Vishwakarma Vastushastram

The "Vishwakarma Vastushastram" is a comprehensive Sanskrit treatise on architecture, town-planning, and related sciences, attributed to Vishwakarma, the divine architect of the Devas. This work, edited by Sri K. Vasudeva Sastri and N. B. Gadre, was published by Sri S. Gopalan in 1958 as part of the Tanjore Sarasvati Mahal Series. It is considered a significant text in the field of Silpa Shastra (the science of arts and crafts).

The text is unique in that it is accompanied by a lucid commentary by Anantakrishṇa Bhaṭṭaraka, a rare feature in Silpa Shastra literature. The book covers a vast array of topics related to construction and planning, including:

Town and Village Planning:

• Planning Principles: Definitions and scope of Vastu Shastra and Silpa Shastra, emphasizing both utility and artistic creation.
• Temporal and Spatial Considerations: Determination of auspicious times (Kala Pariksa), establishing true East-West and North-South lines (Dinga Nirnaya), and selection of sites based on various criteria (Bhu Pariksa).
• Materials and Measurement: Classification of materials (Dravya Sangraha) and detailed units of measurement (Munakathanam), including the use of the 'Danda' and its variations.
• Types of Settlements: Planning for villages (Grāma Lakshanam) with 12 types, hamlets (Kheṭādi Lakṣaṇam) with 5 types, encampments (Nigamūdi Lakṣaṇam) with 7 types, and cities (Nagara Lakṣaṇam) with 20 distinct types.
• Urban Layout: Division of sites into squares or 'padas' presided over by deities (Pada Vinyasa), worship of site deities (Vastu Puja), and the mythological origin of the Vastu Purusha.

Architectural Design and Construction:

• Buildings: Detailed planning for various structures, including houses (Grha), mansions (Bhavana), palaces (Prāsāda), and temples (Dēva Prasāda).
• Fortifications: Construction of forts (Durga Lakṣaṇam) with 12 different types.
• Specific Structures: Guidelines for building courts of justice (Nyāya Sabha), thrones (Simhasanam), treasuries (Kāśasthānam), arsenals (Ayudhaśālā), libraries (Pustakasălă), theatres, and concert halls (Nāṭaka Sangīta Sālā), among others.
• Architectural Elements: Detailed descriptions of essential architectural components such as foundations, bases (Adhisthāna), doorways (Dwāra Lakshanam), ornamental archways (Tōraṇam), towers (Gōpuram), pillars (Stambha), and roofing (Āvaraṇa Lakshanam).
• Residential Planning: Specific considerations for houses of different social classes (Sankirṇa Bhavanam), mansions for ministers and princes, and general housing structures.
• Decorative Elements: Instructions for ornamental additions like 'Patāka' and 'Pāribhadra'.
• Sacred Architecture: Detailed planning for temples, including the holy of holies (Garbhagriha), pillared halls (Mandapa), canopies (Vimāna), ramparts (Prākūras), and pedestals (Upapīṭha).
• Iconography and Sculpture: Guidance on the depiction of deities (Bēra Lakshanam) for various traditions (Saiva, Vaishnava), female deities, and canonized saints. It also covers deities' carriers and chariots (Vihāna, Ratha).

Other Important Aspects:

• Materials and Craftsmanship: Emphasis on the quality of materials and the skill of craftsmen.
• Astronomy and Astrology: Integration of astronomical calculations for auspicious timings and architectural alignments.
• Social and Cultural Context: The text reflects societal divisions (Varna/Caste) and their influence on architectural planning, as well as the spiritual significance of Vastu and temple construction.
• Merits of Worship: Discussion on the spiritual merit derived from temple building and image worship.
• Commentary: The presence of a commentary is highlighted as a significant asset, aiding in the understanding of the complex Silpa Shastra terminology.

The book is structured with an introduction that defines Vastu Shastra and its relationship with Silpa Shastra. It then proceeds through numerous chapters, each detailing a specific aspect of town planning, architecture, and construction, from the macro-level planning of cities and villages to the micro-level details of pillars, doorways, and decorative elements. The text also touches upon the importance of auspicious timings, material selection, and the philosophical underpinnings of Vastu principles, including the propitiation of deities. The latter part of the book delves into the specifics of temple architecture, palace design, and the construction of various specialized buildings like libraries and theatres, along with detailed discussions on different types of images and their placement.

The editors acknowledge the research done by Major N. B. Gadre in ancient Indian texts related to engineering and architecture, which inspired the publication of these Silpa works. The sourcing of the text from the Madras Oriental Manuscripts Library and the financial support from the Government of Madras are also gratefully acknowledged.