Do we see a spiritual redux in the new millennium?
All the great scientists have been deeply spiritual and I consider Albert Einstein the last of that lot. He imagined time and space sitting in his 1 BHK flat in Bern, Switzerland. After him, science became a big enterprise and was also declared secular. Some scientists even proclaimed spirituality to be a delusion. It became a fashion to call narrow-minded focus with a high-sounding name ‘super-speciality’ and a series of abbreviations showing membership of this or that organisationbecame a status symbol.
This article is generated from three dots, which I will connect here and offer reflection. These dots are the sudden interest of my son, a software engineer with Oracle, in visiting Jyotirlingas, India’s top companies and institutions participating in the construction of Shri Ram Mandir and the advent of AI validation of mystics around ancient sciences like Vastu. As AI reveals more profound facts and patterns hidden behind unexplained, random or even mystical happenings, are we finally making sense of ancient wisdom?
I will start by reflecting on the Jyotirlingas. The twelve temples are recorded in the scriptures.
सौराष्ट्रे सोमनाथं च श्रीशैले मल्लिकार्जुनम्। उज्जयिन्यांमहाकालमोङ्कारममलेश्वरम्॥
परल्यां वैद्यनाथं च डाकिन्यां भीमशङ्करम्। सेतुबन्धे तु रामेशं नागेशंदारुकावने॥
वाराणस्यां तु विश्वेशं त्र्यम्बकं गौतमीतटे। हिमालये तु केदारं घुश्मेशं चशिवालये॥
As India imploded under petty rivalries and then was ruled by the invaders for centuries, several names were changed. In the present times, these twelve locations are Somnath in Saurashtra, Gujarat; Mallikarjuna in Srisailam, Andhra Pradesh; Mahakala in Ujjain and Omkareshwara in Khandwa, both in Madhya Pradesh; Vaidyanath in Parli, Jharkhand; Bhimashankara in Dakinya, Odisha; Ramesham in Sethubandh, Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu; Nagesham in Dwaraka, Gujarat; Vishwesham in Varanasi; Tryambakam in Nashik, Maharashtra; Kedarnath in the Himalayas and Ghushmesh in Shivalay, now Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra.
So, when my son Amol started his travel to the Jyotirlinga temples, I wondered how these temples are situated and then Ilearned an interesting fact. If joined, the locations of the twelve Jyotirlingas follow the shape of a conch shell, named after the ancient mathematician Pingala and known as the Fibonacci pattern in the Western world. Each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers — 1,1,2,3,5,8… and the following numbers in the series will be 5+8 and so on. You can continue adding numbers in this series until infinity. This mathematical pattern is graphically represented as a spiral. In nature, the Fibonacci series is found everywhere – from the arrangement of sunflower seeds, pine cones and webs of spiders to the shape of conch shells. From Ghushmeshwar to Triyambakeshwar to Omkareshwar to Bhimashanka to Mahakaleshwar, and so on to Kedarnath, all twelve are positioned in a Fibonacci pattern.
Three of the Jyotirlingas – Kedarnath, Mallikarjuna and Ramesham – are situated on 79E longitude. Aligned with them on the exact longitude are the ancient Shiva temples in Omkareshwar, Jageshwar and Baijnath in Uttarakhand; Kandariya Mahadev in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh; Ramappa and Kaleshwaram in Telangana; Kalahasti in Andhra Pradesh; and Kanchipuram, Thiruvannamalai, Chidambaram and Thiruvanakoil in Tamil Nadu. These temples testify to the absurdity of the theory of the Aryan invasion of India propagated by the vested interest to divide an ancient civilisation.
During the conservation of Shri Ram Mandir, many people talked about Sun Rays appearing on the forehead of Shri Rama’s idol on the day of his birthday, adorning him with a Surya Tilak. Shri Rama’s birthday is recorded as the ninth day of the bright half of the lunar cycle when the Sun transits in front of the Aries star constellation (corresponding to March-April time of the year) as seen from the Earth. It is considered the first of the twelve segments that mark the 360-degree horizon of the infinite space.
Even after decades of independence, the place of Shri Rama was called Faizabad. After a protracted movement and legal battle finally reaching the Supreme Court, a temple was constructed and created early this year. A renowned geologist and my long-standing friend, Dr Virendra Mani Tiwari,published a detailed paper, Technologies For Temple To Stand A Thousand Years, in Science India (Vol 19, Issue 94). The paper recalls an excellent temple construction tradition in India by citing the Brihadeshwara Temple in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. There, an 80–ton monolithic granitic capstone was placed on top of the hollow vimana, measuring 66 meters –some 1000 years back!
