The Hindu Temple v1.c8.s1.t3.8

v1.c8.s1.t3.8

In Vāstu-Śāstra, the synonyms are listed and throw some light on the multiple origins of the Hindu temple.²⁸ The ‘Samarāṅgaṇasūtradhāra’ (XVIII. 57), gives the following names to the place for the gods : (1) Deva-dhiṣṇya, (2) Surasthāna, (3) Caitya, (4) Arcā-gṛha, (5) Devatā-āyatana and (6) Vibudha-āgāra. They designate (1) a seat²⁹, (2) an establishment, (5) a residence and (6) a house³⁰ of god (deva, sura, vibudha); whereas Arcā-gṛha is the house of the consecrated image, and Caitya is a sacred monument which is piled up like the Vedic Agni (citi). These are ancient names.