Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v1.c48.9

v1.c48.9

We know that in India the origin of a Śāstra is invariably connected with some God or great personage—Ṛṣi or Muni. Brahmā and Śiva have the largest share of founding so many systems of sciences and arts. The science of architecture too had a number of gods and sages and other heavenly beings as its originators, propounders and writer-Ācāryas. Two foremost names among them are Viśvakarmā and Maya. Viśvakarmā, the heavenly architect is alluded to in many places in the literature, to have built capitals of kings. Maya the demon-architect is similarly alluded to in many places in the literature, to have built assembly halls, etc. Viśvakarma and Maya are respectively called the originators of architecture on earth who in their turn got this sacred lore from the Creator-God Brahmā.