Prāsāda as Cosmos

The eighth article views the Indian temple as a microcosm embodying the cosmos. Drawing on the eleventh‑century Vāstusāstra of Viśvakarman and the Aparājitapṛcchā, the author translates a chapter describing the placement of deities within architectural members. The cosmos is invoked to enter the temple through rituals so that the sacred building houses both the supreme being and emanations of cosmic power. The translation specifies that Kurma rests in the dharaśilā and Varaha in the kharaśilā, while Pannagas, Yakṣas and Kinnaras inhabit the three plinths; Nandin resides in the jadyakumbha, Hari in the kanalika, Ganesha in the gajapīṭha and the Aśvins in the aśvapīṭha. Sūrya and Soma occupy the sakha‑jambs, Yaksas settle in the threshold and Aśvins in the moonstone, while mountains, sky and various gods permeate columns, lintels and roofs. The chapter continues with numerous assignments of divinities to mouldings and spire elements, culminating with Rudra inhabiting the kalasa finial. The article argues that such cosmological mapping reveals how medieval architects conceived the temple as a living organism connecting heaven, earth and the devotee. By explicating the symbolism embedded in mouldings, the author shows that the Maru‑Gurjara temple was not merely decorative but encoded a hierarchy of deities mirroring the universe. The piece also compares different versions of the text and notes later interpolations. Overall, it underscores the sophistication of Western Indian temple theory and the deep integration of cosmology into architecture.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.