Significance of Architecture

Architecture, as outlined in Shilpashastra, is a crucial topic in the Tritiyakhanda, especially regarding Hindu temple architecture in India. Additionally, Kavya emphasizes that architecture encompasses the design and construction of buildings, highlighting its importance as a fundamental aspect of ancient Indian society. This multidimensional understanding showcases architecture’s value in cultural and religious contexts within India's historical framework.1
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Synonyms: Design, Structure, Construction, Engineering, Layout, Planning, Building, Framework, Urban planning, Landscape architecture

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Architecture'

Hinduism Books

Architecture in Hinduism encompasses the essential aspects of temple design detailed in the Tritiyakhanda, reflecting its cultural importance and the construction of buildings as key elements in ancient Indian society.

Significance in Shilpashastra (iconography):
Shilpashastra Books

(1) This single word is the subject of the text, as the text focuses on the construction and design of buildings, specifically in the context of deities.[1] (2) This is the field of study or practice that is described, with specific instructions on how to erect pillars and the associated ceremonies.[2]

Shilpashastra represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

Significance in Vastushastra (architecture):
Vastushastra Books

(1) The art of architecture is defined as what the architect makes, and it is a four-fold concept comprising Shastra, Karma, Prajna, and Shila.[3] (2) A subject that is a means to an end, with the end being Devapuja, and which is treated in the text with details of designs usually excluded from the text although the commentator has added them in many places to explain the meaning.[4]

Vastushastra refers to the ancient Indian science (shastra) of architecture (vastu), dealing with topics such architecture, sculpture, town-building, fort building and various other constructions. Vastu also deals with the philosophy of the architectural relation with the cosmic universe.

Significance in Kama-shastra (the science of Love-making):
Kamashastra Books

(1) This is one of the sixty-four fine arts, which is a form of entertainment, and should be studied along with the Kamasutra according to the text.[5]

Kamashastra deals with ancient Indian science of love-making, passion, emotions and other related topics dealing with the pleasures of the senses.