...continued from Part-1
The concept of Padas and Orbits
In these series of blogs, I would be describing the various mandalas primarily from a cosmological view-point. Hence I would use the terminology of orbits primarily and not the ‘padas/divisions’ as done in traditional definitions.
The concept of mandalas is primarily used in site plans for courts, temples, multi-storeyed buildings, wells, granaire etc. Since each Mandala is bigger than the previous mandala in size and complexity and the mandalas are primarily used as plans for bigger and bigger layouts, the pada/divisions usage is able to give a ratio of proportions to the layout.
For eg., in the jAti type of courts (a type of Court specified in Manasara), where the edifice is to be in a sakala Mandala, in a five-courts structure, the first court is of pItha Mandala (9 divisions), second court is of Sthandila Mandala (49 divisions), third court is of Ubhaya Chandita Mandala (169 divisions), fourth court is of Susamhita mandala (441 divisions), fifth court is of Isvarakanta mandala (961 divisions). Thus one is able to make sense of the proportions of various courts.
The same can be seen in terms of orbit structures as defined here. The piTha mandala is of 1 orbit around a central object, Sthandila Mandala is of 3 orbits around a central object, Ubhaya-Chandita is of 6 orbits around a central object, Susamhita is of 10 objects around a central object, Isvara-Kantha is of 15 orbits around a central object.
Note that the orbits increase in terms of Triangular Numbers, when we plot it in the orbital way, which explains why these Mandalas are chosen for the jAti type of courts. The formula for this is (n(n+1)) / 2.
Similarly in the Chhanda type of courts, where the edifice is in Pazaka mandala, which starts from MahapiTha mandala as the first court, the orbits go increasing by ((n(n+1))/2) + 1.
Hence while Padas/divisions help the architects to plan, the concept of orbits could help the researcher to understand why these mandalas and proportions are prescribed in the first place.
The Division of Mandalas
Though there are 32 mandalas, I see there are four broad categories. Sakala Mandala to Paramasayika, Asana to Tri-Yuta, KarnAshtaka to Vivesa and Vipulya-Bhoga to ChandraKanta.
Division of Universe :Manduka
The Sakala Mandala to Paramasayika depict the entire Universe by dividing the entire Universe into four broad loops/orbits.
Sakala Mandala depicts the energy object at the center. It actually thus depicts the core Atman, from whom the entire Universe is said to be originated from (according to Aitareya Upanishad). Atman is supposed to be present in every thing deep inside, as everything has evolved from it including the space, force-fields, matter, energy.
Pazaka Mandala depicts a single loop/orbit. Pitha Mandala depicts a single loop/orbit encapsulating an energy object. These Mandala structures depict the Brahma-Veethi of the Universe that encapsulates the Dyauh-Loka
MahaPita Mandala depicts two loops/orbits. Upapita depicts two loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object. These Mandala structures depict the Deva veethi of the Universe that encapsulate the Deva-Loka.
Ugrapita depicts three loops/orbits. Sthandila depicts three loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object. These Mandala structures depict the Manushya Veethi of the Universe that encapsulates the Bhoo-Loka.
Manduka/Chandita depicts four loops/orbits. Paramasayika depicts four loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object. These Mandala structures depict the Paisacha Veethi of the Universe that encapsulates the Patala-Loka.
Thus these mandala structures divide the Universe into four overall divisions.
Division of Dyauh-Loka : Padma Garbha
The mandalas Asana to Tri-Yuta divide the Dyauh-Loka (inside Brahma Veethi) into further four divisions.
Asana Mandala (which means Sitting Asana posture of Shiva who is the force of Purusha on Amb a) has five loops/orbits. Sthaniya mandala that has five loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object along with Asana mandala is the first sub-division of Dyauh-Loka.
DeSya Mandala that has six loops/orbits and Ubhaya-chandita Mandala (which means loops/orbits on both sides of chandita) that has six loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object form the second sub-division of dyauh-loka.
Bhadra Mandala (that means attendant mandalas) that has seven loops/orbits and MahAsana mandala (the seat of Amba as symbolized in Sri Yantra) that has seven loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object form the third sub-division of dyauh-loka.
Padma-Garbha Mandala (that means the most honorable uterus from which Maha-vishnu comes) that has eight loops/orbits and Tri-Yuta Mandala (which means united three, a combination of Shiva, Amba and Vishnu) that has eight loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object form the fourth sub-division of dyau-loka.
