Bhrugu shilpasamhita english

A rare unknown book on Shilpa shastra

1. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 0

Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita

A Rare Text on Shilpshastra
(Ancient Indian Engineering Philosophy)




Edited by
Late K.V. Vaze, Nasik (MS)
1869 - 1929

Compiled & Re-edited by
Dr. A.S. Nene, Nagpur
[email protected]
September 2016

2. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 1


List of Contents
In the available references (quoted by K.V.Vaze), on Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita,
the Sanskrit sloka(Verse) number is not mentioned . Even the chapter
number for few verses is missing or apparently incorrect. However the list of
contents could be as below.
List of contents
Chapter Topic of the chapter Page
List of Contents 1
List of Sanskrit verses and tables 2
Prologue by Editor 5
Terminology 7
1 Krushi Shastra-Biological Science 10
2 Jala Shastra-Water Resources 14
3 Khani Shastra-Mining & Metallurgy 15
4 Nauka Shastra-Water Transport 18
5 Rath Shastra-Surface Transport 20
6 Viman Shastra-Air Transport **
7 Vastu Shastra-Habitation 22
8 Prakar Shastra-Forts& Castles **
9 Nagar Rachana Shastra- Town Planning 33
10 Yantra Shastra-Machines **
11 Appendix 38
12 List of References 44
About the Editor 45
** No Sanskrit verse could be traced on this topic

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List of Sanskrit verses and Tables

Chapter 0-Terminology
SV0.01 Definition of Shilpa
SV0.02 Definition of Vidya and Kala
SV0.03 Extent of Shilpa shastra
SV0.04 Definition of Dhatu Khand
SV0.05 Scope of Biological Sciences
SV0.06 Scope of Sadhan Khand
SV0.07 Definition of Vastu Khand
SV0.08 Krushee shastra
SV0.09 Jala shastra
SV0.10 Khani Shastra
SV0.11 Water transportation
SV0.12 Chariot
SV0.13 Aero plane
Chapter 1-Krushee
SV1.01 Scope of Biological Sciences
SV1.02 Types of cloths
SV1.03 Utility of a cow
SV1.04 Cows unsuitable
SV1.05 Time for milking
SV1.06 Essential fodder
SV1.07 Scrubbing
Chapter 2-Jala shastra
SV2.01 Drainage of water
SV2.02 Automatic gates
Chapter 3- Khani shatra
SV3.01 Rock Formation
SV3.02 Types of Stones
SV3.03 Identification of metals
SV3.04 Cross-section
SV3.05 Color
SV3.06 Caste
SV3.07 Trade mark
SV3.08 Purity
SV3.09 Origin
SV3.10 Sound
SV3.11 Sections
SV3.12 Un-decisive test
SV3.13 Sub-division of identification tests

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Chapter 4- Nauka shatra
SV4.01 Definition of Boat
SV4.02 Jetties on sea
Chapter 5- Ratha shastra
SV5.01 Slope of hill road
SV5.02 Drainage of Hill roads
SV5.03 Camber for Hill roads
SV5.04 Tunnel construction
SV5.05 Utility of a bridge
SV5.06 Toll for bridge
SV5.07 Types of chariots
SV5.08 Construction details of a chariot
SV5.09 Significance of Chariot
SV5.10 Timber for chariot construction
Chapter 7-Veshma Shastra
SV7.01 Definition of Vastu Khand
SV7.02 Qualities of an engineer
SV7.03 Five basic elements
SV7.04 Identification tests
SV7.05 based on color
SV7.06 based on smell
SV7.07 based on taste
SV7.08 based on shape of grains
SV7.09 based on slope of plot
SV7.10 based on sound of ground
SV7.11 Building Materials
SV7.12 Selection of Material
SV7.13 Four life spans
SV7.14 Building materials
SV7.15 Brick kiln
SV7.16 Quality bricks
SV7.17 Lime mortar
SV7.18 Lime plaster
SV7.19 Selection of stones
SV7.20 Cutting of a tree
SV7.21 Collection of tree logs
SV7.22 Preservation of timber
SV7.23 Seasoning of timber
SV7.24 Testing tree prior to cutting
SV7.25 Tree classification
SV7.26 Suitable tree
SV7.27 Gender of Tree
SV7.28 Good neighborhood

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SV7.29 Roofing of houses
SV7.30 open spaces
SV7.31 Payment to workers
Chapter 9 –Nagar Rachana
SV9.01 Definition of Drawing
SV9.02 Shops in Bazaar
SV9.03 Pollution prevention
SV9.04 A composer of book
Chapter 10 -Appendix
SV10.01 Counting of numbers
SV10.02 Length measurement
SV10.03 Units of length
SV10.04 Appropriate units
SV10.05 Perimeter of circle
SV10.06 Diameter of circular segment
SV10.07 Volume of solids
SV10.08 Telescope or level
SV10.09 Meter rod
SV10.10 Grass Rope
SV10.11 Level thread
SV10.12 Plumb bob
SV10.13 Setsquares
SV10.14 Tool for drawing ellipse
SV10.15 Ellipse
SV10.16 Six Commandments

