Prasad Manjari - Book Summary | JainGPT

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Prasad Manjari" by Prabhashankar Oghadbhai Sompura, focusing on the architectural aspects of temple construction (Prasad Shilpa).

I. Introduction and Context:

"Prasad Manjari": This book is a part of the larger architectural treatise "Vastu Manjari," written by Sutradhara Nathji in the 15th century. It is presented here with a commentary and Hindi translation by Sthapati Prabhashankar Oghadbhai Sompura.
Publisher and Contributors: Published by Balwantrai P. Sompura & Brothers, the book acknowledges the inspiration from various spiritual leaders and the dedicated efforts of individuals like Shah Babulal Saremal Bedawala and the sisters of Keshavbag Colony.
Author's Background: Prabhashankar Oghadbhai Sompura hails from a lineage of renowned architects (Sompuras) with a deep connection to temple construction, tracing their origins to the time of the Somnath temple's construction. He himself is a "Shilpa Shastri" and "Sthapati," emphasizing his practical expertise.
Significance of Indian Architecture: The introduction highlights the profound connection between Indian culture, architecture, and spirituality. Architecture is seen as a manifestation of human civilization, religious devotion, and artistic expression, drawing inspiration from ancient texts like the Vedas, Puranas, Jain Agamas, and Buddhist scriptures.
Historical Overview of Architecture: The text traces the evolution of architecture from basic shelters to complex temples, emphasizing the role of natural elements, societal needs, and religious beliefs. It mentions the contributions of figures like Vishwakarma and the mythological accounts of its origins.

II. Core Principles of Temple Architecture (Prasad Manjari):

The book delves into various aspects of temple construction, providing detailed guidelines and classifications:

