Architectural data in the Puranas
by Sharda Devi | 2005 | 50,074 words
This essay studies ancient Indian architectural science as found in technical treatises and the Puranas, with special reference to the Matsya, Garuda, Agni and Bhavishya Puranas. These texts detail ancient architectural practices, covering temple and domestic designs, dimensional specifications, and construction rules. The study further connects ar...
Extension of Plots
74 EXTENSION OF PLOTS Mostly the plots available for construction of houses are in the shape of a square or rectangle. Such plots are auspicious for building. According to Matsya Purana 79 a plot is extended at the corners in some direction, i.e. the angles are increased (more than 90°). This has a good or bad effect of its own as described below: According to the Puranas the north-east corner is extended towards the north direction, it is good (Fig. 10(a)). If there is extension towards east at the north-east corner, it is also good (Fig. 10(b)). If there is extension in north and east both the directions at the north-east corner, the plot is auspicious for constructing a house on it. (Fig. 10(c)). An extension of the plot towards east at the southeast corner is harmful. It creates trouble and fear of the rulers (Fig. 10(d)). If a plot has extension towards the south at the southeast corner, it is also harmful and there is fear of the rulers or government administration (Fig. 10(e)). If there is extension of a plot towards south at 'the southwest corner, it is not good and creates many troubles (Fig. 10(f)). Similarly extension towards west at the southwest corner is also not good. It creates trouble and brings losses (Fig. 10(g)).
West North East West South West North North South C South Fig. 10 (a-c) Extention of plots. (redrawn after Jagdish Sharma, 1997). West South East West East South North North East West Eest South North East 75
West South f West West North South e North East West South South East Fig. 10 (d-f) Extention of plots (redrawn after Jagdish Sharma, 1997). ! West North South East North d East North West South East North East 76
West North East West North East West West South South h South West South i South Fig. 10 (g-i) Extention of plots (redrawn after Jagdish Sharma, 1997). North _ East g North East North East West South North East 77
78 Extension at the northwest corner towards west is not good. It is troublesome for the family; it causes financial losses and loss of mental peace (Fig. 10(h)). Extension towards north at the northwest corner is also not good. It causes loss of mental peace and financial loss, it increases enmity and creates troubles for the family (Fig. (i)).