PadmaGarbha Mandala symbolizes the Uterus in the sense that dyau-Loka is the uterus from which Universe evolved. Hence it is called the Padma-Garba.
Division of Deva Loka (Immortal world) : Vipra-Garba
KarnAshtaka Mandala (that means eight loops with an ear lobe) that has nine loops/orbits and Ganita mandala that has nine loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object form the first sub-division of Deva-Loka.
Surya-visAlaka Mandala (that means wide-reach of sun) that has ten loops/orbits and Susamhita Mandala (means well united with chief) that has ten loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object form the second sub-division of Deva-Loka.
SupratikAnta Mandala (that means most attractive form/shape) that has eleven loops/orbits and VisAlaka mandala that has eleven loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object form the third sub-division of Deva-Loka.
Vipra-garbha Mandala (means source/uterus of the awakened/wise) that has twelve loops/orbits and ViveSa mandala that has twelve loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object form the fourth sub-division of Deva-Loka.
Vipra-garbha Mandala symbolize the Uterus of the awakened in the sense that particles and forces emanated from this Loka. Hence it is called Vipra-Garba.
Division of Manushya Loka (Mortal world): ChandraKanta
Vipulya-bhoga Mandala (means large/abundant consumption of resources) that has thirteen loops/orbits and Vipra-Kunta Mandala (which means abundantly awakened) form the first sub-division of Manushya Loka.
VisalAksha Mandala (means large eye) that has fourteen loops/orbits and Vipra-bhakti Mandala (which means devotion of the awakened) that has fourteen loops/orbits around an energy object form the second sub-division of Manushya Loka.
VisveSvara Mandala (means universally spread force/space along with matter) has fifteen loops/orbits and Isvara-kAnta Mandala (which means attractive Isvara) that has fifteen loops/orbits around an energy object form the third sub-division of Manushya Loka.
ChanrakAnta Mandala (means the night blossoming lily) that has sixteen loops/orbits forms the fourth sub-division of Manushya Loka. It symbolizes the awakening of life in the darkness of knowledge.
Chandrakanta mandala symbolizes the attraction/awakening of life in darkness of knowledge. Hence it is called ChandraKanta.
Roughly from scientific view also, if we start from Earth/Solar system/Galaxy and go towards origins of Universe, we will see the Manushya Loka region (where awakened particles of matter and life exists, in terms of stars, galaxies etc), Deva Veethi (where pure particles are seen) and Dyauh-Loka (beyond our vision, probably a primordial matter condensate exists).
Here a look into every Mandala in some more detail.
Sakala Mandala
The Sakala Mandala is an Eka Pada (single division) structure. Sakala means everything, possessing all the parts. Any structure that possesses all the parts now or eventually is an example of Sakala mandala.
Any finite undivided space or energy within a set of boundaries is an example of Sakala Mandala, as it possesses all the parts in that undivided space. An undivided space with energy elements in it is a sakala mandala.
According to Aitareya Upanishad, Atman is from where everything evolved, starting with Amba and Purusha. Atman is located at the core of the Universe. Hence every manifestation in this Universe including space is supposed to have Atman in it. Sakala Mandala is the representation of Atman.
Structure of Sakala Mandala
Examples
The PAzaka mandala is a Dwi-pada (Two division) structure. PAzaka is the noose that is hands of Siva, Yama and other Gods. Actually pAzaka means the closed loop or ring that has the power or energy.
PAzaka thus represents a spiral or circular or elliptical loop/arm of a cosmological structure that has energy.
While energy is contained inside the borders in Sakala Mandala, the border loop contains the energy in pAzaka mandala. pAzaka represents a design pattern of one ring/loop structure that has power/energy.
It could be divided into two divisions vertically and horizontally, with dividing lines running through the centre of the loop/ring. Hence it could be represented into four parts.
Structure of pAzaka Mandala
Examples
The Pitha Mandala is a tri-pada (Three division) structure. PiTha means a pedestal or container which has energy located in the center as well as in the borders/loop around it.
It could be divided into three divisions vertically and three divisions horizontally, with dividing lines encapsulating the central energy source and the energy loops on the right, left, top and bottom, forming nine parts.
