Vastusara Prakarana - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vastusara Prakarana" by Bhagwandas Jain, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Vastusara Prakarana Author: Bhagwandas Jain (Translator), Thakur Pheru (Original Author) Publisher: Raj Rajendra Prakashan Trust Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/004647/1

Overview:

"Vastusara Prakarana" is a Jain architectural treatise originally composed by Thakur Pheru in Vikram Samvat 1372 (around 1315 CE) during the reign of Alauddin Khilji in Delhi. The text, translated and published by Pandit Bhagwandas Jain, aims to provide comprehensive guidelines for constructing beautiful, flawless, and auspicious buildings, temples, and idols. It emphasizes the impact of architectural choices on the well-being and happiness of inhabitants and worshippers.

Key Sections and Content:

The book is divided into three main chapters:

Griha Vastusha (House Architecture):
- Introduction: The preface laments the decline of traditional architectural knowledge due to the scarcity of ancient texts and the destruction of buildings during historical periods. It highlights the durability and artistry of ancient Indian structures.
- Purpose: The author states the desire to understand how to build beautiful, flawless houses, temples, and idols that bring joy, influence happiness and sorrow, and determine the fruits of good and bad deeds.
- Structure of the Text: The author mentions that the book contains three chapters with a total of 274 verses (gathas).
- Land Assessment (Bhumi Pariksha):
  - Excavation Test: A 24-finger deep pit is to be dug and refilled with the excavated soil. If the soil is insufficient, the land is "deficient" (heen); if it's excessive, it's "excellent" (uttam); if it's just enough, it's "equal" (saman).
  - Water Test: A pit is filled with water. After walking 100 steps away and returning, if 3 fingers of water have evaporated, the land is "inferior" (adham); 2 fingers, "medium" (madhyam); and 1 finger, "superior" (uttam).
  - Soil Color: White soil is for Brahmins, red for Kshatriyas, yellow for Vaishyas, and black for Shudras. Soil color should match the caste for prosperity.
- Direction Determination (Disha Sadhan):
  - A detailed method using a sundial (shanku) and shadow casting is described to determine the cardinal directions. This involves placing a 12-finger high cone on a circular plot and observing the shadow's end point at sunrise and sunset.
  - Diagram: A diagram illustrates this directional finding technique.
- Square Plot Establishment (Samachauras Sthapana):
  - A circle of one hand's width is drawn on a flat ground. An octagon is inscribed within the circle. A square with 17-finger sides is then drawn within the octagon.
  - Mathematical Basis: It's noted that mathematically, an 8-sided figure within a circle of 1 hand's span would have 9-finger sides, and a square would have 17-finger sides.
- Octagonal Layout (Ashtamansha Sthapana):
  - The text describes dividing each side of a square plot into 12 parts and arranging them to form an octagonal layout. This is commonly used in temple pavilions and palaces.
- Land Purity (Bhumi Shodhan):
  - Soil Quality: Mentions specific requirements for soil: quick germination of seeds, absence of termites, cracks, or impurities (shalyas), and proper water drainage towards the east, northeast, or north.
  - Harmful Soils: Details the negative effects of different soil types: termite-infested soil causes illness, saline soil causes troubles, excessively cracked soil leads to death, and impure soil causes suffering.
  - Directional Drainage: Specific negative outcomes are associated with water flowing towards particular directions: southwest, west, south, northwest, and central areas being low are linked to illness, poverty, destruction of wealth, strife, travel, and overall destruction, respectively.
  - Favorable Soil: Describes soil that is cool in summer, warm in winter, and pleasant during monsoon seasons.
  - Aesthetic Appeal: Emphasizes that land which pleases the mind and eyes is best for construction.
- Salya Shodhan Vidhi (Impurity Removal Method):
  - A method using mantras and letters is described to identify and remove "salya" (impurities or buried objects) from the land. Nine specific letters are associated with different directions and potential impurities like human remains, donkey carcasses, dog remains, etc., indicating potential harms if left untreated.
- Vatsa Chakra (The Ox Cycle):
  - Explains the "Vatsa Chakra," a concept related to auspicious directions for construction based on the Sun's position in zodiacal signs. It warns against starting construction work when the Vatsa's head faces certain directions.
  - Dina Sankhya: Details a cyclical system of days assigned to different parts of the land for various activities, specifying periods when work is forbidden.
  - Vatsa Directional Impact: Explains that if the Vatsa faces you, it's detrimental to lifespan; if it's behind, it destroys wealth; if it's to the left or right, it's auspicious.
