In Hinduism

Vastushastra (architecture)

Source: Shodhganga: Temples of Salem region Up to 1336 AD

Ghanadvāra (घनद्वार) is an “ornamental doorway”. It is used as a decorative motif on the outer walls of the shrine of the temple and also at other suitable places. Tantrasamucchaya states that ghanadvāra should resemble in all respects the details of a regular doorway. It should be provided on the other three directions of the main doorway of the main shrine. The reason for providing the ghanadvāra is not mentioned anywhere. But Tantrasamucchaya prescribes that the ghanadvāra should be provided on the three other sides, at least through line drawings. This statement suggests the importance of providing ghanadvāra to the shrine. The intention being that a shrine should be provided with a doorway on all four sides (sarvtobhadra). If it is not possible due to structural, security and other reasons, at least a ghanadvāra should be provided on these sides.

context information

Vastushastra (वास्तुशास्त्र, vāstuśāstra) 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.

See also (Relevant definitions)

Partial matches: Dvara, Ghana.

Full-text: Prasada.

Relevant text

Search found 1 books and stories containing Ghanadvara, Ghanadvāra, Ghana-dvara, Ghana-dvāra; (plurals include: Ghanadvaras, Ghanadvāras, dvaras, dvāras). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:

Vastu-shastra (5): Temple Architecture (by D. N. Shukla)

Stūpas (Shrines for Devotion) < [Chapter 12 - History of Hindu Temples (Prāsādas and Vimānas)]

Chapter 2 - The Origin of the Prāsāda-vāstu

Chapter 7 - Planning of Prāsāda—The Hindu Temple

+ 1 more chapters / show preview