Structure of piTha Mandala
Examples
The MahaPita Mandala is a Chatur-pada (four divisions) structure. Maha Pita means Big Pedestal or Big basket. This Mandala is characterized by two energy loops.
This structure contains more energy than Pita Mandala, as there are two orbits involved compared to a Pita Mandala, which has one orbit and an object at the centre.
It could be divided into four divisions vertically and four divisions horizontally, with dividing lines encapsulating the energy loops on right, left, top and bottom, forming sixteen parts.
Structure of MahaPita Mandala
The concentricity shown in the above structure is only for easy explanation. The two energy loops may not be concentric and may be overlapping to each other. The chatur-pada division (four way division) still holds good.
As shown in the above figure, even when the energy loops are overlapping, they can be still divided into four divisions based on the principle of isolating each loop in one division.
Examples
The UpaPita Mandala (also referred to as Upa-pithika mandala) is a pancha-pada (five divisions) structure. Upa Pitaka means additional to Pita. This Mandala is characterized by two energy loops with a central space having energy.
Since it has one more loop compared to Pita Mandala and belongs to the same design pattern as that of Pita Mandala, it is called Upa Pita mandala.
It could be divided into five divisions vertically and four divisions horizontally, with dividing lines encapsulating the energy loops on right, left, top and bottom, forming twenty-five parts.
Structure of UpaPitha Mandala
The concentricity shown in the above structure is only for easy explanation. The two energy loops may not be concentric and may be overlapping to each other, but around a central energy object. The pancha-pada division (five way divsion) still holds good, as shown in the figure below.
Examples
The concept of Padas and Orbits
In these series of blogs, I would be describing the various mandalas primarily from a cosmological view-point. Hence I would use the terminology of orbits primarily and not the ‘padas/divisions’ as done in traditional definitions.
The concept of mandalas is primarily used in site plans for courts, temples, multi-storeyed buildings, wells, granaire etc. Since each Mandala is bigger than the previous mandala in size and complexity and the mandalas are primarily used as plans for bigger and bigger layouts, the pada/divisions usage is able to give a ratio of proportions to the layout.
For eg., in the jAti type of courts (a type of Court specified in Manasara), where the edifice is to be in a sakala Mandala, in a five-courts structure, the first court is of pItha Mandala (9 divisions), second court is of Sthandila Mandala (49 divisions), third court is of Ubhaya Chandita Mandala (169 divisions), fourth court is of Susamhita mandala (441 divisions), fifth court is of Isvarakanta mandala (961 divisions). Thus one is able to make sense of the proportions of various courts.
The same can be seen in terms of orbit structures as defined here. The piTha mandala is of 1 orbit around a central object, Sthandila Mandala is of 3 orbits around a central object, Ubhaya-Chandita is of 6 orbits around a central object, Susamhita is of 10 objects around a central object, Isvara-Kantha is of 15 orbits around a central object.
Note that the orbits increase in terms of Triangular Numbers, when we plot it in the orbital way, which explains why these Mandalas are chosen for the jAti type of courts. The formula for this is (n(n+1)) / 2.
Similarly in the Chhanda type of courts, where the edifice is in Pazaka mandala, which starts from MahapiTha mandala as the first court, the orbits go increasing by ((n(n+1))/2) + 1.
Hence while Padas/divisions help the architects to plan, the concept of orbits could help the researcher to understand why these mandalas and proportions are prescribed in the first place.
The Division of Mandalas
Though there are 32 mandalas, I see there are four broad categories. Sakala Mandala to Paramasayika, Asana to Tri-Yuta, KarnAshtaka to Vivesa and Vipulya-Bhoga to ChandraKanta.
Division of Universe :Manduka
The Sakala Mandala to Paramasayika depict the entire Universe by dividing the entire Universe into four broad loops/orbits.
Sakala Mandala depicts the energy object at the center. It actually thus depicts the core Atman, from whom the entire Universe is said to be originated from (according to Aitareya Upanishad). Atman is supposed to be present in every thing deep inside, as everything has evolved from it including the space, force-fields, matter, energy.
Pazaka Mandala depicts a single loop/orbit. Pitha Mandala depicts a single loop/orbit encapsulating an energy object. These Mandala structures depict the Brahma-Veethi of the Universe that encapsulates the Dyauh-Loka
MahaPita Mandala depicts two loops/orbits. Upapita depicts two loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object. These Mandala structures depict the Deva veethi of the Universe that encapsulate the Deva-Loka.
