Vastusara Prakaran

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vastusara Prakaran" by Bhagwandas Jain, based on the provided content:

Book Title: Vastusara Prakaran Author: Thakkur 'Feru' (originally authored) / Pandit Bhagwandas Jain (translator and editor) Publisher: Jain Vividh Granthmala, Jaipur City Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/002673/1 Publication Details: First Edition, Veer Nirvana Samvat 2462 / Vikram Samvat 1993 / English Year 1936, Price Five Rupees.

Overview:

"Vastusara Prakaran" is a significant Jain text focused on the principles of architecture and iconography. Originally authored by Thakkur 'Feru' in Samvat 1372 (1372 CE), the text was later translated and annotated by Pandit Bhagwandas Jain, who aimed to make its complex knowledge accessible to a wider audience. The book covers three main areas: Griha Lakshana Prakaran (description of houses), Bimba Pariksha Prakaran (examination of idols/images), and Prasad Prakaran (description of temples/edifices).

Key Content and Structure:

The text is structured into three main "Prakaran" (chapters) with a substantial appendix.

1. Griha Lakshana Prakaran (House Architecture):

• Purpose: This section addresses the desire of people to understand how to construct beautiful, artistic, and economical houses, temples, and idols, and the associated joys and sorrows of their inhabitants.
• Content:
  • Land Analysis: It details methods for testing land suitability, including digging pits, checking soil quality, and observing water absorption.
  • Direction and Measurement: Instructions are given for determining directions and using measurement units like the 'Gaj' (hand, roughly 24 inches).
  • Construction Principles: Covers principles for house construction, including auspicious timings (Muhurta) for various stages, understanding house types based on auspicious and inauspicious effects, selecting suitable wood, and the importance of Vastu Purusha Mandala (diagrams of deities in specific positions).
  • House Types: Describes various types of houses based on layout and intended occupants, including houses for kings, ministers, and common people. It also classifies houses based on the "Ayadi" (prosperous income) principles and the "Vastu Purusha Chakra" (the cosmic diagram of deities).
  • Shalya Shodhan Vidhi (Removal of Obstructions): Provides a method for identifying and removing underground obstructions (shalya) using mantras and alphabetic symbols, with detailed explanations of the malefic effects of different types of obstructions found at various depths and directions.
  • Vatsa Chakra and Shesha Naga Chakra: Discusses celestial cycles related to auspicious timings for excavation, specifically the "Vatsa Chakra" (calf cycle) and "Shesha Naga Chakra" (serpent cycle, related to Rahu), advising on the correct placement and avoidance of these influences.
  • Astrology and Domiciles: Explains the influence of zodiac signs and months on the auspiciousness of house construction and entrance.
  • House Design Elements: Details the placement and proportion of various architectural elements like doors, windows, pillars, and walls, emphasizing their impact on the inhabitants' well-being. It also describes the significance of different house designs and their names.
  • Defects and Remedies (Vadha Pariksha): Identifies various architectural defects (vedha) like misplaced pillars, doors, or wells, and their negative consequences, along with methods for their rectification or avoidance.

2. Bimba Pariksha Prakaran (Iconography):

• Purpose: This section focuses on the principles of creating and evaluating idols and religious images, ensuring their auspiciousness and adherence to prescribed artistic canons.
• Content:
  • Idol Material and Examination: Discusses the quality of stone and wood suitable for idols, including identifying flaws and blemishes.
  • Proportions and Measurements: Provides detailed guidelines on the measurements and proportions of different parts of the idol, from head to toe, for both standing and seated figures. It describes the "Tala" (a unit of measurement based on proportion) system.
  • Idol Types: Describes the characteristics of idols for different Jain Tirthankaras and their attendant deities, as well as different styles of representation.
  • Auspicious and Inauspicious Signs: Details the auspicious and inauspicious features of idols, their materials, and their impact on the devotee and the establishment.
  • Materials: Discusses the use of various materials for idols, including stone, metal (gold, silver, copper), wood, and precious stones, with guidance on their suitability and quality.
  • Perikara (Halo/Arch) and Decorations: Explains the design and construction of the decorative arch (perikara) behind the idol, including the placement of attendant deities, symbols, and decorative elements.
  • Specific Examples: Includes descriptions of the adornments and postures of various deities and Tirthankaras.

