SUPERSTITIONS AND BELIEFS IN ARCHITECTURE: e CDB» ca DISSERTATION PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE. M.Sc (ARCHITECTURE) SOHANI FONSEKA

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1 SUPERSTITIONS AND BELIEFS IN ARCHITECTURE: AN EXAMINATION OF THEIR IMPACT ON LAYOUTS AND SITE UTILISATION e CDB» ca * e >OQS. A DISSERTATION PRESENTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE UNIVERSITY OF MORATUWA FOR THE M.Sc (ARCHITECTURE) i2 "q? SOHANI FONSEKA DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE UNIVERSITY OF MORATUWA SRI LANKA Se/i-Sc yfc^ JUN mi }* gsffltmion DESIGN f M 0 3' ' TH

2 CONTENTS Page Acknowledgement List of Illustrations Introduction 1 Topic Explanation 1 Objectives of the Study 3 Scope and Limitations 4 Methodology 4 Chapter One 7 Superstitions and Beliefs Origin of Superstitions and Beliefs Superstitions and Beliefs and their Relationship with Human Activities Superstitions and Beliefs and their Relationship with Architecture 12 Chapter Two Superstitions and Beliefs in Architecture Different conceptions of Superstitions and Beliefs in Architecture a Perception of Beliefs and Superstitions in Architecture in Traditional Societies b The Hindu Perception of Beliefs and Superstitions in Architecture c Chinese Perception of Beliefs and Superstitions in Architecture d Bali Perception of Beliefs and Superstitions in Architecture Universal Order Which Generates a Sacred Architecture 28

3 2.2.a 2.2.b 2.2.c The Center of the Cosmos Mandala Pada Vinyasa Chapter Three Superstitions and Beliefs and their Impact on Layouts and Site Utilisation Superstitions and Beliefs Related to Villages and Cities Examination of the Influence of Superstitions and Beliefs in Traditional Villages and Cities in Sri Lanka l.a Anuradhapura D Polonnaruwa C Kandy l.d Devalagam Superstitions and Beliefs Related to Buildings a Selection of Site b Designing in the Site c Construction Examination of the Influences of Superstitions and Beliefs on Buildings l.a Monastic Complexes D Residential Buildings 100 Conclusion 109 Bibliography

4 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This dissertation would never have been possible without the valuable support given by many to whom I am indebted and I sincerely acknowledge it. For the encouragement given for the selection of this subject at the inception, to 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, to Archt. Nihal Bodinayake. For the interest shown towards this study and for typing the text, to my uncle, Mr Henry de MeL For love, guidance and understanding and encouragement given me throughout the study, to my parents and friends. Finally, to everyone who assisted me to present this dissertation.

5 «LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS 1 FIGURE NO. DESCRIPTION la lb - Tree with marks of ritual worship - Prayers at the River Bank 2 - The Cosmic Tree set in a Yantra Diagram 3 - Spatial organisation of the Hogan 4 - The Tukanoan concept of 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 Model 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 Post 17 - Vastu Purusha Mandala 18 - Square 19 - Circle 20 - The main four Padas 21 -EkaPada 4

6 22 - Dwi 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 Town Plan 33 - Sarvatobhadra type of Town Plan 34 - Nandyavarta tupe of Town Plan 35 - Padmaka type of Town Plan 36 - Swasthika type of Town Plan 37 - Prastara type of Town Plan 38 - Karmuka type of Town Plan 39 - Chaturmuka type of Town 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 - Most Auspicious Position of siting the Building 50 - Marama Stahana - Location of Well 51 - Location of Different Activities

7 52 - Position of Main Door 53 - Auspicious and Inauspicious Forms 54 - Bhumi Naga Chakra 55 - Vessaghiya Monastic Complex 56 - Vijayarama Monastic Complex 57 - Padikemgala Monastic Complex 58 - Manikdena Monastic Complex 59 - The Generalised Building Locations 60 - Remains of dwellings in Anuradhapura 61 - Plan - House Plan - House Plan - House 3

9 INTRODUCTION there is something bigger and more worthwilc than the things we see about us, the things we live and strie for. There is an undiscovered beauty, a divine excellence, just beyond us. Let us stand on tiptoe, forgetting the nearer things and grasp what we may. Bernard Maybeck

10 i INTRODUCTION TOPIC EXPLANATION "Superstitions" 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, views 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 tree, 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 truths 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, natureworship exerted a powerful influence on the myths and beliefs of these civilisations.

11 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 likewise." 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 was considered sacred and every act carried out on the land was 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 we explore and communicate our notions of this non-manifested world are religion, philosophy and the arts. Like these, architecture too 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.

12 INTENTION OF THE STUDY "We become aware of it only when we no longer have any use of it. 'Tradition' and 'culture' today is mostly superstitions (when we 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. Nor is it all a matter of national languages. It is more a matter of how we live as true or nearly true, to our traditional life and how we cherish our social institutions." 5

13 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.

14 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 two sections is an examination of the relationship between literary documents and selected examples. Illustrations are used to clarify the issues under scrutiny. New developments which have served to dilute the importance of superstitions and beliefs are also discussed.

15 6 REFERENCES I. Coomaraswamy, Ananda Mediaeval Sinhalese art. Second edition. Pantheon Book Inc. New York, 1956, p Mookerjee, Ajit' Ritual art of India. Thames and Hudson, London, p Correa, Charles Vistara - The architecture of India. Ed. Carma Kagal in Festival of India, p de Suva, Raji Tradition and Development- Sunday Observer, (Sri Lanka) 30th September, 1979, p Rajabavan, M.D. Ceylonese Society and Culture, Asia Publishing House, Bombay, 1964, p. 85.

Kundalini and Yantra. page 1 of 16. Downloadet from

Kundalini and Yantra. page 1 of 16. Downloadet from Kundalini and Yantra page 1 of 16 Kundalini and Yantra A Brief Introduction for Inquiring Minds Written and Illustrated by David Edwin Hill Copyright 2006 by David Edwin Hill Simpsonville, South Carolina