Pillar Two

Artwork by A. Manivelu

Top

  • NORTH FACE:
    Trikona

    Trikona is a triangle; symbol of God Siva as Absolute Reality. Also represents the element fire.

  • EAST FACE:
    The Chakras

    Here we see a yogi. Along his spine we see the seven central chakras. Metaphysically, these are the nerve plexuses or centers of force and consciousness located within the inner bodies of man. They are: 1) muladhara (base of spine): memory, time and space; 2) svadhishthana (below navel): reason; 3) manipura (solar plexus): willpower; 4) anahata (heart center): direct cognition; 5) vishuddha (throat): divine love; 6) ajna (third eye): divine sight; 7) sahasrara (crown of head): illumination, Godliness.

  • SOUTH FACE:
    Palmyra Tree

    The palmyra tree (Borassus flabellifer) is commonly known as doub palm, tala palm, toddy palm or wine palm. It is native to the Indian subcontinent The palmyra palm has long been one of the most important trees of India, where it has over 800 uses. The leaves are used for thatching, mats, baskets, fans, hats, umbrellas, and as writing material.

  • WEST FACE:
    Camphor Tree

    Camphor tree, known in Sanskrit as karpura (Cinnamomum camphora.) Camphor, an aromatic, white crystalline solid derived from the wood of camphor trees (or prepared synthetically from pinene), is prized as a fuel in temple arati lamps.

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Middle

  • NORTH FACE:
    Cosmic Order

    Ritadharma is the cosmic order of all things from subatomic energiers to DNA to solar and galactic movements. One of the four dharmas.

  • EAST FACE:
    Social Order

    Varnashrama dharma is the way of one’s caste and stage of life. Names the social structure of four classes (varna), hundreds of castes (jati) and four stages of life (ashramas). It is the combined principles of varna dharma and ashrama dharma. Here we see a priest, a soldier, a merchant and a farmer.

  • SOUTH FACE:
    Four Stages of Life

    Four stages of life are student, family life, respected elder and renunciate.

  • WEST FACE:
    One’s Own Path

    One’s individual path is known as swadharma. One of four primary dharmas.

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Bottom

  • NORTH FACE:
    Hari Hara

    Hari Hara is a form of Siva also known as Vishnu-Siva or Sankaranarayaṇa. It is a murti of the Supreme One, in which the right half is Siva and left half is Vishnu. It symbolizes the principle that Siva and Vishnu are not two separate Deities.

  • EAST FACE:
    Siva Rishi

    Siva as the great yogi meditating in the Himalayas. This murti is called Sivamahayogin.

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