Mayamata and Building Construction (study)
by Ripan Ghosh | 2024 | 61,593 words
This page relates ‘Samanya-vidhi (Common features of the four buildings)’ of the study dealing with Mayamata—an ancient Indian architectural treatise dealing with building construction (bhavana-nirmana). It forms part of “Vastuvidya”: a stream of Sanskrit technical literature encompassing village and town planning, temple architecture and other aspects like site selection, orientation, and structural arrangements aimed at promoting harmony and prosperity.
Part 8.9 - Sāmānya-vidhi (Common features of the four buildings)
[Full title: Features of houses for the four classes (caturgṛha-vidhāna) (9) Common features of the four buildings (sāmānya-vidhi)]
These above-mentioned buildings should be possesses pavilions, verandas, muhūrtastambha, foundation deposit, and several architectural elements. The muhūrtastambha is to be placed above the foundation deposit. Maya suggests the pillar for the auspicious moment (muhurtastambha) should be established by an expert in rituals. These pillars are made from the wood of khadira, khadira, madhuka, or rajadana trees. The length and width of these pillars are specified as follows: their length should be twelve, eleven, ten, or nine spans, and their width should be equal to the measurement of a span in finger units. The top part of the pillar should be eight units narrower. The part to be buried in the ground should be five, four and a half, four, or three spans in length. The top of the pillar should be shaped like a circle, a lotus bud, a segment, or a bubble. The pillar should be worshipped properly by four castes.
Piṇḍaśāla or disjoined house is to be constructed without any central pillar. Instead, a median wall should be attached at the middle of the structure. A double vaulted door should be incorporated into this wall. There are some general features of sūkhālaya and other houses as well.
➢ The interior door of the sūkhālaya is to be placed in the southeast corner.
➢ Mahānasa is to be constructed on the south side of the sūkhālaya, on the squares of Mahendra, Aryaka, and Bhṛsa can be found. The interior door is also to be placed at the south-east side.
➢ The interior door of the dhānyālaya should be arranged at the northwest side.
➢ Dhanālaya should be situated at the west side of the building.
➢ These interior doors are interconnected with each other and also associated with the main building. Therefore, the entrance door is to be placed at the eastern side.
➢ The deities of the respective site should be installed at the joinery point (piṇḍaśāla) of the main building.