- Sheshnag Chakra (The Serpent Cycle):
  - Discusses the "Sheshnag Chakra" or "Rahu Chakra" for foundation laying. It identifies the serpent's head, navel, and tail in different directions and advises avoiding these spots for excavation.
  - Directional Excavation: Provides guidelines on where to excavate based on the serpent's direction.
  - Foundation Ceremony (Khat Muhurta): Elaborates on the consequences of digging in specific parts of the serpent's body (head, navel, tail) versus empty spaces, emphasizing the benefits of excavating in the clear areas.
  - Sheshnag Chakra Diagram: A diagram illustrates the circular arrangement of days of the week and how the serpent's form interacts with specific days, indicating forbidden spots for excavation.
- House and Mansion Dimensions (Raja Adikana Panch Grihonu Man):
  - Provides detailed measurements for the width and length of houses for various social classes and roles, including kings, generals, ministers, princes, queens, astrologers, physicians, and priests. These measurements are given in "hasta" (cubits) and vary based on the quality (uttam, madhyam, etc.).
- Varna Grihonu Man (House Dimensions by Caste):
  - Specifies house dimensions for Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, Shudras, and Antyaj (outcastes), with a base width and length, and subsequent reductions for each lower caste.
- Main House and Verandah (Mukhyagriha Ane Alinda ni Samaj):
  - Distinguishes between the "mula-griha" (main house) and "alinda" (verandah/outer rooms), providing their dimensions and how they relate to the overall structure.
- Gaj Measurement: Explains different types of "gaj" (cubit) measurements (jayeshtha, madhyam, kanishtha) based on the number of "jaws" (barley grains) per angul. It also details the deities associated with different parts of the gaj and the implications of touching them.
- Shilpi Sutra (Artisan's Tools): Lists eight types of measuring threads and tools used by artisans.
- Aya Lagvanani Reet (Method of Calculating 'Aya'): Describes how to calculate the "Aya" (a measure of auspiciousness for a building) based on the dimensions of the plot.
- Eight Types of Aya (Aath Ayana Naam): Names and briefly describes eight types of Aya (Dhvaj, Dhumra, Simha, Shva, Vrishabha, Khar, Gaja, Kaka) and their associated auspiciousness.
- Aya Chakra (The Aya Cycle): Explains how to determine the "Aya" and its placement in different directions.
- Door Placement Based on Aya: Guides on appropriate door placements based on the calculated Aya.
- Aya Interchangeability: Discusses rules for substituting one type of Aya for another under certain conditions, with exceptions.
- Caste-Specific Aya: Specifies which Aya is suitable for houses of different castes (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra).
- Aya for Different Structures: Dictates the appropriate Aya for cities, villages, forts, wells, ponds, beds, seats, and temples.
- House Nakshatra and Rashi: Explains methods to determine the auspicious "Nakshatra" (lunar mansion) and "Rashi" (zodiacal sign) for a house, and the compatibility between the house's Rashi and the owner's Rashi.
- Vyaya (Expenditure): Discusses calculating and interpreting "Vyaya" (expenditure), categorizing it into Yaksha, Rakshasa, and Pishacha Vyaya, and their auspiciousness.
- Ansha (Portion): Explains how to determine "Ansha" (portion) based on house area, name letters, and Vyaya, with interpretations for Indra, Yama, and Raja Ansha.
- Tara Calculation: Describes calculating "Tara" (star) based on the owner's and house's Nakshatras and its auspiciousness.
- Exceptions to Rules: Mentions that calculations for Aya, Vyaya, and monthly purity are not necessary for houses longer than 11 cubits or for repairs of old structures.
- Owner-House Relationship: Emphasizes the need to consider the relationship between the house and its owner, including factors like Yoni, Gana, Rashi, and Nadi Bhed.
- Definitions of Architectural Terms: Defines various architectural components like Sala (room), Alinda (verandah), Patashala, Gunjari, Jaliya (window), Thambha (pillar), Bharpata, Pitha (platform), etc.
- Types of Houses: Explains that houses are classified based on the combination and variation of these components, leading to thousands of house types.
- Dhruvaadi Houses: Lists 16 types of houses starting with Dhruva, along with their meanings and auspiciousness.
- Prastar Vidhi (Construction Method): Details a method for creating layouts based on the "Prastar" (a pattern of short and long syllables in prosody) to determine the placement of walls and rooms.
- Shantanaadi Houses: Describes 64 types of houses based on the arrangement of rooms and verandahs, categorizing them as auspicious or inauspicious.
- Suryaadi Houses: Details 8 specific types of houses related to the Sun and their characteristics.
- House Height: Discusses optimal house heights based on width, with different proportions for various sections.
