Temple of the Authority

Aerial view of the Temple

The Temple of the Authority (Packilvanian: luMajhid aluSuvranishme) is the a religious structure in Bingol, Packilvania that serves as the seat of the Supreme Magister, the head of Paxism.

History

The Temple's construction began at the tail end of the 10th century CE to commemorate the completion and ratification of the Bas Magdamar by the Council of Bingol. Although begun by Melkezedek the Great, the main structure was completed under the reign of Thumim IV.

When the Iktanite dynasty collapsed in the 11th century, the structure was attacked by bandits and many of the treasures such as ritual artefacts and decorative objects that lay within were looted by bandits and lost. The structure was captured by the Rulhanite dynasty under King Rulhan I of Bingol that established the Kingdom of Bingol in the mid-11th century CE.

The Rulhanite dynasty undertook restoration and expansion of the building. It was from this that the King Rulhan I Ablution Hall was built. Following from this King Rulhan II built the King Rulhan II Baptismal Baths in the late 11th century. In the early 11th century, King Uden I built the King Uden I Sacrificial Pyre which contains 50 large bronze pyres where animal sacrifices were previously made. In the mid 11th century, King Shadrakh expanded the Baptismal Baths and added the King Shadrakh Annex, a large space where additional devotees could be housed.

When the Zubraynite dynasty under Ishak I overthrew the Rulhanite dynasty and reestablished Packilvania, the building came under their dominion. The building went without major renovations for over 100 years until it was struck by an urthquake during the reign of High King Duwal II. The urthquake severely damaged the structure and required extensive construction work to restore the edifice and the structural integrity of the domes.

High King Duwal III added the High King Duwal III Hall, a large chamber in which the Supreme Magister sat on the Throne of Authority and gave homilies and announced major decisions. The building went without major renovations for 50 years until the reign of Tyber IV who added a covered walkway flanked by pillars which connected the structure to the Tyber IV Imperial Library. The Tyber IV Imperial Library was a large repository for religious and academic literature that today.

Major construction work ceased for the next 100 years. The Demirite dynasty led by Saidun the Conqueror took over the structure. They demolished and rebuilt some parts of the building because they were facing significant structural issues. These extensive repair works continued until the reign of Zerah Demir III being influenced by the Fidakarian style which included adding friezes of Scriptural scenes.

The structure was taken by the Packilvanian Communist Party in 1918. A large flag pole was added during the reign of Gideon Muktan on the main dome to replace the sculpture of the symbol of Noi. The venue continued to function as a religious site and a major seat of the Magisterium of Paxism which struggled for years against state encroachment. Although there were preservation works, there were no major renovations or additions. Some changes included adding piped water instead of using underground aquafir water for the ablution and baptismal pools. The lighting in the structure was electrified. Modern plumbing and electricity including air conditioning were added.

Under General Secretary Luhadeen Khamal, the call to prayer was banned. Automated fire extinguishers were added to the structure. The structure was taken by the Bedonite dynasty. They built the Temple of the Martyrs adjacent to the structure in the place where large gardens stood to commemorate those who died in the civil war against the Communists.

Interior

King Rulhan I Ablution Hall

The King Rulhan I Ablution Hall contains raised plinths with large bowled shaped sinks which are replenished by a flow of piped water. The ground contains drains covered in stone and metal grates. Here, the faithful wash themselves before praying and conducting other rituals. It is surrounded by extensive colonnades and the roof consists of 12 domes. There are over 100 massive pillars to support the structure. The Ablution hall has enough standing room for 6,000 people.

King Rulhan II Baptismal Hall

This hall was built as an exact replica of the Ablution Hall, but contains over 60 large pools over water in which people can enter up to waste deep. The water flows and is cleaned constantly by an electric hydraulic pump. This also contains drains covered in stone and metal grates. The baptismal hall contains enough bathing room for 5,000 people.

High King Duwal III Hall

This hall is the de facto throne room of the Supreme Magister of Paxism. It contains a raised platform where a large gilt chair with red upholstery is set. It is surmounted by a canopy held up by marble columns. The floor is made of tiled mosaics and there are chairs surrounding his seat. In modern days, a sound booth has been added to the old adjoining cloister along with a modern sound system for recordings. The hall can seat over 2000 people.

King Uden I Sacrificial Pyre

The King Uden I Sacrificial Pyre is a large hall containing 50 bronze furnaces with large chimney to ventilate the space. King Uden I Sacrificial Pyre is supposed to be used for sacrifices of plant-based food but it is hardly used for that purpose. The bronze furnaces are gradually being removed and replaced.

Melkezedek the Great Courtyard

Melkezedek the Great Hall is a large space which can hold thousands of people