Essay name: Arts in the Puranas (study)
Author:
Meena Devadatta Jeste
Affiliation: Savitribai Phule Pune University / Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute Pune
This essay studies the Arts in the Puranas by reconstructing the theory of six major fine arts鈥擬usic, Dance, Architecture, Sculpture, Painting, and Literature鈥攆rom the Major and Minor Puranas. This thesis shows how ancient sages studied these arts within the context of cultural traditions of ancient India.
Chapter 3 - Architecture in the Puranas
35 (of 62)
External source: Shodhganga (Repository of Indian theses)
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- 150 leads from the vertical wall of the Prasada in an ascending
curve towards the highest point of the finial. The upper
part is surmounted by an amalas膩ra, a massive circular stone
supporting a vase called Kapala generally known as Kalasa.
54 The Agni Purana Chapter 42, first gives the general
plan which prevails in most places about the rearing up of the
divine edifices. This plan is according to a division of the
Ksetra into sixteen equal rectangles. The four central squares
are to be filled with iron and the remaining twelve being left
for the walls to be raised upon. The height of the wall
should be twice that of the length of the plinth. The cornice
should begin at this point and should be raised all around
the edifice. The equal opening having the same width should
be left on the two sides for exit. The ground elevation is to
be made at first equal to the length of the roof or twice that
length as the laws of beauty may require. The Mukhamandapa
or the entrance hall should be constructed and adorned with
pillars. It should be of the same length as or longer than
the principal palace by the length of pada. The anti-chamber
known as Paschat-mandapa should be built some eighty-one padas
or steps from the site of the principal habitation.
55 The other plan in the Agni Purana, Chapter 42 is with
reference to the idol. It should be proportionate to the
height of the image. The blessed stool or Pindika is to be
constructed of the proportionate measure with the image. The
adytum (Garbhag峁沨a) will be half the Pindika, the walls shall
have the width equal to the length of the adytum and the
