superstitions and beliefs in architecture: an …
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SUPERSTITIONS AND BELIEFS IN ARCHITECTURE:
AN EXAMINATION OF THEIR IMPACT ON
LAYOUTS AND SITE UTILISATION
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A DISSERTATION
PRESENTED TO THE
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
UNIVERSITY OF MORATUWA
FOR THE
M.Sc (ARCHITECTURE)
SOHANI FONSEKA
DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE
UNIVERSITY OF MORATUWA
SRI LANKA
71599
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DESIGN
f M 0 3 ' ° '
T H
CONTENTS
Page
Acknowledgement List of Illustrations
Introduction 1 Topic Explanation 1 Objectives of the Study 3 Scope and Limitations 4 Methodology 4
Chapter O n e 7
Superstitions and Beliefs 7
1.1 Origin of Superstitions and Beliefs 7
1.2 Superstitions and Beliefs and their Relationship with H u m a n Activities 10
1.3 Superstitions and Beliefs and their Relationship with Architecture 12
Chapter Two
Superstitions and Beliefs in Architecture 15
2.1 Different conceptions of Superstitions and Beliefs in Architecture 15
2.1.a Perception of Beliefs and Superstitions in Architecture in Traditional Societies 16
2.1.b The Hindu Perception of Beliefs and Superstit ions in Architecture 21
2.1.c Chinese Perception of Beliefs and Superstit ions in Architecture 23
2.1.d Bali Perception of Beliefs and Superstitions in Architecture 26
2.2 Universal Order Which Generates a Sacred Archi tecture 28
2.2.a The Center of the Cosmos 2.2.b Manda la 2.2.c Pada Vinyasa
30 35 37
Chapter Three
Superstit ions and Beliefs and their Impact on Layouts and Site Utilisation 46
3.1 Superstit ions and Beliefs Related to Villages and Cities 46
3.1.1 Examinat ion of the Influence of Superstit ions and Beliefs in Tradit ional Villages and Cities in Sri Lanka 58
3 .1 . l .a Anuradhapura 59 3.1.1.D Polonnaruwa 59 3.1.1.C K a n d y 62 3 .1 . l .d Devalagam 64
3.2 Superstit ions and Beliefs Related to Buildings 69
3.2.a Selection of Site 70 3.2.b Des igning in the Site 77 3.2.c Construct ion 90
3.2.1 Examinat ion of the Influences of Superstitions and Beliefs
on Buildings 94
3.2. l . a Monast ic Complexes
3.2.1.D Residential Buildings 100
Conclusion 109
Bibl iography
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
This dissertation would never have been possible without the valuable support given by many to w h o m I a m indebted and I sincerely acknowledge it.
For the encouragement given for the selection of this subject at the inception, t o Archt. Vidura Sri Nammuni , Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture.
For the guidance, encouragement and valuable comments given throughout the study to Dr. Samitha Manawadu , Senior Lecturer, Department of Architecture.
For the guidance, and the valuable discussions which led the study to its purpose, t o Archt. Nihal Bodinayake.
For the interest shown towards this study and for typing the text, t o my uncle, M r Henry de MeL
For love, guidance and understanding and encouragement given me throughout the study, t o my parents and friends.
Finally, t o everyone who assisted me to present this dissertation.