Ugrapita depicts three loops/orbits. Sthandila depicts three loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object. These Mandala structures depict the Manushya Veethi of the Universe that encapsulates the Bhoo-Loka.
Manduka/Chandita depicts four loops/orbits. Paramasayika depicts four loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object. These Mandala structures depict the Paisacha Veethi of the Universe that encapsulates the Patala-Loka.
Thus these mandala structures divide the Universe into four overall divisions.
Division of Dyauh-Loka : Padma Garbha
The mandalas Asana to Tri-Yuta divide the Dyauh-Loka (inside Brahma Veethi) into further four divisions.
Asana Mandala (which means Sitting Asana posture of Shiva who is the force of Purusha on Amb a) has five loops/orbits. Sthaniya mandala that has five loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object along with Asana mandala is the first sub-division of Dyauh-Loka.
DeSya Mandala that has six loops/orbits and Ubhaya-chandita Mandala (which means loops/orbits on both sides of chandita) that has six loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object form the second sub-division of dyauh-loka.
Bhadra Mandala (that means attendant mandalas) that has seven loops/orbits and MahAsana mandala (the seat of Amba as symbolized in Sri Yantra) that has seven loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object form the third sub-division of dyauh-loka.
Padma-Garbha Mandala (that means the most honorable uterus from which Maha-vishnu comes) that has eight loops/orbits and Tri-Yuta Mandala (which means united three, a combination of Shiva, Amba and Vishnu) that has eight loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object form the fourth sub-division of dyau-loka.
PadmaGarbha Mandala symbolizes the Uterus in the sense that dyau-Loka is the uterus from which Universe evolved. Hence it is called the Padma-Garba.
Division of Deva Loka (Immortal world) : Vipra-Garba
KarnAshtaka Mandala (that means eight loops with an ear lobe) that has nine loops/orbits and Ganita mandala that has nine loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object form the first sub-division of Deva-Loka.
Surya-visAlaka Mandala (that means wide-reach of sun) that has ten loops/orbits and Susamhita Mandala (means well united with chief) that has ten loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object form the second sub-division of Deva-Loka.
SupratikAnta Mandala (that means most attractive form/shape) that has eleven loops/orbits and VisAlaka mandala that has eleven loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object form the third sub-division of Deva-Loka.
Vipra-garbha Mandala (means source/uterus of the awakened/wise) that has twelve loops/orbits and ViveSa mandala that has twelve loops/orbits encapsulating an energy object form the fourth sub-division of Deva-Loka.
Vipra-garbha Mandala symbolize the Uterus of the awakened in the sense that particles and forces emanated from this Loka. Hence it is called Vipra-Garba.
Division of Manushya Loka (Mortal world): ChandraKanta
Vipulya-bhoga Mandala (means large/abundant consumption of resources) that has thirteen loops/orbits and Vipra-Kunta Mandala (which means abundantly awakened) form the first sub-division of Manushya Loka.
VisalAksha Mandala (means large eye) that has fourteen loops/orbits and Vipra-bhakti Mandala (which means devotion of the awakened) that has fourteen loops/orbits around an energy object form the second sub-division of Manushya Loka.
VisveSvara Mandala (means universally spread force/space along with matter) has fifteen loops/orbits and Isvara-kAnta Mandala (which means attractive Isvara) that has fifteen loops/orbits around an energy object form the third sub-division of Manushya Loka.
ChanrakAnta Mandala (means the night blossoming lily) that has sixteen loops/orbits forms the fourth sub-division of Manushya Loka. It symbolizes the awakening of life in the darkness of knowledge.
Chandrakanta mandala symbolizes the attraction/awakening of life in darkness of knowledge. Hence it is called ChandraKanta.
Roughly from scientific view also, if we start from Earth/Solar system/Galaxy and go towards origins of Universe, we will see the Manushya Loka region (where awakened particles of matter and life exists, in terms of stars, galaxies etc), Deva Veethi (where pure particles are seen) and Dyauh-Loka (beyond our vision, probably a primordial matter condensate exists).
Here a look into every Mandala in some more detail.
Sakala Mandala
The Sakala Mandala is an Eka Pada (single division) structure. Sakala means everything, possessing all the parts. Any structure that possesses all the parts now or eventually is an example of Sakala mandala.
