The Hindu Temple v1.c5.s3.t2.1

v1.c5.s3.t2.1

Of all architectural forms in India the square is the leading symbol. The 'Brhat Samhitā' recounts how Viśvakarman, the archetypal architect⁴⁷ gave the first ornament to the banner of Indra. The banner of Indra, the King of the gods, was produced from Viṣṇu-Nārāyaṇa's lustre. It was carried on the eight wheeled fulgent chariot of the Sun.⁴⁸ The flag of the chariot of the Sun is Dharma, the Order of things in the universe. The gods presented this banner with various ornaments. The ornament given by Viśvakarman was of square shape, and its circumference was a third of the extension of the banner. Brahmā and Śiva made the second gift, a vary-coloured girdle, the cycle of the years and of time. It was