Chapter 44 - The effects of the Door break (Dvāra-bhaṅga-phala)

[Note: This chapter corresponds to Chapter 43 of the original Samarāṅgaṇa-Sūtradhāra]

The Bhaṅga theme of this chapter is already hinted at in the preceding chapter oṅ the Door. New work in relation to the building of houses holds good also in case of the performances of sacrifices, the planning of villages, towns (and their varieties). It is said that the sites, shapes, measurements, fall and increase, in all are identical. What holds goods in connection with a pillar, holds good with other wooden parts of the house. Again it is said that any building or construction which after its completion, gives an impression of being not good or beautiful or devoid of lustre, is regarded as inauspicious. The ‘Beautiful’ the ‘Sundara’ must be the criterion of judgment and its effects are always beneficial and ominous not only to the family but also to society as well as the State at large. Therefore, any Śubhāśubha-lakṣaṇa (auspicious sign) in relation to construction and completion of temple, gate and gopura of the towns, surrounding wall (Prākāra), Aṭṭālaka, stable for the elephants and horses, sheds of chariots, store-house, arsenals, etc. should be duly observed. Of the new buildings, if any of their component parts or the members of the wooden joinery, give way or are broken, the inauspicious results follow. A detailed tabulation of all these parts (in relation to Bhaṅga) will be found in the study.