the arichtectural dtata in the nirvankalika
By M. A. Dhaky
Summary
This article examines architectural references found in the Nirvāṇakalikā, a medieval Jain ritual text attributed to Padalipta-sūri, a disciple of Maṇḍanagaṇi and a member of the Śvetāmbara sect. Based on colophons and historical cross-references, the text is likely dated to the first quarter of the 11th century CE.While the primary focus of the Nirvāṇakalikā is image installation and temple consecration, it includes valuable references to temple architecture and terminology. These references are concise but informative, enhancing our understanding of medieval Jain architectural practices.The author highlights that some of these prescriptions align with vāstuśāstra principles and reflect the Western Indian (Pratihāra-influenced) architectural idiom of the 10th–11th centuries.
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Conclusion
This article provides valuable insights into medieval Jain architectural practices by analyzing references in the Nirvāṇakalikā, attributed to Padalipta-sūri. The text’s alignment with vāstuśāstra principles and its reflection of the Western Indian architectural idiom of the 10th–11th centuries enhance our understanding of the period’s temple construction and consecration rituals.