Thread by @_ugra_

A THREAD on the principles of Hindu iconography & iconometry. In order to fully be able to appreciate our ancient art,one must have a rudimentary knowledge of the various terminologies & methodologies employed by ancient artisans & builders. We'll dwell on that in this thread (1)

Before we proceed any further, I'd like you to have a look at the below THREAD on the ancient Hindu system of measurement. A lot of terminologies from there will be used here too. Get yourself acquainted with the different units of Hindu measurement (2)

https://twitter.com/_ugra_/status/1341680138589650944

The ancient Temple builders i.e. the Sthapatis, have consulted various Shastras in order to execute all their wondrous workmanship. The Shastras are many, yet there is much commonality than differences in them. (3)

This vast ocean of knowledge revealed by the Devas to the ancient Rishis has resulted in the various different styles of Temple building, image making, rock sculpturing etc (4)

Some of the important Shastras consulted by the Sthapatis:

1) Vishnudharmotthara purana
2) Agni Purana
3) Matsya Purana
4) Brihat Samhita

Above texts contain a vast ocean of info on Temple building. Ancient Temples of Northern Bharat were built according to this tradition (5)

Apart from the above Puranic sources, Sthapathis also consulted the works of :

1) Mandana's Vastushastra
2) Bhuvanadeva's Aparajitaprccha
3) Samarangana Sutradhara by Paramara Bhoja of Dhar.

Their detailed & exhaustive works formed the basis of Northern iconography (6)

While in the Dakshina Bharat Sthapathis consulted the Agamas. The Agamas are many, but the ones chiefly dealing with iconography & Temple building are :

1) Kamikagama
2) Vaikhanasagama
3) Ansumadbhedagama
4) Karnagama
5) Suprabhedhagama

(7)

Other important texts of Southern tradition are :

1) Manasara Shilpashastra
2) Mayamata
3) Sakalaadhikara of Agastya muni
4) Abhilashitartha Chintamani, also popularly known as Manasollasa, authored by Chalukyan king Someshwara.

(8)

Now that we are familiar with some of the traditional sources of iconometry, we'll proceed to the important part.

Classification of different types of Murthis.

The Agamas classify Murthis/Vigrahas into 3 types

1) Chala & Ahcala
2) Purna & Apurna
3) Saminta & Asamnita

(9)

Chala murthis are portable & small.They are usually made out of metal or wood. Their purpose is to be carried on a chariots around the temple on festive occasions

Achala murthis not portable. They are heavy & made out of stone. They are permanent fixtures in the Garbhagriha (10)

Chala murthis are again classified into 4 types.

1) Kautuka bera (meant for puja)
2) Utsava bera (Carried around in Chariot)
3) Bali bera (meant for puja)
4) Snapana bera (meant for performing panchamrita abhisheka)

An example of Utsava bera.

(11)

https://twitter.com/_ugra_/status/1090600594174164992

Achala murthis (immovable) are classified into 2 types/

1) Stahanaka i.e. Standing posture
2) Aasaniya i.e. in a reclining posture. ( Usually Maha Vishnu)

An example of Aasaniya posture. (12)

https://twitter.com/_ugra_/status/993171673271517185

Purna & Apurna murthis. As the name suggests Purna murthis are the ones carved fully with all face, hands, torso, limbs, legs (as seen in 1st tweet)

Apurna forms are not full. Usually sculptured only up to the bust level.

The Sadashiva at Ellora is a good example of Apurna (13)

And finally the 3rd classification. Shanta & Ashanta.

Shanta murhis are the ones at portray calmness, serenity & bliss.

While Ashanta murthis depict anger & aggressive posture.

An example of Ashanta murthi (14)

https://twitter.com/_ugra_/status/1168198459238699009

Now that we are familiar with the classification of images, next we'll see the measurement system employed by the Sthapathis to sculpt these murthis.

Assuming by now well you are acquainted with the terminologies used in the below thread. (15)

https://twitter.com/_ugra_/status/1341698165322391553

The measurement system employed by ancient Sthapathis is called the Uttama-dasha Tala measure.

Unlike other bigger measurement units like Danda & rajju (which are used for town planning), Tala is a smaller unit used exclusively for the making of Murthis & Vigrahas. (16)

The Tala is the basic unit of measurement here. 1 Tala is the equivalent of one palm length.

