Essay name: Architectural data in the Puranas
Author:
Sharda Devi
Affiliation: Himachal Pradesh University / Department of History
This essay studies ancient Indian architectural science as found in technical treatises and the Puranas, with special reference to the Matsya, Garuda, Agni and Bhavishya Puranas. These texts detail ancient architectural practices, covering temple and domestic designs, dimensional specifications, and construction rules.
Chapter 3 - Temples
20 (of 48)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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112
the linga or image should be equal to its pithikā. The height of walls should
be thrice of that of linga or image. The width of the sanctum should be two
thirds of its own height. The height of sikhara should be double of that of
bhittis, and the width of pradakṣiṇ� a quarter of that of sikhara. The width
of the mandapa, in front of garbhagrha, should be double of that of the
latter. The width of the mukhamaṇḍapa should be half of that of the
mandapa or equal to the garbhagrha. The Kapālas 70 should be projecting
forward commensurating with the garbhagṛha. On the bhittis of these
kapālas or kapilis should be constructed the mañjarī and the śukanāsa,
the latter measuring half of the former. Above the mañjarī the vedi (the
quadrangular spot on the sikhara below the finial) should be erected.
The remaining portion over the vedi is occupied by kantha and
峾ś첹.
71 According to GP the Lingamānaprāsāda as its very nomenclature
suggests the linga or the image of the tutelary deity itself serves as the
scale (māna) for the measurements of various limbs of the temples
pertaining to this category. Here the pedestal (pitha) should be equal to
the main image (linga) established above it and enshrined in the divine
edifice of this class. The garbhagrha should be double of the height of the
linga around the latter and keeping it on its pedestal in the centre. Thus
the complete length of the garbhagṛha should be just double of the whole
height of the linga (the pedestal and the image on it). The length of the
