Vastunighantu

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vastunighantu" by Prabhashankar Oghadbhai Sompura, based on the provided pages.

Vastunighantu: A Comprehensive Lexicon of Architecture and Sculpture

"Vastunighantu" is a monumental work by the renowned Shilpavisharad Sthapati Shri Prabhashankar Oghadbhai Sompura. Published by Prabhashankar Oghadbhai Sompura of Palitana, this book serves as a detailed lexicon and guide to the principles of Vastushastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture and construction, with a particular emphasis on Jain traditions. The author, hailing from a family with a long lineage of master sculptors and architects, meticulously compiled this work, drawing from a vast repository of ancient Sanskrit texts.

Core Principles and Scope:

The book is structured to provide a holistic understanding of Vastushastra, encompassing its eight essential components (Ashtanga). It delves into:

• Land Selection and Examination (Bhumi Pariksha): A crucial first step in any construction, this section details the methods for assessing land based on its taste, color, smell, slope, and other vital characteristics. It elaborates on identifying auspicious and inauspicious land, including the study of "shalya" (hidden imperfections or buried objects) and provides methods for their rectification.
• Vastupurusha and Marmasthanas: The text explains the concept of Vastupurusha, the cosmic being on whom any structure is theoretically built. It meticulously describes the 81-pala (square division) Vastupurusha mandala and identifies key "marmasthanas" (vital points) in the architecture where construction elements like walls, pillars, or platforms should not be placed to avoid structural defects and negative energies. Different texts like Rajavallabha, Aparajita Sutra, Brihat Samhita, and Samaranganasutradhara are cited for their interpretations of these "marmasthanas."
• Residential Architecture (Griha-Grihasthanaam Ghar): The book explores the creation of residential dwellings through the concept of "prastar" (architectural patterns derived from poetic meters), explaining how different combinations of "laghu" (short) and "guru" (long) syllables in prosody translate into various house designs, such as Dhruva, Dhanya, and Jaya. It outlines 16 types of houses based on these principles.
• Palatial Architecture (Rajbhavan, Rajveshm, Rajmahel): This section details the construction of royal residences, including the six types of palaces (Maand, Mourd, Shuddha, Shikhar, Tungar, Simhavalokan), eight types of assembly halls (Sabhashtaak), features like vedikas (platforms), thrones, and the sixteen types of "gavakshas" (windows or jharukhas).
• Temple Architecture (Devaprasad): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the intricate science of temple construction, discussing the two primary types: "Nirdhara" (temples without a circumambulatory path) and "Sandhara" (temples with a circumambulatory path). It outlines the eighteen essential components of a temple, including the Jagati (base), Peetha (plinth), Mandovar (wall structure), Shikhar (spire), Mandapa (hall), Vitana (ceiling/dome), and various other elements like Toranas and Kapotas. It also categorizes temples based on their stylistic classifications, such as Nagara, Dravida, Latina, Bhumiija, Phamsana, and others, detailing their characteristics and regional variations.
• Town Planning and Fortifications (Nagar Vidhan and Durga Vidhan): The book provides guidelines for establishing cities and forts, describing ideal city layouts, street planning, and the characteristics of auspicious cities. It also details the various types of forts (Durga) based on their geographical location and defensive features, referencing texts like the Samaranganasutradhara.
• Water Structures (Jalashay): The principles behind constructing various water bodies like wells (Kupa), step-wells (Vapika), and tanks (Talav) are explained, including their specific designs and auspicious placement.
• Iconography (Pratima Vidhan): This extensive section covers the creation of deities' images, detailing the forms, iconography, proportions (mana), and attributes of major Hindu deities like Brahma, Vishnu (including his avatars and names), Shiva (in his various lingam forms and representations), Ganesha, Kartikeya, Durga, Surya, Navagrahas, and various divine attendants like Yakshas, Yakshinis, and Vidyadevis.
• Jain Architecture and Iconography: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to Jain architectural principles, describing the construction of Samavasarana (assemblies of Jain Tirthankaras), Mount Meru (Merugiri), Ashtapada, and Nandi-dvipa. It details the iconography of the 24 Jain Tirthankaras, their symbolic attributes (laanchhan), and their associated guardian deities (Yakshas and Yakshinis). It also explains the significance of Jain auspicious symbols (Ashtamangala).
• Veda Dosha Vichara (Consideration of Architectural Flaws): The text meticulously outlines forty-one types of architectural "doshas" (flaws) that can arise from improper design or placement of structural elements, such as "Talavedha," "Stambhavadha," and "Hridaya Vedha." It explains the negative consequences of these flaws and provides guidance on how to avoid them.
• Indian Architectural Styles: The book explores various regional architectural styles prevalent across India, including Nagara, Dravida, Latina, Bhumiija, Phamsana, and their distinct characteristics.
• Glossary of Terms (Shabda Kosh): Given the technical nature of Vastushastra, the book includes an extensive glossary of Sanskrit terms used in architecture and sculpture, providing their meanings and contextual explanations.

Author's Intent and Legacy:

Shri Prabhashankar Oghadbhai Sompura undertook this extensive compilation due to the request of many scholars and esteemed individuals like Shri Motichandbhai, Director of the Prince of Wales Museum, and Dr. Vasudev Sharan Agarwal, who recognized the need for a comprehensive glossary of architectural terminology. The work was also influenced by his son, Balwantrai, who had begun work on a similar project for the Gujarat University's terminology committee. Tragically, Balwantrai's untimely demise in the Himalayas left the project incomplete. Prabhashankar Oghadbhai Sompura, in his son's memory and in accordance with the wishes of those who had encouraged him, dedicated himself to completing this magnum opus. He aimed to encompass the vast ocean of sculptural knowledge within the vessel of this "Nighantu" (lexicon), thus naming the book "Vastu-Nighantu."

Contribution to the Field:

"Vastunighantu" is a treasure trove of knowledge for architects, sculptors, historians, and anyone interested in the rich architectural heritage of India, particularly the Jain tradition. It bridges the gap between traditional shilpi (artisan) language and scholarly discourse, making complex concepts accessible. The author's deep understanding, extensive experience, and dedication have resulted in a work that is both authoritative and invaluable for preserving and propagating the ancient sciences of architecture and sculpture. His contributions were recognized with the Padma Shri award by the Government of India and the title of "Shilp Visharad" by Jagadguru Shri Shankaracharya.

This summary highlights the breadth and depth of "Vastunighantu" as a foundational text for understanding the intricate and profound science of Vastushastra.