Elements of Hindu Iconography v3.c20.2.1

v3.c20.2.1

According to the *Vaikhānasāgama*, that temple of Vishnu which has only one *āvaraṇa* or circuit and contains the images of the central Vishnu, Vishvaksēna, Śribhūta, Garuḍa, Chakra, Dhvaja, Śaṅkha, and Mahābhūta is considered to be the most inferior (*adhamādhama*) one. If, in addition to the above mentioned deities, there be also the Vimānapālas and Lōkapālas, it is said to belong to the *Adhamamadhyama* class of temples. A temple with a second *āvaraṇa* together with the images that are to be found in it, as also those of Havirakshaka, Pushparakshaka and Balirakshaka is classed as the *adhamōttama* temple. If there be a third *āvaraṇa* with the necessary images in it, the temple is of the *Madhyamādhama* class. If, in addition to the above, there happens to be a fourth *āvaraṇa* with all the images in it, the temple is considered to be of the *Madhyamamadhyama* class. The addition of the images of Kuhū, Anumiti, Jayā etc., and the Sapta-mātṛikas, makes it one of the madhyamōttama variety. If the fifth āvaraṇa together with the images that are to be in it is added to the above, the temple becomes one of the uttamādhama class. The addition of a sixth āvaraṇa with all the images in it makes the temple one of the uttamamadhyama class. A temple with seven āvaraṇas is an ideal temple and is said to be of the uttamōttama class. The above classification is with respect to the number of āvaraṇas or prākāras, found in a temple.