Jedi Lore Keeper: Jedi Temple

The Resilient Heart: The Jedi Temple of Tython's Journey Through Ruin and Rebirth

Read also: Rediscovering Tython | Jedi Temple Ruins | The Jedi Temple on Tython

Preserving the Legacy: Jedi Temple on Tython

History

In the final days of the Great Galactic War, Imperial forces from the Sith Empire attacked Coruscant, the capital of the Galactic Republic and home of the Jedi Order. The fall of Coruscant not only caused massive damage to the ecumenopolis, but also nearly destroyed the Jedi Temple, which was already largely in ruins by the Sith. With the Temple in ruins and Coruscant no longer a safe location, the Jedi High Council moved its headquarters to Tython, making the planet once again the center of the Jedi Order. They discovered the ruins of many ancient Jedi temples, and the High Council went on a week-long fast before choosing a location to build their new temple next to a small mountain and utilizing the foundations of the ancient temple. The new temple was built using local wood and stone, following the Jedi Temple's teachings against attachment.

Layout

Exterior: Unlike the monolithic ziggurats built on Coruscant, this Temple consists of three equally large domes surrounding one large central dome, as well as two open hangars. Highly sophisticated security and defense systems are hidden beneath this elegant architecture, maintaining a meditative atmosphere while ensuring the safety of its occupants. There is also a wide promenade extending from the Temple's front door, with practice fields dotted around it. Large carved wooden statues stand at the main entrance of the Temple.
Interior: Within the polished wooden walls of the Temple, there are holoprojectors displaying images of many famous Jedi. Wooden statues and Masters watch over the halls as Jedi wander around in quiet reflection. Within the main tower, there is a large dodecahedron-shaped monument known as the Eye of Zallow suspended between two circular steps leading to the top floor, while two small holocrons orbit it. From the domed ceiling hang several heritage woven fabrics that sway gently within the spacious space. Hallways on the ground floor lead to various lecture halls, study halls, dining facilities, as well as the offices of prominent Jedi Masters. The northernmost tower is home to the First Council of Knowledge and the location of the Archives chamber that has been carefully created by Jedi archivists. The eastern tower, built into the cliff behind the temple, houses the meetings of the High Council which sits behind heavy double doors. Opposite the Jedi Archives in the south tower is a Temple map room that reflects its counterpart on Coruscant. The Transfer Council also met in this tower, overseeing the duties of the Jedi Service Corps.

Appearance

In the Jedi Lore Keeper's view, the Jedi Temple on Tython represents change and restoration for the Jedi Order after the destruction of the Temple on Coruscant. This location, recognized as a historic site by the Jedi Order, has architecture that reflects Jedi values, such as non-attachment. This temple is a place dedicated to meditation, learning, and protection. The turn away from the monolithic ziggurat on Coruscant reflects deeper changes within the Jedi Order, with a focus on Jedi nature and peace. With that in mind, the Jedi Temple on Tython is an important part of Jedi history and heritage, passed down from generation to generation.

Thus, the Jedi Temple on Tython is a symbol of change, restoration, and commitment to the teachings of the Jedi Order. It is a place where Jedi seek knowledge, train themselves, and maintain peace in the galaxy. This temple reminds us that, despite changes and challenges, Jedi values remain unchanged. This temple is a sacred place for the Jedi, and the legacy of the Jedi Order will live on forever.

Since the destruction of the original temple during the Sacking of Coruscant, the Jedi Temple on Tython has become the spiritual home and sanctuary of the Jedi Order. Housing meditation rooms, lecture theaters and the Jedi Archives, the temple’s architecture was deliberately changed from the original on Coruscant, in line with the Jedi philosophy of non-attachment. The new design is intended to echo the style of Alderaan’s famous castles and to evoke the Jedi virtues of humility, serenity and patience.

Construction began a year after the Jedi made a permanent settlement on Tython and took three years to complete using local Tythonian stone and timber. The temple’s site, built upon the ruins of a much older temple, was chosen by the Jedi Council after a week of fasting and meditation. While the temple’s formidable technological defenses are concealed and integrated into the architecture, it’s the presence of the Council and the Jedi who train there who truly ensure its safety from invaders.

(Codex Text - Star Wars the Old Republic)