Types of Temples (Prasad Jati):
- The text describes 14 types of temples originating from the worship of Lord Shiva in the Darukavana forest. These are categorized based on regional styles and architectural features: Nagaradi, Dravidaadi, Latinadi, Vimanadi, Mishrakadi, Viratadi, Sandhaaradi, Bhumijadi, Viman Nagaradi, Viman Pushpakadi, Vallabhadi, Phasanakadi, Simhavalokanadi, and Ratharudadi. The first eight are considered superior.
- Prasad Types: Various classifications of temples are provided, including Sandhara (with circumambulatory path) and Nirandhara (without it). Specific styles like Keshari, Sarvatobhadra, Nandishala, Amrutodbhava, Hemavan, Kailas, Prithvijaya, and Meru are described with detailed measurements and proportions of their components.
Materials and Their Significance:
- Temples are built using materials like earth, wood, bricks, stone, metals, and gems. The choice of material impacts the spiritual merit (Punya Phala) achieved. Stone temples are considered to yield infinite merit.
Site Selection and Preparation:
- Site Criteria: Ideal locations for temples are near rivers, in sacred places, hermitages, cities, villages, foothills, gardens, or near step-wells and ponds.
- Land Examination (Bhoomi Pariksha): The land should be sloped towards the east, north, or northeast. It needs to be purified with water and Panchagavya (a mixture of five cow products) and then worshipped.
- Vastu Puja and Shanti: Ritualistic worship of Vastu Purusha, directional deities (Dikpala), Kshetrapala, Ganesha, and Chandika is essential before commencing construction. Fourteen specific muhurtas (auspicious times) are mentioned for various stages of Vastu Shanti.
Construction Commencement and Auspicious Timings:
- Muhurtas: Specific auspicious times are prescribed for starting construction, involving lunar phases, constellations, planetary positions, and avoiding inauspicious periods (e.g., when Jupiter or Venus are combust, during Vyathipata or Vyathipata yogas, Daghda tithi).
- Naga Vastu: This refers to a specific cyclical arrangement of Vastu points, influencing the placement of the foundation pit (Khatavidhi) and the sacred Kurma (tortoise) stone.
- Kurma and Shila Ropana: The dimensions of the Kurma stone are detailed based on the temple's size. Instructions are given for placing the Kurma and subsequent foundation stones (Shilaropana) with specific mantras, music, and worship.
Temple Structure and Proportions:
- Prasad Pramana: Detailed measurements for the entire temple and its components are provided, often based on a system of "Hasta" (cubit) and "Angula" (finger).
- Sandhara vs. Nirandhara: The text explains the difference between temples with (Sandhara) and without (Nirandhara) circumambulatory paths, often linked to the number of "Bhrama" (prikramas).
- Meru Prasad: A classification of large temples, with specific height and component measurements.
- Mandovar: The central wall section of the temple, its layered structure (layers of Khura, Kumbha, Kalasha, Antara, Kapota, Jhangha, etc.), and their proportional measurements are elaborated.
- Bhitti Man: Wall thickness guidelines are given based on the material (brick, stone, wood, metal, gems) and whether it's a Sandhara or Nirandhara structure.
Components of the Temple:
- Jagati: The platform or plinth of the temple, its dimensions relative to the Prasad, and its various types (Chaturasra, Ayata, Vritta, Ashtasra, Vartula).
- Upana and Pratolya: Steps and landing platforms leading to the temple.
- Toranas: Decorative gateways.
- Pranal: Water spouts for draining rainwater from the temple, with specific directional placement rules.
- Mandapas: Various types of halls or pavilions in front of the Garbhagriha, including Gudha Mandapa (enclosed hall), Nritya Mandapa (dance hall), Mukha Mandapa (entrance hall), and Chatuskika (square platform). Their proportions and pillar arrangements are detailed.
- Shikhara (Superstructure): The various types of spires are described based on the arrangement of their components like Shringa (spires), Urushringa (sub-spires), Anda, Tilaka, and Amalaka (the crowning element). The proportions and construction methods for these are intricate.
- Shukanasa: The prominent projection on the Shikhara, its placement and proportions are discussed.
- Dhwaja (Flag): The installation of the flag on the temple, its support structure (Dhvajadhar), and the ideal proportions of the flag and flagpole are explained.
- Kalasha: The finial crowning the temple, its measurements and decorative elements are described.
Deity Placement and Iconography:
- Panchayatan Devasthana: Guidelines for placing subordinate deities in the corners of the main temple (e.g., Surya, Ganesha, Vishnu, Chandi, Shiva).
- Trimurti Placement: The arrangement of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva within a temple, with specific rules to avoid "Drishti Bhed" (conflicting gazes).
- Nabhivedha: Rules to prevent the central axis of a new temple from aligning with that of an existing one, to avoid spiritual disharmony.
- Pratima Man: Detailed instructions for the proportions and measurements of deities' idols, based on the size of the Garbhagriha and the deity's posture (standing, seated, reclining).
- Drishti Sthana: Guidelines for the placement of the deity's gaze within the Garbhagriha.
- Devata Pad Sthapan: The placement of various deities and their attending figures.
Rituals and Worship:
- Pratishtha Muhurta: Auspicious timings for consecrating the temple and installing the idol.
- Pratishtha Mandapa: The construction of a pavilion for performing consecration rituals.
- Yajnamandapa and Kundas: The construction of sacrificial altars and fire pits, with their dimensions and ritualistic significance.
- Stapati Puja: The importance of worshipping the chief architect (Sthapati) and other craftsmen after the successful completion of the temple.

III. Specific Architectural Styles and Examples:

The book discusses various regional architectural styles that influenced temple design, referencing examples from Gujarat, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Odisha, and South India (Dravida style).
It highlights the magnificent temples built during the Solanki, Chalukya, and Rajput eras, noting the impact of historical events and rulers like Maharana Kumbha in patronizing architecture.
The text also touches upon the influence of Indian art and architecture in Southeast Asia and the historical interactions with Muslim rulers in shaping architectural styles.

IV. Author's Contribution and the Text's Value:

Prabhashankar Oghadbhai Sompura's work is presented as a vital effort to preserve and disseminate traditional Indian architectural knowledge, which was often passed down orally or existed in fragmented manuscripts.
His meticulous translation and commentary make this complex text accessible to a wider audience, including scholars, architects, and enthusiasts of Indian art and heritage.
The book emphasizes the spiritual and philosophical underpinnings of Indian temple architecture, where every element is designed to foster devotion and connect the human with the divine.
It serves as a guide for contemporary architects and builders, offering timeless principles for creating sacred spaces.

In essence, "Prasad Manjari" is a detailed and authoritative treatise on the science and art of Hindu temple architecture, rooted in ancient traditions and meticulously explained through the practical knowledge of its author and commentators. It provides a blueprint for constructing temples that are not only structurally sound but also spiritually resonant.