The Ayodhya Rama Mandir was 3D-modelled and analysed for static and dynamic loading conditions, like the seismic and wind forces, using the Finite Element Method (FEM). The structure’s design life is 1000 years, and it is a dry-jointed structure consisting of only interlocked stone with no steel reinforcement. The 161 ft high structure with three floors of 20 ft has five chambers with double domes. The interior domes are supported by several columns placed in an octagonal manner, whereas exterior domes named Samran are supported by columns arranged squarely. Pillars are constructed of 7 stone pieces interlocked with corbels present at different levels to support the beams and arches.
A scientist of impeccable credentials, Dr Tiwari, notes that the maintenance and preservation of such monuments are equally vital. He explains how extensive instrumentation, including the installation scheme, is made for settlement monitoring of rafts and plinths, superstructures and retaining walls. Different sensors are installed on the raft, plinth and retaining structures and information is collected and monitored in real-time.
The era of Artificial Intelligence has already begun. The generative AI has already curated human intelligence. The next phase is about generalised AI, wherein the intelligence hidden in nature will get embedded. Like the Fibonacci pattern, several secrets are waiting to be found, deciphered and applied. Vastu Shastra, the science of directions, has guided ancient Indians for several millennia. Every Indian mason knows that the house’s southeast direction is the fire element’s zone and the best place to build the kitchen. It cannot be called superstition just because science at its current level does not provide an answer. Perhaps AI will do that.
Nature is the ultimate designer. Naturally derived chemicals have a profound value. However, traditional approaches could have been faster and offered no guarantee of uncovering anything worthwhile. AI can thwart these limitations and it is possible to design ‘fit-for-purpose’ natural products by pairing the generation of novel natural product-like structures with activity prediction models. The discovery of bio-alternatives to existing fossil fuel-based chemicals is not far away.
The day when artificial intelligence systems will mimic human introspection is also not far away. The ability to ponder the infinite spectrum of hypothetical scenarios − a process known as counterfactual reasoning − is a natural part of the human experience. Termed ‘counterfactual dynamics forecasting,’ the new technique lets AI study actual events and then, drawing from them, forecast the progression of hypothetical situations over time. So, let us hope to build new towns and cities that are naturally aligned and according to the dictates of real estate tycoons and their greedy political colluders. Let your house get some sun rays, moonlight, and breeze, and you’re living in sync with the rhythm of the planet without jarring it.
Though I have been to Rameshwaram, Tryambakam and Vishwanath, now that I am confined to home for health reasons, I can only lament why I did not visit all the twelve Jyotirlingas while enjoying good health. I can only say that sacredness is the foundation of our civilisation, and only after visiting these places will you feel what it means. The eternal soul that lives inside our mortal body has been immortal for a long time. Visiting sacred places resonates with positive vibrations, warding off the dust as if from a mirror.
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This is an exciting article with even more interesting comments. Consciousness and matter can be symbolised as Spirituality and Science. The generic view looks at them as two different streams. They are interwoven and essential for their existential manifestation. The bonding of both is reflected in the mechanisms working behind the applications of all time-tested systems of different cultures across the globe that deploy the power of consciousness in practice for the holistic welfare and evolution of all beings. The idea of an omnipresent eternal consciousness-force that is both sublime and manifested realms of Nature seems to be the theory of everything.
Yet another captivating Blog Prof Tiwari ji! The connection between the Jyotirlinga locations and the Fibonacci pattern is truly stunning. It’s wonderful to see ancient wisdom being validated by modern science through AI. Thanks to Amol that he took a pilgrimage and we were enlightened.
It is true that several CSIR institutes (CSIR-CBRI, -NGRI and -IHBT) contributed to the construction of Shri Ram Mandir and the pratishtha. I completely agree that tradition and modern technologies have a lot to offer to humanity.
Dear Sir, Thank you once again for a fascinating blog. It proves that whatever the ancient Indians have done has a solid scientific backup. You have revealed an intriguing fact about Jyotirlingas and their locations following a particular pattern. Since these tremendous architectural marvels and calculations are not documented, Pingala, who did the job many centuries back, must be remembered. Fabinocci is remembered because they have a systematic method of documenting every aspect of research. Be that as it may, nobody can take away the credit; the monuments (Jyothirlingas) are standing testimonies of our technical, mathematical and scientific capabilities.