List of Tables

Chapter 7-Veshma shastra
Table 7.1 classification system of Trees
Chapter 11 - Appendix
Table 10.1 Units of measurement of time
Table 10.2 Different units of length
Table 10.3 Perimeter to diameter ratio
Table 10.4 Weights

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Prologue

Sage Bhrugu is considered as one of the seven immortal sages
(Saptarshee). MatsyapuraN, chapter 252, describes eighteen divine
engineers of ancient India. Sage Bhrugu was first in that list. These
engineers developed their own style of engineering, which w as adopted in
different parts of India. Out of these eighteen Kashyapa, Bhrugu, Maya and
Vishvakarma are well known because of their texts (Samhitas).One can find
reference of Sage Bhrugu in Shiva PuraN and Vayu PuraN also. The world
famous text by Sage Bhrugu is “Bhrugu-Samhita. This book (world’s oldest
on Indian Astrology) is easily available in India and abroad. But
unfortunately his another text “Bhrugu Shilpa-Samhita“, is not available in
India.
Sage Bhrugu divided the entire science and technology of India, i.e. Shilpa-
shastra into three volumes, ten engineering sciences, thirty-two techniques
and sixty-four skills. The classification by Sage Bhrugu is unique. Many of
the techniques and skills mentioned by him still exist. Sage Bhrugu initiated
the technique of tunneling and described the construction of hill roads. As
Sage Kashyapa re-established the land Kashmir (Kashyapamir), similarly
Sage Bhrugu re-established the land of Bhadoch (in Gujarat).
During 1924-1929, Krishnaji Vinayak Vaze, a Civil Engineer from Nasik (MS)
compiled and published many books and articles on Shilpashatra. He quoted

7. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 6

hundreds of Sanskrit verses from few pages of Bhrugu Shilpa -Samhita
(which he collected from a personal library at Ujjain, M.P.).Shri Vaze and
many others tried to obtain the full text of the book, but could not succeed.
It is understood that it may be available in some Sanskrit language library in
Germany. Except Vaze none of the other Indologist have even mentioned
this rare book in their books and articles.
This editor, therefore, decided to collect all the verses of Bhrugu Shilpa-
Samhita and to arrange them in order, to get a glimpse this rare book. The
booklet presented here is the outcome. If some Indians settled in foreign
countries come forward to trace the original manuscript, it would be a great
service.
Dr. A.S. Nene September 2016
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Chapter 0- Terminology

0.01 Shilpa - The Sanskrit word has a very wide meaning, other than
sculpture or idol. Shilpa includes many articles (things), machines,
innovations, metals, and artificial means. Shilpa -The word Shilpa is derived
from words Sheel samadhou which mean anything that please the mind.
Sage Bhrugu has given a definition of Shilpa.SV0.01, Ref.1 page 2. Ref.2
page 8. Ref.3 page 5.
नानविधानाां िस्तूना यांत्राणाां कल्पसांपदाम् ।
धातूनाां साधनानाां च िास्तूनाां शिल्पसांज्ञितम् ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ. १
SV0.01- Definition of Shilpa
0.02 Vidya- Vidya means a technique. One must have both theoretical and
practical knowledge of that subject. There are thirty-two Vidyas related to
Shilpashashtra.
Four types of Vidyas: The word ‘Vidya’ is derived from root ’Vid’ of
knowledge. Depending upon the method of acquiring there are four types of
Acharya (Teacher), Vinaya (the result) and Niyama (rules of behavior.
SV2.14. Ref.2 page 84.
विद्यानाां यथास्िां आचायं प्रमाण्यां विनयो ननयमश्च ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ ?
SV0.02a- Four types of Vidyas

Kala - Kala means an art which can be acquired by practice and
observation. Even a handicapped person can be expert in a particular art
without any theoretical knowledge. There are sixty -four Kalas related to
Shilpashashtra. SV 0.02 ,Ref.1 page 2.Ref.3 page 14.

यद्यत्सस्याव्दाचचकां सम्यक्कमम विद्येनत सांज्ञितम् ।
िक्तो मूकोऽवप यत्सकतुं कलासांिां तत्तत्सस्मृतम्॥
विद्या ह्यनांताश्च कला: सांख्यातुां नैि िक्यते ।
विद्या मुख्यास्तु व्दात्त्रांिच्चतु:ष्ष््ि: कला: स्मृता:

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॥
भ्रुगुसांहिता अ. १
SV0.02b- Definition of Vidya and Kala

0.03 Extent of Shilpa shastra : Bhrugu Samhita is a compilation of rules
specified by Sage Bhrugu. The entire Shilpa Shastra comprises of three
volumes, namely, ‘Dhatu (Resource), ‘Sadhana’ (Transportation) and ‘Vastu
‘(Habitation. SV0.03. Ref.2 page 39.
धातूनाां साधनानाां च िास्तूनाां शिल्प सांज्ञितां॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ. १
SV 0.03- Extent of Shilpa shastra
0.04 Dhatu Khand (Volume on resources) – This volume comprises of
‘Krushee’ (Biological Science), Jala (Water resources) and Khani (Mineral
resources). SV0.04. Ref.32 page. SV 0.4.Ref.2 page 39.

