Fire: a powerful, transformative force of destruction and creation. The phoenix on top of the shrine is a reminder that out of the ashes, new life arises.
The upward facing triangle symbolizes fire. The silk floor of the temple is embroidered with gold thread to form a sri yantra mandala: the seed pattern of the universe, according to Hindu tradition, composed of interlocking triangles, five facing down and four up, representing the masculine and feminine energies of the universe. Three side walls are covered on the inside with silk, quilted embroidered triangle patterns, and hand-sewn beads; the doorways are covered with sequins and crocheted trim. The inside of the fourth wall (the back wall) has an embroidered triangle surrounded by a trapuntoed sun sign; bursting out from the triangle is a silk flame. The outside of that wall is decorated with antique Indian mirrored fabric and appliquéd trim.