Vastu-shastra (Vol. I: Hindu Science of Architecture; Vol. II: Hindu Canons of Iconography and Painting) v2.c77.74

v2.c77.74

The Śilparatna's prescription of the ointment to be applied on the wall-surface is called 'varṇa-lepana.' It directs that on a wall already white-washed, an ointment, consisting of the powder of conch shell, śukti, etc., white clay duly mixed and shampooed with the liquids obtained from the trees like kapittha, nimb, etc., etc , should be prepared. This ointment should be applied gradually in two or three successions. It gives three varieties of the ointment. One is already described. The other results from the bark of trees like Sākoṭaka or Ketakī. The 3rd is prepared from the Sudhā-cūrṇa (lime powder) duly powdered in 'ulukhala' and got mixed up with the liquid of kerabal-fruit. Thus the text says: