Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v1.c56.55

v1.c56.55

“The Vedic altar survives in the structure of the body of the temple, in its lowest and highest part. In technique and name, the Prāsāda, the Hindu Temple shares in the name of the Vedī and Citi. Its total structure, moreover, when seen from outside, has the appearance of a massive pile, and is more a monument than a building. The thickness of the walls of the Garbhagṛha and often nearly compact superstructure, also reveal that the entire Prāsāda is a Citi. This is confirmed by its very names, Prāsāda, Sadma, Sadanam, derived from or identical to the word Sadanam itself which denotes the piling of the Vedic altar.” These very names are full of meaning and imply a tradition of a very long standing. A similar conclusion is furnished by the meaning of Caitya and Āyatana, as the Prāsāda has done; etymologically and originally, these are all piled up seats or altars, sanctuaries in the open and also within an enclosed space.