frather m, du weiss jo..
”Approaching the sanctum or center of the temple one is struck by the dimness of the lightning. Unlike a Western church with its many windows, the sanctum of the Hindu tempel is windowless, down some steps and deep within. Indeed it is called the garbhagrha or ”womb chamber.” It corresponds to the creative center of the universe. Consequently, the most
powerful mantra suited to the image is reserved for chanting as one approaches the image of the tempel deity for darshan. In accordance with the deep mystery surrounding the image, mantras are mutely whispered. An air of charged stillness pervades. The combination of visual darshan and murmured mantras produces a simultaneous seeing and hearing that powerfully unites the devotee with the divine.”
(from ”Mantra” by Harold G Coward and David J. Goa)
