the yoga space of great goddesses – maha devi studio

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By: Stefan Warth
I was born and raised in London, England. After finishing my school career early, i started to work in the corporate world of marketing, which lasted for 10 years (too long)! In that time, i ...

How divinity lends a hand to architecture

Desa Seni, Bali’s eco-village, has a beautifully designed Yoga studio named Maha Devi. It was a design inspired from a compilation of different theories, principles and beliefs. The name itself translates from Sanskrit meaning, Great Goddess. Maha, meaning  “great“ and Devi, being the “goddess.”  It was important that the space was created where people would feel spirituality connected, powerful energy and comfort when practicing their Yoga. Trimurti studio will be Desa Seni’s new home for retreats, whilst Maha Devi studio takes over as the main home of classes and workshops.

Bali, the “Island of the Gods” has a profound energy force that is deep rooted in the belief system of Hinduism that makes up Bali’s main religion and the continuing amount of spiritually connected visitors that are attracted by this wonderful cosmic force. As an energy source, it is important that one takes note of the space and atmosphere that is created in a place of practice.

The Sanskrit word Mahavidyas, meaning great wisdoms, are a group of ten aspects of the Divine Mother. The Ten Mahavidyas are Wisdom Goddesses, and represent the spectrum of feminine divinity – horrific goddesses at one end, to the ravishingly beautiful at the other.

The Mahavidyas represent an important turning point in the history of Shaktism. Marking the rise of Bhakti aspect in Shaktism, which reached its zenith in 1700 CE, Mahavidyas first sprung forth in the post-Puranic age, around 6th century C.E. and was a new theistic movement in which the Supreme Being was envisioned and worshiped in the female form. This fact is epitomized by texts such as Devi-Bhagavata Purana, (especially its last nine chapters of the seventh skandha known as the Devi Gita) which became central texts in Shaktism. 

Numerology is any study of the purported mystical relationship between a count or measurement and life and has has many systems of traditions and beliefs. Numerology and numerological divination by systems such as isopsephy (a Greek word for the practice of adding up the number value of the letters of a word to from a single number) were popular among early mathematicians, such as Pythagoras, but are no longer considered part of mathematics and are regarded as pseudo mathematics by modern-day scientists. Today, numerology is often associated with the paranormal, alongside astrology and similar divinatory arts. 

The term can also be used for those who place faith in numerical patterns. It has been long believed that numbers come into play with architecture. Numbers representing strength, balance and harmony can make up the design of a space. The ten Mahavidyas are in relation to the ten pillars of the Maha Devi studio. The three steps entering the studio represent the Hindu belief of the three stages of life, birth and death. The five palms planted together symbolize strength, whilst the 14 decorative pieces surrounding the studio make reference to the 14 ascending phases of the moon.

Sacred geometry is beyond religion and belief, yet many of its principles have been adopted by different religions and cultures for their architecture and art. Centuries go by and still architects around the world have used certain geometric principles to build their temples, monuments and cathedrals””intended as symbolic models of the great universe.

With spiritual essence, sacred geometry has merged the physical and tangible aspects of creation. It is the meeting of the seen and the unseen, the manifested and the un-manifested, the finite and the infinite, the mundane and the profound. Sacred geometry has played an integral role in the philosophy, architecture and art of numerous cultures since time began.

This principle of interconnectedness, inseparability and union provides us with a continuous reminder of our relationship to the whole, a blueprint from our hearts to the sacred foundation of all things created.

Whether one applies and or believes in these principles, Desa Seni invites your to come and explore, come and practice in a space that will envelop you and allow you to express your own energy force that will create an experience that is solely yours.  

desaseni.com