Bruhad Shilpashastra Part 2

The provided text is a segment of the "Brihad Shilpashastra Part 2" by Jagannath Ambaram. This particular excerpt focuses on the principles and practices of iconography and architecture, particularly within the Jain tradition, though it also delves into broader Hindu deities.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content:

1. Introduction and Context:

• "Aho Shrutgyanam": The phrase appears repeatedly, suggesting a reverence for learned knowledge and scriptures.
• Sponsorship and Preservation: The text highlights efforts to preserve and digitize ancient and rare Jain books, with references to the Shri Ashapooran Parshwanath Jain Gyan Bhandar in Ahmedabad.
• Author and Publisher: Jagannath Ambaram is identified as both the author and publisher, with the first edition published in 1933.
• Purpose of the Book: The author states that this volume is a compilation and research of various Shilpashastra texts like Rupmandan, Rupavatar, Pratima Praman, and Aparajita. It aims to provide detailed information on sculptural practices, suitable for both scholars and those with a general interest in art.

2. Core Content - Shilpashastra (Science of Sculpture and Architecture):

The book is structured into several chapters, covering a vast array of topics related to the creation of divine images and temple architecture:

• Prakaran 1: Stuti (Praise/Invocation) and Stone Examination (Shila Pariksha):

  • Discusses the qualities of suitable stones for sculpting, their testing, and appropriate usage.
  • Covers auspicious timings for selecting materials and commencing work.
  • Details the proportional measurements for both standing and seated idols.
  • Explains proportions based on doorway dimensions and the sacred inner sanctum (Garbhagriha).
  • Addresses the proportions for idols in smaller household shrines.
  • Specifies the placement and types of deities to be installed in different locations.
  • Emphasizes the importance of not worshipping broken or damaged idols and not moving idols from their established places.
  • Discusses the consequences of deviating from scriptural measurements in idol creation.

• Prakaran 2: Rectification of Flaws (Dosha Nivaran):

  • Explains how flaws arise and their causes.
  • Discusses astrological considerations for a king's well-being and prosperity.
  • Covers the principles of worship based on divine perception and intention.
  • Includes a mention of an auspicious depiction of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva.

• Prakaran 3: Proportions of Jin Pratimas (Jain Idols):

  • Focuses on the specific measurements and proportions for the 24 Tirthankaras.
  • Details the body parts, their relative sizes, and the measurements of human figures.
  • Provides measurements for deities like Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and goddesses.
  • Includes tables and diagrams illustrating these proportions.

• Prakaran 4: Measurement and Proportions (Map nu Varnan):

  • Elaborates on various units of measurement, including Tal (a unit of measure, often related to hand spans) and Angula (finger-width).
  • Provides detailed tables for calculating the lengths and widths of different body parts and entire figures based on these units.

• Prakaran 5: Sculptures of Deities:

  • Vishwakarma: Describes the iconography of Vishwakarma, the divine architect, including his attributes and forms.
  • Brahma and Savitri: Details the iconography of Brahma and his consort Savitri, mentioning variations across different Yugas (epochs).
  • Four Vedas: Depicts the personified forms of the four Vedas.
  • Nritta Shastra (Dance Science): Illustrates figures related to the art of dance.
  • Directions and Guardians: Describes the deities associated with cardinal and intermediate directions (Digpalas).
  • Brahma's Gatekeepers (Ashta Pratishara): Details the eight attendant figures guarding Brahma's temples.
  • Twelve Suns (Dwadash Surya): Illustrates the various forms of the Sun deity.

• Prakaran 6: Placement and Directions (Sthapan karva):

  • Discusses the auspicious directions for establishing structures and deities.
  • Covers the construction of houses and temples.
  • Details the gatekeepers (Pratihar) and celestial bodies (Nava Graha) in Sun temples.
  • Lists the ten guardian deities of the directions (Dasha Digpala).
  • Includes sections on the significance of similes (Upama).

• Prakaran 7: Vishnu's Avatars (Vishnu Bhagwan na Avataro nu Varnan):

  • Provides detailed descriptions of Vishnu's various avatars and their iconography, including their respective forms, weapons, and vehicles.
  • Specifies which avatars are suitable for worship by different castes and professions (Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, artisans, etc.).
  • Lists the 24 Vishnu avatars with their attributes.
  • Describes the iconography of Garuda, Hansa (swan), and Peacock.
  • Details the forms of Shri Krishna, Garuda Dhwaja, Shesha Narayana, Shaligram, Vaikuntha, Vishwaroop, Ananta, and Trilok Mohana.
  • Includes tables of Vishnu's names and weapons.
  • Explains how to place deities in temples and the guardian figures for Vishnu temples.
  • Features illustrations of ancient weapons and mudras.

• Prakaran 8: Shiva's Iconography (Shiva ni Murti nu Varnan):

  • Details Shiva's various forms, weapons, and attributes.
  • Describes the iconography of the Shivalinga.
  • Lists the gatekeepers for Shiva temples, including those for Kashi Vishwanath.
  • Covers the iconography of Gauri, Ganesha, and Kartikeya, including their weapons and attendant figures.

• Prakaran 9: Shakti Deities (Shakti Devi ni Murti):

  • Describes the iconography of various goddesses like Chandika, Lakshmi, Mahalakshmi, Saraswati, Brahmani, Maheshwari, Kumari, Vaidrabhvi, Varahi, Shukrani, Chamunda, Matrika, and Kshetrapala.
  • Includes their weapons and guardian figures.
  • Features an illustration of ancient ceiling art.

• Prakaran 10: Yakshas and Yakshinis in Jainism:

  • Describes the Yakshas and Yakshinis associated with the 20 Tirthankaras.
  • Lists 16 Vidyadhara Devis.
  • Details the gatekeepers of Jain temples.

• Prakaran 11: Shri Aparajita (The Invincible):

  • Begins the discussion on the text "Aparajita" and the mountain Gandhamadana.

3. Emphasis on Aesthetics and Proportion:

The text repeatedly stresses the importance of adhering to scriptural proportions (mana) and aesthetic principles (rup) for creating idols and architecture. Deviations are considered to lead to negative consequences for the patron and the artist. The author draws upon ancient Sanskrit texts and acknowledges contributions from individuals who provided access to old manuscripts and offered suggestions.

4. Illustrations and Visuals:

The book heavily relies on visual representations, with numerous mentions of "chitra" (pictures/illustrations). The quality and accuracy of these illustrations are emphasized as crucial for understanding the subject matter. The excerpt even references the detailed study of proportions in Ajanta cave paintings.

5. Cultural and Artistic Heritage:

The text highlights the rich artistic and sculptural heritage of India, lamenting the decline in craftsmanship due to a lack of patronage and the influence of Western culture. It calls for the preservation and revival of traditional Indian art forms, particularly through the study and dissemination of Shilpashastra texts.

In essence, "Brihad Shilpashastra Part 2" is a comprehensive manual on ancient Indian art and architecture, providing detailed guidelines for the creation of sculptures and temples, with a strong emphasis on Jain iconography while also incorporating elements of broader Hindu mythology. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the theoretical and practical aspects of these traditional art forms.