- Room Placement: Advises on the placement of rooms like kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms, etc., within the house and the auspicious directions for doors.
- Door Specifications: Provides detailed rules for the dimensions and placement of doors, including auspicious and inauspicious directions and specific rules for southern doors.
- House Height and Stability: Discusses the effect of house height in different directions on prosperity and stability.
- Vastu Purusha Chakra: Explains the concept of Vastu Purusha, a cosmic diagram representing deities and their positions within a building's footprint, and the rules for placing pillars without obstructing these divine energies. It lists numerous deities and their locations within the Vastu grid.
- Vastu Mandala Sizes: Specifies the grid sizes (in pada or squares) for Vastu Purusha diagrams in different contexts: village, palaces, general houses, repaired houses, and temples.
- Wegh (Obstructions): Describes various types of obstructions (Talavedha, Konavedha, Taluyavedha, Kapalavedha, Stambhavadha, Tulavedha, Dwaravedha) and their negative impacts, along with methods for avoiding or mitigating them.
- Wegh Effects: Details the specific ailments and misfortunes associated with each type of Wegh.
- Wegh Avoidance: Suggests leaving a certain amount of space around obstructions based on the building's height.
- Types of Wood: Lists auspicious and inauspicious woods for construction, detailing woods to avoid and their negative consequences.
- Tree Placement: Discusses the placement of trees around a house and their auspicious or inauspicious effects.
- Stone vs. Wood: Advises using materials consistent with the building's primary structure (stone for stone buildings, wood for wooden ones).
- Forbidden Materials: Prohibits using materials from other sacred or significant structures (like temples, wells, palaces) for personal homes.
- Window Placement: Discourages placing windows in the back wall of the lower floor.
- Corner and Shape Restrictions: Avoids triangular or pentagonal plots within the house or courtyard, as they are considered inauspicious.
- Door Placement Rules: Specific rules regarding the number of doors and their placement relative to each other and the main structure.
- Ideal House Shapes: Discourages houses with certain door arrangements or shapes that are not aesthetically pleasing or are considered inauspicious.
- Paintings in Houses: Recommends auspicious themes for paintings (like flowers, deities, auspicious symbols) and prohibits inauspicious ones (like battle scenes, dramatic performances).
Bimba Pariksha (Idol Examination):
- Idol Proportions: Discusses the correct proportions and measurements for idols, emphasizing the importance of specific ratios for different parts of the body.
- Stone and Wood Quality: Details methods for testing the quality of stone and wood for idol carving, identifying defects like internal cracks, knots, or infestation.
- Auspicious and Inauspicious Lines: Describes the significance of lines (rekha) found in stone or wood and which ones are auspicious or inauspicious.
- Metal and Material: Discusses the use of gold, silver, copper, brass, lead, tin, and wood for making idols, specifying which are preferred and which to avoid.
- Idol Height: Provides guidelines for the height of idols in houses and temples, with different rules for various types of idols and their placement.
- Panchatirthi: Explains the concept of "Panchatirthi" where five idols are placed together.
- Defective Idols: Discusses the implications of idols with broken limbs or features, and which are acceptable for worship and which should be replaced or not installed.
- Recarving and Re-consecration: Explains that while metal and plaster idols can be repaired, stone and wood idols cannot be altered once consecrated.
- Temple Idols vs. House Idols: Differentiates between idols suitable for temples and those for domestic worship.
- Specific Tirthankara Rules: Mentions that idols of Mallinath, Neminath, and Mahavir are generally considered to promote detachment and are thus better suited for temples than homes.
Prasad Prakarana (Temple Architecture):
- Foundation (Khat): Details the depth of foundation digging, mentioning the discovery of water or stone.
- Karmashila and Kurmashila: Explains the placement and dimensions of the foundation stones, including the central "Kurmashila" (tortoise stone) and surrounding "Khursila" stones, their materials (gold, silver), and the rites involved.
- Bhit (Wall) Dimensions: Provides rules for wall thickness based on the building's width.
- Peeth (Platform) Dimensions: Discusses the height of the platform (Peeth) based on the temple's width and different tiers.
- Mandovar (Wall Structure): Describes the various layers and decorative elements (thara) of the temple walls (Mandovar), with detailed proportions for each element.
- Shikhara (Spire) Counts: Lists the number of spires ("anda") for different types of temples, ranging from five for the Kesari type to 101 for the Meru type.
- Temple Layouts: Briefly mentions 25 types of temples and their varying numbers of spires.
