The Hindu Temple v1.c5.s2.2

v1.c5.s2.2

Thirty-two divinities are assigned to the outermost border of the square Vāstumaṇḍala (Fig. on p. 32). The number 32, geometrically, results from a repeated division of the border of the square. It denotes four times 8 positions in space. The original value of 4 in space are the four directions, 8 are the cardinal points and the corners of the square in the intermediate directions. This is the natural division of the border of the square. The 8 directions are held by 8 Vāstupuruṣas, each having his name and position. These 8 are their visualized potencies within the total Vāstupuruṣa; they are each associated with one of the planets and also with one of the leading stars of eight of the Nakṣatras or houses of the moon.²²