ecological and philosophical wisdom, preserving knowledge that has connected us to both the earth and the cosmos for millennia.

From the healing practices of our Rishikesh to the sacred rituals of our Haridwar, to the magnificent temples of the South like our Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and our Brihadeeswarar Temple in Thanjavur, which embody the timeless principles of cosmic order and architectural precision, from the spiritual energy of the Western temples such as our Somnath and our Dwarkadhish Temple in Gujarat which stand as symbols of resilience and devotion, to the ancient and serene temples of the East like our Bharatiya Jagannath Temple in Puri and our Kailashnath Temple in Odisha which have nurtured a deep connection to the divine and the natural world, our temples have played a pivotal role in nurturing the soul and mind, passing on age-old teachings about balance, harmony and sustainability.

However, our rich heritage has not remained immune to the forces of colonization, cross-border terrorism and previous before 2014 political instability. These external disruptions have eroded the ethical and spiritual fabric of our nation, leaving our temples and cultural traditions vulnerable to degradation. The restoration of our temples to their former sanctity is essential, not only for reclaiming our lost knowledge but also for revitalizing the deep, interconnected wisdom that once guided the people of our Bharat and the world as large.

Here are some examples regarding the erosion of our heritage due to external forces, political instability and the need for restoration of temples and cultural traditions:

1. Destruction of Temples During the Mughal Empire

• During the Mughal invasion in our Bharat, our numerous temples were destroyed, converted into mosques or plundered for their riches. One of the most famous examples is the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in our Varanasi which was destroyed by Aurangzeb in the 17th century. Such actions not only dismantled the physical structure of our sacred spaces but also disrupted the spiritual continuity of the traditions that once flourished within them.

2. Impact of British Colonialism on our Bharatiya Culture

• The British colonial period had a profound impact on our Bharat spiritual and cultural fabric. The British policies often undermined our rich indigenous religious practices and institutions, promoting Western education while neglecting ancient knowledge systems. The British destruction of manuscripts, temples and religious symbols during the colonial era further eroded our Bharat’s rich spiritual heritage.

3. Cross-Border Terrorism and Religious Persecution

• The rise of cross-border terrorism in regions like our Bharat's Kashmir and other Bharatiya border states has led to significant damage to sacred sites and places of worship. For instance, the destruction of our ancient Raghunath Temple in Kashmir by insurgents and the ongoing threats to religious communities in border areas highlight the vulnerability of cultural heritage to the forces of violence and extremism.

4. The Decline of Traditional Knowledge

• The erosion of our deep ancient knowledge systems such as Vedic teachings, Traditional Ancient System of Bharatiya Medicine (TASBM), Ayurveda and Traditional Bharatiya Craftsmanship (TBC) due to foreign invasions and the dominance of foreign rule has led to a decline in the deep spiritual and philosophical wisdom that once guided our societies. The sacred temples and practices that housed this knowledge were often subjected to neglect, misrepresentation or abandonment.

5. The Need for Restoration of Temples and Culture

• In recent years, under the current leadership, efforts have been made to restore iconic temples like our Somnath Temple in our Gujarat and the Ram Janmabhoomi in our Ayodhya, which have faced historical challenges. These restorations are symbolic of reclaiming not just physical space but also the spiritual and cultural heritage that was disrupted by centuries of foreign influence. Our temples stand as beacons of reclaiming ancient knowledge and connecting the present generation with the wisdom that guided our ancestors.

6. Degradation of Intangible Heritage

• Practices like traditional dance, music and art forms linked to our temple rituals such as our Bharatanatyam and our Kathak, have faced significant disruption due to colonization and political upheaval. The once-sacred dance traditions performed in the courts of temples were marginalized and often discouraged during colonial and post-colonial periods. The revitalization of these traditions is essential for reestablishing the connection between spirituality and culture.

7. The Spiritual and Ethical Guidance of Temples

• Temples such as our Sri Jagannath Temple in Puri, historically served not only as places of worship but also as centers for education in philosophy, yoga and meditation, contributing to the holistic development of individuals. The loss of these centers has deprived society of essential spiritual guidance, leaving a gap that needs to be filled with the restoration of both the physical spaces and the practices they embodied.

So, the restoration of our Bharat's sacred temples and cultural traditions is very vital for reconnecting with the ancient wisdom that once guided the people of Bharat and the world at large. Our temples were not just places of worship but were the epicenter of spiritual, ethical and intellectual life. By preserving, restoring and revitalizing them, we can reclaim our lost heritage and ensure that the profound wisdom contained within these traditions can guide future generations, not just in Bharat but for the world at large.

Temples: Centers of Knowledge and Healing

Temples of our Bharat were historically much more than religious institutions, they were hubs of education, community building and environmental stewardship. The vast repositories of knowledge housed within the walls of temples, ranging from mathematics and astronomy to Ayurveda and ecology were vital to the sustainable living practices that defined our ancient Bharatiya society. The temple architecture, for instance, was often aligned with the forces of nature, designed to harness solar and lunar energy while temple rituals were deeply connected to the cycles of the seasons and natural elements.