कृषीजलां खननश्चेनत धातुखांडां त्त्रधामतां॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ. १
SV 0.04- Definition of Dhatu Khand
0.05 Scope of Dhatu Khand (Volume on resource): Krushee shastra
deals with birth, growth and use of tress, h uman and animals. SV 0.05
,Ref.3 page.
िृक्षाहद प्रसिारोप पालनाहद क्रिया कृषी: ।
सांचेतन सांिरणां जलानाां स्तांभनां जलां ॥
पाषाण धात्सिाहद दृनतस्तदभस्मीकरणां तथा ।
धातु साांकयं पाथमक्य करणाहद क्रिया खनन: ॥
भ्रुगुसांहिता अ. १
SV 0.05-Scope of Biological Sciences

0.06 Saadhana Khand (Transportation): This volume comprises of three
shastras namely Ratha (Surface),Nauka (Water) and Viman (Air)
transportation. SV0.06. Ref.3 page. Ref.2 page 126.
नौका- रथाष्षनन-यानानाां कृनत: साधनमुच्चते भ्रुगुसांहिता
अश्िाहदकां तु यद्यान भूशमयानां स्थले ष्षस्थतां ॥

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जले नौकैियानां तज्जलयान शमनतस्मृतां । भ्रुगुसांहिता
अष्षननयानां विमानांस्याद् व्योमयानां तदेिच ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ ५
SV 0.06-Scope of Sadhan Khand

0.07 Vastu Khand (Habitation): This volume also comprises of three
shastra(s) namely Construction of houses, Forts and castles and town
planning. SV0.07. Ref.32 .
िेश्मप्राकार नगररचना िास्तु सांज्ञितां । भ्रुगुसांहिता अ. १
SV 0.07- Definition of Vastu Khand
0.08 Krushee shastra: KruShee shastra (Biological Science) includes
Trees, animal and humans. (These all have to pass through three stages
namely birth, growth and decay).SV0.08.
िृक्षाहदप्रसिारोपपालनाहदक्रिया कृवष: ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ.१
SV0.08- Krushee shastra
0.09 Jalashastra: Jala shastra (Water resource engineering) includes
storage, distribution and drainage of water. SV0.09, Ref.3 page 11.

सांचेतन,सांिरण जलानाां स्तांभनां जलां ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता
SV 0.09- Jala shastra
0.10 Khani Shastra: Khani Shastra (Mining and Metallurgy) includes
exploration of stone, minerals, metals ores and gem stones. SV0.10. Ref.3
page 11.
पाषाणधात्सिाहददृनतस्तभ्दस्मीकरणां तथा ।
धातुसाांकयमपाथमक्यकरणाहदांक्रिया खनन:॥ भृगुसांहिता अ .१
SV 0.10- Khani Shastra
0.11 Water transportation: There are three types of vehicles for
transportation on water. First one moves along the flow of water (Taree),
Second one uses sails to increase the speed (Nau) and the third one (Nauka)
uses both sails and oars (Aritra) SV 0.11. Ref.3 page 12.
जले नौके ि यानां स्याद् ।सोमेन नीता तरी ।

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पिमानसोमाभ्याां नौ: ।अररत्राहदशभजमलिायुमानिैनौका ॥
भृगुसांहिता अ .१
SV 0.11- Water transportation
0.12 Surface transport -Chariot: The land vehicle is called ‘Ratha’
(chariot). This vehicle is fitted with two, four or more wheels. SV0.12, Ref.3
page 12.
भूशमयानां रथां स्मृतां ॥ भृगुसांहिता
SV 0.12-Chariot
0.13 Air transport -Aeroplane: The vehicle used for air travel is called
Vimaan or Vyomayan (Aeroplane). SV0.13, Ref.3 page 12.

आकािे अष्षननयानां च व्योमयानां तदेिहि ॥
SV 0.13-Aeroplane
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Chapter 1 Krushee shastra-Biological Sciences

1.0 Vidyas: This shastra contains three techniques as below;
 Vrikshya Vidya - Botany;
 Pashu Vidya - Veterinary Sciences;
 Manushya Vidya – Human resources.

1.1-Scope of Dhatu Khand (Volume on resource): Krushee shastra
deals with birth, growth and use of tress, human and animals. Storage,
distribution and drainage of water is included in Jala shastra. Exploration of
rocks, ores and minerals, Separation or alloys of metals etc is included in
Khani shastra. SV 1.01. Ref.2 page 40.

िृक्षाहद प्रसिारोप पालनाहद क्रिया कृषी: ।
सांचेतन सांिरणां जलानाां स्तांभनां जलां ॥
पाषाण धात्सिाहद दृनतस्तदभस्मीकरणां तथा ।
धातु साांकयं पाथमक्य करणाहद क्रिया खनन: ॥
भ्रुगुसांहिता अ. १
SV 1.01-Scope of Biological Sciences
Vrikshya vidya- Botany
1.2- Types of cloths: Animals' skin was called Krutti. Such skins were first
used as cloth for shelter and then as clothing. Subsequently tree barks were
used as clothing. Silk, wool and cotton was then used to prepare cloths.
Vedas do not mention cotton as cotton clot h was invented later. SV 1.02.
Ref. 1, page 26.

