The Hindu Temple v1.c7.s3.15

v1.c7.s3.15

The position of the casket with reference to the castes shows the level from which the ascent towards the highest point, the apex of the temple, is undertaken; the road (mārga) for the Brāhmanas is shorter than that of the lower castes; in view of the total height of the temple this does not amount to much and altogether there need be no difference in the level of the Garbha deposited by the different castes. The proportions of the casket are relative to the height of the building, and to its 'pillar'. It belongs to the building for its measure is taken from it. The contents of the casket are those of the ground (bhūmi) of the temple: the divinities of the Vāstumandala reside in its compartments.⁹⁴ The latter moreover are replete with the wealth of the earth; its precious stones, gems, herbs, metals, roots and soils. These are distributed all around its Brahmasthāna. Within the