Prasad Mandan

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prasad Mandan" based on the provided pages.

Book Title: Prasad Mandan Author(s): Gyansagar Vagarth Vimarsh Kendra Byavar (as publisher, with authorial attribution to Sutradhar Mandan in the introduction and foreword) Publisher: Gyansagar Vagarth Vimarsh Kendra Byavar, along with Shri Di. Jain Atishay Kshetra Mandir Sandhi Ji Sanganer, Jaipur (Raj.) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/090379/1

Overall Summary:

"Prasad Mandan" is a foundational text in Jain and broader Indian architectural and sculptural traditions, attributed to the renowned architect Sutradhar Mandan, who lived during the reign of Rana Kumbha of Mewar. The book delves deeply into the principles of Vastu Shastra, specifically focusing on the design, construction, and aesthetics of Prasadas (temples and royal palaces). It provides detailed guidelines for everything from selecting land and laying foundations to the intricate details of spires, decorative elements, and the consecration of deities. The text emphasizes the spiritual and societal significance of temple construction, linking it to Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha.

The provided text is a translation and commentary (Sodhabodhi Bhasha Teeka) by Pandit Bhagwandas Jain. The book is structured into eight chapters, covering a vast array of topics relevant to Vastu Shastra.

Chapter-wise Breakdown:

• Chapter 1: Mishra Lakshana (Mixed Characteristics)

  • Introduction to Vastu Shastra: Explains the origin and importance of Vastu Shastra, mentioning the concept of Vastu Purusha.
  • Significance of Temple Construction: Details the benefits and purposes of building temples, including spiritual, societal, and royal well-being.
  • Types of Prasadas: Introduces the fourteen categories of Prasadas believed to have originated from the worship of Lord Shiva by various deities and beings. It further categorizes these into eight "excellent" types (Nagara, Dravida, Bhumija, Latia, Sandhara, Vimana-Nagara, Dushpaka, Mishra) which are to be used for all deities, especially Shiva.
  • Construction Time and Land Selection: Discusses auspicious times and methods for land examination, emphasizing the importance of water flow and purity.
  • Vastu Mandala: Explains the creation and significance of the Vastu Mandala, a mystical diagram essential for construction.
  • Directional Principles (Dik Sadhana): Covers methods for determining directions, both day and night, using traditional techniques and modern instruments. It also addresses potential directional errors and their remedies.
  • Time Restrictions (Nishiddh Kaal): Outlines inauspicious times and planetary positions to avoid for starting construction.
  • Vatsamukha and Rahumukha: Explains the concept of the "face of the calf" and "Rahu's face" in relation to directional planning and its impact on auspiciousness.
  • Measurement Systems (Maap Paddhati): Details various units of measurement, including "hasta" (cubit) and its subdivisions, and the importance of proportionate measurements for different parts of the structure.
  • Pancha Graha Balanvite: Highlights the importance of the strength of five key planets for auspicious beginnings.
  • Phala of Temple Construction: Quantifies the merits gained from building temples with different materials (wood, mud, brick, stone, metal, gems).
  • Worship in Vastu: Describes the seven essential places for Vastu Puja and the fourteen points requiring Shanti Puja during construction.
  • Proportionate Measurements: Discusses the principles of measuring different components of the Prasad, including walls (Mandovar), and the significance of their proportions.
  • Divisions of Walls (Phalanas): Explains the divisions within the walls (Phalanas) like Karna, Pratiratha, and Bhadra, and their relative measurements.

• Chapter 2: Jagati and Aspects of Temple Layout

  • Jagati (Platform): Defines Jagati as the foundation or platform of the Prasad, akin to a throne for a king. It describes five types of Jagati based on shape (square, rectangular, octagonal, circular, oblong-circular).
  • Jagati Dimensions: Discusses the proportional relationship between Jagati dimensions and the overall Prasad size, mentioning the concept of Jyeshtha, Madhya, and Kanishtha measurements.
  • Circumambulatory Path (Bhramani): Details the number and dimensions of circumambulatory paths around the sanctum.
  • Jagati Ornaments: Explains how Jagati is adorned with walls (Prakar), entrance pavilions (Mandapa), spouts (Makara-mukha), steps, and gateways (Torana).
  • Vehicle Placement: Describes the designated spots for placing the vehicles of deities.
  • Deity Orientation and Placement: Discusses rules for the orientation of deities and their relative placement within the temple complex, including prohibitions on facing certain directions or placing deities in specific configurations.
  • Shivastano-daka: Explains the proper disposal of ablution water from the Shiva Linga, involving a drainage system to avoid defilement.
  • Pradakshina: Outlines the prescribed number of circumambulations for different deities.
  • Vahanas: Details the placement and proportions of deity vehicles.

