Chapter 23 - The Foundation Laying Ceremony (Śilānyāsa)

[Note: This chapter corresponds to Chapter 35 of the original Samarāṅgaṇa-Sūtradhāra]

The foundation is one of the most important architectural items in any building. Works like Mānasāra have given a detailed account of the excavations of the foundations, their different kinds with depths etc. But this chapter of the Samarāṅgaṇa-Sūtradhāra lacks those details and it is more of a theological nature and, therefore, limited in its architectural prescription. Thus this chapter deals at greater length with the foundation ceremony than the foundation itself. This ceremony is performed on an auspicious date. The text after giving details of dates and stars of good omen, proceeds with the characteristic qualifications of the foundation-stone (Prathameṣṭikā). Then follow the details of the prohibited or unfit stones like those which are bad in shape, bad in length, full of gravels, uneven, contaminated by birds and animals.

After this the four principal varieties of stones with their presiding deities are described:

Śilā — Presiding deity:
1. Nandā — Vasiṣṭha,
2. Bhadrā — Kāśyapa,
3. Jayā — Bhārgava,
5. Pūrṇā — Aṅgiras.

Before the actual operation of the foundation laying with the stones begins, ritual altar should be constructed and full-fledged worship to be offered to all these stones and the rewards distributed among the Brāhmaṇas, reciters of Svastika chants, with respects. The offerings are, then made, to the lords of the land, the Vāstu-puruṣa and other Spirits. It is after this ritual that the laying begins of all the principal stones as also their sub-varieties (Upaśilās) having the symbols of Prākāra, Svastika, Śrīvatsa and Nandyāvarta in the prescribed directions and corners viz. Nandā in the South East of the site plan and so on. Then are given the Pauranic hymns of the Foundation laying with their Vedic counter-parts. In the end it is indicated, that well-laid foundation stones and pillars should in no case be disturbed otherwise misfortunes may befall man. A well-laid foundation is an augury of the completion of building, be it a temple or a palace or a residential quarter.