Architecture in the Agamas

The term Agama generally implies a traditional doctrine or precept, a sacred writing or scripture, and hence the Vedas. But there is a special class of work inculcating the mystical worship of Siva and Sakti like the Tantras they belong to South India and are known as the Agamas. They are encyclopaedic works like the Puranas, whose ultimate object is also to discuss the worship of the Triad. The Puranas, however, deal with all the three deities forming the holy Trinity, although Vishnu has received preference, and to his worship fourteen of the Puranas are devoted. The Agamas, on the other hand, deal mostly with Siva. Obviously they are intended to represent the Puranas of South India. These Agamas of Dakshinalya are in fact morc extensive than the Puranas of Aryavarta. There are as many as twentyeight recognized Agamas, while the number of the great Puranas is not more than eighteen or nineteen.³ The Agamas, like the Puranas, incidentally deal with architectural subjects; their contributions to the Silpa-sastra are, however, more extensive and valuable. Some of the Agamas deal with very technical matters, which are not met with in the Puranas. Moreover, some Agamas to all intents and purposes are but architectural treatises. The Kamikagama, for instance, devotes sixty chapters out of a total of seventy-five to architecture and sculpture, and its treatment of the subjects can hardly be surpassed by that of an avowedly architectural treatise. Just like a Silpa-sastra it begins systematically with the preliminary matters, such as the testing and preparation of soil, selection of sites, scheme of measurement and the finding out of the cardinal points by means of gnomons for the orientation of buildings, and the site-plans. Buildings proper are described under twenty types, just as 1 Compare the traditional definition of the Jgama : agatam pancavaktrattu gatam ca girijanane | matam ca vasudevasya tasmadagamamucyate || * (1) kamikagama, (2) suprabhedagama, ( 3 ) yogajagama, ( 1 ) cintyagama, ( 5 ) karanagama, ( 6 ) ajitagama, ( 7 ) diptagama, ( 8 ) suksmagama, ( 9 ) sahasragama, ( 10 ) amsumanagama, ( 11 ) vija- yagama, ( 12 ) nihsvasagama, ( 13 ) svayambhuvagama, ( 14 ) asitagama, ( 15 ) viragagama, ( 16 ) vagama, ( 17 ) mukutagama, ( 18 ) vimalagama, ( 19 ) candrajnanagama, ( 20 ) bimbagama, ( 21 ) prodgitagama, ( 22 ) lalitagama, ( 23 ) siddhagama, also called vaikhanasagama, ( 24 ) santanagama, ( 25 ) sarvaktagama (26) paramesvaragama, ( 27 ) kiranagama, ( 28 ) vatulagama, There are several other lists of these works. But this one appears to be the most authentic. 3 See above, p. 80, note 7. 85

in the Matsya- and Bhavishya-Puranas, as well as in the Brihat-samhita. But, unlike the Puranas, there is in the Kamikagama a discussion of architectural matters under some very highly technical classifications, such as the styles, Nagara, Dravida, and Vesara; shapes, masculine, feminine, and neuter; Suddha, Misra, and Samkirna, depending respectively on a single material, mixture of two materials, and the amalgamation of many materials: Samchita, Asamchita, and Apasamchita, otherwise known as Sthanaka, Asana, and Sayana, which, in case of temples, depend on the erect, sitting, and reclining postures of the image.¹ Another very technical matter referred to is ayadi formulas, so very important in selecting the right proportions.2 For the close similarity of this Agama with the Silpa-sastras it is, however, necessary to glance over the following patalas or chapters together with the corresponding chapters of the standard Silpa- sastra, the Manasara, which is referred to in more detail elsewhere in this volume³ : 11. Bhu-pariksha-vidhi-examination of soil (Manasara, Chapter IV bearing the same title). 12. Pravesa-bali-vidhi-offerings (M., VIII). 13. Bhu-parigraha-vidhi-selection of site (M., V). 14. Bhu-karshana-vidhi-ploughing the site (M., V). 15. Sanku-sthapana-vidhi-gnomons (M., VI). 16. Manopakarana-vidhi-system of measurement (M., II). 17. Pada-vinyasa-site-plan (M., VII). 18. 19. 20. 21. Sutra-nirmana-making cord (M., II). Vastu-deva-bali-offerings to the guardian angel of the house (M., VIII), cf. 12. Gramadi-lakshana-laying out villages and towns (M., IX, X). Vistarayama-lakskana-dimensions (M., XI). 22. Ayadi-lakskana-a special kind of architectural and sculptural measurement used in selecting the right proportion (M., LXIV). 24. Dandika-vidhi-dcaling with doors and gateways (M.. XXXVIII, XXXIX, XXXIII). 25. Vithi-dvaradi-mana-roads and doors (M., IX, X, XXXIX). 1 For fuller information, consult the writer's Encyclopaedia under these terms, and also see pp. 187, 195. 2 For details, see the writer's Encyclopaedia under Shadvarga, and also see p. 279, note 1. 3 See Chapter IV, pp. 97-158. 86

26. Gramadi-devata-sthapana-temples in villages and towns (M., IX, X). 28. Gramadi-vinyasa-more details on villages and towns (M., IX, ✗), cf. 20. 29. Brahma-deva-padadi-more details on site-plan (M., VII), cf. 17. 30. Gramadi-anga-sthana-nirmana-more details on villages and towns (M., IX, X), cf. 20, 26, 28. 31. Garbha-nyasa-foundations (M., XII). 32. Bala-sthapana-vidhi-the installation of Bala -not mentioned in M. 33. Grama-grha-vinyasa--the arrangement of houses in villages and towns (M., IX, X), cf. 20, 26, 28, 30. Vastu-Santi-vidhi-not mentioned in M. 34. 35. Sala-lakshana-vidhi-halls, etc. (M., XXXV). 36. Visesha-lakshana-vidhi-not mentioned in M. 37. Dvi-sala-lakshana-vidhi-houses with two compartments, in many places in M. 38. Chatuh-sala-lakshana-vidhi-houses with four compartments, in many places in M. 40. Vardhamana-sala-lakshana--more details on Salas (M., XXXV), cf. 35, 37, 38. 41. Nandyavarta-vidhi-more details on Salas (M., XXXV), cf. 35, 37, 38, 40. 42. Svastika-vidhi-more details on Salas (M., XXXV), cf. 35, 37, 38, 40, 41. 43. Paksha-sala-vidhi-more details on side-halls or ante-chambers (M., XXXV), cf. 35, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42. 44. Asti (Hasti) sala-vidhi-more details on Salas (M., XXXV), cf. 35, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 43. 45 Malika-lakshana-vidhi-a special kind of buildings (cf. M., XIX to XXX). 46. Langala-malika-vidhi-more details on Malika buildings, cf. 45. Maulika-malika-vidhi-more details on Malika buildings. cf. 45, 46. 17. 48. Padma-malika-vidhi-more details on Malika buildings, cf. 45, 46, 47. 49. Nagaradi-vidhi-not separately treated in M. 50. Bhumi-lamba-vidhi-dimensions of storeys (M., XI), 87

CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE HINDU ARCHITECTURE IN 51. Adyeshtaka-vidhana-vidhi-laying the foundation stone, in many places in M. 52. Upapitha-vidhi-pedestals (M., XIII). 53. Pada-mana-vidhi-pillars (M., XV). 54. Prastara-vidhi-entablatures (M., XVI). 55. Prasada-bhushana-vidhi-the articles of house furniture (M., I.). 56. Kantha-lakshana-vidhi-the neck parts of buildings, in many places in M. 57. Sikhara-lakshana-vidhi-the top parts of buildings, in many places in M. 58. Stupika-lakshana-vidhi-steeples or domes of buildings, in many places in M. 59. Naladi-sthapana-vidhi-construction of water-ways and drains, in many places in M. 60. Eka-bhumyadi-vidhi ---buildings of one and more storeys (M., XIX-XXX). 61. Murdhni-sthapana-vidhi--construction of tops of buildings, in many places in M. 62. Linga-lakshana-vidhi--the Phallus (M., LH). 63. Ankurarpana-vidhi-literally sowing the seed, not separately treated in M. 64. Linga-pratishtha-vidhi-installation of the Phallus (M., LII). 65. Pratima-lakshana-vidhi---images (M., LXIV, etc.). 67. Devata-sthapana-vidhi-installation of images of deities (M., LI, LIV, LV, LVI, LXIV, etc.). 68. Pratima-pratishtha-vidhi-more details on images, cf. 65, 67. 69. Vimana-sthapana-vidhi --buildings (M., XVII). 70. Mandapa-sthapana-vidhi-pavilions (M., XXXIV). 71. Prakara-lakeskana-vidhi--courts and enclosures (M., XXXI). 72. Parivara-sthapana-vidhi-temples of attendant deities (M., XXXII). 74. Vrishabha-sthapana-vidhi-the bull, the riding animal of Siva (M., LXII). 75. Gopura-sthapana-vidhi-the construction of gate-houses (M., XXXIII). The Karanagama also devotes much space to architecture and sculpture. There are thirty-seven chapters in this Agama, which deal with those subjects exhaustively. It makes a distinct addition to the Agamas' contributions to the Silpa-sastras. It contributes two valuable 88

chapters dealing with the details of the nine and ten tala measures.1 This is also a highly technical matter concerning sculpture and entirely missing in the Puranas. This Agama also has close similarities with the Manasara, which will appcar, however imperfectly, from the following list of chapters: Part I, chapters (palalas)- 3. Vastu-vinyasa-classification of building-sites (Manasara, Vastuprakarana, Chapter III). 4. Adyeshtaka-vidhi-laying the foundation stone, mentioned in many places in M. 5. Adhishthana-vidhi-bases (M., XIV). 6. Garbha-nyasa-vidhi--foundations (M., XII). 7. Prasada-lakshana-vidhi-buildings (cf. M., XVIII, XIX--XXX). 8. Prakara-lakshana-vidhi-courts and cnclosures (M., Chapter XXXI). 9. Linga-lakshana-vidhi-the Phallus (M., LII). 10. 11. Murdhnishtaka-lakshana-ornaments at the topmost parts of buildings in many places in M. Pratima-lakshana-images (M., LXIV, LI, LIV- LXII). 12. Stri-mana-dasa-tala-lakshana-intermediate type of dasa (ten) tala measurement, used for the images of females (M., LXVI). 13. Kanishtha-dasa-tala-lakshana--the smallest type of dasa (ten) tala measurement (M., LIX). 1.1. Nava-talottama-lakshana--the largest type of nava (nine) tala measurement (M., LIX). 16. Bali-karma-vidhi-offerings (M., VIII). 19. Mrit-samgrahana-vidhi-collection and preparation of soil (for images), not treated in a separate chapter in M. 20. Ankurarpana-vidhi-literally sowing the sccd, not treated in a separate chapter in M. 41. 56. Mahabhisheka-vidhi-great coronation or anointing (cf. M., XLIX). Vastu-homa-vidhi-sacrificial offerings in connexion with the construction of a house (cf. 16). 59. Linga-sthapana-vidhi-installation of the Phallus (M., LII), cf. g. 1 For detail, consult the writer's Encyclopaedia under Talamana, and see PP. 149, 153-154. 89

CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE HINDU ARCHITECTURE IN 60. Parivara-sthapana-vidhi-the temples of the attendant deities (M., XXXII). 61. Bali-pitha-pratishtha-vidhi-seat of sacrifice, not treated in a separate chapter in M. 62. Ratna-linga-sthapana-vidhi-more details on the Phallus (cf. 9, 59). 66. Parivara-bali-more details on the attendant deities (cf. 60). 88. Bhakta-sthapana-vidhi-on the images of devotees (M., LIX). 136. Mrit-samgrahana-more details on the collection and preparation of soil (cf. 19). Part II, chapters (patalas)- 4. Kila-pariksha- the nail at the top, not separately treated in M. 5. Gopura-vidhana-gate-houses (M., XXXIII). 6. Mandapa-lakskana-pavilions (M., XXXIV). 7. Pitha-lakshana-pedestals (M., XIII, LIII). 8. Sakti-lakshana-female deities (M., LIV). 9. Grama-santi-vidhi-villages (M., IX, X). II. Mrit-samgrahana-more details on soil (cf. Part I, 19, 136). 12. Ankurarpana-more details on sowing the seed (cf. Part I, 20). 13. Bimba-suddhi-purification of idols, not treated separately in a chapter in M. 14. Kautuka-bandhana-experimental yoking for the purpose of ploughing the building-site (M., V). 15. Nayanonmilana-chiselling the eyes (M., LXX). 18. Bimba-suddhi-purification of idols (cf. II, 13). 19. Savanaropana-bedsteads (M., XLIV). 20. Siva-linga-sthapana-more details on the Phallus (cf. I, 9, 59). 98. Matha-pratishtha-monasteries, not separately treated in M. The Suprabhedagama has devoted not more than fifteen chapters to architecture and sculpture. Nor has it anything new to add to the Agamas' contributions to the Silpa-sastras. But its unique nature consists in the fact that it has quite successfully summarized all important matter in a comparatively small space,¹ and in respect of brevity, explicitness, and precision it surpasses even the Brhat-samhita of Varahamihira.2 This Agama has apparently drawn upon a Silpa-sastra. Its similarities with the Manasara, discussed elsewhere in detail, 3 may be partly apparent from the following list of its chapters read 3 See pp. 187-189, 194-195. 1 See p. 196. 2 See pp. 194-195- 90

together with the corresponding portions of the standard Silpa-sastra mentioned above : 22. Karanadhikara-lakshana--on the constructive arts, dealing with, ushnisha (head gear), asana (seat, chair), paryanka (bedstead, couch), simhasana (throne), ranga (courtyard, theatre), and stambha (column), (Manasara, XLIX, XLIV, XLV, XLVII XV, etc.). 23. Gramadi-lakshana-vidhi-villages and towns (M., IX, X). 26. Tarunalava-vidhi-a special kind of building, not separately mentioned in a chapter in M. 27. Prasada-vastu-vidhi-buildings in general (M., XVIII, XIXXXX). 28. Adyeshtaka-vidhi-laying the foundation stone, mentioned in many places in M. 29. Garbha-nvasa-vidhi-foundations (M., XII). 30. Anguli-lakshana-vidhi-the angula (finger-breadth) measurement (cf. M., II, LV). 31. Prasada-laksha na-vidhi---more details on buildings (cf. 27). 32. Murdhnishtaka-vidhi-an ornament on the topmost part of buildings in many places in M. 33. Linga-lakshana--the Phallus (M., LII). 34. Sakala-lakshana-vidhi-images of Isvara and other deities (M., LI-LXIV). 35. Ankurarpana-vidhi-sowing the seed, not treated in a separate chapter in M. 36. Linga-pratishtha-vidhi-installation of the Phallus (M., LII); cf. 33. 37. Sakala-pratishtha-vidhi-installation of the images of Isvara and other deities (cf. 34). 38. Sakti-pratishtha-vidhi-installation of the images of the female deities (M., LIV). 39. Parivara-vidhi-temples of attendant deities (M., XXXII). 40. Vrishabha-sthapana-vidhi-the image of the Bull of Siva (M., LXII). The Vaikhanasagama has two chapters on sculpture, one of which deals with the general description of images and the other with the ten-tala measures.' The Amsumad-bhedagama² has a single chapter ] patala (Chapter) 22- pratimalaksana, and 43 - uttamadasatala | 2 There is an architectural treatise bearing the title, the authorship of which is attributed to Kasyapa. Consult the writer's Encyclopaedia, Appendix, and see pp. 162-165. 91

CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE HINDU ARCHITECTURE IN on the ten-tala measures.¹ Instances like those given above can be culled from the remaining Agamas also, but the multiplication of illustrations is not likely to furnish any new information. It is, however, clear that architecture was a favourite subject for the authors of the Agamas.