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Sacred Geography, Iconographic Postures, and Holistic Well-Being: A Comparative Study of the 108 Divya Desams and Classical Yoga
Subject area: Biological & Medical Sciences · Area of research: Yoga Poses with Physiological Changes
DOI: 10.64388/ire1725118
Abstract
This study investigates the intersection of sacred geography, iconographic postures, and holistic well-being within the tradition of the 108 Divya Desams—temples dedicated to Lord Perumal (Vishnu) revered by the Alvar poet-saints. Beyond their architectural and liturgical significance, the nomenclature, geographical settings, and distinct deity postures (thirukkolam) across these shrines encode profound physiological and contemplative principles. Specifically, the sacred stances of Vishnu—standing (Nindra), sitting (Irundha), and reclining (Kidandha)—mirror foundational asanas in classical yoga traditions, such as Tadasana, Padmasana, and Savasana. Through a comparative textual and phenomenological analysis of temple iconography alongside classical yogic frameworks, this paper examines how temple pilgrimage and visual contemplation (darshan) facilitate multi-dimensional health benefits. The findings suggest that engaging with these sacred postures yields tangible physical alignment, psychological stress reduction, and existential stillness, thereby harmonizing the body, mind, and soul. Ultimately, this research bridges Indological heritage and integrative wellness, demonstrating how traditional Vaishnava temple spaces function as holistic environments for somatic and spiritual transformation.
Keywords
108 Divya Desams, Perumal, sacred postures (Thirukkolam), yoga asanas, holistic health, mind–body–soul integration
References
[1] Bharadwaj K (2018). Sacred geography of the 108 Divya Desams: Architecture, mythology, and devotion. Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi.
[2] Feuerstein G (2011). The encyclopedia of yoga and tantra. Shambhala Publications, Boston.
[3] Hardy F (2014). Viraha-bhakti: The early history of Krsna devotion in South India. Oxford University Press.
[4] Iyengar BKS (2005). Light on life: The yoga journey to wholeness, inner peace, and ultimate freedom. Rodale Books.
[5] Muktibodhananda S (2012). Hatha yoga pradipika (4th ed.). Yoga Publications Trust, Munger.
[6] Narayanan V (1994). The vernacular Veda: Revelation, recitation, and ritual. University of South Carolina Press.
[7] Ramanujan AK (1981). Hymns for the drowning: Poems for Visnu by Nammalvar. Princeton University Press.
How to cite this paper
@article{1725118,
author = {Dr. M. Manimekalai Narayanan, Dr. S. Murugesan, Dr. A. S. Selvam},
title = {Sacred Geography, Iconographic Postures, and Holistic Well-Being: A Comparative Study of the 108 Divya Desams and Classical Yoga},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {5},
pages = {2719-2722},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1725118.pdf},
abstract = {This study investigates the intersection of sacred geography, iconographic postures, and holistic well-being within the tradition of the 108 Divya Desams—temples dedicated to Lord Perumal (Vishnu) revered by the Alvar poet-saints. Beyond their architectural and liturgical significance, the nomenclature, geographical settings, and distinct deity postures (thirukkolam) across these shrines encode profound physiological and contemplative principles. Specifically, the sacred stances of Vishnu—standing (Nindra), sitting (Irundha), and reclining (Kidandha)—mirror foundational asanas in classical yoga traditions, such as Tadasana, Padmasana, and Savasana. Through a comparative textual and phenomenological analysis of temple iconography alongside classical yogic frameworks, this paper examines how temple pilgrimage and visual contemplation (darshan) facilitate multi-dimensional health benefits. The findings suggest that engaging with these sacred postures yields tangible physical alignment, psychological stress reduction, and existential stillness, thereby harmonizing the body, mind, and soul. Ultimately, this research bridges Indological heritage and integrative wellness, demonstrating how traditional Vaishnava temple spaces function as holistic environments for somatic and spiritual transformation.},
keywords = {108 Divya Desams, Perumal, sacred postures (Thirukkolam), yoga asanas, holistic health, mind–body–soul integration},
month = {November},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/ire1725118}
}