Mayamata and Building Construction (study)
by Ripan Ghosh | 2024 | 61,593 words
This page relates 鈥楳adhyavedika (Making of the central platform)鈥� of the study dealing with Mayamata鈥攁n ancient Indian architectural treatise dealing with building construction (bhavana-nirmana). It forms part of 鈥淰astuvidya鈥�: a stream of Sanskrit technical literature encompassing village and town planning, temple architecture and other aspects like site selection, orientation, and structural arrangements aimed at promoting harmony and prosperity.
Part 8.5 - Madhyavedika (Making of the central platform)
[Full title: Features of houses for the four classes (肠补迟耻谤驳峁沨补-惫颈诲丑腻苍补) (5) Making of the central platform (madhyavedika)]
The central platform, or 尘补诲丑测补惫别诲颈办腻, is a place where 诲惫颈箩腻迟颈 (产谤腻丑补尘补峁嘺, 办峁迟谤颈测补 and 惫补颈艣测补) make their offerings thrice in a day, and the place is always decorated with flowers and perfumes. A brahmavedi is also arranged in the center of the 尘补诲丑测补惫别诲颈办腻, occupying half portion of it. If this is made for kings or 惫补颈艣测补, then the dimensions is made reduced by six digits. But when the platform is made for a 艣奴诲谤补, there should be no platform placed for 产谤补丑尘补惫别诲颈办腻.
Maya refers that鈥�
峁峁梗岣峚峁単ulah墨na峁� sy膩ttanm膩na峁� n峁沺a惫补颈艣测补yo岣� |
艣奴dr膩dyantaraj膩t墨n膩峁� na kury膩d 产谤补丑尘补惫别诲颈办腻峁� || (Mayamata 27.26)
The reduction in dimensions by six digits for platforms made for kings or 惫补颈艣测补 reflects a distinction in social status. The absence of a platform called 产谤补丑尘补惫别诲颈办腻 in case of a 艣奴诲谤补 reflect the rigidity of the traditional caste-based system or religious beliefs. It is also ensures the preservation of social and ritual boundaries.