Structural Temples of Gujarat

SR No.: 006728
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kantilal F Sompura
Publisher: Gujarat University Ahmedabad
Publication Year: 1968
Total Pages: 868
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 31 MB

Page 304

Sources of Architectural Canons
249
According to the common usage in canonical works, there is a stereotyped Varṇaka (description) on the Caitya, which is repeated adverbatum in the different canonical works. The 'Varanka' contains a number of attributes of the Caityas, some of which refer to certain component parts of the temple, such as Chatta, Vedica, Toraṇa, Stambha, Salabhanjikā, Ihāmṛiga, Vyāla, Kalasa etc.72 The description is mainly literary and contains no hint about the definite form of the temple.
The description ( Varņaka ) of the Vimana, though applying to super-human palatial buildings (or even worlds) constructed in the form of the Vimana, impliedly presents a pictureous idea of the architectural form of the monumental Vimana of the human world. As the main body of the temple is constructed in the form of a Vimana, the attributes given in the description of a Vimana contain hints about many component parts of the temple as well. The Vimana was supported on many hundred pillars and adorned with three beautiful stair-cases in the three directions. There were several arches supporting superstructure. The floor was decked with various sorts of gems. The audiance hall propped up by many hundreds of pillars decked with dolls and beautifully arranged arches, and with fine altars that were elevated and very wellbuilt. The floor of the mandapa was properly demarcated and studded with various gems. Its walls and entrances were highly decorated.73
The Nirvaṇakalika' by Pādaliptācārya mainly deals with the religious rites pertaining to the construction of a temple, the installation of its important components and the construction of an image. But the work affords little information about the architectural form of the temple.
Among the canonical works on Indian architecture 'SiriVatthusāra-payaraṇam ( Vāstu-Śara-prakarṇa), by Thakkar Feru,
72. Vide: Rāyapassaniya 2; Bhagavatīsūtram, 386.
73. For the complete text of the Varņaka vide Rayapassaniya. 15.