It is that palm length that is measured from the tip of the thumb to the tip of the Ring finger. Tala is also called Vitasti. (17)

https://twitter.com/_ugra_/status/1341691703430811648

So 12 Angulas make 1 Vitasti or 1 Tala. In the process of making a murthi, the murthi is divided into 124, 120, 116 equal parts. Each of these divisions is called a Deha-labda-angula or Dehangula. (18)

Accounting for different finger length & breadth sizes, there are 27 possible Angula types mentioned in the Shastras. Just as seen in the below tweet. (19)

https://twitter.com/_ugra_/status/1341689756648804353

In order to have a comprehensive understanding of Uttamadashatala measure,its important to know each of the 27 types of Angulas & the specific names given to them

So we'll see what they are now

1) A distance of 1 Angula is called Murthi, Indu, Vishvambara, Moksha & Ukta (20)

2) A distance of 2 Angulas is called Kalaa, Golaka, Ashvini, Yugma, Brahmana, Vihaga, Akshi & Paksha.

3) A distance of 3 Angulas is called Rina, Agni, Rudraksha, Guna, Sula, Raama, Varga & Madhya.

(21)

4) A distance of 4 Angulas is called Veda, Prathistha, Jaati, Varna, Karana, Yuga, Turya & Turiya.

5) A distance of 5 Angulas is caled Viskaya, Indriya, Bhutha, Ishu, Supratishtha & Prithvi.

(22)

6) A distance of 6 Angulas is called Karma, Anga, Rasa, Samaya, Gayathri, Kritthika, Kumara & Kaushika.

7) A distance of 7 Angulas is called Paataala, Dhatus, Lokha, Ushnik, Rohini, Dvipa, Anga & Ambhonidi.

(23)

8) A distance of 8 Angulas is called Lokhapala, Naga, Uraga, Vasu, Anushtup & Gana.

9) A distance of 9 Angulas is called Brihati, Hriha, Randhra, Nanda & Sutra.

10) A distance of 10 Angulas is called Dik, Praaturbhaavaa & Naadi.

(24)

11) A distance of 11 Angulas is called Rudras & Trishthubh.

12) A distance of 12 Angulas is called Vitasti, Taala, Yama, Arka, Raasi & Jagathi.

13) A distance of 13 Angulas is called Atijagathi.

14) A distance of 14 Angulas is called Manu & Sakvari

(25)

15) A distance of 15 Angulas is called Ati-Sakvari & Tithi.

16) A distance of 16 Angulas is called Kriya & Indu kalaa.

17) A distance of 17 Angulas is called Atyashi.

18) A distance of 18 Angulas is called Smriti & Dhritri.

(26)

19) A distance of 19 Angulas is called Ati-Dhriti.

20) A distance of 20 Angulas is called Kriti.

21) A distance of 21 Angulas is called Prakriti.

22) A distance of 22 Angulas is called Akriti.

23) A distance of 23 Angulas is called Vikriti.

(27)

24) A distance of 24 Angulas is called Samskriti.

25) A distance of 25 Angulas is called Atikrti.

26) A distance of 26 Angulas is called Utkriti.

and finally

27) A distance of 27 Angulas is called Nakshatra.

(28)

Now that we have a brief understanding of the many units of measure, we'll see where & how the Sthapathis employ these units while sculpting murthis.

Before that we need to understand the 6 different types of measures at are needed to sculpt any murthi

(29)

The measurement prescribed in the Agamas are of 6 types.

1) Maana, which is the length of the body
2) Pramaana, is breadth
3) Unmaana, is the thickness
4) Parimaana, is the girth
5) Upamaana, is the interspaces between body parts
6) Lambamaana, is the total height

(30)

Once the Sthapati has the 6 measurements sorted, he can then go ahead with the sculpting of the murthi. The Shastras again prescribe different proportions to different images of Devas, Devis, Yakshas, Grahas etc. The unit of measurement for all these is the Tala.

(31)

Trimurthis; Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva are required to be sculptured according to the Uttama dasha Tala measure. Here the image is divided into 124 dehangulas (124 equal parts)

An illustration of Vishnu depicted according to the Uttamadashatala measure(32)

https://twitter.com/_ugra_/status/1376949258440470528?s=19

Madhyama Dash Tala measure, where the image is divided into 120 dehangulas is prescribed for Sridevi, Bhudevi, Uma, Saraswathi, Durga, Saptamatrikas & other female deities (33)

Below is a Saptamatrika panel sculpted using the Madhyama dasha tala measure

https://twitter.com/_ugra_/status/1180725369554403328

The Adhama Dasha Tala measure, where the image is divided into 116 dehangulas is prescribed for the 8 Dikpalakas, 12 Adityas, 11 Rudras, 8 Vasus, 2 Ashvini devatas, 7 Rishis, Garuda, Subramanya, Kshetrapalakas.