Take, for example, Rishikesh, known as the Yoga Capital of the World. Rishikesh has long been a spiritual center, attracting sages and seekers for thousands of years. The temples here not only provide a space for meditation and prayer but also for the dissemination of yoga and holistic healing practices. These practices which are rooted in the spiritual traditions of the region offer invaluable insights into maintaining mental and physical health by creating harmony with the environment.

In a similar vein, Haridwar, another sacred city in our Bharat northern region is one of the seven holiest places in Hinduism. The temples along the banks of Maa Ganga River have witnessed centuries of rituals, serving as a gateway for spiritual cleansing and renewal. But these temples also reflect a deep understanding of ecological balance, Haridwar's location near the river is a testament to the ancient wisdom of water conservation and the sacred reverence of natural elements.

Despite these rich traditions, the profound knowledge embedded in our temples has been compromised over time, primarily due to the legacy of colonization and the political instability that followed. The British colonial period, for instance, led to the widespread destruction of many temples and the displacement of our indigenous practices. Temples were often stripped of their wealth while the indigenous ways of life were undermined and replaced with foreign systems. During this period, many ancient texts and manuscripts were taken abroad further eroding the cultural and intellectual fabric of our Bharat.

The Impact of Cross-Border Terrorism and Political Instability

Beyond colonization, cross-border terrorism and the previous political instability have also played a role in the erosion of our cultural identity. Conflicts and tensions in various regions particularly in the northern and western parts of Bharat have caused significant damage to temples and sacred sites. The destruction of religious monuments and the defilement of sacred spaces have not only been acts of violence but also attempts to erase the rich cultural heritage of our Bharatiya regions.

These disruptions have led to the loss of the spiritual energy that once radiated from our temples. The temples, which once acted as centers for community gathering, learning and healing have been reduced to mere symbols of the past. Their connection to the ecological systems they were built to honor has been weakened and their capacity to provide wisdom and guidance in times of crisis has been diminished.

Rishikesh: A Beacon of Hope for Revitalization

Rishikesh, as a modern example, holds immense potential for restoring the ancient arts of yoga and holistic healing. Recognized globally as the Yoga Capital of the World, Rishikesh is uniquely positioned to reconnect with the spiritual and ecological roots that made its temples centers of wisdom. The potential of Rishikesh lies in reviving its temples as hubs of not only spiritual enlightenment but also ecological sustainability and health.

To achieve this, however, it is essential to first restore the circle of energy that these temples once embodied. The sacred geometry of temples, the alignment with the natural world and the sacred rituals that honor the cycles of nature must be brought back to life. The practice of yoga, too, must be taught not just as an exercise but as a holistic system that connects mind, body and environment.

As our centers of learning, our temples are systematically taken over, often covertly, by external forces that erode the very fabric of our culture, we are witnessing an advanced form of cross-border terrorism aimed at destabilizing our spiritual and cultural foundation. This quiet, insidious assault on our heritage has far-reaching implications, not just for our National Identity but for the very soul of our civilization.

Our temples, once thriving hubs of spiritual energy, intellectual pursuit and cultural transmission have increasingly become sites of neglect, distortion and even outright destruction. The sacred knowledge and practices housed within these spaces are being suppressed and appropriated, leaving gaps in our collective consciousness. It is in this context that we must recognize the urgency of a comprehensive effort to re-establish the sanctity of our temples, not just as places of worship but as the epicenters of knowledge, wisdom and cultural preservation.

To reclaim the spiritual energy and intellectual treasures that have been lost over time, it is essential that we embark on a deliberate, multifaceted process of revitalization. This process can benefit greatly from international collaboration particularly through the exchange of historical and cultural resources. Nations like the United Kingdom, with their significant involvement in Bharat’s colonial past, hold a unique responsibility in this regard. During the colonial era, much of our cultural heritage including sacred texts, manuscripts and religious artifacts was either taken abroad or deliberately obscured. The knowledge that was suppressed, misinterpreted and erased has left deep scars on our cultural consciousness.

In this new era of cooperation, we must seek to not only recover these physical and intellectual artifacts but also rebuild the networks of wisdom and spirituality that once thrived in our temples. The United Kingdom, with its access to archives, collections and scholarly expertise, can play a pivotal role in the restoration of lost knowledge and the deconstruction of historical narratives that have distorted the understanding of our heritage. Collaborative efforts between academic institutions, religious organizations and cultural preservationists in both Bharat and the United Kingdom can create a robust platform for this important work.

This collaboration should also include fostering dialogue between scholars, spiritual leaders and historians from different cultures to ensure that the revitalization process is inclusive, respectful and grounded in the authentic traditions of our people. By reconnecting with our spiritual roots, we not only heal the wounds of history but also empower future generations with the strength and wisdom of our ancestors.

Through these concerted efforts, we can hope to not only reclaim the sanctity of our temples but also reinstate them as living symbols of our civilization’s enduring power, spiritually, intellectually and culturally. This will be a restoration not just of the material artifacts but of the spiritual energy that has the potential to revitalize our society and the world at large.

