The Hindu Temple v1.c5.s8.9

v1.c5.s8.9

In the third type of plan, the Pīṭhapāda of nine squares, the central square is occupied by Pṛthivī, and the 4 Vedas should be worshipped in the 4 directions (ib.; cf. ‘Śilparatna’, VI. 26) surrounded on all sides by the respective divinities. This plan is an amplified Pṛthivīmaṇḍala; besides, in its construction it is parallel to those of the plan of a higher order. Here it is Pṛthivī, the earth, who holds the central square—“the measure (mā) is this terrestrial world” (Ś.B. VIII. 3. 3. 5)—and not Brahmā, the embodiment of Brahman, the Supreme Principle. In this, the Pīṭhapāda is unique among those plans which have a central plot. The two first plans are without it. They seem to begin the list of plans, as predecessors to planned building.