Below is a murthi of Agastya. (34)

https://twitter.com/_ugra_/status/1058241642623201280

The Nava-arddha tala measure, where the image is divided into 114 dehangulas is prescribed for Yakshas including Kubera & Navagrahas.

Uttama nava Tala, where the image is divided into 108 dehangulas is prescribed from Rakshasas & Asuras.

Eg Ravana (35)

https://twitter.com/_ugra_/status/1089517158269280256

Ashta-tala (96 angulas) for Manushyas.

Sapta-tala (84 angulas) for Vetalas.

Shata-tala (72 angulas) for Pretas.

Pancha-tala (60 angulas) for Kubjas, Vigneshwara & hunchbacks.

Chatus-tala (48 angulas) for Vamana, dwarfs & children

(36)

Tri-tala (36 Angulas) for Bhutas & Kinnaras

Dvi-tala (24 Angulas) for Kushmandas

Eka-tala (12 Angulas) for Kabandhas.

Example of Tri Tala measure used for Kinnaras.

(37)

https://twitter.com/_ugra_/status/931190244438712320

Now that we are familiar with the terminologies & the many units of measure, we'll see what exact information is contained within Shastras on the how exactly the images of various Devatas must be depicted by the Sthapathis.

(38)

As an example we'll see what a Shastriya source like Agni purana says in regard to the depiction of Maha Vishnu.

The Agni purana as we know is a major source when it comes to iconography. We'll see the Shlokas describing the measurements now. (39)

44th Adhyaya (Vasudeva-pratima-lakshanam) of the Agni purana instructs how to create an image of Vasudeva. It says stone(used for carving) must be placed to the north of the Temple facing east & worshiped. Sthapathi should divide the stone into 9 parts along the central line (40)

The below shloka goes on to define what an Angula is. It talks about 12 divisions (which has already been discussed in the thread earlier) the body must be divided into.

The Shloka also introduces a new measure by the name "Golaka", which is equivalent of 2 Angulas.

(41)

The Mukuta (crown) should measure 1 Tala (12 angulas). The face, the neck & the heart should also measure 1 Tala each.

(42)

The forehead, the nose & the mouth should be made to measure 4 angulas. The neck & the ear should be made to measure 4 angulas long.

The cheeks & the chin should be made to measure 2 angulas broad. The forehead is to be measured at 8 angulas broad.

(43)

The temples (sides of the forehead) is to be measured at 2 angulas. The space (Upamaana) between the eyes and the ears is to be at 4 angulas.

The ears should measure at 2 angulas wide. The interspace between the ears & the ends of eye lashes is to measure at 2 (1/2) angulas (44)

A pierced ear should be 6 angulas & an unpierced ear should be at 4 angulas equal to the chin.

The external auditory passage with in membranes should be made. The lower lip should be of 2 angulas & the upper lip half of it.

(45)

The breadth of an eye should measure at half an angula. And the mouth should be at 4 angulas. The measurement of the depth of the mouth should be at one and a half angulas (46)

The corners of the eyes should be 2 angulas. The space between them should be 2 angulas. the pupil should be one third of the eye & the iris should be one fifth of it.

The breadth of the eyes should be 3 angulas, the cavity of the eye should be half an angula.

(47)

The middle of the eye brows should be 2 angulas, its length at 4 angulas. The measure around the head should be 36 angulas.

The ones with shorter necks, the measurement around the head should be at 10 angulas.

(48)

The interspace (upamaana) between the neck & the chest should be 3 times the length of the neck & should be thrice as broad with 8 more angulas added to it

Shoulders is to measure @ 8 angulas. Arms should measure 7 times the length of the eyes. Forearms should be 16 angulas (49)

The arms & forearms should be 3 kalaas (1 kalaa = 2 angulas) in breadth. The upper arm should have a circumference of 9 kalaas.

It should be 17 angulas at the middle & 16 angulas above the above the elbow joint. The circumference of the elbow should be 3 times that.

(50)

The circumference of the middle of the forearm should be 16 angulas & that of the forepart of the arm is 12 angulas.

The palm of the hand should measure at 6 angulas in breadth. The leght should be 7 angulas. The middle finger should be 5 angulas long.

(51)

Index & ring finger should be half an angula less than the middle finger. Thumb & little finger should be at 4 angulas.

Thumb should have 2 joints. Other fingers should have 3 joints. The measure of the nails should be half the size of the joints of the respective fingers.

(52)

The extent of the belly is the same as that of the chest. The navel should be an angula in breadth & proportionally deep.

Upamaana between the generative organ & intestines must be measured at 1 Tala. The Parimaana (girth) around the navel should measure at 42 angulas.

