Kashyashilpam - Book Summary | JainGPT

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Kashyashilpam," based on the translated pages:

Book Title: Kashyashilpam Author(s): Vinayak Ganesh Apte Publisher: Anand Ashram Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/008420/1

Overall Nature of the Text:

"Kashyashilpam" is a Sanskrit treatise on architecture and craftsmanship (Shilpa Shastra), attributed to the sage Kashyap. The edition summarized here is published by Anand Ashram in 1926 CE (Shalivahana Shaka 1847). The text appears to be a foundational work in the field, delving into principles of construction, temple design, and iconography.

Key Themes and Content:

The Importance of Shilpa (Craftsmanship): The text begins by emphasizing that craftsmanship, or "Shilpa," is intrinsically linked to human existence and happiness. It posits that the very essence of being human lies in the effort to overcome suffering and create comfort through various skills and designs. The text contrasts human endeavor with the simpler existence of animals, highlighting the diverse ways humans adapt to circumstances and express their individuality through their surroundings and creations. This is presented as the "influence of Shilpa."
Origin and Attribution: The text traces the origin of Shilpa Shastra to the sage Kashyap, who, according to tradition, received this knowledge from Lord Shiva for the benefit of humanity. It discusses the etymological derivation of "Vastu" (dwelling) and "Shilpa" (craftsmanship) and establishes Kashyap as the author, despite the possibility that the core knowledge might have originated from Shiva. The text draws parallels with how the Bhagavad Gita, though taught by Krishna, is attributed to Vyasa in authorship.
The Purpose of Architecture (Vastu): The text defines "Vastu" as the place where beings reside and emphasizes its role as a primary means for enjoyment and comfort. It quotes a verse stating that houses are the source of all pleasures, including those derived from family, wealth, and religious merit, underscoring the significance of well-constructed homes.
Chronology and Transmission of Knowledge: The text notes that Shilpa Shastra became prevalent among humans due to their inherent tendency to seek comfort, especially with the limitations of their lifespan. It touches upon the creation of beings in stages, suggesting that humans, capable of understanding and applying these principles, emerged later in the evolutionary process. The text also mentions the existence of 18 major Shilpa Shastras and numerous sub-disciplines, citing figures like Bhrigu, Atri, Vishwakarma, Maya, Narada, and others as influential Shilpa experts.
The "Kashyapa Samhita" and its Influence: The text refers to the "Kashyapa Samhita" as a source of this knowledge, which was allegedly imparted by Kashyap to his son. It acknowledges the existence of various regional styles and traditions within India (e.g., Nagara, Dravida, Vesara) and their corresponding architectural treatises.
Detailed Architectural Principles (Patalas): The bulk of the text is divided into Patalas (chapters), which systematically detail various aspects of architecture and temple construction:
- First Pataala (Karshana Patala): Discusses auspicious times for agricultural operations (plowing) and foundation laying, including astrological considerations for days, months, Nakshatras, and planetary influences. It details the construction of Shiva temples, mentioning sacred enclosure (Parikha), placement of deities, and the preparation of the ground.
- Subsequent Patalas (Second to Forty-fifth): These chapters cover an extensive range of topics:
  - Prasad Vastu (Temple Architecture): Discusses the layout of temples, the placement of presiding deities and associated deities in different directions (Vastu Purusha Mandala), and the rituals associated with their consecration.
  - Upapitha (Upapitha/Base): Details the measurements and design principles for the elevated base of a temple or deity.
  - Adhishthana (Adhishthana/Plinth): Explains various types of plinths, their components (Upaana, Jagati, Kumuda, etc.), measurements, and decorative elements.
  - Nala Lakshana (Description of Conduits/Spouts): Describes the design and placement of water spouts or conduits for temple structures.
  - Padavarga (Classification of Pillars): Details the types, measurements, and ornamental styles of pillars.
  - Bodhikā Lakshana (Description of Bodhika/Bracket): Describes the design of brackets and supporting elements.
  - Phalaka Lakshana (Description of Phalaka/Lintel): Details the design and measurements of lintels.
  - Vedikā Lakshana (Description of Vedika/Platform): Explains the construction of platforms around temples.
  - Jālakam Lakshana (Description of Lattice/Screens): Describes the design of decorative lattice screens.
  - Torana Lakshana (Description of Torana/Gateway): Details the construction and ornamentation of temple gateways.
  - Vr̥tta Sphāṭitam Lakshana (Description of Circular Elements): Discusses circular decorative elements.
  - Stambhatōraṇa (Pillar Gateway): Further details on gateways associated with pillars.
  - Kumbha Sthala Lakshana (Description of Kumbha/Pot-like elements): Describes pot-like decorative elements.
  - Vr̥tta Sphuṭitam (Circular Variations): Further details on circular designs.
  - Dvāra Vinyāsa (Arrangement of Doors): Principles for door placement and design.
  - Kampa Dvāra Lakshana (Description of Kampa Doors): Details on a specific type of door.
  - Prastara Lakshana (Description of Stone Work): Principles for stone construction.
  - Gala Bhuṣaṇaṁ (Ornamentation of the Gala/Neck): Details on decorative elements for the neck of a structure.
  - Śikhara Lakshana (Description of Spires): Principles for designing spires and finials.
