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Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v1.c15: Chapter XX

Vāstu-śāstra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v1.c15

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English

Chapter XX

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Balidāna (Offerings)

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This chapter is also related to the theology of architectural planning. A good part of the offering consists of the most delicious edibles like milk, honey, curd, etc. etc. and is prescribed for all the deities connected with the site-plans and also to the Founder architect, the celebrated heavenly architect Viśvakarmā. All are to be conceived in a central circle of the site with a Kalaśa full of flowers and gold. From the architectural point of view it may be noted here as enjoined in the end of the chapter that any architectural undertaking must proceed with the Vāstupūjā. The details are of non-architectural interest.

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CHAPTER XXI.

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Vedī-Lakṣaṇa (The Altar)

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The seventh limb of the Aṣṭāṅga architecture (cf. S. S. 45.) is the knowledge of the planning of the Yajamāna-śālī, its altar and the architectural process of the Koṭihoma. Its utility in the civil architecture is not very much but in the performance of the rituals, sacrifices, ceremonies (marriage etc.) in connection with installation of the deities, Nīrājanas, Homas, coronations of kings and the rising of Indra’s flag the construction of the altars is obligatory. The Altar admits of four classifications and their names and properties are laid down hereunder:

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| *Name* | *Dimensions* | *Shape* | *Use* |
| 1. Caturaśra | 9 Hastas | Square | Sacrifice |
| 2. Subhadra | 8 ,, | Octagonal (Decorated on all sides or corners). | Installation of a deity. |
| 3. Śrīdharī | 7 ,, | With 2 corners | Marriage |
| 4. Padminī | 6 ,, | As name indicates in the shape of a lotus. | Nīrājanā, Homa, & coronation of kings. |

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Then follow their building elaborations. We know that the Vedic altar was the precursor of Temple-architecture in India. The laying of the brick (cf. citi-altar) and its attendant paraphernalia gave rise to what is called the religious architecture, the Pūjā-Vāstu—the temples and shrines (especially the sanctuary, the Garbhagṛha). Iṣṭikā-cayana, reminiscent of the Vedic altar, is prescribed here with the chants of hymns. Therefore, the building of sheds upon these altars on the columns specially built and well decorated is a rule. Stairs are also to be made.

Cites (1)