"Design of Shivalaya"

"Design of Shivalaya"

The temple of Lord Shiva is called Shivalaya or Shiva Temple. Another peculiarity is that other gods and goddesses are installed in temples in the form of idols but the unborn Lord Shiva is installed in the form of linga. Lord Shiva is a deity who has always preferred a secluded place away from the human population. Similarly, their Shivalayas are also found a short distance from the forest or the village.

The use of natural forest materials is also found in the decoration and worship of Mahadev. These include forest flowers such as dhaturo, billipatra, rudraksha ornaments, ashes on the body, pothiyo in the vehicle, dumru in the instrument, garland of tangled snakes on the body and elephant or tiger skin in the costume. Lots of water and a few bills in the ritual. Shiva does not even need a temple like this, this Bholiyonath Biraji goes to the stone porch, under the trees, even on the top of the hill.

In Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, who are considered to be self-existent, Shankara is called Sadashiv. The temple of Shiva remains the symbol and spirit of the human body and mind in life from a scriptural point of view. In the Shivalaya of Shiva, the benefactor of all, the concept of Ashtanga Yoga, which is considered as a blessing for human life, is realized in Vastushastra-Shilpakalavidhan. The construction of Shivalayas in the regions of Gujarat is as follows.

The Shivalaya is composed of two parts, the front of which is called the temple and the inside of which is called the sanctum sanctorum. In which the sacraments from human birth to the end are manifested in it.

Kal Bhairav ​​is installed at the front of the Shivalaya. Which is considered a symbol of Yama. Death attached to the body must be known at birth. There is an idol of Kal Bhairav ​​at the very beginning to characterize 'whatever you see goes'. It is a symbol of death.

Pothiya is installed at the entrance of the temple which is the first part in Shivalaya. Which is known as a symbol of diligence and carrying. By its establishment it is explained that any work done in life should be done without greed or lust.

Turtles are installed in Shivalaya after Pothia. The tortoise can absorb all its external senses, including itself. Humans also need control and restraint over the external senses (eyes, ears, tongue, hands and feet). Self-indulgence is prevalent in the society. Which is certified by the installation of the turtle.

In Shivalaya, Ganesha is installed on the north side of the tortoise on the left side. Called the loser of Ganesha rituals. Gana-pati has a habit of listening to the smallest things of others and keeping them in the womb, assessing the situation and keeping a close eye on it, which every human being should have. In this way Ganesha's ears are big, eyes are small, stomach is big. Apart from that, Ganesha is considered to be the god of intellect. Intelligence is an essential element of human life skills.

In Shivalaya, Hanumanji is installed on the opposite side of Ganesha, i.e. on the south side. Hanuman is an example of celibacy-power and service. Which makes man a role model in life.

In the other part of the Shivalaya, sculptures of tigers are installed on the threshold of the sanctum sanctorum. There are sculptures of tigers on both sides of the threshold of the sanctum sanctorum. The tiger is an accurate and predictable animal with a very precise mark that rarely goes empty. Humans too must pursue certain goals in life.

The linga of Lord Shiva is established right in the middle of the sanctum sanctorum of the Shivalaya. A special feature of the installation of Shiva Ling is that Lord Shiva is born so at the time of its installation the Ling is not entered through the door but it is done from the top of the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Shivling is a symbol of heart and soul.

In the Shivalaya, a plate is placed around the Shivling and a reservoir and a snake are installed above it. It has the same size as the round penis around the thalu shivling. The vessel that is hung over the Shivling is called Jaladhari. In which the penis is constantly anointed with water. In addition to this, a place is made for the flow of the anointing liquid of water and milk performed by the devotees. Which is pulled out of the womb in a northerly direction. Where it is contained in a small jug. Thus thalu and jaladhari show the power of kundalini (the subconscious in the body). While on the Shivling there is an umbrella of a serpent. Which manifests awakening and volatility.

                                                                An idol of Parvati is installed right behind the Shivling in the Shivalaya.
Which is a symbol of devotion and humility. Parvati manifests the virtues of faith and devotion. Among the inner qualities of the mind are devotion, faith, humility and penance.

Thus the creation of Shivalaya has explained the necessity of death, diligence, senses, intellect, service, power, awareness, faith, devotion, penance and liberation in human life. The Shivalaya remains a symbol of the essential quality of the human body and mind. Bhasma and sandalwood reveal the symmetry between raga-vairagya.