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) v7.c47.7027

v7.c47.7027

¹ ‘Considerable interest is attached to the recent discovery (in Japan) beneath the corner stones of the Double-Bridge (main entrance to the Imperial Palace) of eight human skeletons. Most of the skeletons were found upright about twelve feet below the bed of the Palace moat which is at present undergoing repair work necessitated by the earthquake of 1923.’ ‘The theory of some Japanese scientists is that the skeletons are the remains of persons who, several centuries past, offered themselves as “human pillars” for the immortalization of the corner-stones used in constructing Edo Castle. The tradition of the “human pillars” is an old one in Japan. In a past age it was believed that if human beings were buried alive beneath the corner-stones of great structures, the gods would accord permanent strength and solidity to the foundations, and in addition, those who thus sacrificed themselves, would become immortal. It was considered that those chosen as “human pillars” were greatly honoured. They were buried alive in a standing position.’ ‘The first traditional instance of the “human pillars” recorded in Japan dates back to the reign of Emperor Nintoku, more than a thousand years ago. The Yodo river at Osaka, where the Emperor had his palace, used to overflow each year, drowning many people and causing much damage. Every dike built by the best engineers was unable to withstand the floods. One night, it is said, the Emperor dreamed that the gods had advised him if he would use human bodies as pillars for the construction of the embankments, there would be no more flood trouble. The story has it that the Emperor immediately caused human beings to be buried alive beneath the foundation stone of the dike, and since then the embankment has withstood all floods.’ (*Associated Press of America Dispatch*, Tokio, July 11, 1925.)