- Temple Structure (Garbhagriha and Walls): Explains the relationship between the central sanctum (Garbhagriha), walls, and the overall structure.
- Temple Height: Provides guidelines for calculating temple height based on width, with different proportions for various sizes.
- Shikhara Styles: Mentions different styles of spires like Bhumaja, Nagara, Dravida, and Shrivatsa.
- Shikhara Details: Describes components of the spire like Urushikhara, Kuta, Tilaka, and their placement.
- Amlaka and Kalasha: Details the construction and placement of the Amlaka ( amalaka) and Kalasha (pot) at the pinnacle of the spire, including their measurements and materials.
- Amlaka Placement: Advises on placing the Amlaka, with specific rituals involving sandalwood and gold figures.
- Materials for Amlaka: Recommends using materials consistent with the main temple structure.
- Shukanaasa (Nose-like projection): Discusses the dimensions and placement of the "Shukanaasa" projection, a common feature in North Indian temple architecture.
- Inauspicious Construction: Highlights certain architectural designs to avoid, such as temples with foundations reaching water levels or those with specific spire shapes.
- Kanakpurusha: Explains the concept and dimensions of the "Kanakpurusha" (golden man) placed during the consecration.
- Dhvajadanda (Flagstaff): Provides guidelines for the dimensions and placement of the flagstaff, including the practice of not placing it atop a temple housing a Vatsa (ox-like) feature.
- Door Dimensions: Gives specific rules for the height and width of temple doors based on the temple's overall size.
- Door Decoration: Discusses the placement of deities and decorative motifs around the door.
- Temple Complex Layout: Details the arrangement of multiple temples (Chouvis Jinalaya, Bavanna Jinalaya, Batol Jinalaya) and their relationship to the main shrine.
- Idol Placement in Temples: Outlines the specific placement of idols of Tirthankaras and attendant deities.
- Saraswati and other Deities: Mentions the placement of Saraswati and other guardian deities.
- Temple Wood Types: Lists auspicious and inauspicious woods for constructing wooden temples.
- Wooden Temple Rules: Advises against using wooden temples for permanent worship but allows them for temporary use during pilgrimages.
- Temple Design Variations: Describes various temple designs like Pushpa Vimana, and rules for pillars, doors, and windows.
- Jagati (Terrace): Explains the concept of "Jagati" as the sacred platform surrounding the temple, its various shapes, sizes, and decorative elements.
- Mandapa (Hall) Design: Discusses the layout and dimensions of various halls like Gudhamandapa, Nrityamandapa, Rangamandapa, and Balanaka.
- Pillar Design: Details the proportions and decorative elements of pillars.
- Amlaka and Shukanaasa: Further elaborates on the dimensions and placement of these architectural features.
- Conch and Other Ornaments: Describes the construction and placement of various decorative elements like conches, lotuses, and elephant figures.
- Materials for Amlaka: Recommends using materials consistent with the temple's primary structure.
- Conch Shell Usage: Discusses the auspiciousness and proper handling of specific types of conch shells.
Ratna Pariksha (Gemstone Examination):
- Gemstone Valuation: Provides a detailed table of values (in "Tanka") for various gemstones like diamonds, rubies, emeralds, pearls, sapphires, etc., indicating their quality and worth.
- Gemstone Origins: Describes the geographical locations where different precious stones are found.
- Gemstone Quality and Defects: Details characteristics of good and bad gemstones, including color, clarity, and presence of internal flaws.
- Specific Gemstone Descriptions: Offers detailed descriptions and identification methods for various gems, including diamonds, rubies, emeralds, pearls, sapphires, etc.
- Testing Methods: Mentions methods for testing gems, such as the "kanjipani" (rice water) and "bilva" (Bael fruit) paste test.
- Metal and Alloy: Discusses the properties and use of metals like gold, silver, copper, brass, lead, and tin.
- Artificial Materials: Explains how to identify and test artificial materials used in jewelry.
- Fragrances and Incense: Describes various fragrant materials and incense mixes.
- Specific Materials: Details the origin and characteristics of materials like Kasturi (musk), Gorochana, Agaru, Chandan (sandalwood), and Sindoor.

Overall Significance:

"Vastusara Prakarana" is a valuable historical text that offers a glimpse into the sophisticated architectural and religious practices of Jainism during medieval India. It demonstrates a deep understanding of Vastu Shastra principles, gemology, and iconometry, reflecting a holistic approach to construction that intertwined artistic, scientific, and spiritual considerations. The book serves as a crucial resource for scholars, architects, and anyone interested in the rich heritage of Indian traditional architecture and Jain religious art.