Samarangana-sutradhara (Summary)
by D. N. Shukla | 1960 | 15,592 words | ISBN-10: 8121506115 | ISBN-13: 9788121506113
This page describes Iconography of the Phalli (linga) and their Pedestals (pitha) which is chapter 71 English summary of the Samarangana-Sutradhara by Bhoja. This work in Sanskrit representing a voluminous treatise on Vastu-Shastra (the science of Architecture), encompassing a broad range of subjects, such as Architecture, Shilpa-shastra (Iconography, Arts and Crafts) but also deals with Creation-theory, Geography, Philosophu, etc.
Chapter 71 - Iconography of the Phalli (liṅga) and their Pedestals (pīṭha)
[Note: This chapter corresponds to Chapter 70 of the original Samarāṅgaṇa-Sūtradhāra]
[Full title: Iconography of the phalli and their pedestals (Liṅga-pīṭha-pratimā-lakṣaṇa)]
The chapter is very corrupt. The opening lines indicate the proportions of the Phallus (liṅga) in relation to the Prāsāda and the material of which it is made, viz. wooden phallus would be double the size of the iron ones. The principal materials of which the phalli are made, are iron, wood, stone and clay. Different materials bestow different rewards. Then follow the detailed descriptions of Lokapāla-liṅgas to be established in the respective quarters. Then follow the details regarding the Pīṭhas.
The pedestals (pīṭha) of the Phalli and their varieties are indicated and then they are given their designation and dedication. Then follow the technicalities regarding the distinguishing features of the respective phalli more particularly in connection with plaster, ointment and other elements—Mekhalā, Praṇāla, Brahma-śilā etc.—the constituent parts of the Phallus and its Piṭha are also told. In the vicinity of Phallus the installation of the images of gods like Brahmā, Viṣṇu and other deities, is described. Iconographical proportions of both Phallus and the Pīṭha in relation to the proportion of the door of the temple are also indicated.