The Hindu Temple v1.c5.s1.2

v1.c5.s1.2

“The shape of the Vāstu for gods and Brāhmaṇas is prescribed as square” (‘Mayamata’, III. 1).² The square is literally the fundamental form of Indian architecture. Baudhāyana’s prescription how to make a square (caturaśrīkaraṇa) requires a cord (sūtra) of the desired length of the square, its division in half, fixing of poles in the middle of the east-west line and at the cardinal points, and the drawing of circles from these points with the length, and half the length of the cord respectively as radius. The exterior points of intersection of the four circles about the eastern, southern, western and northern poles with a diameter equal to the length of the cord are the four corners of the required square field.³ The square is the essential and perfect form of Indian architecture. It presupposes the circle and results from it. Expanding energy shapes the circle from the centre; it is established in the shape of the square. The circle and curve belong to life in its growth and movement. The square is the mark of order, of finality to the expanding life, its form; and of perfection beyond life and death.