Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v1.c30.2

v1.c30.2

Here in this initial chapter on Prāsāda architecture the origin of the Prāsādas has been indicated. It is said that the Creator Brahmā, the founder Lord of the Vāstu-Vidyā, created five big and beautiful Vimānas, movable in the path of the sky, made of gold and decorated with jewels—they were Vairāja, Kailāśa, Puṣpaka, Māṇika and Triviṣṭapa to be used by Himself, the Trident-bearer Śiva, Lord of wealth Kubera, Noose-holder Varuṇa and the Lord of the Universe the great Viṣṇu respectively. Similarly he also created other Vimānas for the gods like Sun and others. From the selfsame five Vimānas, he then created five Prāsādas, to be built of stone or burnt brick for the adoration of the towns. Their names being the same and in shape Vairāja is square, Kailāśa circular or oval, Puṣpaka rectangular, Māṇika elliptical and Triviṣṭapa octagonal.