The Hindu Temple v1.c5.s8.10

v1.c5.s8.10

The fenced off square is a sacred precinct, a ‘templum’ in which the potency of the Principle is held by being defined within limits. The possibility of seizing it by drawing limits gives to the first plot, its name ‘sakala’, commensurable. The second type of plan, also commensurable, consists of four parts, full of different potentialities of decay, haunting, survival and evil. They are joint with and submerged in the Śiva Principle which covers them along with its own commensurable aspect. That makes the Pecaka plot the ‘couch’ on which evil is spread out, within borders which are also those of the Supreme Principle, thought of as commensurable (sakala). For this reason the ‘Agnipurāṇa’, ch. CCCV. 14, speaks of Śiva being manifested in a quadrangle (catvara). All this refers to rites and worship in an ‘enclosure’, a fenced off square without any kind of building on it.⁹⁹