• Chapter 3: Foundations, Walls, and Doorways

  • Foundation Stone (Kharashila/Dharani Shila): Describes the importance and construction of the base slab, its measurement, and decorative carvings.
  • Wall Layers (Bhittaman): Details the different layers of walls and their proportions.
  • Base (Peetha): Discusses the base or plinth of the Prasad, its proportions, and decorative elements.
  • Mandovar (Wall Structure): Provides an exhaustive breakdown of the Mandovar (wall) structure, including its various vertical divisions (like Khura, Kumbha, Kalasha, Antarala, Kapota, Jangga, etc.) and their precise measurements (often in a 144-part system). It also details decorative motifs and sculptural elements.
  • Types of Walls (Jangha): Describes four styles of wall construction: Nagari, Lati, Vairati, and Dravidi.
  • Meru Mandovar: Explains a specific, highly ornate style of wall construction.
  • Doorways (Udambara, Uttaranaga, Shahkhas): Offers detailed guidance on the design, dimensions, and decorative elements of doorways, including the threshold (Udambara), the lintel (Uttaranaga), and the door jambs (Shakha), with specific rules for different deity types and architectural styles. It also addresses the debate on the relative heights of the threshold and pillar bases.
  • Decorative Motifs: Discusses various carvings and sculptural representations for walls and doorways.

• Chapter 4: Iconography, Measurement of Deities, and Spires

  • Iconography and Proportions: Provides rules for determining the proportions of idol sculptures based on the size of the doorway.
  • Deity Placement (Pad Sthan): Details the precise placement of deities within the sanctum and the temple complex, including rules for their gaze direction and relative positions.
  • Spires (Shikhara) and their Components: Explains the construction and measurement of spires, including the base structure, curvilinear elements (Rekha), crowning elements (like Skandha, Greeva, Amalaka, Kalasha), and decorative features (like Shukanasa and Mriga-shringa).
  • Shikhara Design Principles: Discusses the importance of the "Rekha" (lines) for a faultless spire and the complex calculations involved.
  • Flag Staff (Dhvajadanda): Details the placement and construction of the flagstaff, emphasizing its structural integrity and its symbolic importance.
  • Suvarna Purusha: Describes the ritualistic placement of a golden or metallic figure representing the vital essence of the Prasad.
  • Amalaka and Kalasha: Details the proportions and placement of the Amalaka (a crowning stone) and the Kalasha (pot) on the spire.
  • Shukanasa: Explains the structure and placement of the Shukanasa, an architectural element that often appears as an extension of the spire.

• Chapter 5: Types of Prasadas

  • Categorization of Prasadas: Lists and describes 25 types of Prasadas of the Nagara style, including Vairajya, Nandan, Simha, Sri Nandan, Mandir, Malay, Vimana, Vishal, Trilokya Bhushan, Mahendra, Ratnaseer, Sitambara, Bhudhar, Bhuvanmandan, Lokvijay, Kshitiballabh, Mahidhar, Kailasa, Navamangal, Gandhamadan, Sarvangasundara, Vijayananda, Sangatilaka, Mahabhog, and Meru.
  • Meru Prasadas: Provides detailed descriptions of nine types of Meru Prasadas, known for their immense scale and complexity, often associated with royalty and powerful deities.
  • Shrunga Count: Specifies the number of spires (Shrungas) for each type of Prasad, indicating a progressive increase in complexity.
  • Proportions and Modifications: Explains how variations in dimensions and decorative elements differentiate one Prasad type from another.
  • Auspiciousness of Prasadas: Connects specific Prasad types with particular deities and their auspiciousness for prosperity, victory, and spiritual attainment.