In your last paragraph, you lament that you cannot visit these 12 Jyothirlingas. The last line of the sloka gives a way out.
एतानि ज्योतिर्लिङ्गानि सायं प्रातः पठेन्नरः। सप्तजन्मकृतं पापं स्मरणेन विनश्यति॥
For those unable to physically visit these Jyotirlingas, there is a powerful alternative. Reciting their names in the evening and morning can cleanse the sins of seven births. This practice, rooted in our ancient traditions, offers a profound spiritual connection to these sacred sites.
The greatness of our Hinduism or Dharma gives many ways to reach him and get blessed. As you rightly pointed out, visiting these places gives a different level of satisfaction, and the positive energy associated with that place always has a different effect on the mind and the body.
Sir, thank you once again for your interesting blog.
Lovely, I enjoyed reading your blog as usual
There is always a lot to know. Well, even our Dr. APJ Kalam was so religious, and you are equally religious.
You duet have penned “Transcendence” for my Guruhari Pramukhswami Maharaj.
Shiva is revered as the god of destruction and transformation, a precursor of new creation, playing a pivotal role in the intricate tapestry of Hindu mythology and spirituality. As this blog forcefully demonstrates, Shiva’s worship is the most ancient in the pantheon of Hindu deities. As such, it can be safely said that Shiva is one of the oldest gods in the world.
Dear Sir technology has led to phenomenal medical advances and allowed us to prolong life. Advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence are revealing hidden patterns behind several chronic diseases, reviving interest in ancient spiritual roots. Spiritual or compassionate care involves serving the whole person—the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual. Such service is inherently a spiritual activity. The effect of spirituality on health is an area of active research right now.
It’s such an enriching blog. I wish to gain an iota of knowledge that you have, Uncle.
Every Hindu’s ultimate purpose in life is moksha, which can be attained only when one is at peace with oneself—or, let’s say when one achieves a balance of energy within oneself.
The Fibonacci pattern is what prevents the universe from collapsing. The most common shape of galaxies is spiral. So, it’s possible that the shape also helps in EASE OF FLOW of energy.
Indeed, it is a masterpiece. As stated earlier, the topics in your blog, dear Arun Ji, are meticulous and perfect. Besides the varied genres, the in-depth study and summarising of them for us, the blog readers, makes it so thrilling.
The advent of Hindu mythology and the science behind so many inventions and so to say new findings have already existed for thousands of years, albeit finding them now and co-relating with the hidden knowledge of our ancient Puranas – Hindu mythology dating from 4th century AD. and folklore, comes as a big surprise, bewildering the present generation scientists.
As you’ve eloquently described, the Fibonacci pattern and the Finite element method, both used in the construction of the Ram Temple, are not just fascinating but also ignite a sense of curiosity and a desire to delve deeper into their mysteries.
No wonder what all AI – the present heartthrob will reveal in the coming years is bound to be a love story culled from our ancient civilisation.
I couldn’t agree more—the eternal soul inside our mortal body calls for visiting sacred places to synchronise with positive vibrations, warding off the dust as if from a mirror.
Lovely reading this Tiwari special blog!
Can AI Unlock Secrets of the Ancient World? Undoubtedly it will. By deciphering ancient languages and scripts, such as hieroglyphs, cuneiform, and Linear B, and uncovering hidden features and structures that are not visible on the surface using technologies such as LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and satellite imagery will piece together the right picture of human history and reveal wisdom of the ancient civilisations so far remain inaccessible.
Sir,
यस्मात् त्रयोऽप्याश्रमिणो ज्ञानेनान्नेन चान्वहम्।
गृहस्थेनैव धार्यन्ते तस्माज्ज्येष्ठाश्रमी गृही॥
The livelihood phase of life is the greatest because the provision is made for all the other people in all the different stages. The challenge of modern times is to ensure that people get ample livelihood opportunities. Technology must facilitate that and not worsen the situation.
A lovely blog, Respected Sir. If the goal of the intellectual life is to become a Sage, the goal of the spiritual life is to become a Saint. Spirituality is all about the “know-how” of passing from intellectuality, moved by the desire for knowledge, to the higher knowledge due to love.
