Vedhvastu Prabhakara - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Vedhvastu Prabhakar" by Prabhashankar Oghadbhai Sompura, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Vedhvastu Prabhakar Author: Prabhashankar Oghadbhai Sompura Publisher: Balwantrai Sompura

Overall Theme and Purpose:

"Vedhvastu Prabhakar" is a significant work on Vastu Shastra (the ancient Indian science of architecture and design), specifically focusing on architectural principles, identifying and rectifying potential defects ("Vastu Dosha" or "Vedha"), and providing guidance on auspicious construction and deity placement. The book aims to preserve and disseminate the traditional knowledge of Vastu Shastra, which the author believes is crucial for societal well-being and prosperity.

Key Highlights and Contents:

Introduction to Vastu Shastra: The book begins by tracing the origins of Vastu to the fundamental human need for shelter against natural elements. It explains that "Vastu" refers to any structure, from a simple dwelling to palaces, temples, cities, and reservoirs. The text emphasizes the ancient roots of Indian Vastu Vidya, referencing its presence in Vedic texts, Puranas, and Jain Agamas. It highlights Vastu Shastra as an Upaveda of the Atharvaveda.
Evolution of Architecture: The author describes the progression of architectural materials from simple organic substances to wood, bricks, and stone, and then to metals. He notes how early structures were simple, evolving to become more ornate over time, as seen in cave architecture and stone temples.
The Role of the Architect (Sthapati/Shilpi): The book pays homage to the skill and artistry of Indian architects, referring to them as "kavi" (poets) who breathed life into stone. It praises their ability to express emotions and divine concepts through their creations. The author also emphasizes the traditional reverence for architects, who were considered manifestations of Vishwakarma, the divine architect.
Significance of Architecture and Art: The text underscores the importance of ancient architecture and literature in reflecting a nation's culture and valuing knowledge and art as invaluable wealth. It asserts that architecture is an essential and meaningful aspect of human life, captivating both the heart and the eyes.
The Science of Vastu and its Branches: The book clarifies the distinct but interconnected domains within Vastu Shastra:
- Vastu Shastra: The overarching science covering geography, pathways, cities, forts, reservoirs, palaces, temples, land assessment, and royal knowledge.
- Sthapatya (Architecture): The art of constructing large-scale structures like cities, forts, reservoirs, and palaces.
- Shilpa (Sculpture/Artistry): The decorative and artistic elements within these structures, including gates, embellishments, sculptures, idols, niches, and carved elements.
Praise for Indian Architects: The author highlights the architects' ability to carve divine narratives and emotions into stone, making their creations immortal. The Kailasa Temple at Ellora is cited as a prime example of unparalleled skill.
The Caste System and Architects: The text discusses the hereditary nature of architectural professions, with specific communities or castes forming around particular skills. It mentions the lineage of Vishwakarma and his disciples as the originators of architectural knowledge.
Key Vastu Principles and Concepts:
- Land Selection and Testing (Bhumipariksha): Detailed guidance on selecting suitable land based on its smell, color, taste, and slope. It describes various tests, including the buried pot test and the "shalya" (removing embedded objects) process.
- Directional Principles (Disha Shuddhi/Vastu Vedha): The book extensively discusses the concept of "Vedha," which refers to architectural defects caused by improper placement or alignment. It describes various "Vedha Doshas" like those caused by misaligned entrances, incorrect proportions, structural flaws, and the presence of trees or water bodies inauspicious locations. Specific descriptions are provided for different types of Vedhas (Talvedha, Talvedha, Drishtivedha, Kulyavedha, etc.).
- Deity Placement and Temple Architecture: The text provides detailed instructions on the placement of various deities within a temple and house, emphasizing the importance of correct proportions, placement, and adherence to traditional rules to ensure prosperity and well-being. It discusses the proper positioning of the main deity, ancillary deities, and decorative elements.
- Building Materials and Their Properties: The author touches upon the properties and uses of various building materials, including stone, brick, wood, metal, and alloys.
- Proportions and Measurements (Mana): Emphasis is placed on adhering to correct proportions and measurements for all architectural elements to avoid defects and ensure auspiciousness.
- Purification Rituals and Worship: The book outlines rituals for purification, consecration, and worship, including the "Vastu Purusha Mandala" and the procedures for various pujas.
- Types of Temples and Architecture: It discusses different styles of temple architecture, such as Nagara, Dravida, Bhoomi, Latia, and Vesara, noting regional variations and their characteristics.
- Remedies for Vastu Dosha: The text implicitly and explicitly suggests that adherence to the described principles and rectifying any deviations can mitigate or eliminate Vastu Dosha.
Genealogy and Lineage of Architects: The book highlights the author's own lineage, tracing it back to the Bharadwaja Gotra and mentioning prominent figures like Sthapati Ramjibhai and his ancestors, emphasizing the hereditary transmission of architectural knowledge.
Specific Chapters/Sections Discussed:
- Bhumipariksha (Land Testing): Detailed sections on assessing land for construction.
- Dighvashadh (Directional Principles): Rules related to orientation and placement.
- Ganita (Mathematics): Mathematical principles applied in Vastu.
- Stambha Chakra (Pillar Layouts): Guidelines for pillar placement.
- Vastu Purusha Utpatti and Pujan: The origin and worship of the Vastu Purusha.
- Vajralepa (Special Plaster/Mortar): Recipes and properties of a durable plaster.
- Vastu Mudrana (Vastu Measurement): Principles of measurement.
- Vastu Dravyadi Sthapana (Materials and Their Placement): Guidelines for different materials.
- Vastu Pujan Vidhi (Worship Procedures): Detailed steps for performing Vastu pujas.
- Shilpi Lakshana (Qualities of an Architect): Defining the ideal attributes of an architect.
- Sutradhara Pujan Vidhi (Worship of the Master Architect): Procedures for honoring the master architect.
- Devata Nyasa (Deity Placement): Comprehensive guidelines for placing deities in temples and houses.
- Vastu Mudrana (Vastu Measurement): Principles of measurement.
- Vastu Dravyadi Sthapana (Materials and Their Placement): Guidelines for different materials.
- Vastu Pujan Vidhi (Worship Procedures): Detailed steps for performing Vastu pujas.
- Shilpi Lakshana (Qualities of an Architect): Defining the ideal attributes of an architect.
- Sutradhara Pujan Vidhi (Worship of the Master Architect): Procedures for honoring the master architect.
- Devata Nyasa (Deity Placement): Comprehensive guidelines for placing deities in temples and houses.
- Vastu Upakaranadi Sthapana (Vastu Accessories and Their Placement): Details on materials and their usage.
- Pujan Samagri (Worship Materials): Lists of items needed for rituals.
Focus on Jain Architecture: While the text is broadly about Vastu Shastra, there are specific references to Jain temples, Jina idols, and the placement of Jain deities, indicating a focus on applying these principles within the Jain tradition.
Author's Expertise and Dedication: The book is a testament to Prabhashankar Oghadbhai Sompura's deep knowledge and lifelong dedication to the field of Shilpa Shastra. His efforts in compiling and publishing this ancient knowledge are highlighted by esteemed figures in the fields of archaeology, spirituality, and governance.

In essence, "Vedhvastu Prabhakar" is a scholarly and practical guide that seeks to bridge ancient architectural wisdom with contemporary understanding, offering insights into creating harmonious and auspicious living and sacred spaces.