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 6 - Houses
19 (of 37)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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210
entrance to the house is fixed in position. The fourth ceremony takes place
after the house is completed and at a time of grha-praveśa. The fifth may
be performed whenever there is an occasion for vāstu-śānti. It is stated
that the main foundation pillar should be raised on a śilā or stone
block under which some ratna or precious jewels etc. have been
deposited.69
The AP70 describes the process of performing the gṛhayajña which
imparts wealth, peace, prosperity and victory to the performer. There are
three type of gṛhayajña, according as ten thousand, hundred thousand or
a million of libations of classified butter are offered into the fire in its
course. The following things are required for the auspicious ceremony:
curds, milk, grains of barley, sugar, rice, the bael fruit, plums, sandal-
wood, a pair of new cloths, ornaments, incense, lamp, the durbā grass,
sun-dried rice, a water jar filled to the brim with water, betel-nuts, a piece
of gold, the five gems, fish, sesamum seeds etc. The ceremony of
entering the new house would be held after satisfying he Brahmans and
getting the affection of friends and relatives, and performing the
auspicious festival.
TREES AND PLANTS
Planting trees has been a tradition in our culture. Indian culture presumes
the presence of gods everywhere, and accordingly trees are also
worshipped here. Mention is found in the Purāṇas about plantation of
