Samarangana Sutra Dhara Part 2

The provided text is a collection of scanned pages from Jain religious and scholarly works, primarily focusing on architecture, iconography, and philosophy. The title explicitly mentioned is "Samarangana Sutra Dhara Part 2," authored by Bhojdev and Ganpati Shastri, published by Central Library. The catalog link confirms its nature.

Here's a comprehensive summary based on the provided pages, particularly highlighting the content of "Samarangana Sutra Dhara Part 2" and the context of its publication:

Context of Publication and the "Aho Shrut Gyanam" Initiative:

• Jain Education International: The text is presented under the auspices of "JAIN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL FOR PRIVATE AND PERSONAL USE ONLY," indicating its purpose is for educational and dissemination of Jain knowledge.
• Granth Jirnoddhar (Restoration of Texts): Several pages (Page 2, 4, 6, 8, 9) clearly indicate a project for the "restoration of ancient books" (ग्रंथ जीर्णोद्धार). This project aims to digitize and preserve rare and often inaccessible Jain scriptures.
• Sets of Restored Texts: The project has produced multiple sets of scanned books, with "Set No. 1" (Samvat 2065/2009), "Set No. 2" (Samvat 2066/2010), and "Set No. 3" (Samvat 2067/2011) being listed. This indicates a systematic effort to cover a broad range of important Jain literature.
• Donors and Supporters: Pages 1 and 2 acknowledge financial contributors and organizers, such as Shri Ashapurana Parshwanath Jain Gyanbhandar, Shri Vimalaben Saramel Javerchandji Bedawala, and others. The project is driven by the inspiration of various spiritual leaders and trusts.
• Availability: The last page of the index (Page 9) mentions that these restored books are available for download from a website, further emphasizing the project's goal of accessibility.

Content of "Samarangana Sutra Dhara Part 2":

• Focus on Architecture and Sculpture: The core of the provided text, particularly the detailed chapter headings (starting from Page 16 onwards), reveals that "Samarangana Sutra Dhara Part 2" is a significant treatise on Vastu Shastra (Indian architecture and science of building). It delves into various aspects of temple construction, design, and associated arts.
• Detailed Classification of Temples (Prasadas): A substantial portion of the text is dedicated to describing different types of temples, often categorized by their architectural styles, shapes, number of stories, and specific divine associations.
  • Chapter 55 (मेवदिषोडशप्रासादादिलक्षणाध्यायः): Discusses sixteen types of temples starting with Meru, Kailasa, Sarvatobhadra, Vimanachhanda, Nandana, Swastika, Muktakona, Srivatsa, etc. It provides detailed measurements, proportions, and construction guidelines for each.
  • Chapter 56 (रुचकादिचतुष्पष्टिप्रासादकाध्यायः): Details sixty-four types of temples, including Lalita (decorative), Mishraka (mixed), and Nigudha (hidden) categories, with names like Ruchaka, Bhadraka, Hansa, Srivatsa, Kesari, etc. The text specifies the number of andakas (domes or storeys) for many of these.
  • Chapter 57 (मेवादिविंशिकानागरप्रासादलक्षणाध्यायः): Continues the discussion on temple classifications, focusing on twenty types of Nagara style temples, along with their dimensional rules, constituent parts, and stylistic variations.
  • Other Chapters: Various subsequent chapters (58-83) systematically describe different architectural elements and temple types like Digbhadra, Bhumija, Mandala, various specific temple names (Pushpaka, Vijayabhadra, etc.), and detailed aspects of construction, including Jagatī (platform) dimensions, Peethas (bases), lingas, pratihas (images), and painting techniques.
• Iconography and Deities: The text details the forms and proportions of various deities and their representations in sculptures and images, including Brahma, Surya, Vishnu, Shiva, Lakshmi, Ganesha, and Lokapalas.
• Art of Painting: Chapters on Chitra (painting) are included, covering techniques, pigments, and the delineation of figures.
• Detailed Construction Principles: The text provides precise architectural measurements, proportions (mana), and guidelines for constructing various parts of a building, such as pillars, walls, domes (andakas), roofs, and decorative elements.
• Mechanical Inventions (Mentioned in Preface): The preface (Page 15) notes that the work also describes various machines like elephant machines, floor-keeper machines, and flying machines, though the author (T. Ganapati Sastri) acknowledges their lack of prior documentation and potential imaginative nature.
• Authoritative Nature: The preface mentions King Bhoja of Dhara, the author of "Sringaraprakasa," as the author of "Samarangana Sutra Dhara," attributing a high place to him in the domain of Sahitya (literature) and Vastu.

Overall Significance:

"Samarangana Sutra Dhara Part 2," as presented in this digitized format through the "Aho Shrut Gyanam" initiative, is a valuable scholarly work. It offers a deep dive into the sophisticated architectural and artistic traditions of ancient India, as codified in Jain Jain texts. The project highlights the Jain community's commitment to preserving and disseminating their rich literary heritage. The text itself is a testament to the detailed knowledge of architecture, urban planning, sculpture, and painting available in classical Indian literature.