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 In the view of our present study pertaining to temple architecture, the text APPR. imparts instruction regarding code of measurement (XLI), astronomical and mathematical calculations (XLII-XLVII & LXIII-LXVI), examination of the soils and selection of the site (LXVIII, LI-LII), the traditional classification of temple styles, their special features and the characteristics of horizontal and vertical orders of each veriety (CIII-CXCV) and finally iconography and the ceremonies to be attained while installing the images to be worshipped (CXCVI-CCXXIII ).
Several other works on architecture are ascribed to Višvakarmā. Tradition assigns an early date to the works of Viswakarmā but like Aparajitapracchā the other works also seem to be of late origin. Kşırārņava.*
The text of this work as available in its present form represents only a section of the work, which is related to temple architecture. The maximum number of chapters given in MSS. consulted is 23, the first chapter in the available section being numbered 101 in all the MSS. It begins with laying of foundation stone (Ch. CI). The proportionate measurements pertaining to Bhita-pitha (Ch. CII-CIII ), Prāsādodya (Ch. CIV), Dvāra (Ch, CV, CIX) and the information regarding the various members of Pitha, Maņdovara (Ch. CVI-CVIII), Lingamana and Devatādņşti (Ch. CX, CXI) have been discussed. Some chapters impart valuable canons about the construction of Mandapa and pillars (Ch. CXVIII, CXIII & CXIV). The chapter on śikhara (Ch. CVI) treats many varieties of temples. Višvakarma-prakāśa*
The work consists of thirteen chapters. In the beginning preliminaries as to the construction such as Vastu-parusotpati, * The work is unpublished. Four copies of its MS. are in my private collecton. An unique incomplete copy of this text with Gujarati commentary in Doha-Copāi form, written by one Umiashanker, is also lying with me.