«
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
1
FIGURE NO. DESCRIPTION
l a - Tree wi th marks of ritual worship
l b - Prayers at the River Bank
2 - The Cosmic Tree set in a Yantra Diagram
3 - Spatial organisation of the Hogan
4 - The Tukanoan concept o f the multi-layered 'cosmic gourd ' and the plan of the
Tukanoan community showing spatial differentiation
5 - The Dwelling as Calendar and Zodiac
6 - Vastu Purusaha Mandala
7 - Feng-shui Compass
8 - Yehs Armchair Mode l
9 - Landscape Features
10 - Orientation
11 - Bali Concept of a House
12 - Bird Shaped Altar for a Fire Sacrifice
13 - Center of the Universe
14 - The Seventh Ray
15 - Catummapatha Concept
16 - Yupa the Spire as Sacrificial Pos t
17 - Vastu Purusha Mandala
18 - Square
19 - Circle
20 - The main four Padas
21 - E k a P a d a
•4
22 - D w i Pada
23 - Tri Pada
24 - Chatush Pada
25 - Pancha Pada
26 - Shastha Pada
27 - Sapta Pada
28 - Ashta Pada
29 - Nava Pada
30 - Eighty One Chamber of the Triangular Site
31 - Pada Vinysa on Circular Sites
32 - Dandaka type of T o w n Plan
33 - Sarvatobhadra type of T o w n Plan
34 - Nandyavarta tupe of T o w n Plan
35 - Padmaka type of T o w n Plan
36 - Swasthika type of T o w n Plan
37 - Prastara type of T o w n Plan
38 - Karmuka type of T o w n Plan
39 - Chaturmuka type of T o w n Plan
40 - Ancient City Planning Forms
41 - City Plan of Anuradhapura
42 - City Plan of Polonnaruwa
43 - City Plan of Kandy
44 - Layout Plans of Devalagam
45 - Shapes of Sites
46 - Topography of Sites
47 - Pada Bedeema
48 - Bhumi Chakra
49 - Mos t Auspicious Position of siting the Building
50 - Marama Stahana - Location of Well
51 - Locat ion of Different Activities
52 - Posit ion of Main D o o r
53 - Auspicious and Inauspicious Forms
54 - Bhumi N a g a Chakra
55 - Vessaghiya Monast ic Complex
56 - Vijayarama Monast ic Complex
57 - Padikemgala Monast ic Complex
58 - Manikdena Monast ic Complex
59 - The Generalised Building Locations
60 - Remains o f dwellings in Anuradhapura
61 - Plan - House 1
62 - Plan - House 2
63 - Plan - House 3
INTRODUCTION
•
t he re is someth ing bigger a n d m o r e wor thwi lc t h a n the th ings we see a b o u t us , the th ings we live a n d str ie for . T h e r e is an undiscovered b e a u t y , a divine excellence, j u s t beyond us . Let us s t and on t ip toe , forget t ing the n e a r e r th ings a n d g r a s p w h a t we m a y .
B e r n a r d M a y b e c k
INTRODUCTION
i
TOPIC EXPLANATION
"Superst i t ions" are beliefs in the existence or power of the supernatural and "beliefs"
can be described as acceptance of these as truth. Both superstitions and beliefs are
embedded in tradition and culture. Superstitions and beliefs have come down over the
past hundreds of years and as such, they are considered to be ancient and popular.
" Whatever , v iews may be held to the real meaning of these things which some call
superstitions and some would call poetry, I am sure at least of this, that no good is
ever wasted, that even in the selfish and loving attitude of man towards even a t ree,
there is some actual meaning, some real truth, some impulse which has in its own
way, its own effect." 1
Architectural symbols are visual and they have been used by many traditions to
embody the t ruths which are related to their superstitions and beliefs. Such symbols
are employed when other direct means fail to express the intended meaning. These
symbols have developed a smbolic language of vertical and horizontal lines, dots and
circles. Therefore, this visual art of architecture incorporates the superstitions and
beliefs of a society in its evolution.
In early civilisations, man depended on nature for their day to day life. Nature was
considered almost divine and came to be worshipped. Nature was the influencing
factor which was believed to bring them prosperity or adversity. As such, nature-
worship exerted a powerful influence on the myths and beliefs of these civilisations.
2
" All the rhythms of nature have their counterpart in the progressions of human life.
The ritual act is right performance; the creation of a work of art l ikewise." 2
Superstitions and beliefs based on nature carried down from generation to generation
became a part of culture and tradition. This is more evident in the East because it is
intensely agriculture based and this created an intimate relationship with nature. Land
w a s considered sacred and every act carried out on the land w a s performed with
rituals in order to transform it to a sacred land. This practice helped them sustain
these superstitions and beliefs.