So, call upon global nations, especially the United Kingdom, to play a proactive role in supporting our Nation reclaim our rich cultural and spiritual heritage. One important step would be the sharing of documentaries and historical resources about the temples, sacred sites and ancient practices of our Bharat. These resources can help us better understand the scope of the damage done by external forces and help identify the sources of erosion of our culture.

By revisiting and documenting the original designs, practices and spiritual significance of our temples, we can begin the process of restoration. It is only by understanding the deep, interconnected relationship between the temples and the natural world that we can fully appreciate their role in preserving the ancient wisdom of Bharat.

Through this collaborative effort, we can rejuvenate the temples as centers of learning, healing,and ecological balance, restoring the spiritual energy that once emanated from these sacred spaces. In doing so, we will not only honor the traditions of the past but also ensure that the wisdom of Bharat continues to guide future generations.

The revival of our temples and traditions is not just an act of reclaiming the past, it is a necessary step towards securing a sustainable, spiritually enriched future for all of humanity.

Please remember, a Sanatani is not merely a term but a guiding philosophy that seeks to elevate the individual and the collective. It is a path of love, equality, respect and infinite compassion for all that lives. The essence of Sanatanism lies in its universal values of treating every life as sacred, cultivating peace and ensuring harmony in the world.

We are Bharatiya sanatani – a living embodiment of timeless wisdom, an ancient lineage bound by the spirit of devotion, compassion and oneness with all of creation. We are the custodians of a sacred heritage that reveres life in all its forms, where every being, no matter how big or small is honored and cherished as a part of the divine tapestry of existence.

Rooted in the soil of Bharat, our hearts beat in harmony with the rhythm of the universe, guided by principles of love, equality and selflessness. We believe in seeing beyond differences, embracing diversity with open arms and cultivating peace through tolerance and understanding. Our devotion extends not just to humanity but to every creature, to every element of nature and to the very earth that sustains us.

As Bharatiya sanatani, we walk a path of righteousness, where our actions are driven by kindness, our words by truth and our thoughts by wisdom. We understand that life is sacred and every moment is an opportunity to serve, uplift and connect.

In our hearts, we carry the flame of an ancient tradition that has always taught the unity of all beings, the sanctity of every life and the boundless potential for transformation through love and compassion. We are Bharatiya sanatani, not just in our roots but in our souls and we carry the essence of this sacred philosophy forward, illuminating the world with the light of peace, harmony and spiritual wisdom.

S – Selflessness & Service

Sanatani values selflessness and the act of service (Seva). It is the willingness to give without expecting anything in return, nurturing a sense of duty towards others and contributing to the welfare of all beings. Service to humanity, nature and all living entities is a central tenet in the Sanatani tradition.

A – Awareness & Acceptance

Awareness is key to understanding the interconnectedness of life. Sanatanis believe in being aware of the larger truth, seeing beyond individual differences and accepting all forms of life with love and compassion. This acceptance comes from realizing the oneness of creation where every individual and living being plays a role in the cosmic order.

N – Non-violence (Ahimsa)

Ahimsa or non-violence is one of the highest virtues in the Sanatani way of life. It signifies respect for all living beings and a commitment to causing no harm whether through thought, word or action. Ahimsa extends to the natural world including the smallest creatures emphasizing that life in all its forms is sacred.

A – Authenticity

Being true to oneself and living with integrity is essential to the Sanatani path. Authenticity involves embracing your true nature, free from ego and illusion and acting in alignment with your deepest values. A Sanatani person strives for honesty, sincerity and transparency in their relationships and interactions with others.

T – Tolerance & Transformation

Sanatanis believe in tolerance and respect for diversity acknowledging that every being has its own path to walk. This tolerance is not passive but transformative. Through acceptance and understanding, we can grow spiritually and contribute to collective healing. It is about embracing differences while fostering unity.

A – Altruism

Altruism is the natural extension of love and kindness. A Sanatani seeks to act in the benefit of others without selfish motives. True altruism involves putting the welfare of others first and creating a harmonious world where all beings thrive.

N – Nurturing and Nirvana (Liberation)

Sanatani values the nurturing of all life. This includes nurturing oneself through spiritual practice and self-care as well as nurturing relationships, communities and the environment. It is about fostering growth, healing and well-being for all, cultivating love, empathy and support for other's flourishing.

Nirvana or liberation is the ultimate goal in the Sanatani philosophy. It represents the freedom from suffering, ignorance and the cycle of birth and rebirth. It is the state of oneness with the divine where the individual soul merges with the universal consciousness experiencing eternal peace, bliss and truth.

I – Inclusivity and Inspiration

Inclusivity is the heart of Sanatanism. It teaches that all beings, regardless of their background, race or species are deserving of love, respect and dignity. Every person is seen as part of the same universal family and no one is left out or marginalized. The Sanatani worldview encourages embracing diversity and celebrating the unity within that diversity.

Sanatanis believe in the power of inspiration whether from the divine, the natural world or from within. Inspiration is what moves us to greater heights of understanding and compassion. It fuels our spiritual practice and encourages us to live a life of purpose constantly striving to better ourselves and serve others.

From: Bharatiya Sanatani

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