Kshirarnava - Book Summary | JainGPT

Based on the provided text from the Jain text "Kshirarnava," here's a comprehensive summary in English:

Book Title: Kshirarnava (ક્ષીરાણવ) Author/Editor: Sthapati Prabhashankar O. Sompura (स्थपति प्रभाशंकर ओ. सोमपुरा), Shilpa Visharad (शिल्प विशारद) Publisher: Balwantrai Sompura & Bros. (बलवंतराय सोमपुरा था भातृएँ) and other book sellers. Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/008421/1

Core Subject:

Kshirarnava is a significant ancient Jain text on Vastu Shastra (वास्तुशास्त्र) and Shilpa Shastra (शिल्पशास्त्र), focusing on architecture and sculpture. The text, attributed to Vishwakarma (विश्वकर्मा), is presented here with a Hindi-Gujarati commentary titled "Suprabha" (सुप्रभा) by the editor, Sthapati Prabhashankar O. Sompura. The work aims to preserve and make accessible this valuable ancient knowledge of Indian architectural principles and practices.

Key Content and Themes:

Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra: The book delves into the principles of Vastu Shastra, covering the planning and construction of various structures like cities, forts, reservoirs, palaces, temples, and houses. Shilpa Shastra deals with the decorative and sculptural aspects, including doorways, windows, carvings, and idol making.
Cosmic and Human Body Analogy: The text frequently uses analogies between the cosmos, the human body, and architectural elements. For instance, a temple's structure is often compared to the divine body, with its foundation as feet, the sanctum as the stomach, the walls as flesh, pillars as knees, and the pinnacle as the head.
Mathematical and Astronomical Calculations: A significant portion of the text is dedicated to the mathematical calculations required for architectural design, including the concept of "Aya" (आया), "Nakshatra" (नक्षत्र), "Gana" (गण), "Chandra" (चंद्र), and "Vyaya" (व्यय) which are crucial for determining auspicious measurements and placements. The text outlines a system of 21 principles for harmonious construction.
Classification of Prasadas (Buildings/Temples): The book details various classifications of temples and buildings, broadly categorizing them into 14 main types prevalent across India. These include Nagara, Dravida, Latna, Bhumija, Varada, Vimana, Mishr, Sandhara, Vimal Nagara, Vimana Pushpaka, Valabhi, Fasana, Simhavalokana, and Ratharoha. The text elaborates on the characteristics and regional variations of these styles, particularly focusing on the Nagara style as applied in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Detailed Architectural Elements: Kshirarnava provides detailed descriptions and measurements for numerous architectural components:
- Jagati (जगती): The platform surrounding the temple, its dimensions, layers, and decorative elements.
- Peetha (पीठ): The base or pedestal of the temple, its various types (Mahapeetha, Kamadapeetha, Karnapeetha), and their layered structure.
- Bhit (भिट्ट): Wall construction principles and dimensions.
- Mandovar (मंडोवर): The main wall structure, its various horizontal bands (thar), and decorative elements.
- Shikhara (शिखर): The pinnacle of the temple, its types, divisions (bhadra, nasika, shringa), and decorative ornamentation.
- Stambha (स्तंभ): Pillars, their types, dimensions, and decorative capitals.
- Mandapa (मंडप): Various types of halls and pavilions attached to the main structure, their construction, dimensions, and decorative schemes, including the unique "Meghnad Mandapa" and "Samavsarana."
- Garbgriha (गर्भगृह): The sanctum sanctorum, its dimensions, and the placement of deities.
- Dwarashakha (द्वारशाखा): Doorways, their classification (e.g., 3-branch, 5-branch, 7-branch, 9-branch), ornamentation, and the auspicious "Udambara" (उदंबर) and "Shankhodvara" (शंखोद्वार).
- Devata Drishti-Pad Sthapan (देवतादृष्टि-पदस्थापन): Principles for the placement and alignment of deities' eyes and their pedestals within the sanctum, referencing specific divisions of the doorway's height.
- Balankap (बलाणक): Decorative elements, possibly referring to projections or decorative niches.
- Valabhi (वलभी): A specific architectural style or element, possibly relating to vaulted roofs or arch structures.
- Kośha (कोष्ठ): Chambers or cells, particularly in relation to the Garbhagriha and the arrangement of deities.
- Shikhara (शिखर) and its Sub-components: Detailed discussion on various parts of the shikhara like shringa (horns), urushringa (minor spires), pratyanga (secondary elements), nasika (dormer windows), and the role of the dhvajadanda (flagstaff).
Iconography and Deities: The text specifies the placement and depiction of various deities, celestial beings, and decorative motifs, including the placement of Shiv, Vishnu, Brahma, Surya, Ganesh, Jambhala, and their associated representations. It also mentions the depiction of apsaras (celestial dancers), yakshas, gandharvas, Kinnaras, and even the depiction of seasonal elements like clouds and trees.
Craftsmanship and Construction: The text emphasizes the importance of the shilpi (craftsman) and the yajamana (patron). It discusses the skills required, the materials used, and the need for adherence to Shastric principles. The editor, Prabhashankar Sompura, highlights the challenges of restoring and interpreting such ancient texts due to variations in manuscripts and the complexities of the subject.
Cultural and Historical Context: The introduction and scholarly essays in the preface and appended notes provide historical context, discussing the origins of Vastu Vidya, the evolution of architectural styles, the various artisan communities in India (Sompuras, Maharana, etc.), and the appreciation of Indian art by foreign scholars. It also touches upon the perceived degradation of traditional arts due to Western influences.
Editorial Contribution: Sthapati Prabhashankar O. Sompura's effort in compiling, comparing various manuscripts (some dating back to the 18th century), and providing commentary is highlighted. His work aims to bring clarity and practical understanding to these complex ancient texts. The introduction by Dr. Motichandra and the foreword by Kanhaiyalal M. Munshi attest to the scholarly significance of this publication.

Significance:

The "Kshirarnava" is a vital source for understanding the sophisticated architectural and sculptural knowledge of ancient India, particularly within the Jain tradition. Its preservation and publication by Prabhashankar O. Sompura are crucial for art historians, architects, archaeologists, and anyone interested in the rich heritage of Indian civilization. The text offers insights into the spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of temple and building design, where every element is believed to have cosmic significance.

In essence, Kshirarnava, as presented and edited by Prabhashankar O. Sompura, is a comprehensive treatise on architectural planning, design, and execution, reflecting a deep understanding of mathematics, astronomy, aesthetics, and spiritual principles prevalent in ancient Indian society.