  - Nāsikā Lakshana (Description of Nasika/Ornamental Projections): Details on ornamental projections, often shaped like a nose.
  - Prāsāda Mānām (Temple Measurements): Extensive discussion on proportional systems and measurements for various temple parts.
  - Mānasūtrādi (Measurement Sutras and more): Further elaborations on measurement systems and their application.
  - Āyādi Lakshana (Description of Āyādi Calculations): Principles of Āyādi calculations, a system for architectural proportions.
  - Nāgarādi Vimāna (Types of Temples - Nagara, etc.): Discussion of regional temple architectural styles (Nagara, Dravida, Vesara) and their characteristics.
  - Garbha Vinyāsa (Placement of Garbha/Sanctuary): Details on the placement of the inner sanctuary and associated rituals.
  - Ekatala, Dviṭala, Tritala, etc. (One-storied to Multi-storied Structures): Detailed descriptions of building structures based on the number of stories.
  - Kūṭa, Koṣṭha, Pañjara Lakshana (Descriptions of Kūṭa, Koṣṭha, Pañjara): Details on specific architectural modules and decorative elements.
  - Parivāra Lakshana (Description of Subsidiary Shrines): Details on the placement and design of smaller shrines surrounding the main temple.
  - Vṛṣabha Lakshana (Description of the Bull Nandi): Iconographical details for the sculpture of Nandi.
  - Agnīśvara Lakshana (Description of Agniśvara/Fire Deity): Iconographical details for deities associated with fire.
  - Sapta Mātṛkā Lakshana (Description of the Seven Mother Goddesses): Iconographical details for the Sapta Matrikas.
  - Vināyaka Lakshana (Description of Ganesha): Iconographical details for Ganesha.
  - Ṣaṇmukha Lakshana (Description of Kartikeya): Iconographical details for Kartikeya.
  - Jyeṣṭhā Devī Lakshana (Description of Goddess Jyeshtha): Iconographical details for Jyeshtha.
  - Durgā Lakshana (Description of Goddess Durga): Iconographical details for Durga.
  - Viṣṇu Lakshana (Description of Vishnu): Iconographical details for Vishnu.
  - Aśvinau Lakshana (Description of the Ashvins): Iconographical details for the celestial physicians.
  - Pitṛ Lakshana (Description of Ancestors): Iconographical details related to ancestors.
  - Vāyu Lakshana (Description of Vayu/Wind Deity): Iconographical details for the wind deity.
  - Rudra Lakshana (Description of Rudra/Shiva): Iconographical details for Rudra.
  - Śiva Lakshana (Description of Shiva): Iconographical details for Shiva.
  - Kṣetrapāla Lakshana (Description of Kṣetrapāla): Iconographical details for the guardian deity.
  - Bhāskara Lakshana (Description of the Sun God): Iconographical details for Surya.
  - Gaurī Lakshana (Description of Goddess Gauri): Iconographical details for Gauri.
  - Candraśekhara Lakshana (Description of Shiva holding Moon): Iconographical details for Shiva with the moon.
  - Nṛtta Mūrti Lakshana (Description of Dancing Forms): Iconographical details for dancing deities, particularly Shiva.
  - Gaṅgādhara Lakshana (Description of Shiva holding Ganga): Iconographical details for Shiva holding the river Ganga.
  - Tripurāntaka Mūrti Lakshana (Description of Shiva destroying Tripuras): Iconographical details for Shiva as Tripurantaka.
  - Kalyāṇa Mūrti Lakshana (Description of Auspicious Forms): Iconographical details for auspicious forms of deities.
  - Pāśupata Lakshana (Description of Pāśupata form of Shiva): Iconographical details for the Pāśupata form of Shiva.
  - Kaṅkāla Mūrti Lakshana (Description of Kaṅkāla form): Iconographical details for Shiva in the Kaṅkāla form.
  - Hariharārdhamūrti Lakshana (Description of Harihara Ardha form): Iconographical details for the combined form of Vishnu and Shiva.
  - Bhikṣāṭana Mūrti Lakshana (Description of Bhikṣāṭana form): Iconographical details for Shiva as the mendicant.
  - Candravartaka Mūrti Lakshana (Description of Candravartaka form): Iconographical details for a form of Shiva.
  - Liṅga Lakshana (Description of Linga): Detailed instructions for the creation and consecration of the Shivalinga.
  - Mṛt Saṁskāra (Preparation of Clay): Instructions for preparing clay for sculptures.
  - Varṇa Saṁskāra (Preparation of Colors): Instructions for preparing colors.
  - Varṇa Lepana (Application of Colors): Techniques for applying colors.
  - Rajjubandha (Binding with Ropes/Threads): Details on binding techniques, possibly for construction or deity forms.
  - Śūla Lakshana (Description of the Trident): Details on the Shula (trident) weapon.
  - Vr̥kṣa Saṁgrahaṇa (Collection of Trees): Guidelines for selecting trees for construction or sculpting.
  - Mṛtsaṁskāra (Clay Preparation): Further details on clay preparation.
  - Kalka Vidhāna (Kalka Preparation): Instructions for preparing pastes or mixtures.
Iconography and Divine Forms: A significant portion of the later chapters is dedicated to the detailed iconography of various Hindu deities, including Shiva in numerous forms (Bhairava, Lingodbhava, Nataraja, Gangadhara, Tripurantaka, Kalyana Sundara, Bhikshatana, etc.), Ganesha, Kartikeya, the Sapta Matrikas, Durga, Vishnu, the Ashvins, Surya, and various subsidiary deities and figures. The text provides specific measurements and descriptive features for each form.

Significance:

"Kashyashilpam" is a valuable text for understanding the historical development of Indian architectural and sculptural traditions. It offers a glimpse into the sophisticated knowledge systems that underpinned the creation of sacred spaces and divine imagery in ancient India, particularly within the broader context of Hindu and potentially Jain architectural practices influenced by Vedic and Puranic traditions. The inclusion of various regional styles and detailed iconographical prescriptions makes it a comprehensive resource for scholars and practitioners interested in this field.