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104 Išānaśivagurudevapaddhati In a plot divided into 81 squares a total of 45 deities are to be worshipped. Each of these deities is to be given particular type of offerings and oblations. The worship is necessary for the proper conduct of the ceremony. Iştakāpyäsa the installation of the bricks is performed as a part of the main foundation rite of the temple. For this the land is to be dug deep and the soil removed. The pit should have the measurement of a normal human being standing with raised hands. 'Till rock or water is found the digging should be continued to assure the firmness of the foundation. तत: प्रासादसीमान्त स्थलं यत् तदशेषतः। उद्बाहुनरमात्र तु खात्वोघृत्य त्यजेन्मृदम् ।। जलान्त शर्करान्त वा खानये दिति केचन ।
For laying the foundation five or pine baked bricks of given size and shape are to be used. The quality of the bricks is to be carefully examined. They should be properly baked, unbroken and having red colour.
Garbhagrha--the covered and enclosed chamber is the most important part of the temple structure. It is the sanctuary where the image of the deity is to be installed. For this the portion of the ground is to be fixed and purificatory rites to be performed placing jewels and other sacred things. The deity to be worshipped in this ritual is the mother Earth. After these rites architects may be entrusted with the construction of the temple. These rituals are applicable to palaces of kings and residences of Brahmins and other castes. (28) The description and enumeration of the residences of gods and men are attempted by the author based on the authority of Pitāmaha and Maya the celestial architect. Two terms, Prasada and Vimāna are used by the author to denote these structures. He has also given the derivation of the words in his own way. Prāsādas please by their beauty the minds of gods and men. Vimānas are called so since they are constructed according to different specifications and measurements. अथात्र लिख्यते लक्ष्म प्रासादानां समासत: । देवानां नाराणां च येषु रम्यनयाचिरम् ॥
