Valmiki Bhavan Research Paper

Valmiki Bhavan, or “Valmiki’s building,” is an ancient Hindu temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. I visited and researched this sacred site online through video tours and pictures. Built around 1970 and unaltered, this site was constructed with white marble and red stones from Rajasthan. Usually in Hindu temples, and in this particular one as well, around the interior are statues, scriptures, and other decor. From the tile to the walls, pillars and even the ceiling, the building has patterns, pictures and inscriptions. With a capacity of about 5,000 people, this large Bhavan would be considered almost empty due to the lack of furniture. There aren’t any chairs or benches to sit for the purpose of allowing space to walk and to allow people to worship in their preferential
position; whether it be kneeling, laying down, or standing. Most Hindu temples, including this one, tend to focus on one or maybe a couple of deities to praise and worship, Valmiki Bhavan was constructed in honor of Valmiki himself, the author of a well known Hindu epic, Ramayada.
In Hindu culture, this sacred epic is said to be able to free readers from sin and to make listeners feel blessed just by reading or hearing even a mere sloka, or verse. The walls of Valmiki Bhavan, on both upper and lower floors are entirely encrypted with all 24,000 slokas of the epic Ramayada. At some of the most significant events in the story, pictures are also displayed. In the center of this structure is a slightly elevated level, where bhajans and upanyasams are usually held, are statues of Valmiki and his two disciples. Around them, are other statues of deities, elephants and the hero of the epic story, Rama; all decorated with flowers, necklaces, pictures, etc. placed by worshipers. Representing a crucial element in Hinduism, this decoration of personal items left by people and visitors highlight the unification of materialism and spirituality. The interior environment of this temple is also comprised of numerous echoing voices because of its large size and
height. As well as slightly dull lighting due to the shortage of windows. At a first glance, this temple was obviously known for its beauty and size, but as I started to analyze the details of the walls and pillars, beautiful and sacred slip into a category along with many other understatements. Understanding and connecting to the elements in this temple allow for such a unique and breathtaking experience. I enjoyed the scripture all over the wall probably the most, I thought that made this temple very special and distinct from any I’ve ever seen. However, I felt the size of the building is a bit overwhelming and uncomfortable. What felt familiar was having the main attraction in the center of the room. For me, it would usually be the cross there in the center but I think the similar position of the statutes clearly deliver to anyone who visits, a significant and holy appearance. Being able to see a place of worship for the religion we’re studying in class, allows for a more intimate understanding of what the religion is truly about. Being able to connect ideas from the textbook to an actual spiritual setting helped me to learn more about this religion and the often misunderstood beauty along with it.