Hinduism & the Arts
by Stephen Marsh

Hindu themes are the most prevalent subject of Indian art. Architecture, paintings, and poetry all convey religious ideals and follow certain characteristics. Even the creation of art is thought of as a religious act. Consequently, the great diversity of Hinduism creates a similar diversity in Indian Art. In the dance-drama, the dancer so closely follows the prescribed form that they are believed to become the character being imitated. When one performs this dance or sees it performed, come closer to their spirituality. This form of art is similar to the spiritual practice of yoga. The religion and expression are so closely related that one facilitates the other.

Ascetic followers believe that art exists to provide an example of what should be in live. Instead of accurate depictions, a prescriptive function is emphasized. Throughout Hindu art nature, people, and the world are shown in their idealized form. Art provides a “divine model” as seen by the religion. This ideal is found in all forms, from Poetry to Architecture.

Another prominent feature of Indian art is the depiction of myth and religious stories. The ancient epics and stories of the various gods and saints are significant in every form of art. This is typical of many religions; gods and mythology make up the bulk of art of that faith, but the close relation of religion and culture in India would make this true for the entire Indian culture. The Creation is a popular subject, showing Vishnu and Brahma with the cosmic lotus.

Hindu temples, much like the dance-drama, must strictly resemble a heavenly model. The temples are designed on a pattern of squares, and represent the dispersion of the gods. Because Hindu temples are thought of as the earthly home of the gods, this adherence to divine form is emphasized even more. Northern Indian architecture has a few basic elements. A good example of this architecture is the Kandariya temple. The garbha-griha, or womb room, is the center room and attached is a tower called the shikhara. There are also two halls where worshipers can gather. These functional components serve in the worship of the god.

The artistic aspect of the temple is just as significant. The design is fashioned after the cosmic mountain, and gives the impression of ascendance. In contrast the Shri Ranganatha temple represents South Indian architecture. Instead of the “heavenly thrust” of the Kandariya temple, it has an entirely different style. It is based on seven concentric walls, prakaras, representing the parts of the human being. As you travel inward through the maze of hallways you come closer to the spiritual center, much as you would if you peeled away the levels of ones self. The innermost wall, which surrounds the garbha-griha, represents the Atman, and the outermost represents the physical self. Inside the faintly lit womb room is a huge image of Vishnu, the god of the temple. Whereas the Kandariya temple draws you upward, the Ranganatha temple of South India draws you inward to the midpoint of the universe. In both styles, the artistic form follows the religious theology. The temples, much like all Indian art, are designed to embody the divine beliefs.

Back to Papers

Download MS Word file
HinduismArts.doc