ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 04

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 121

north-east. In case the house does not face east, the direction, whatever it be, should be taken to be the east as to maintain this order.
A window or even a small hole in the rear wall may not be made at all. The window may be built at a height so that it comes not lower than the one in the wall of the neighbouring house. In multi-storyed buildings a door having two doors above it and a column having a door above it are not advisable. The courtyard may not be planned with three or five corners. Cattle may be kept in a separate room outside the house.
There is another type of classification of houses specifically meant for kings. It is the king only who is allowed to have a circular house, if he so likes. The house of a learned person should be built in (dhvaja) flag ya (dimension), that of an industrialist and a politician in (simha) lion ya, of a businessman in (vrsabha) bull ya, of the third and fourth class people in (gaja) elephant ya. The caves of the monks and the cottage of saints should be built in (dhvanksa) crow ya. The fuel stations are to be made in (dhumra) smoke ya; the house for the security guards should be in ( w na) dog ya; the house for transportation should be in (khara) donkey ya. From the eight ya that we have discussed just now, four are considered to be auspicious and other four inauspicious. Dhvaja ya is considered symbolic of benefit, simha ya as symbol of power, vísabha as symbol of peace and gaja ya of prosperity.
There can be four gates in four directions in (dhvaja) Flag ya, in (simha) Lion ya there can be three gates except in the west direction; in bull ya the gate should be in east direction and in gaja
ya doors should be in east and south directions. The house of those people who deal with fire such as the ironsmith would be in dhumra (smoke) ya: people who are uncultured (mlechha) should build their house in dog ya and the house of that of the prostitute should be in donkey ya.
Nail in the centre of the frame of the main entrance, pillar over the door, two doors over one door in multi-storyed buildings, etc. are considered inauspicious and for that matter should be removed. Other's architectural articles such as stones from temple, well and cremation ground and wood items from the palaces, etc. should not be brought to one's own house.
While painting the walls of one's house, pictures of vultures, crows, pigeons, and monkeys and of war should not be painted, as they are all disturbing and inauspicious.
Except in the case of Royal palaces, the painting of wild animals like lion and elephant and of wild birds for the purpose of adornment is not advisable. These may show inauspicious results.
Sleeping Position: One must not sleep keeping his legs towards images of gods, idols of gurus, treasury, etc. Also one must not sleep keeping his head towards the north direction and without clothes or naked. While getting up in the morning one should touch his right arm to the bed, which enhances good health. One must always take hot food with the right hand, cold drinks with the left hand and should sleep on his left side. These are indicators of a disease-free life. After taking meals one should walk down at least 100 steps and warm his hands with heat. These formulae prevent hundred diseases.
Mansion construction: High mansions were built for wealthy and prosperous people. There is even a mention of sevenstoried mansions. The tops of these mansions seemed to touch the sky and in their white glory, they looked as if they were laughing and since they were studded with gems, they presented very peculiar pictures at times. The pillars, platforms, attics, floors and basements of mansions have been mentioned. The city of Rajgriha was known for its stone and brick mansions. The mansion of Bharat Cakravarty was famous for its i amahal. Winter house constructed by Vardhaka Ratna was free from any influence of heat, cold and rains. In Bhumigrha, there is a mention of trap doors, tunnels and lac houses. Jatugrha is known for being constructed on pillars and having an almost inaccessible entrance.
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STUDY NOTES version 4.0