Any finite undivided space or energy within a set of boundaries is an example of Sakala Mandala, as it possesses all the parts in that undivided space. An undivided space with energy elements in it is a sakala mandala.
According to Aitareya Upanishad, Atman is from where everything evolved, starting with Amba and Purusha. Atman is located at the core of the Universe. Hence every manifestation in this Universe including space is supposed to have Atman in it. Sakala Mandala is the representation of Atman.
Structure of Sakala Mandala
Examples
- A Black-hole that sucks matter from all around.
- An otherwise empty room in which sacrifices are performed, an empty room where SrAddham is done.
- An empty room where seats are placed for people to sit
- A dining room (in which food is distributed and eaten)
The PAzaka mandala is a Dwi-pada (Two division) structure. PAzaka is the noose that is hands of Siva, Yama and other Gods. Actually pAzaka means the closed loop or ring that has the power or energy.
PAzaka thus represents a spiral or circular or elliptical loop/arm of a cosmological structure that has energy.
While energy is contained inside the borders in Sakala Mandala, the border loop contains the energy in pAzaka mandala. pAzaka represents a design pattern of one ring/loop structure that has power/energy.
It could be divided into two divisions vertically and horizontally, with dividing lines running through the centre of the loop/ring. Hence it could be represented into four parts.
Structure of pAzaka Mandala
Examples
- Two bodies of similar mass orbiting around a common centre of mass, or barycenter.
- A Public Bath place in which bath-rooms are built in the loop around a central place.
- A public worship place in which worship is carried out by many people in the loop around a place say temple.
- PiTHa Mandala
The Pitha Mandala is a tri-pada (Three division) structure. PiTha means a pedestal or container which has energy located in the center as well as in the borders/loop around it.
It could be divided into three divisions vertically and three divisions horizontally, with dividing lines encapsulating the central energy source and the energy loops on the right, left, top and bottom, forming nine parts.
Structure of piTha Mandala
Examples
- Earth with its Satellite moon is an apt example of Pita Mandala.
- Cygnus X-1 star system in which a compact object said to be orbiting a black-hole
- Two bodies with a major difference in mass orbiting around a common barycenter (similar to the Earth-Moon system)
- The pedestal of an idol (vigraha) with its parivars around is also an example of piTha mandala. (Navagraha idols)
The MahaPita Mandala is a Chatur-pada (four divisions) structure. Maha Pita means Big Pedestal or Big basket. This Mandala is characterized by two energy loops.
This structure contains more energy than Pita Mandala, as there are two orbits involved compared to a Pita Mandala, which has one orbit and an object at the centre.
It could be divided into four divisions vertically and four divisions horizontally, with dividing lines encapsulating the energy loops on right, left, top and bottom, forming sixteen parts.
Structure of MahaPita Mandala
The concentricity shown in the above structure is only for easy explanation. The two energy loops may not be concentric and may be overlapping to each other. The chatur-pada division (four way division) still holds good.
As shown in the above figure, even when the energy loops are overlapping, they can be still divided into four divisions based on the principle of isolating each loop in one division.
Examples
- Cosmological structures like bi-stars which move around each other is an example of this Mandala. Epsilon Aurigae (eclipsing binary) and Sirius like two star systems which orbit around each other.
- Two bodies with a difference in mass orbiting around a common barycenter, like the Charon-Pluto system
The UpaPita Mandala (also referred to as Upa-pithika mandala) is a pancha-pada (five divisions) structure. Upa Pitaka means additional to Pita. This Mandala is characterized by two energy loops with a central space having energy.
Since it has one more loop compared to Pita Mandala and belongs to the same design pattern as that of Pita Mandala, it is called Upa Pita mandala.
It could be divided into five divisions vertically and four divisions horizontally, with dividing lines encapsulating the energy loops on right, left, top and bottom, forming twenty-five parts.
Structure of UpaPitha Mandala
The concentricity shown in the above structure is only for easy explanation. The two energy loops may not be concentric and may be overlapping to each other, but around a central energy object. The pancha-pada division (five way divsion) still holds good, as shown in the figure below.
Examples
- Two star systems that orbit around a black-hole, for example
- Two moons around a Planet. For eg., Mars and its moons (Phobos and Deimos) as shown in figure above.
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