There are two ways of sacrificing the intellect: submitting it to the service of Transcendental consciousness or simply abandoning it. The temptation to leave the intellect is quite strong, but for all of us who live in this world, alignment with Transcendental consciousness is the only way, which is why we sit in meditation and pray.
Arun ji, Thank you for explaining the Science behind Jyotirlinga locations. I could see only 8 of them.
What a reflection….
Do we see a spiritual redux in the new millennium?’ is another shot by Professor Arun Tiwari. Indeed, ‘Yes’. Every dusk has a dawn. What one feels and does at that dawn depends upon the length of the night and the sufferings during that period.
Professor Arun Tiwari says, ‘All the great scientists have been deeply spiritual ‘ and considers Albert Einstein the last of that lot. There is a difference between a Scientist by enlightenment and a scientist holding a constructed position. It is like being an enlightened Saint (संत) and posing to be a Saint by dress code. That has always been there, is here, and will be there in the future, too.
Spirituality enlightens people and gives them wisdom by aligning and awakening their Kundalini, starting from Moolaadaar to Ajynaa Chakra and, ultimately, Sahastrardh. They develop the ability to look and understand beyond what a typical person can. They were those people who constructed ancient Temples in Bharatavarsha. That awakened enlightenment is now understood and realised in modern Western science through artificial intelligence (AI).
Professor Arun Tiwari mentions the Science research paper of Professor (Dr.) Virendra Mani Tiwari regarding traditional Indian technology for temple construction.
Saying goes in folk that once upon a time, Rishis (ऋषि) were performing yajna (यज्ञ) and reciting Vedas (वेद). Some rishis were guarding the Yajyna. Tridev GODs, namely Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, and Tridevi Goddesses – Laxmi, Saraswati and Maha Kaali, appeared there to see the performance and bless Rishis.
First, they faced the rishis, who were guarding Yajyna. Those rishis received boon (वर दान) from them and subsequently adopted the title of Tiwari (तिवारी), for they got boon (वर) from Trideva and Tridevi. When they entered Yajnyashaalaa (यज्ञशाला), the rishis reciting Vedas (वेद पाठ) were blessed by them, and those rishis adorned themselves with the title Tripathi (त्रिपाठी).
The unclouding of Bharatiya (भारतीय) Science will bring forth the lost Bharateeya culture and tradition. It started from the land of Vishwanath (विश्वनाथ) and arrived at the birthplace of Maryaadaapurushottam (मर्यादापुरुषोत्तम) Lord Sri Ram, Ayodhya.
Dear Arun, You have done an excellent study and have about the past, present, and future written this excellent article. With great pride, I say that I am a friend of Great Arun Tiwari. God bless you with good health so you can write many more such articles
Wonderfully written piece. It is true that the deeper one goes in science, the more one should understand nature and be more convinced of the existence of a superior being. Spirituality is not the lack of critical thinking or scientific logic, but the highest form of those attributes.
Dear Prof
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on science and spirituality.
They are not mutually exclusive …
Dear Sir, Thank you for sharing another masterpiece on AI and our Temples,
I have great faith in the Vastu, and I believe the place you are born and live in significantly impacts your body and mind. The history of that place walks with you, and the energy affects your life. If you live in a place with a history of good deeds, then the positive energies of that place positively drive your life, while if the place Vastu is not good, it negatively impacts your life. That is why when youe of happiness and calm inside, visit a temple, you feel a sens which gives you positive strength to stay positive in life.
When we talk about AI, AI will help humans become immortal, not physically but virtually. AI can now copy your whole mind and thought process and save it in the database memory with your virtual avatar, and if anyone wants to talk to you, he can talk to your avatar even after you do not exist physically in this world. Your AI Avtar will keep adding your memory even after your death, and after some time, it may be possible that a clone of your body will get all of your mind information transferred into that body, and you will be alive physically once again with all your thought and memories what you had in your last life.
I would like to save your memories in the virtual AI Avtar to get guidance in my life, and it can be a great business idea to make Avtar available for general people to talk virtually to get consultations in life. Thank you once again for sharing another thought-provoking blog, Warm Regards.
Interesting fact about Jyotirlingas. Strange thing about AI is that we have been using it always but suddenly it seems to be something that nobody knows how it is going to unfold.
Great article, bhai saab.
However, the most splendid temple is the human body, which envelops the Tenth Door and opens into the garden of the Lord!