Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v1.c17.2

v1.c17.2

This chapter too is full of theological details of offering and worship in the laying of the nails, the kīlakas, the characteristics as hinted in the Foundation are almost similar, with the addition that herein, a very interesting light is thrown on the status of the masons and labourers engaged in the building of the house. The architect’s position was in no way inferior to that of the Āchārya—the Purohita and his companion astrologer Sāmvatsarika—the triad representing Brahmā, Bṛhaspati and Tvaṣṭā (Vāstoṣpati or Viśvakarmā). Hence they too are offered worship with their companions and the labourers. After the ritualistic ceremonies are attended in the laying of the nails, it may be said that the architectural details regarding the nails however, are not wanting. In the employment of the wood for the construction of the nails, the trees deemed fit are the trees having names in masculine gender, such as Khadira, Udumbara, Aśvattha, Śāla, Śāka, Dhava, Arjuna, Aññjana, Kadara, Aśoka, Tiniśa, Aruṇa, Candana, Sirīṣa, Sarja, Nyagrodha, and Veṇu etc. Among these a a classification is made caste-wise and profession-wise. As regards the dimensions of the nails, it is stated that those belonging to Brāhmaṇas, should measure thirty two aṅgulas in length, those to Kṣatriyas 28, Vaiśyas 24, and Sūdras 20; the width however, should be common i.e. six aṅgulas. As regards the shape of these columns, it should be square in case of Brāhmaṇas, octagonal in case of Kṣatriyas, hexagonal in case of both the Vaiśyas and Śūdras. Then follow the quality and material of the ropes to be tied down in nails in their laying operations. It should be Dārbha (made of Darbha grass) Mauñja (made of Muñja grass) Aurṇa (made of wool) and Kārpāsa (made of cotton) respectively, as they belong to Brāhmaṇas, Kṣatriyas, Vaiśyas and Śūdras.