The Hindu Temple v1.c7.s3.5

v1.c7.s3.5

The Garbha-vessel is generally of copper, but is also described as made of gold, silver or copper.⁸⁶ Copper appears as a substitute for gold. Gold is the prime substance of which ‘images’ were made, the golden disc of the sun and the golden effigy of the Puruṣa in the Agni, the fire altar, and thereafter the images of gods.⁸⁷ It is a casket, raised in the folded hands of the priest towards the sky, before it is deposited (‘Śilparatna’, XII. 5). Its dimensions are proportionate to those of the temple. In width it measures one twelfth part of the height of the pillar or the wall proper of the temple. Its base, generally, is square and may also be circular.⁸⁸ Its own height is half of its width.⁸⁹