The Temple and the Body (Vachana)

About the Author & Poem

Basavanna (1105–1167): A 12th-century Indian statesman, philosopher, poet, and social reformer in the Shaivite tradition. He used his poetry, known as "Vachanas," to spread social awareness and spiritual wisdom.

The Poem: This Vachana, titled "The Temple and the Body," contrasts the outer world of physical temples built by the rich with the inner spiritual world of a poor devotee. Basavanna argues that while physical structures are static and will eventually fall, the human heart is a "moving temple" that carries the divine eternally. It emphasizes that sincere devotion is far more valuable than the display of wealth.

I. Comprehension Questions (Brief Answers)

Answer: (c) they believe that this is how they can serve God.

Answer: (d) the speaker believes that God is present within ourselves and not in any temple.

Answer: (f) anguish

Answer: (d) an advice

Answer: (c) anything which is static.

Answer: The 'moving', i.e., the human heart which is a 'moving temple' cannot be destroyed by nature's fury unlike a temple that can be damaged easily by nature. 'The moving' can also refer to humble beings who are swayed by devotion and move according to God's will unlike the 'static' that stand erect against God's wishes and get destroyed.

II. Close Study (Extracts)

a. How is the human body compared to a temple?
Answer: The whole body is compared to a temple, with the legs being pillars, the body the shrine with the idol of God secure in the heart, and the head, a cupola of gold with serene thoughts protecting the God in the heart.

b. What is the figure of speech used here?
Answer: The figure of speech used here is a metaphor.

c. Why is the speaker comparing the human body to a temple?
Answer: The speaker wanted to construct a temple like the rich people do, and thereby please God, but he is very poor and cannot do so. Hence he decides to treat his own body as a temple with the God secure in his heart. He also realizes that the temple built of brick and stone can be damaged by nature one day, whereas the 'moving temple' in his heart can never be.

III. Paragraph Writing

Answer: Building temples for Siva is considered a good way to please the Lord. However, everyone cannot build temples. Temples built of stone and brick can be destroyed. God is found not just in temples but also outside. Carrying God in one's own heart is the best way of worshipping Him. This 'moving temple' cannot be destroyed at all. In this poem, Basavanna tells us that a rich man can afford to build grand temples in honour of gods, but poor man can't. However, with his devotion, i.e., with pure thoughts, actions and deeds, he can turn his body into a temple. He may offer his legs for pillars, his body for a shrine and his head for a cupola. A temple of faith is immortal as human beings live on generation after generation, but a temple of stone will perish sooner or later. With this analogy, the lyricist is telling us that faith in the heart is more important than cold stone structures dedicated to a God. To him true faith is more important than display of wealth by the rich who put up such structures.

Answer: The poet desires to please God by building a temple for him but is a poor man, and hence cannot do so. He wonders in anguish whether he will ever be able to please God. He decides to treat his own body as a temple, with his legs for pillars, body for the shrine and the head for a cupola of gold. He consoles himself saying that 'things standing shall fall', meaning that buildings will be destroyed by wind, rain and sunshine. He is happy that 'the moving ever shall stay', meaning that he will be able to carry the 'temple' and his 'God' forever with himself, and so it will never be destroyed. It shall 'stay'.