The Vishnudharmottara Purana, a sacred Sanskrit text from the 6th or 7th century CE, is an invaluable resource for understanding ancient Indian architecture, sculpture, and painting. This treatise provides detailed guidelines on temple construction, iconographic representation of deities, and artistic techniques.
The Vishnudharmottara Purana describes various types of temple architecture, including:
The text offers intricate instructions on the iconographic depiction of major Hindu deities, such as:
The Vishnudharmottara Purana provides guidance on artistic techniques, including:
Temple architecture and iconography play crucial roles in Hindu culture and religion:
Studying the Vishnudharmottara Purana offers numerous benefits, including:
To effectively utilize the Vishnudharmottara Purana:
A: It is a comprehensive guide to Hindu temple architecture, iconography, and artistic techniques.
A: The authorship is uncertain, but it is traditionally attributed to the sage Markandeya.
A: It is estimated to have been composed between the 6th and 7th centuries CE.
A: A towering shikhara and a square or rectangular plan.
A: She is shown seated on a lotus and holding a lotus flower, representing wealth and prosperity.
A: They serve as sacred spaces for worship, provide historical documentation, and represent an enduring artistic legacy.
Table 1: Types of Temple Architecture Described in the Vishnudharmottara Purana
Temple Style | Key Features |
---|---|
Nagara | Towering shikhara, square or rectangular plan |
Dravida | Stepped, pyramidal roof, curvilinear plan |
Vesara | Hybrid of Nagara and Dravida styles |
Table 2: Iconographic Representation of Major Hindu Deities
Deity | Attributes |
---|---|
Lord Vishnu | Four arms, conch, disc, lotus, mace |
Lord Shiva | Lingam, Nataraja |
Goddess Lakshmi | Seated on a lotus, holding a lotus flower |
Goddess Saraswati | Four arms, veena |
Table 3: Artistic Techniques Discussed in the Vishnudharmottara Purana
Technique | Materials |
---|---|
Painting | Bright colors, detailed brushwork |
Sculpture | Metal and stone carving, casting |
Woodworking | Crafting wooden structures and sculptures |
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