• Chapter 6: Case, Meru, and other Prasad Typologies

  • Case and Meru Prasaadas: Focuses on the Case and Meru types of Prasadas, detailing their specific characteristics and variations.
  • Shrunga and Tilaka Counts: Further elaborates on the counts of spires and decorative finials (Tilaka) for various Prasad types, emphasizing their proportionate placement.
  • Architectural Variations: Discusses how modifications in placement and number of decorative elements create distinct Prasad types.
  • Deity Association: Reiterates the connection between specific Prasad types and their favored deities.

• Chapter 7: Mandapas and Vaults

  • Mandapa Types: Describes various types of Mandapas (halls) associated with temples, including Garbhagriha Mandapa, Chowki Mandapa, Nritya Mandapa, and Balak.
  • Mandapa Proportions: Provides guidelines for the dimensions of Mandapas relative to the main Prasad.
  • Gumbad (Vaults/Domes): Details the construction of Gumbads (Vitan), including their shapes, dimensions, and decorative elements, and the various types like Kshipta, Uksipta, and Samatala Vitan.
  • Mandapa Pillars (Stambha): Explains the different types and proportions of pillars used in Mandapas.
  • Decorative Elements in Mandapas: Discusses the ornamentation of Mandapas with carvings, paintings, sculptures of divine figures, dancers, and musicians.
  • Mandapa Variations: Covers the classification of Mandapas based on their number of pillars and decorative features.

• Chapter 8: Miscellaneous Aspects and Rituals

  • Vastu Dosha: Discusses common architectural flaws (Vastu Doshas) and their negative consequences.
  • Prohibited Materials (Nishedh Vastu): Advises against using materials from demolished structures for temples.
  • Renovation (Jirnoddhar): Provides guidelines for the renovation of old temples, emphasizing the importance of maintaining original proportions and materials, or using superior ones.
  • Types of Doshas: Categorizes architectural flaws into Maha Dosha (major flaws), Bhinna Dosha (defects due to external influence), and Abhinna Dosha (internal harmony).
  • Deity-Specific Dosha Rules: Explains that certain flaws are permissible for specific deities (e.g., Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, Surya) but not for others (e.g., Jinadeva, Gauri, Ganesha).
  • Praise of Vastu Shastra: Concludes with an exhortation to follow the principles of Vastu Shastra for harmonious and auspicious construction.
  • Rituals of Consecration (Pratishtha Vidhi): Describes the rituals involved in the consecration of deities, including Vastu Puja, establishment of the Vastu Purusha, placement of Ratnas and Dhanyas, worship of artisans, and the final consecration ceremony.
  • Yajna Kundas: Details the construction and dimensions of Yajna Kundas (sacrificial pits) based on the number of oblations.
  • Worship of Vastu Purusha: Explains the detailed iconography and placement of the 45 deities associated with the Vastu Purusha.
  • Praise of the Author: The text includes a foreword by Dr. Vasudev Sharan Agrawal, a renowned scholar, praising Sutradhar Mandan and Pandit Bhagwandas Jain for their contributions to the field of Indian architecture.

Key Concepts and Themes:

• Proportion and Harmony: The text consistently stresses the importance of accurate measurements and harmonious proportions in all aspects of temple design.
• Spiritual Significance: Temple construction is presented not merely as an architectural feat but as a spiritual undertaking that benefits the builder, the community, and the deities.
• Deity-Specific Rules: Different deities have specific rules regarding their orientation, placement, and the type of architecture associated with their temples.
• Auspiciousness and Ritual: Great emphasis is placed on auspicious timings, rituals, and the worship of Vastu Purusha and other deities to ensure the success and longevity of the structure.
• Traditional Knowledge Transmission: The text highlights the importance of lineage and the guidance of experienced gurus (Gurus) in acquiring Vastu Shastra knowledge.
• Legacy of Mandan: The foreword and internal references consistently point to Sutradhar Mandan as a master architect whose works are still admired and followed.

This summary captures the essence of the "Prasad Mandan" as presented in the provided text, highlighting its comprehensive nature and deep insights into ancient Indian architectural science.