Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v1.c56.271

v1.c56.271

As in the beginning, the descent, so also at the completion of the temple building, the ascent, a symbolic rite, called Aṅkurāropaṇa (I. G. P. IV. Ch. XXXIV. 27; Kāmikāgama LXI. 3; Mayamata XVIII. 166) is performed, in, the end of which, the Sthāpaka installs the Prāsāda, in its concrete shape (Prāsāda-mūrti) on its altar or pedestal, (Dhiṣṇya-mūrti) and places in it the seed (bīja) of the temple. After the consecration of the Temple and the installation of the Image—the Prāsāda-mūrti, by the Sthāpaka the guru, the Yajamāna, the sacrificer, the patron, the donor of the temple presents gold, clothes, ornaments etc., to the Sthāpaka and Sthapati according to his ability. The Samarāṅgaṇa Sūtradhāra also in its 37th Chapter (32-37) hints at this tradition of old. It says, 'the Sthapati should be worshipped, because his worship is the worship of Viśvakarmā himself—the primordial Architect. Similarly, the Purohita, Sāṃvatsara and also the Parikarmakaras, the other masons and the labourers should also get honour and rewards so that they are fully pleased'.