The Hindu Temple v1.c5.s7.1

v1.c5.s7.1

The size of the Vāstupuruṣamaṇḍala is of no matter. It is coterminous with the building site, or with the extent of the Prāsāda or of a minimum standard size. In it are laid out the positions of the several buildings to be set up on the site and also the positions of the buttresses of the temple (Part VII). The lines by which the square plan is divided into small squares, the two diagonals of the plan and the "lesser diagonals", 4 or 8 in number, and drawn parallel to the former have a definite width, proportionate to the size of the plan. The width of the main diagonals in a plan of 81 squares measures as many finger breadths (aṅgula) as the side length of the small square measures in cubits (hasta; Br. S., LII. 62-63); and the straight lines have one and a half times this width. Their intersection (marma; a vital, or vulnerable spot) measures one eighth part of one square in the plan of 81 squares.⁸⁷ The division of the square and also the divisional lines themselves are measured in proportion to its total extent. No building, or part of the temple must be placed on these vital points.