पिूनाअांगननिामर: कृवत्त कृवत्तररत्सयुच्यते बुधै:।
िृक्षत्सिक्सांभिां िाक्षं तज्िेयां तु चतुविमधम् ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ. १४
SV 1.02- Types of cloths

Pashuvidya- Animal care
1.3a- Utility of a cow :Cows eat and digest grass and give milk for all and
satisfy children, old and unhealthy persons. Who says that cows are
unaffordable? As per Sage Parashar, cow’s urine is best medicine for human

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bones and intestines and questions which part of a cow in i nauspicious?
Though cow’s urine, cow dung, milk, curd and ghee are precious medicines,
but care should taken about their purity. SV1.03, Ref.4.

गािोिजानतर तस्मात्तस्याज्जाता अजािय: ॥
अनादेयां तृनांजनधा स्त्रिस्युतुहदनांपय: ।
तृष्षततदां देिता दीनाां गाि: पो्या कांधनहि ॥
िकूनमुर् आहद यस्यास्तु पीतां दिनत पातकां ।
क्रकमपूज्याहित स्यागोररनत पारािरोव्रिीत ॥ भृगुसांहिता अ.?
SV1.03-Utility of a cow
1.3b Cows unsuitable for milking: Cows, Weak, deceased, violent or
which gave birth to twins, are prohibited from milking. Only a pious (clean?)
person should do the milking job. SV1.04,Ref. 4.

दुबमला व्याचध: भीता पुष्षज्यतायाष्षव्दित्ससांभू: ।
तागािोनैि दोनधया धननकै धमामशभत्ससुशभ: ॥ भृगुसांहिता ?
SV1.04- Cows unsuitable
1.3c- Time for milking: Wise men milk cows in the morning only. One
should not milk the tired cows returning home in the evening. SV1.05,Ref.4.
प्रातरे िहिद्नध व्या सायांगातोि ब्राम्िणै: ।
दोनधुहिमपण सोनैि िधंनतता: कदाचन ॥ भृगुसांहिता ?
SV1.05-Time for milking

1.3d- Essential fodder: Proper food is essential for animals. Their health
depends on their food. It is therefore necessary to take the animals out to a
green land away from home so these animals eat properly. SV1.06,Ref. 4.
अन्नांतु जगदाधारां सिममन्ने त्रविष्षतनतां ।
न दुरे गौश्चनेतव्या चारणाय कदाचन ॥
सांपश्येच्चरत: सिामन् गोिृषाहदक स्ियांगृिी ।
चचांतयेस्तममात्समी याांत्सस्ियमेि कृषी व्रजेत्॥ भृगुसांहिता ?
SV1.06-Essential fodder

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1.2f- Scrubbing: The animals get a pleasure when their bodies are
occasionally scrubbed some tools. If such arrangement is not made the
animals get injured by rubbing against a wall or trees. SV1.07,Ref.4.

िष्षजगोिृषाला सुसुतीक्ष्णां लोि: यैनक ।
स्थातयांतु सिमदा तेषाां कांडूयन विमोक्षिृद्॥ भृगुसांहिता ?
SV1.07- Scrubbing

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Chapter 2 Jalashastra –Water resources engineering

2.0 Vidyas: The tree Vidyas under this shastra are;
 Sanchetan Vidya – Water Distribution
 SamharaN Vidya – Water Drainage
 Stambhan Vidya - Water Storage

2.1-Water Storage -Stambhan Vidya
The art of storage of water was termed as "Stambhan Vidya" Sage Bhrugu
has described the properties of static water as below; Ref 2. Page 109 and
110
1. The top surface of static water is always horizontal, irrespective of its
depth or cross section.
2. The water is very unsteady; it escapes if there is little scope.
3. The pressure exerted by water is same in all directions.
4. The water pressure is equivalent to its weight. It increases with the
depth.
5. Waves are created in water due to wind. Waves move like a rolling pin
and recede afterward.
6. The banks should be sloping to reduce the damage due to waves.

2.2 Drainage and dewatering - Samharan Vidya

Dewatering of land: If a land is waterlogged then the water should be
drained out by digging drains parallel to north east and refilling the trenches
by brickbats and stones so that excess water drains out. SV2.01 Ref.1 page
11.
अनूपां जलपांकमयां देिां पूिोत्तखामत्तशभरर्िकोपलपूररता
शभग शभरास्त्राियेत् ॥भ्रुगुसांहिता अ. ८
SV2.01- Drainage of water
Automatic gates: Automatic gates are provided inn dams to remove silt
deposits. The axis of these gates is at one-third the height of gates so these
gates functions properly. Ref. SV2.02. Ref.1 page 12.

