The Hindu Temple v1.c4.s2.8
The Hindu Temple v1.c4.s2.8
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v1.c4.s2.8
The architect, Sthapati,¹⁸ is the foremost of the craftsmen (śilpin), of whom there are four classes, Sthapati, Sūtragrāhin, Takṣaka and Vardhakin, the designing architect, surveyor, sculptor and builder-plasterer-painter. These craftsmen carry out the instructions of the Sthāpaka, the architect-priest, who has the qualification of an Ācārya. The relation of priest and executive craftsman corresponds to the rule laid down for Christian art in the second Council of Nicaea (787 A.D.): "His art alone belongs to the painter, its organisation and arrangement belong to the clergy." It is defined in the 'Śilparatna' (I. 29-42) in which it is said of the Ācārya or Guru, who is the Sthāpaka :