Gopuram is an indispensable part of Hindu temples in South India. There is an important symbolism associated with gopuram. The structure of gopuram is found at the entrance or at the anthahara and is always bigger than the rest of the walls.
When the entire temple complex is seen as the body of god, gopuram is the leg portion of god. A Sanskrit shloka says ‘gopuram devapada syath.’
It is believed that seeing the feet of God itself is meritorious (punyam). Thus Gopura darshan is pious and meritorious for a Hindu devotee.
The gopuram in anthahara is also known as dwarashobha.
Symbolism of Gopuram in Hindu Temple Architecture
The Gopuram (or Gopura) is a monumental tower, typically found at the entrance of Hindu temples, particularly in South India. The word "Gopura" is derived from two Sanskrit terms: ‘Go’, meaning ‘cow’ or symbolically ‘earth,’ and ‘Pura’, meaning ‘city’ or ‘gateway.’ Gopurams have deep symbolic, religious, and cultural meanings, as they represent the threshold between the spiritual and material worlds, standing as markers of divine presence.
Symbolism and Structure:
Connection Between the Human and Divine: The gopuram serves as the gateway to the temple's sanctum, where the deity resides. It symbolizes the entry into the sacred space where the devotee transitions from the mundane, material world to the divine realm. It acts as a physical and spiritual connection between the human and the divine.
Representation of the Cosmos: The multi-tiered structure of the gopuram represents the ascending order of the cosmos, symbolizing the journey of the soul through the various levels of existence (physical, mental, spiritual) towards enlightenment and union with the divine. The apex of the gopuram represents the ultimate reality, or the state of moksha (liberation).
Divine Body: In the symbolic mapping of the temple to a cosmic human body, the gopuram is seen as the feet of the deity. There is a belief that seeing the feet of the god brings good fortune, hence ‘Gopura Darshanam’ is considered an auspicious act. The entrance through the gopuram is akin to entering the divine body and accessing the sanctity within.
Mount Meru and Sacred Mountains: In many traditions, the gopuram is seen as a representation of Mount Meru, the sacred mountain and axis mundi of Hindu cosmology. Its towering height is meant to remind devotees of the spiritual ascent toward divine consciousness.
Defense and Grandeur: Historically, gopurams were also constructed to protect the temple. The massive gates provided a sense of grandeur and were symbols of the king's or patron’s power, influence, and devotion. As the temples became centers of cultural and social life, gopurams were embellished with intricate carvings, sculptures, and deities that depicted religious stories, local legends, and sacred motifs.
Importance in Hindu Worship:
- Sacred Vision: Seeing the gopuram from afar signals the nearness of a divine space. Many devotees believe that ‘Gopura Darshan’ itself brings merit and divine blessings, even if they cannot enter the temple.
- Spiritual Gateway: The gopuram is often the first experience of the divine when approaching the temple. It invokes reverence and awe, preparing the devotee for the inner journey to the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), where the main deity resides.
- Center of Pilgrimage: In many Hindu temples, especially in places like Tamil Nadu (e.g., the temples of Madurai, Thanjavur, Chidambaram), the gopuram is the focal point of the temple complex. Pilgrims often circumambulate the gopuram as part of their devotional activities.
Lesser-Known Facts:
- Ornamental and Cultural Significance: Gopurams are elaborately decorated with sculptures and carvings depicting various gods, goddesses, mythological stories, and animals. These intricate designs serve as both artistic displays and religious narratives.
- Astronomical and Astrological Alignments: Many gopurams are aligned with celestial bodies or are constructed in accordance with Vastu Shastra (traditional Hindu architecture principles). They also have symbolic significance in terms of time and space, marking the auspicious direction for entering the temple.
Construction and Evolution:
- Dravidian Architecture: Gopurams are most prominent in South Indian temples, especially in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, as part of the Dravidian architectural style. They became more elaborate during the Chola, Pandya, and Vijayanagara periods, where they often served as monumental gateways towering over the rest of the temple.
- Evolution Over Time: The gopuram evolved from simple gateways in early temple architecture to highly ornate and towering structures during the medieval period. Each dynasty or patron would often build additional gopurams as offerings to the temple deity, resulting in temples with multiple gopurams.
Modern Relevance and Practical Use:
- Gopurams in Contemporary Temples: Though the construction of gopurams has decreased in modern times due to changes in temple-building practices and urbanization, they are still being built as part of larger temple complexes, especially in South India. Examples include temples like the Sripuram Golden Temple in Tamil Nadu.
- Cultural Identity: Gopurams continue to be cultural landmarks. In many South Indian cities, they serve as iconic symbols, representing the region’s rich temple culture and architectural heritage.
- Tourism and Historical Preservation: Today, gopurams draw tourists and scholars for their historical, architectural, and religious significance. Many temples with iconic gopurams, like Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple (Srirangam) or the Meenakshi Amman Temple (Madurai), are UNESCO heritage sites or candidates.
How Hindus View Gopurams Today:
- Divine Entryway: For modern Hindu devotees, the gopuram is still revered as the sacred entryway to the divine presence. Many view it as an essential part of the temple experience, marking the transition from everyday life to sacred time and space.
- Spiritual Merit: Devotees believe that by passing through the gopuram, they leave behind their worldly distractions and purify themselves before engaging in worship. The towering structure, adorned with gods and sacred symbols, inspires devotion and contemplation.
The gopuram stands as both an architectural marvel and a profound religious symbol in Hindu temple tradition. It serves as a threshold, both physically and spiritually, preparing devotees for their journey into the temple’s inner sanctum. From its symbolic representation of the deity's feet to its embodiment of cosmic principles, the gopuram remains an integral part of Hindu worship and temple culture. Although the construction of gopurams has reduced in modern times, they remain culturally and religiously significant, continuing to inspire awe and devotion among worshippers and visitors alike.