Belief is based round the perception that man is governed by forces which are
beyond his control. Charles Correa describes superstitions and beliefs which have
contributed to architecture, thus, "The principle vehicles through which w e explore
and communicate our notions of this non-manifested world are religion, philosophy
and the arts. Like these, architecture t o o is myth-based, expressing the presence of
reality more profound than the manifested world in which it exists ." 3
Ancient civilisations considered architecture not only as a building exercise but also
as organising their living environment and creating a sacred atmosphere for living.
Therefore, the establishment of villages and cities and allocating sites for buildings
were considered vital. Many rituals, superstitions and beliefs have thus evolved and
they have been written about much in the East. These have been useful in creating a
built environment in terms of harmony with the natural environment.
Many suprstitions and beliefs have been devalued today due to several reasons, like
foreign domination, adoption of modern technology and the development of science
and commerce. Therefore, it is important to unravel the unseen depth and influence
of superstitions and beliefs in architecture.
INTENTION OF THE STUDY
"We become aware of it only when w e no longer have any use of it. 'Tradi t ion ' and
'cul ture ' today is mostly superstitions (when w e are frightened to defy some customs
we don ' t believe in ) or ornamentation to attract tourists or excite ourselves with our
aesthetic refinements". 4
As stated above superstitions and beliefs which contributed to creating a grand
tradition in architecture have been overshadowed by factors, such as western, urban
attitudes, commerce and the development of science. Modern developments have
adversely affected the built environment. Environmental pollution has become a
serious problem and glass facaded multi-storeyed buildings mushrooming in the cities
make the environment a concrete jungle.
Superstitions and beliefs tend to suffer change from time to time. Rich traditional
concepts underwent change by the adoption of Western customs and attitudes. Some
of these adopted by traditional societies are begining to be discarded gradually
because of the felt need to conserve the natural environment in the face of danger to
it ushered in by modern civilisation.
The intention of this study is to explore the unseen depth and relevance of
superstitions and beliefs in relation to architecture.
"With the mounting national consciousness, people awakening to a realisation, that
their own customs serve their purpose better than Westernised ways: nationalism is
something more than national dress. N o r is it all a matter of national languages. It is
more a matter of h o w w e live as t rue or nearly true, to our traditional life and h o w
w e cherish our social institutions." 5
4
SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS
Superstitions and beliefs influence every human activity. Therefore, they can be
studied in many different ways. This study is confined to superstitions and beliefs in
relation to architecture, because of academic requirements.
Even in the field of architecture, superstitions and beliefs differ in their importance
from country to country. This study will focus mainly on the Sri Lankan context, but
a general discussion will ensue to highlight the manifestation of superstitions and
beliefs in other cultures too .
In some instances the study had to limit itself to examination of literary evidence as
many of the ancient architectural remains have not survived. Therefore, to offset this
limitation, some contemporary examples have been taken into consideration.
The limited timeframe of this study does not permit delving deeper into the issue and
thus serve as a general introduction to guide future indepth studies.
METHODOLOGY
This study of superstitions and beliefs in architecture will be primarily based on
written documents. Relevant documents are scattered and for the purpose of this
study findings from these will be brought together.
5
the collected data related to superstitions and beliefs are examined under three main
sections:
* Superstitions and beliefs.
* Superstitions and beliefs in architecture.
« * Impact of superstitions and beliefs on layouts and site utilisation.
The first t w o sections is an examination of the relationship between literary
documents and selected examples. Illustrations are used to clarify the issues under
scrutiny. N e w developments which have served to dilute the importance of
superstitions and beliefs are also discussed.
REFERENCES
6
I. Coomaraswamy, Ananda
2. Mookerjee, Ajit'
Mediaeval Sinhalese art. Second edition.
Pantheon Book Inc. N e w York , 1956,
p . 124.
Ritual art of India. Thames and Hudson,
London, 1985. p . 10.
3. Correa, Charles
Carma
Vistara - The architecture of India. Ed.
Kagal in Festival of India, p.6.
4. de Suva, Raji Tradition and Development- Sunday
Observer, (Sri Lanka) 30th September,
1979, p. 16.
5. Rajabavan, M.D. Ceylonese Society and Culture, Asia
Publishing House , Bombay, 1964, p . 85.