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पांक्क्षालनशसद््यथं प्रिािाकषणामय च ।
यथाशभलवषतान व्दारान् वपधानो्दािनक्षमान् ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ. १२
SV2.02 - Automatic gates

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Chapter 3-Khani Shastra-Mining & Metallurgy


3.1-Rock Formation: The land between Vindhya and Sahyadri mountains is
formed by igneous (Aganeya) rocks and land between Vindhya and Himalaya
mountains is formed by sedimentary (Soumya) rocks. The flora and fauna in
these lands is hot and dry or cold and juicy respectively. SV 3.01, Ref.3 page
35.
आननेयाविां्यसह्याद्या: सौम्यो हिमचगरेस्तत: ।
अतस्तदोषधानन स्य: अनु�पाणण िेतुशभ:॥ भृगुसांहिता
SV 3.01 -Rock Formation
Types of Stones: Meteoric stones (Divya) are those fallen from space and
Territorial stones (Bhouma) are those formed the crust of the earth. SV
3.02. Ref.2 page 112.
हदव्यभौम विभागेन भूशसस्तु द्विविधामता ।
हदव्याहदविसमुभ्दूता भौमाभूशम समुभ्दिा: ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ ?
SV 3.02- Types of Stones

3.2 Identification Tests on metals: There are eight types of tests for
metals. These are Anga, Roop, Jaatee,Netra ,Arishtha,Bhumika, Dhwani and
Maan. SV3.03, Ref.3.Page 154.
अांगां �पां तथा जानतनेत्रारर्िे च भूशमका।
्िननमामष्षन्मनत प्रोक्तां धातुिाना्िकां िुभां ॥
भृगुसांहिता
SV 3.03- Identification of metals
Cross-section (Anga)- In the test the metal piece is cut or drilled. The
inspection of cross-section is first test. SV3.043, Ref.3.,Page 154.

अशभन्ने दृश्यते कीदृग ् विशभन्न घिते कथां ।
शभन्ने प्रदश्यते चचन्िां तदंग सांप्रच्क्षते॥
SV 3.04-Cross-section

18. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 17

Color (Roop): Every metal has its own color. The color can be blue, black,
red, yellow etc. SV3.05, Ref.3.,Page 155.
नीलकृ्णाहदको िणो �पशमत्सयशभधीयते ॥
SV 3.05-Color
Caste (Jaatee):The metal has its own positive or negative properties by
which metal can be identified. SV3.06, Ref.3.,Page 155.
येनैि यत्सप्रतीतां स्यात्तज्जानतररनत गद्यते
॥
SV 3.06-Caste
Trade mark (Netra): As humans can be identified by eyes, similarly trade
mark of manufacturer (in addition to the cross -section) helps in
identification. has its own positive or negative properties by which metal can
be identified. SV3.07, Ref.3.,Page 155.

अांगानतररक्तां यज्जानतस्तन्मािात्सम्योपसूचकम्।
तन्नेत्रशमनत जानीयात स्प्िां धातुवििारद: ॥
SV 3. 07-Trade mark
Purity (Arishtha): Few metals are marked (by experts) with its percentage
of purity. Ref.3.08, Page 155.
अांगानतररक्तां य्दातौ तच्छु्दत्सयोपसूचकम् ।
तदरर्िशमनत प्रािुननमत्सयां धातुवििारदा ॥
SV 3.08-Purity
Origin (Bhoomi): The mine from which the metal ore is excavated is its
origin. Ref.3.09, Page 155.
देिस्थानाहदकां भूशम:।
SV 3.09 –Origin
Sound (Dhwani) -The sound emitted when a metal is struck by metal, helps
in the identification. The engineer should know the different sounds of
metals . Ref.3.10, Page 155.
धातो यो आयते िब्दोनखदांडाहदना िते ।
स ्िननररनत वििेय: शिल्पिास्त्रवििारदै:॥
SV 3.10 -Sound

19. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 18

Section (Maan)- The metals are cast into different sections (circular or
square rods, angles, channels or beams etc) for end users. Ref.3.11, Page
156.
धातूनाां विविधां मानां शिल्पकमोचचतां भिेत्।
शभन्नदेिखननभ्यश्च उन्मानशमनत गद्यते ॥
SV 3.11-Section
Un-decisive test: Metals can be plated with gold or silver. Inspection of
metal by its cross-section and sound is the un -decisive methods of
identification. Ref.3.12, Page 156.

पांचात्र ननपुणैधामतौ सांभाव्यांते च कृत्त्रमा:।
व्दािेिाकृत्त्रमौ िेयौ याित्र सिजो स्मृतौ ॥
SV 3.12-Un-decisive test
Sub-division of identification tests: Each identification test has many
subdivisions as mentioned below;
 Cross-section (Anga)- 100
 Color (Roop)- 4
 Caste (Jaatee)- 4
 Trade mark (Netra) – 30
 Purity (Arishtha) – 30
 Origin (Bhoomi) – 2
 Sound (Dhwani)- 8
 Section (Maan)- In-numerable. SV 3.13,Ref.3.12, Page 156.