(53)

The Parimaana (interspace) between the breasts should measure at 1 Tala in breadth. The nipples should measure at 1 Yava ( 1/8th of an angula). The circular space between them should be 2 paadas (2 feet).

(54)

The circumference of the chest should be made to measure 64 angulas. The parimaana (girth) of the lower portion of the chest should measure at 1 Tala.

The circumference of the waist should be 54 angulas. The breadth of the base of the thigh should be 12 angulas.

(55)

The knee joint should be 8 angulas in pramaana (breadth) & the parimaana(girth) should be 3 times that.
The middle of the leg from the ankle to the knee should be 7 angulas broad. The girth should be 3 times that. Top of the legs should be 5 angulas broad.

(56)

The girth of the leg should should be 3 times its breadth. The feet should measure 1 Tala. Extent of elevation of feet should be 4 angulas.

Front part of the ankles should be 4 angulas. The extent of the feet should be 3 kalaas. The generative organ should be 3 angulas.

(57)

The image should be adorned with ornaments. A chakra (disc) on the upper right hand, a shanka (conch) on the upper left, a gada (mace) on the lower left hand & a pushpa (lotus) on the lower right hand are to be placed.

(58)

The images of Sri & Pushti must be made carrying a lotus & a veena respectively. Then 2 Vidhyadharas holding garlands in their hands should be made in the halo (Prabhamandalam). the halo should be decked with elephants. The pedestal should be radiant like a lotus.

(59)

Now we'll have a very brief look at some of the other iconometric sources & what they say on description of the various images.

For example Varahamihira in the Brihatsamhita describes how the Sthapathi must depict Vishnu in these shlokas. (60)

Those who wish for prosperity should have the image of Lord Vishnu made in the following manner. The Lord should have either 4 or only 2 arms. His chest should bear the Srivatsa mark. It should be adorned with the Kaustubha gem.He should be made as dark as the Atasi flower
(61)

He is clothed in yellow garment, shows a
serene face. In case he is depicted with 4 arms, they should show varada mudra, gada on the right, shanka & chakra on the left.

If depicted with only 2 hands, one hand is shown with varada mudra & other with a Shanka.

(62)

Varahamihira in the Brihatsamhita describing the dimensions for making of a Vigraha of Shri Rama. He says the total height of Rama should measure at 120 Angulas (which corresponds to Madhyama-dasha-tala measurement)

(63)

Iconography of Brahma & Skanda described briefly in the below Shloka.

Brahma should be depicted with 4 faces, with a Kamandala held in the hand & seated on a Lotus.

Skanda should be depicted like a young boy holding a Vel(javelin) in his hand & have a peacock as his ensign (64)

Description of Lord Shiva. He must be depicted with a crescent moon on his head. His emblem is the Vrushabha(bull). He has a 3rd eye high on his forehead. He wields the Trishula & Pinaka in each of his hands. (65)

One of the most elaborate iconographic description given of any deity in the Brihatsamhita is that of Suryanarayana. Below shlokas describe his physical features & the Abushanas worn by him.

It says Surya's nose, forehead, shanks, thighs, cheeks & chest should be elevated. (66)

Surya must be sculptured with 2 hands each holding a lotus. His head is surrounded by a Kantimandala(halo). He wears a crown which is called Karandamukuta. He also wears a pair of Kundalas(earrings) made of ruby & Haara(necklace) made of pearls along with Katibandha(girdle)

(67)

Surya's face has the Lustre of of the interiors of a lotus, his body is covered with an armour, face pleasant with a smile

One of the best examples of Surya which captures every single aspect described in the above Shloka is this Pala era masterpiece (68)

https://twitter.com/_ugra_/status/1008642506324496384?s=19

A pratima of Surya 1 Prajapatya(refer quoted tweet for info on this measure) in height is beneficial. One that measure 2 Prajapatyas will bestow wealth. Those measuring 3 & 4 Prajapatya will lead to happiness.

(69)

https://twitter.com/_ugra_/status/1341693075249238016?s=19

Just like the Agamas, the Brihatsamhita too has a system of measure with specific names.

1) 96 angulas is called Hamsa
2) 99 angulas is called Shasha
3) 102 angulas is called Rucaka
4) 105 angulas is called Bhadra
5) 108 angulas is called Maalavya

(70)

https://twitter.com/_ugra_/status/1377177222813872128?s=19

Hamsa corresponds to Dashatala & Maalavya corresponds to Navatala type measure mentioned in the Agamas.

Shlokas in Brihatsamhita from a chapter called Panchamahapurushalakshanam describing the 5 different types of measure used to classify types of men based on their height (71)