DARSANA

Slide 1: 

Darsana Mandir (Chapel at Darsana: Institute of Philosophy, Wardha, Maharastra State, INDIA) Master mind: Fr. Dr. Thomas Kochumuttom CMI Eng: Fr. Jose Palathara CMI Artist: Fr. Joy Elamkunnapuzha CMI A Beautiful Blending of Hindu, Buddhist and Christian Art and Architect in the Process of Inculturation

Slide 2: 

The following slides show the interior art works of Darsana Seminary Chapel. In the Chapel, every element (pillars, beams etc) is symbolic having a religious meaning. The true blending of the Indian Art with Christian themes give everyone who comes into the chapel a feeling of at homeliness irrespective of his/her religious affiliation. The chapel is 20 years old. Till now none has raised any objection to this attempt of presenting things in a different way. Rather, all appreciate it. Now it is a pilgrim center. People come from near and far. Now a days, many more churches and chapels in India are constructed in this way.

Darsana Institute of Philosophy Chapel : 

Darsana Institute of Philosophy Chapel

Christ-the Bodhisattva : 

Christ-the Bodhisattva The image of Christ—the liberated one in the world of sorrows. The image reflects serenity, peace and liberation (redumption) It is placed at the reception area of the Institute (It has a resemblance with Buddha in Meditation as seen in the Ajantha-Ellora Caves) Visitors, as they come inside the institute, take off the shoes/sandals and venerate this statue offering flowers and by touching the feet of Jesus

Darsana Chapel : 

Darsana Chapel Emblem and the Motto is – Pavitrataya Devadarsanam = Vision of God through Purity of Mind (Mt. 5:8). Roof of the Chapel is in the form of Hindu Vimana which refers to the vision of life – Life is other worldly oriented.

Interior view of the Sanctuary : 

Interior view of the Sanctuary

Cosmic Christ and the Epiphany : 

Cosmic Christ and the Epiphany Conch = are used in the temples to announce the great events God the father is announcing that it is my beloved son, listen to him. The waves of it permeate eternally.

Descend of the Spirit : 

Descend of the Spirit In Baptism, the Spirit descends on Christ (Mk.9:7) Christ gives the spirit and he is present in the world today through the spirit, through us!!(Lk.24:1-4; Acts 1:7-9) Every Human has an inner thirst for the Supreme and it is experienced in different ways. For a Christian, it is present in Christ.

The glass panel forms the Mandala : 

The glass panel forms the Mandala Buddhist Mandala, which calls for concentration, tells that to reach the holy of holy, one needs to withdraw from the distractions of the World

Slide 10: 

Sin came thru the Tree and Salvation is given thru the tree. Salvation is for the humanity thru the work of the Trinity. Dove – H. Spirit 2 hands – the Father Cross – Jesus 3 heads represent the humanity. As St. Paul says, faith in Christ will bring you salvation (Rom. 10:9; 1Jn.5:10)

Slide 11: 

The Plough, wheel of the bullock-cart, maize and jowar (main food of the local people) represent the daily life of the people. So, what is brought to the altar in the daily sacrifice should be the life of the people, their aspirations, desires, problems, etc.

Slide 12: 

From bottom to top: The boddhi leaf with a sparking light at the centre symbolizes the human heart burning with the scripture Religious Scripture which needs to be given life by living its message by the believers. Home (hut) with leaf having the cross at the centre – people living with scripture in their mind makes the family a Gospel witness Covering over the home – the kingly presence of Jesus THE TABERNACLE

Slide 13: 

It is the base of the Vimana seen from inside. The spokes represent the people of different walks of life. It raises the question: how do we look at life and what is our orientation? And accordingly our attitude to the up and downs of life also changes?

Slide 14: 

The Altar is made in the form of the Gate of the Stupa at Sanchi, the famous Buddhist Worship place. Gate is the entrance into the holy place. So too, our daily mass is an invitation to the holy life.

Slide 15: 

The dancing cow, plants and flowers represent the whole universe that is joining with every one who prays even alone. Chapel has 12 pillars representing 12 apostles and patriarchs

Slide 16: 

The beam above the window with different depictions refers to the use of art forms in the worship and prayers The Glass arch above window panels calls to our attention about our way of looking at the world: are we worldly or spiritual

Slide 17: 

The Grotto of our Lady of Mt. Carmel constructed in the vicinity of Darsana is a pilgrim centre for many people in the area.

Slide 18: 

This statue of Our Lady is fashioned in concrete. It is crafted by a Hindu sculptor who is born dumb. It is depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary with child Jesus in a typical Indian art form.

Slide 19: 

It is based on the Gen. 37: 9 and Rev. 12.1-2 – “a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.”