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
9 (of 37)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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200
of thieves; if in M膩gha he gets good lots of various things but there is a
risk of fire also; if in Ph膩lguna he begets a son and gold; such is the
influence of time, of these different months. The different sources describe
the effects of building in different months of the year.
After the selection of the site the actual planning of house is
commenced. The chief architect had to be aware of the rules and
regulations given in the architectural treatises, wise and well-versed in
different branches of the science of architecture. 41 He should be
thoroughly acquainted with the art of designing buildings, in drawing
sketches and well-versed in masonary and capable and cognizant of his
trade.
42 EFFECTS OF BUILDING
The MP says that on Sunday there is the fear of fire; on Tuesday death
from of stroke of lightning Wednesday, Thursday and Friday bring good
luck to the householder; Saturday danger from fire or bereavement or the
kings displeasure. 43 The MP further states that the building of houses is
auspicious on the days of moon, on sinless yoga, an extra tithi and on
days which are not connected with visti, otherwise, it is advisable to
begin the column or pillar with the following stars; A艣vin墨, Rohi峁噄,
Mul膩, Uttar膩s膩岣峢膩, 鲍迟迟补谤腻,
鲍迟迟补谤腻,
Ph膩lgun墨, Sv膩t墨, Mrigasira, Hast膩 and
44 Anur膩dh膩.