ितभांगानन चत्सिारर �पाणण जातयस्तथा ।
त्त्रांिस्त्रेत्राणण जानीयादरर्िानन तथैि च ॥
भूशमस्तु ष्षव्दविधा िेया ्िननर्िविधो मत: ।
मानां तु विविधां प्रोक्तां सिेषाां सांग्रिो मत: ॥
SV 3.13-Sub-division of identification tests
***.***

20. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 19

Chapter 4 –Nauka shastra- Water Transport


Navigation -Nauvidya

4.1 - Definition of Boat: One which is suitable for wind and water current
is called Nau or boat. Ships and launches sailing on sea are of this type.
Boats and ships are used for river transport. Ref. SV 4.01, Ref. 1, page 24

पिमानसोमाभ्याां नीता नौ: ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ. १०
SV 4.01 - Definition of Boat
4.2- Jetties on sea: Construction of jetties is similar to bridge construction.
The length should be such that it is useful both in high and low tides of sea.
For rivers Ghats with steps, are constructed. Such Ghats are suitable both
for men and boats. SV.4.02. Ref. 1, page 24.

समुद्राज्जांपदां प्रिे्िुां नन्कशमतु िा सेतुबांध नौकाश्रयाथमः ।
सा च सरणणिद व््सनोदयेश्िवप नािाश्रयोपयुक्तः स्यात॥
SV4.02 - Jetties on sea

***.***

21. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 20

Chapter 5-Rathashatra –Surface Transport

5.1 – Slope of Hill roads: Bhrugusamhita compares a hill road with a creeper
climbing on a tall tree by gradual rising. The text recommends that the slope
for hill roads should be 1 to 16 and the surface should be sloping towards
the hill side. Ref.SV5.01. Ref. 1, page 23.

चगरेरारोिणां कुयामद िृक्षारोिीलतासमम्।
आयामषोडिोभागाद् िीनांस्याद उच््यां सदा ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ. १०
SV5.01- Slope of hill road
The hill road should be strong. It should be partly rising and partly sloping.
There should be drain for water. SV5.02. Ref. 1, page 23.
चगरोनेःसरणां कुयामदिरोिारोिणात्समक् ।
चगरेस्तिात्ससांसराणणः प्रस्त्रिणाांतररता भिेत्
डमयोरांतरे स्तोतः प्रस्त्रिणाथम सदा भिेत् ।
भृगु सांहिता अ १०
SV5.02 – Drainage of Hill roads
5.2 Camber for Hill roads: The surface of hill road should be sloping
towards hill so that water is collected in a drain and the slope is stable. The
city road is sloping inside but hill road should be high at outer edge and low
at edge near the hill. SV5.03. Ref.1.page 23
म्यननम्नः पुरे ग्रामे िहिःस्त्रािी समे स्थले ।
अांतःस्तािी भिेतपांथा चगरएरारोिणे सदा ॥
चगरेरांतभेदीयः पांथास्तष्षव्दिरां स्मृतम्।
अांतद्रमव्यानुसारेण तस्य बांधनशम्यते ॥
भृगु सांहिता अ १०
SV5.03 - Camber for Hill roads
5.3 Construction of a tunnel: If the hill is surrounded by plan ground, it is
desirable to construct a tunnel. The tunnel excavation should be started
from both end till it trough. Such tunnel was called ‘Bhrugudar’( an opening
deviced by Sage Bhrugu). SV5.04, Ref.1.page 23

22. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 21

चगरेरांतभेदीय: पांथास्तष्षव्दिरां स्मृतम् ।
अांतद्रमिानसारेण तस्य बांधनशम्यते ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ. १०
SV5.04 –Tunnel construction
5.4 Utility of a bridge: As a tunnel is necessary to cross a mountain, a
bridge is necessary to cross a river. The bridge should be strong and of
minimum length. Initially it is costly but it is economically cheap in long
term. An irrigation canal which crosses a valley is termed as Aal (super
passage). SV5.05. Ref. 1, page 24.
चगरेयमथािष्षव्दिरां नद्याां सेतुस्तथोच्चते ।
समोिस्ितमः पांथा व्ययकारी सुखाचधकः ॥
भृगुसांहिता अ ११
SV5.05 - Utility of a bridge
5.5 Toll for bridge: Transportation over a bridge is more convenient than
loading and unloading the goods on a boat to cross the river. The bridge tax
should be lower the ferry rate so people can afford it. SV5.06. Ref. 1, page
24.
िेमांतग्री्मतायामसु नदीषु नौकातरणतः सेतुबांधः श्रेयाां ।
पण्यमानेन सेतुमुपयुांजानो यात्रिेतनां दद्युः ॥
भृगुसांहिता अ ११
SV506 - Toll for bridge
5.6 Types of chariots: The chariots can be of nine types having wheels
from two to nine in numbers. Two -wheeler is common, three-wheeler is
stable. The nine-wheeler chariot is called ‘Rathatar’. SV5.07, Ref. 2, page
141.
रथोनिविधा: प्रोक्त: सच्चि विभेदत:।
द्विचिां सिमकायेषु त्त्रचिां ननत्सयमेिच ॥
त्त्रचिोिाचतुश्च्ि: पांचिट् सततचियुक्।
निा्िचियुक्तोिा निचिो रथांतर: ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ ?
SV5.07- Types of chariots

23. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 22

5.7 Construction details of a chariot: A chariot is built by joining different
parts such as frame, wheels, steel reams on wheels etc. The four joints to be
properly nailed are; SV5.09. Ref. 2, page 142.
1. main shaft and frame
2. main shaft and cross beam (for tying to horses),
3. Axle and the frame
4. Pin fixing wheels to axles.
अथ: वपांडैश्चकीलैश्व्ि स्िाग्रस्िाग्रकीलैममित्तरै:।
बांधयेत्तस्य रक्षाथं यथादृढातरां भिेत् ॥
अक्षयोरांतरां तत्र नेशमतार शमनतस्मृतां ।
िलयाहदअय: पट्िां चतुथमबांधनां भिेत् ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ ?
SV 5.08-Construction details of a chariot
5.8 Significance of Chariot: The chariots are used at the time of Throne
ceremony, religious functions or battles. Elephants are used for ceremonial
parade. SV5.10. Ref. 2, page 143.
सिमराज्याशभषेके च राजयु्दे मिोत्ससिे ॥
मांगले देिपूजायाां सोमयागे तथैिच ।
इनतषट्कमामकालेषु रथारोिणशभ्यते ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ ?
SV5.09-Significance of Chariot
5.9 Timber for chariot construction: The timbers of few specified trees
are recommended for construction of a chariot. SV5.10. Ref. 2, page 141.
िाक जानतांच दीरांच शिररषांचाजुमनां तथा ।
ननांबांच वपशितांचैि कट् फलां मधुकां तथा ॥
क्षीररणा खहदरां चैि खहदरां कालबांधनां ।
चुतांच पनसचैि नागां पुन्नागमेिच ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ .?
SV5.10-Timber for chariot construction
***.***

24. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 23

Chapter 7 –Veshma Shastra - Habitation

7.0 –Vidyas (Techniques) under Veshma shastra are,

SN Sanskrit Name Meaning
20 Waso Vidya Tents
21 Kutti Vidya Mud houses or Huts
22 Mandir Vidya Houses
23 Prasad Vidya Palaces

7.1 Definition of Vastu Khand (Habitation): This volume also comprises
of three shastras namely Construction of houses, Forts and castles and town
planning. SV 2.7. Ref.2 page 40.
िेश्मप्राकार नगररचना िास्तु सांज्ञितां । भ्रुगुसांहिता अ. १
SV7.01- Definition of Vastu Khand
7.2 Team workers of Engineer: The team comprises of five types of
workers
1. Sutradhar-Chief architect or engineer.
2. Ganitadna- Overseer
3. PuraNadnya –Mason.
4. Karmadnya- Skilled worker
5. Karoo – Un-skilled worker Ref.3,page 43
7.3 Qualities of an engineer: The essential qualities of an engineer are;
The person should be Susheel (Of good character),Chatoor (Intelligent) and
Dakshya (Allert). He should have the knowledge of principles of engineering
and also of the tools to be used. SV 2.8- Ref.2 page 42. Ref.3. page 44.
सूत्रधार- सुिीलश्चतुरोदक्ष: शिल्पिास्त्रस्य तत्सिविद्।
सूत्राणाां धारणे िाता सूत्रधार: स उच्चते ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ.?
1. SV7.02 -Qualities of an engineer
7.4 Section of site for construction: A suitable site for any construction
is essential. Hence site selection is first part. Earth is the first basic element
(Panchamahabhootaa). SV 3.32.,Ref.3, page 96.

25. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 24

भूतानामाहदभूत्त्िादधारत्सिाज्जगष्षत्सस्थते: ।
पूिं भूशमां पररक्षेत साधनां तदनांतरच ॥ भृगुसांहिता अ.४
SV7.03 - Five basic elements
7.5 Identification tests for soils: Following tests are necessary.
a) VarNa (Class)
b) Gandha (Smell)
c) Rasa(Taste)
d) Aakar (Shape of grains)
e) Dik (Slope of plot)
f) Shabda(Sound)
g) Sparsh (Touch) SV 3.x. Ref.3 page 97.

िणमगांधरसाकारहदक्िब्दस्पिमनैरवप ।
पररक्ष्यैि यथायोनयां गृिीयाद्द्रव्यमुत्तमम् ॥ भृगुसांहिता अ.४
SV7.04 -Identification tests
a - Color: The color of soil can be white, red, and yellow in order
preference. But soil with black color is not suitable for construction. SV 3.34,
Ref.3, page 97.
श्िेता रक्ता च पीताच कृ्णा भूस्तु चतुविमधा ।
तेषामाद्यास्त्रयोग्राह्याश्च्तुथी िष्षजमता बुधै: ॥ भृगुसांहिता
अ.४
SV7.05- based on color

b smell: The smell of soil can be similar to that of clarified butter, blood, oil
or fish. The soil having smell of fish is not desirable. SV7.06, Ref.3, page 97.
घृत्सगांधा रक्तगांधा तैलगांधा तथैि च ।
मत्सस्यगांधा भिेद्भूशममममत्सस्य गांधा ना िोभना॥
भृगुसांहिता अ.४
SV7.06- based on smell

26. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 25

c - Taste: The taste of soil can be sweet, pungent, sour or bitter. Soil with
bitter taste is not desirable. SV7.07, Ref.3, page 98.


