The Silparatnakosa is a 17th century Orissan text composed by Sthapaka Niranjana Mahapatra, describing all the Parts of the Temple and the most important temple types of Orissa, such as the Manjusri and Khakara. It also contains a section on sculpture (Prasadamurti) and an Appendix on image-making (Pratimalaksana). This text, though much later than the Temples described, reflects the still living Tradition and it contributes much to clarify the terminology of Orissan temple architecture. It contains interesting references to the symbolism of the temple and its elements. The most important contribution of this text, however, lies in the Identification of the Manjusri temple with the Sricakra, which has helped the authors to re-identify the Rajarani temple at Bhubaneswar as a temple dedicated to Rajarajesvari in the form of a Sricakra.
The text has been edited from three palmleaf Mss and translated with numerous illustrations (line-drawings and plates). The glossary adds to the usefulness of the book. This text is an important addition to the Silpa/Vastu literature published so far, and it will be very useful to all those interested in Orissan temple architecture. |
