Temple construction steps
The temple construction process involves several steps. The process is termed 'Karshanadi Prathisthantam'. The word Karshana refers to the beginning step of the construction and the word Pratisha refers to the ending step of construction. The details of construction steps might vary from one school of Agama from another but generally, these are the steps that are generally followed:
Bhu Pariksha: Examining and choosing the location and soil for the temple.
Shila Pariksha: Examining and choosing material for the idol/image of the deity.
Karshana: Some crops like corn or barley are grown on the chosen land and are fed to cows. After then, the location is fit and ideal for construction.
Vastu Puja: Ritual to gain the favor of Vastu Devta.
Shalyodhara: Removal of undesired materials like bones from the land.
Adyestaka: Installation or laying down the first stone.
Nirmana: The foundation is laid and land in purified by sprinkling water. Then the temple construction is started.
Murdhestaka Sthapana: Placing the topmost stone over the prakara, gopura, etc. This again involves creating cavities filled with gems minerals seeds etc. and then the pinnacles are placed.
Garbhanyasa: A pot made of five metals is installed at the place of the main deity.
Sthapana: The main deity is installed.
Pratishtha: The main deity is then given the charge of the whole temple complex.
Temple Architecture (Part I) Link: https://www.merakitale.com/post/temple-architecture-part-i
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