Essay name: Architectural data in the Puranas
Author:
Sharda Devi
Affiliation: Himachal Pradesh University / Department of History
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.
Chapter 6 - Houses
10 (of 37)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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The MP 45 says that for building a house the following are the evil
yogas: Vyāghāta. Sūta, Vyatipāta Atigamda. The following yogas are
beneficial - Viskambha, Gamda, Parigha and Vajra. The MP also tells that
the best Muhurtas to start a house building is Sveta, Maitre, Māhendra,
Gāmdharva, Abhijita. Rohiṇ�, Vairāja and Sāvitra. The MP further says
that first of all we see that the sun and moon are beneficial; and fix an
auspicious lagna; then leaving all other work, fix a pillar within the ground.
This is the rule to start a building
What should one do before constructing a house, the MP46 says
that the owner of land who wishes to construct a house should go at a
time prescribed by the astrologer to the worthy site which has been
ploughed, where sown seeds have sprouted, and where Brāhmaṇs and
cows have stayed for a night, worship the deities with varieties of
eatables, curds, coloured rice, fragrant flowers and incense and honour
Brāhmaṇas and architects. Then touching his head, breast, thighs or feet,
according as he is a Brāhmaṇa, Kṣatriya Vaiśya or Śūdra, the owner
should draw a line on the ground. at the commencement of the
construction of a house. The MP ^7 says that if the owner draw the line with
his thumb, fore-finger, middle finger with young shoot gems and gold
waters, the result would be quite good On the other hand if he draw a line
with nails, weapons, leather ashes burnt wood, bones of horns skulls etc.
it is in auspicious. It brings in grief and calamities.
