Bruhad Shilpashastra Part 3 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Bruhad Shilpashastra Part 3," based on the Gujarati content:

Book Title: Bruhad Shilpashastra Part 3 Author: Jagannath Ambaram Publisher: Jagannath Ambaram Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/008475/1

Overall Purpose:

This text, "Bruhad Shilpashastra Part 3," is a significant work on Jain architecture and related arts. It serves as a detailed guide for the construction of temples (Prasada), mandaps (halls), cities, fortresses, and various architectural elements, drawing upon ancient Sanskrit texts and traditional knowledge. The book aims to preserve and disseminate the principles of Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra within the Jain tradition.

Key Themes and Content:

The text is structured into several chapters, each focusing on specific aspects of architecture and its underlying principles. Here's a breakdown of the major themes:

Praise and Invocation (Stuti): The book begins with prayers and salutations to deities like Ganapati, Vishnu, Shiva, and the Guru, acknowledging their divine guidance in the creation of art and architecture.
Cosmology and Creation (Srishti Utpatti): It delves into the Jain understanding of the universe's creation, starting from the primordial state, the emergence of Brahmatej, the formation of the cosmos, the existence of various realms (Lokas), continents (Dweepa), oceans, mountains, and celestial bodies. This section provides a foundational cosmological framework.
City and Fortress Planning (Nagar Rachana, Killa/Kot): The text provides detailed guidelines on how to plan cities and fortresses. This includes considerations for:
- City Layout: Designing beautiful and prosperous cities with well-organized markets, roads, and residential areas.
- Fortress Design: Specifying dimensions for ramparts (Prakar), their height, thickness, and construction of various defensive features. It also discusses the ideal shapes and designs for fortifications, warning against flawed designs.
- Urban Planning: Including considerations for housing, public spaces, and strategic placement of structures.
Land Analysis (Bhumi Pariksha): It emphasizes the importance of selecting appropriate land for construction, identifying auspicious and inauspicious soil types and locations, and recommending specific soil characteristics based on caste (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra).
Proportions and Measurements (Pramana): The book details various measurement systems and their application in architecture, from basic units like Angul (finger width) to larger units like Hast (cubit), Gaja (yard), Dand (rod), Gau (mile), and Yojana (league). It also discusses proportional relationships for different architectural elements.
Temple Architecture (Prasada): This is a core focus. The text describes:
- Types of Temples (Prasada Jati): It outlines various styles of temples based on regional characteristics and stylistic classifications like Nagara, Dravida, Mishra, etc., and their prevalence in different geographical areas.
- Temple Components: Detailed descriptions and diagrams (implied through text) of various parts of the temple, including the base (Jagati), plinth (Medera), shrine (Garbha), spire (Shikhara), ornamental parts (Ushring, Shukanas, Amalashala, Kalash, Dhwajadand), pillar designs, and decorative motifs.
- Temple Layouts: It presents various floor plans and elevation designs for different types of Jain temples dedicated to specific Tirthankaras, with an emphasis on aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
- Temple Decoration: Discusses the intricate carvings, sculptures, and decorative elements like Vidyadharas, Gajasimha (lion on an elephant), and various ornamental patterns.
Vastu Puja and Rituals: The text provides a comprehensive guide to Vastu Puja, the ritualistic consecration of a building or space. This includes:
- Vastu Devatas: Identifying and detailing the deities associated with different zones of the Vastu grid (mandala).
- Rituals: Describing the procedures for purification, consecration, offerings, and the worship of Vastu deities.
- Offerings and Sacrifices (Homa): Specifying the types of offerings and the number of oblations for various Vastu rituals, including the construction of fire pits (Homa Kund).
- Significance of Vastu Puja: Emphasizing its role in ensuring peace, prosperity, and warding off negative influences.
Iconography and Installation of Deities (Pratishtha): It discusses the proper methods for installing images of deities, the auspicious times for consecration, and the importance of adhering to established rules to avoid defects. It also mentions the need for correct proportions and materials for the idols.
Mandap Construction: Detailed instructions are given for building various types of mandaps (assembly halls) used in temples and for religious ceremonies. This includes their placement, dimensions, number of pillars, decorative elements, and roof designs (like Ghumats/domes).
Flag Standards (Dhwajadand): The text explains the significance, dimensions, and placement of flagpoles (Dhwajadand) and flags, highlighting their role in religious ceremonies and the auspiciousness of their installation.
Specific Architectural Elements: The book covers the design and construction of numerous elements like:
- Wells, Tanks, and Stepwells (Kuva, Talav, Vav): Providing guidelines for their construction and purification.
- Seats and Thrones (Sinha-san, Vedika): Describing the design and placement of platforms and seats for deities and important figures.
- Alcoves and Balconies (Gokh, Jarukha): Detailing their architectural features and decorative aspects.
Materials and Construction Techniques: While not overly technical, the text implies the use of traditional materials like brick, stone, wood, and metal, and emphasizes the importance of skillful craftsmanship.
Principles of Aesthetics and Harmony: The book implicitly conveys principles of beauty, proportion, and balance in architecture, aiming for structures that are both functionally sound and aesthetically pleasing.
Religious Merit: Throughout the text, the emphasis is placed on the religious merit and auspiciousness associated with performing these architectural tasks correctly, especially the construction and maintenance of temples and water bodies.

Author and Publisher:

Jagannath Ambaram is credited as both the author and publisher of this work, indicating a personal commitment to its creation and dissemination. The preface highlights the importance of preserving ancient knowledge and making it accessible.

Historical Context and Significance:

The text reflects the rich architectural heritage of India, particularly the Jain tradition, which has produced magnificent temples and structures. The mention of specific sites like Abu, Ranakpur, Shatrunjay, Girnar, and Delwara in the preface highlights the historical context of this architectural knowledge. The book's first edition was in 1936, and its revival in 2010 ("Granth Jirnoddhar") signifies its enduring relevance.

In Summary:

"Bruhad Shilpashastra Part 3" by Jagannath Ambaram is a comprehensive treatise on Jain architectural science. It covers a vast array of topics, from the foundational principles of the universe's creation to the intricate details of temple design, construction rituals, and urban planning. The book is a valuable resource for understanding the traditional Shilpa Shastra knowledge within the Jain faith, emphasizing both the technical and spiritual aspects of building sacred spaces and thriving communities.