Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v1.c6.s32.844

v1.c6.s32.844

Cf. Āchārya-lakshṇair yuktaṁ sthapatir ity abhidhīyate ।
(Mānasāra, II. 30, quoted above).
(59) Vāstu-jñānam athātaḥ kamalabhavanān muni-paramparāyātam
Kriyate'dhunā mayedaṁ vidagdha-sāṁvatsara-prītyai ॥
(Brihat-saṁhitā, LIII. 1).
'The knowledge of the science of architecture has come down from Brahman through an unbroken series of seers (sages). I am now dealing with this (science of architecture) for the pleasure (i.e., benefit) of the learned (educated, experienced, hence professional) astrologers (= ?sthapatis, professional architects).'
Śāṁvatsara = astrologer (see Sir M. W. Dict. p. 1102). Kern translates the last pāda as "to gratify clever astrologers" but he attempts no explanation as to why the astrologers in particular are to be gratified on "a work on the art of building" (Kern's translation of Vāstu-jñāna), which in fact forms no part of astrology. It is apparent that in Varāhamihira's time the astrologers were intimately connected with the work of professional architects (Sthapati), as also the astronomers like Bhāskarāchārya and others: Śaṅkarāchārya is, however, a philosopher.