Page 323 of: The Structural Temples of Gujarat

268
The Structural Temples of Gujarat
In the view of our present study pertaining to temple
architecture, the text APPR. imparts instruction regarding code
of measurement (XLI), astronomical and mathematical calculations
(XLII-XLVII & LXIII-LXVI), examination of the soils and
selection of the site (LXVIII, LI-LII), the traditional classification
of temple styles, their special features and the characteristics of
horizontal and vertical orders of each veriety (CIII-CXCV)
and finally iconography and the ceremonies to be attained
while installing the images to be worshipped (CXCVI-CCXXIII ).
Several other works on architecture are ascribed to Viśvakarmā.
Tradition assigns an early date to the works of Viśvakarmā but
like Aparajitapraccha the other works also seem to be of
late origin.
Kṣirārṇava.*
The text of this work as available in its present form
represents only a section of the work, which is related to
temple architecture. The maximum number of chapters given
in MSS. consulted is 23, the first chapter in the available
section being numbered 101 in all the MSS. It begins with laying
of foundation stone (Ch. Cl). The proportionate measurements
pertaining to Bhiṭa-pitha (Ch. CII-CIII), Prāsādodya (Ch. CIV ),
Dvāra (Ch. CV, CIX) and the information regarding the various
members of Pitha, Mandovara (Ch. CVI-CVIII), Lingamāna and
Devatādṛṣti (Ch. CX, CXI) have been discussed. Some chapters
impart valuable canons about the construction of Mandapa
and pillars (Ch. CXVIII, CXIII & CXIV). The chapter on Śikhara
(Ch. CVI) treats many varieties of temples.
Viśvakarma-prakāśa*
*
The work consists of thirteen chapters. In the beginning
preliminaries as to the construction such as Vāstu-purusotpati,
The work is unpublished. Four copies of its MS. are in my private
collecton. An unique incomplete copy of this text with Gujarati
commentary in Dohā-Copai form, written by one Umiashanker, is also
lying with me.