Essay name: The Sculptures of Madan-Kamdev (Study)
Author:
Kamal Nayan Patowary
Affiliation: Gauhati University / Department of History
The essay critically studies the Sculptures of Madan-Kamdev: an archaeological site in Baihata Chariali, Kamrup, Assam (India) dating back to the 9th century A.D. The site features elegant sculptures in relief and round forms which are documented in Sanskrit texts like the Kalika Purana and Yogini Tantra.
Chapter 2 - Madan-Kamdev through the ages鈥擜 hypothetical analysis
27 (of 50)
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suppose to have taken place in and around this locality, normally
inspired us to presume it as being a temple nagari just at the
outskirt of the capital city of Kamrupa. Regarding its consecration,
a question generally came to our mind that why this specific site
being selected for the construction of this majestic temple complex.
It is know to all that a patron and a stapati of our age old time
(even today also) while selecting a site for a temple or a religious
monument first examine all requisite qualities of the site, or in
other word they would like to investigate whether the site
possessed all imperative attributes necessary for a Hindu temple
as per the prescribe direction of Indian Silpa cannon. Only after
86. Among the Indian Silpa Cannon Brihat Samhita is the earliest
datable source on Vastusastra. (Kramrisch, S. The Hindu
Temples, Vol.I, 1996, p.5). Compiled by Barahamihira in the
middle of the six century A.D.. This book is based on the
authority of master architect whose names are Maya,
Visvakarma, Garge and Manu. (Ibid). The treatise prescribed
that the temple should be erected where there are water and
garden, whather natural or artificial.
Iyer, N.G.(tr.): The Brihat Samhita, 1987, p.281.
86 According to Vishnudharmottara Purana the installation of the
image of the god i.e. the construction of the temple should be
made at the river side, in forest, gardens, at the side of the
pond, on the hill tops and in beautiful valley.
Shah, P.(tr.) : Vishnudharmottara Purana, 1961, III/XC/II/25-31.
Matshya Purna mention the name of 18 Silpacaryas who were
generally known as Vastusastropadesaka i.e. instructor in the
science of architecture like Bhrigu, Atri, Vasistha Visvakarma
etc. (M.P. 252/1-3). Works of a few sages like Visvakarma, Maya
etc are now survived and all the others have already been
destroyed by the cruel hand of destiny. A stapati has to go through
11 different stages before concluding its final stage of laying
foundation stone of a temple. (Bose, P.N.: Principle of Indian
Silpasatra, 1978, p.66). The selection of the site is an important
stage of the entire process.
