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 Rāmāyaṇa accepts Viśvakarmā as the architect of the Gods and Maya, the architect of the Asuras. It is stated that Vişvakarmā revealed the Sthāptya Veda. 112 In the Mahābhārata, Viśvakarmā is said to have been the “master of thousand arts, the Vārdhaki (carpenter) of the Gods and superior to all architects." He also constructed the chariots of the Gods. Men earned their livelihood by practising the arts invented by him and offered worship to Viśyakarma 113 He constructed the Sabhā of Vaivasvata] 14 and a town for the Gods, besides a statute, a necklace and wheels of the chariots, for them.
According to the Matsya Purāņa, Višvakarma was the son of Prabhāsa, 118 who was the last of eight Vasus, The mother of Viśvakarmā was the sister of Bhțgu. The eight-Vasus were mostly workers in different branches of art, Viśvakarma thus naturally has imbibed skill in craftmanship from his father's side, Viśvakarma's connecton with Bhřgu by his mother's side, was also no less responsible for the high state of excellence in craftmanship peculiar to the family of Bhrgus.116 Thus both his parental and maternal relationships contributed in equipping him with a rich heritage. He was endowed with consummate skill in fine arts, architecture, sculpture, painting including both their constructive as well as decorative aspects. The Agni Purāņa calls him the creator of thousand Silpas (crafts ), The Garuda Purāņa also places him among the prominent Silpis of Gods.
The Śiva Parāņa (ch. LIII) has given an interesting and lengthy account of the origin and the geneology of Viśvakarmā. Shri P A. Mankad on the basis of this account has very ably 112, Rāma iV. 51. 11. Kiskindhā Kānda chts. XLI, XXXV; XLII, XLIV; XLIII, XXI. 113. MBH I. 66. 29-31. 114. lbid. II, 8. 1. 115. M. P. ch. V. 27-28. He was born of Vasu the second daughter of Daksa Prājarati, given in marriage to Dharma. 116. In the Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics E. Sieg. explains the word Bhrgu as a term for craftman specially working with fire.