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Is 'Vãstu' Shãstra a part of 'Ãgama' Shãstrã?

Sri Swamigal:

Yes. 'Vãstu'^* Shãstrã is a part of 'Ãgama' Shãstrã. The principles of 'Vãstu' find a place in 'Shilpa'(sculpt idols) Shãstrã, too. 'Vãsi' and 'Tãtu' put together form what is called as 'Vãstu'.

*this provides the guidelines for the construction of a building.

Streets run around the Temples. Does this, too, fall under the guidelines of 'Vãstu' Shãstrã?

Sri Swamigal:

In every Town it is the practice to build a Temple either in its center or in its Southern corner. And the houses are placed (built) depending on the location of the temple. This is also as per 'Vãstu' tradition.

What does 'Garbadãnam' mean?

Sri Swamigal:

A vessel made of either silver, gold or bronze is placed below the Sanctom Sanctorum of the Temple where the 'Moola Murti' (Main Deity) is to be consecrated. This practice of burying the vessel below the earth is called 'Garbadãnam'. Water from the holy rivers, soil from holy places, 'navaratnam' (nine kinds of gems), 'navadãniyam' (nine kinds of grains), etc. are dropped into this hole. The weapons of the particular God to be consecrated in this Temple are also placed in it. For e.g. if the main deity is Lord Vishnu then His five weapons namely 'Gadã', 'Katgam', 'Sãrngam', 'Shankam', 'Chakram', will be placed here.

In which part of a Town should the Temple of Lord MahãVishnu be constructed?

Sri Swamigal:

MahãVishnu Temple should be constructed on the western side of the Town's Centerpoint. To its North-western corner, Lord Shiva's Temple should be constructed. Nearby should be the Temple of the 'Sapta Mãdar' (seven Goddesses). This is the reason that Goddess Durga also bears the name of 'Vadavãyil Selvi' (Lady of the Northern door). It is also the practice to build Lord Subrahmanya's Temple close to MahãVishnu Temple. It became the practice to place 'ugra murthys' (deities/gods of fiery temperament) on the outskirts. But, it has also been the tradition to consecrate these deities along with 'Thãyar' (Goddess) so as to calm them down.

What is called as 'Ãgama?'

Sri Swamigal:

The making of idols of Gods, consecrating it, performing puja, were all brought under the norms of the Shãstrãs. This is called as 'Ãgama' Shãstrã.

How many 'Ãgamãs' are there?

Sri Swamigal:

There are twenty-eight 'Saiva' Ãgamãs and two 'Vaishnava' Ãgamãs. 'Vaishnava' Ãgamãs consists of two groups viz. 'Vaikãnasam' and 'Pãncharãtram'. The former is based on the Vedas but the later was formed separately without any Vedic leaning. 'Sãkta' Ãgamãs are based on Devi puja. These belong to States of Bengal and Orissa. They are also called 'Vãmãcchãram'.

How does the idol in a Temple acquire the 'sãnithyam' (the power)?

Sri Swamigal:

Vedam consists of six parts. A Temple also has six prominent parts - Adishtãnam, Pikti, Prastãram, Peevam, Sigaram, Stupi. These six parts are complementary to each other. They should not change in any way. If changed the deity loses its 'sãnithyam'. While in the initial stage of making the idols, viz. waxing, shaping the clay, making the mould, they should be done amidst loud chanting of mantras. That is, the work should be carried out while listening to the mantras. Only then the 'bimbamurti' (the form of the idol) will become a 'mantramurti' (a form with power). Power gets into it only through Bhakti and Mantrãs. That idol which has been installed without mantrã consecration will be lifeless.

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