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

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The Structural Temples of Gujarat The Nārdiya Purāņa* ( 12th Cent A. D.)98 treats only the construction of temples, reservoirs, wells and tanks in one chapter ( Part I, ch. XIII.)
Other Uppurāņas like the Brahmavaivarta, the Vamana, the Varāha, the Harivamsa, the Devibhāgavata, the Kalki, the śiva and the Samba purānas have briefly touched the subject matter of architecture and sculpture, but no specific details about temple architecture are found in these works. (j) ĀGAMAS.
The Āgamas and the Tantras deal with mystical worship of Śiva and Sakti. Āgama contribution to Śilpa Šāstrā is more extensive and technical than that of the Purāṇas. Some of the Āgamas to all intents and purposes are but architectural treatises. For instance Kāmikāgama, out of its total seventy-five chapters, devotes sixty chapters to architecture and sculpture. Dr. Acharya remarks: “But, unlike the Purānas there is in the Kamikāgama a discussion of architectural matters under some very highly technical classifications, such as the styles, Nāgara, Drāvida and Vesara : Shapes, masculine, faminine, neutar; Suddha, Miśra and Sankjiņa, depending respectively on a single material, mixture of two materials, and the amalgamation of many materials; Sauchita, Asauchita, Apasauchita otherwise known as Sthānaka, Āsana and Sayana, which in case of temples depend on the erect, sitting and reclining postures of the image. Another very technical matter referred to is Āyadi formulas, very important in selecting the right proportions.96
Out of the 28 Mahā-Agamas, the five Āgamas viz. Amśumadabhedāgama, Kāmikāgama, Karaṇāgama, Vaikhānasāgama and Suprebhedāgama have special refrence to architecture and cognate arts. * Bombay Edition. 95. Shastri D. K. 'Purāņa Vivecana' p. 233. 96. Dr. P. K. Acharya : Hindu Architecture in India & Abroad (Mansära series Vol. VI) Ch. Ill p. 86.