Makna dan Fungsi Bangunan Kuil Shri Balaji Venkateshwara

Abstract

In our homeland, the diversity of cultural environments has long taken root, developed and produced a variety of strong cultures. Traditional architecture refers to building construction that has been used for various human activities for generations, such as residence, worship, deliberation, and storage. Meanwhile, Indian architecture shows diversity which is reflected in its history, culture and geographical location. In general, temples are the result of Indian architecture dedicated to ritual ceremonies and spiritual activities such as prayers and offerings. The Shri Balaji Venkateshwara Temple in the city of Medan is a replica of the Venkateshwara Swami Temple in India, which is also supported by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) foundation, the body that manages the Venkateshwara Swami Temple in India. Shri Balaji Venkateshwara Temple is a place where Hindus perform ceremonies of worship and reverence to deities. Shri Balaji Venkateswara Temple in Medan is built on 1165 square meters of land with distinctive and beautiful architecture, resembling the main Temples in South India. The construction was guided by an architect directly from India, V. Suribabu Naidu, and took about one year. This research examines the meaning and function of the Shri Balaji Venkateshwara Temple building. This research was conducted at the Shri Balaji Venkateshwara Temple located on Jl. Bunga Wijaya Kesuma, Medan Selayang District, Medan City, North Sumatra, Indonesia. This study used qualitative research methods. The data collection technique used is through obtaining interview data, observations and previous references. The findings in this research are the meaning and function of the Temple according to Hindus, and according to the community around the Temple, the meaning and function of the Temple's layout, the meaning and function of worship for Hindus , the characteristics of the Shri Balaji Venkateshwara Temple, and the differences between the Shri Balaji Venkateshwara Temple and the Shri Mariamman Temple in Medan City. The findings in this research highlight that in general the meaning and function of a temple is as a place of Hindu religious worship, and functions as a forum for Hindu religious activities. However, for Hindus, the temple is interpreted as 'God's House' and functions as a place to pray, complain and worship God. Furthermore, the spatial arrangement in the Temple has its own meaning and function. Worship carried out by Hindus also has meaning and function in each procession. Shri Balaji Venkateshwara Temple has its own characteristics that make it different from other temples in Medan. Finally, the meaning and function of the Shri Balaji Venkateshwara Temple is not just a place of worship and carrying out Hindu religious and cultural activities. However, it is also an educational forum for the general public who wants to know and learn about Hindu religion and cultur