3. Prasad Prakaran (Temple Architecture):

• Purpose: This chapter provides detailed guidelines for the construction of temples, from the foundational elements to the crowning structures.
• Content:
  • Foundation and Base: Describes the process of laying the foundation, including the placement of the 'Kurma Shila' (tortoise foundation stone) and other auspicious foundation stones. It provides detailed guidelines for the dimensions of these foundational elements based on the size of the temple.
  • Pitha (Plinth/Platform): Explains the construction of the temple platform (Pitha) with its various layers (Tharas) and decorative elements.
  • Mandovara (Wall Structure): Details the thirteen layers (Tharas) of the temple wall structure (Mandovara), describing their measurements and characteristics for different architectural styles like Nagara and Meru.
  • Temple Styles: Introduces various styles of temples (Prasada) and their classification, mentioning 25 main types like Keshari, Meru, etc.
  • Shikharas (Towers): Provides guidelines for the construction of temple towers (Shikharas), including their proportions and the number of smaller spire-like elements (Andakas) associated with them. It describes different styles like Nagara, Meru, Dravida, and their variations.
  • Amalasara Kalasha (Crowning Element): Explains the construction and placement of the crowning pot (Kalasha) and its components like the Shukanasa (ornamental projection).
  • Kanakapurusha: Describes the auspicious figure of a golden man (Kanakapurusha) placed at the pinnacle of the temple.
  • Dhvajadanda (Flag Staff) and Dhvaja (Flag): Details the construction of the flag staff and the flag, including their dimensions and auspiciousness.
  • Gates and Entrances: Provides guidance on the dimensions and auspicious placement of temple gates (Dvara) and their decorative elements like doorframes (Dvarashakha) and thresholds (Dehli).
  • Temple Layouts: Describes various temple layouts, including the arrangement of component parts like the Garbhagriha (sanctum), Mandapa (hall), and surrounding structures.
  • Vastu Purusha Mandala: Reaffirms the importance of the Vastu Purusha Mandala, specifying the number of squares (padas) for different types of structures (64, 81, 100, 49) and the placement of deities within them.
  • Decorative Elements: Mentions the inclusion of various decorative elements like pillars, windows (Gavaksha), and carvings.

Appendix (Parishishta):

• Vajralepa (Diamond Plaster): Describes a special plaster recipe and its application for strengthening walls and structures, claiming it can last for thousands of years.
• Laxmi, Navagraha, Dikpal, and Vidyadevi Iconography: Provides descriptions and illustrations of various deities, including the Sixteen Vidyadevis, Nine Planets (Navagraha), Ten Dikpalas (Guardians of Directions), and attendant deities of Tirthankaras (Yakshas and Yakshinis).
• Tirthankara Symbols: Lists the symbolic representations of the 24 Tirthankaras.
• Auspicious Timings (Muhurta): Offers extensive details on auspicious times for various religious and architectural activities like consecration (Pratishtha), foundation laying (Shilanyas), and house entry (Griha Pravesh), based on constellations, lunar days, weekdays, planetary positions, and astrological calculations. This section includes discussions on various yoga (combinations of celestial influences) and their auspiciousness or inauspiciousness.

Key Principles and Themes:

• Holistic Approach: The text emphasizes a holistic approach to construction, integrating architectural design with astrological considerations, ethical principles, and the well-being of the inhabitants.
• Symbolism and Auspiciousness: Every aspect of design, from the orientation of the building to the smallest decorative element, is imbued with symbolic meaning and aims to bring auspiciousness.
• Preservation of Tradition: The translator, Pandit Bhagwandas Jain, highlights the decline of traditional Indian architecture due to historical events and expresses his intention to revive and disseminate this ancient knowledge.
• Accessibility: Pandit Bhagwandas Jain's translation and commentary are crucial for making the complex Sanskrit/Prakrit verses understandable to the general public, explaining technical terms and providing illustrations.
• Jain Philosophy: The text reflects Jain principles, particularly in its emphasis on the sanctity of life, the importance of virtuous living, and the devotional aspect of idol worship.

Significance:

"Vastusara Prakaran" is a valuable resource for understanding Jain architectural traditions and iconography. It offers practical guidance for building houses and temples that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also conducive to spiritual and material well-being, adhering to the principles laid down in ancient Jain scriptures. The translator's efforts ensure that this knowledge remains accessible and relevant for contemporary practice and study.