SV7.07- based on taste
d - Shape of grains: The grains of soil can be circular, square, hexagonal
or octagonal. Soil with circular grain is not desirable. SV7.08, Ref.3, page
98.
चतुरस्त्रा षडस्त्राच अ्ठस्त्रा ितुमलाकृनत: ।
भूशमश्चतुविमधा प्रोक्ताितुमला तत्र गहिमता॥ भृगुसांहिता अ.४
SV7.08- based on shape of grains
e - Slope of plot: The ground should be slopping towards east or north but
not towards south. SV7.09, Ref.3, page 99.
प्रागूत्तरतलिां योनयां अिानदज्ञक्षणगहिमतां॥ भृगुसांहिता अ.४
SV7.09- based on slope of plot
f- Sound of ground: The sound of ground, when stroked with hammer,
should be Gambhir (deep). SV7.10, Ref.3, page 100.
गांशभरनननदाभूशम: शिल्पकमामणण पूष्षजता ॥ भृगुसांहिता अ.४
SV7.10- based on sound of ground
g- Touch of ground: The touch of ground should warm in winter and cold
in summer.
7.6 Building Materials: Stones, bricks, wood, soil, metals and precious
stones are recommended as building material.SV7.11, Ref. 2, page
158,Ref.3, page 109.

शिले्िकासुधादा�मृत्ससनामृल्लो्िलोिका: ।
एतानन शिल्पद्रव्याणण मुख्यत्सिेन नन�वपता: भृगुसांहिता अ.४
मृहद्िका सुधाशिला फलकाहदकशभवत्तक ।
िेमरत्सनाहदसांहितां गृिांकायमयथाबलां ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ.2
मधुरा च कषाया च आम्लका किुका तथा ।
भूशमश्चतुविमधा प्रोक्ताकिुका तत्र गहिमता ॥ भृगुसांहिता
अ.४

27. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 26

SV7.11-Building Materials
7.7 Selection of building Material: Following properties of a material have
to be considered in selecting it.
 VarNa (Class)
 Gender (type of Strength)
 Vaya ( Age for birth)
 Avastha (Effect of age on it).
 The material, depending upon these properties, has to be processed
before its use. SV7.12. Ref.2 page 56.Ref.3 page 109.
िणमशलांगियोिस्था: पररक्षचबलाबल ।
यथायोनयांयथास्थानां सांस्कारान्कारयोसुधी:॥
भ्रुगुसांहिता
SV7.12- Selection of Material
Life spans: Depending upon the age, the material passes through four life
spans, namely Childhood (Baalatwa), Kaumaar (Youth), Vadhakya (O ld age)
and Death (Nidhan).Any material in the first or last spans are not suitable.
SV7.13. Ref.2 page 58.Ref.3 page 114.
बालत्सि कौमारां यौिनमथिाधमकां च ननधनां ।
पांचियाांस्तेतेषाांम्ये, ने्िे, िेषाणी्िानन॥
भ्रुगुसांहिता
SV7.13-Four life spans
7.8 - Building materials: As per Bhrugusamhita, bricks and stones, which
are suitable for columns, are described below. SV7.14. Ref. 1, page 32.
इ्िकाश्चद्रुमा सिाम: स्तांभा:प्रोक्ताष्षश्चरांतना: ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता
अ.१५
SV7.14 - Building materials

7.9 Application of building materials

a. Soil: Not much importance is given for adobe construction by Bhrugu as
he preferred stones.

28. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 27

b .Bricks (Ishtika)
Brick Kiln -The brick kiln should be ignited with dry wood from tamarind or
Palash tree. Dry grass, rice husk and wood chips should also be used as
fuel.SV7.15, Ref.3, page 130
िु्कचचांचाहदिाखाशभरास्तीथं सुमुिुतमके
पलाि भासकै: पश्चाद ब्रीह्याभासैस्तुषैस्तथा
आच्छाद्याष्षभ्द: समशसांचेद् िाखाां प्रज्िलयेत्तत: भृगुसांहिता अ.?
SV7.15- Brick kiln
Quality bricks: Detailed information about types of bricks and process of
manufacture is are given Maya Samhita and Kashyapa Samhita.As per
Bhrugu Samhita, the bricks should be properly fired,smooth, with proper
shape and without holes.SV7.16, Ref.3, page 131
सुष्षस्ननधा: समदनधाश्च सुस्िरास्ता: सुिोभना: ।
स्त्रीशलांगाश्चावप पुष्षल्लांगा भेदनछद्राहदिचचमता: भृगुसांहिता
अ.५
SV7.16- Quality bricks
c- Lime (Sudha): Bhrugu Samhita describes in detail the process of
preparation of lime mortar. Lime stones are excavated from underground
mines or from lime stone boulders found on ground. These lime stones are
calcinated (burnt) using wood logs. The material is quenched (cooled) with
water. It results into a slaked lime. The material is sieved through sieves to
remove stones and other impurities. Lime mortar is prepared by mixing with
sand (1.5 to 2 times). Lime mill is used to pulverize the mortar. The material
should fill the trough up to half of its height. Water is added during the
process. The lime mill with vertical stone wheel moving in circular horizontal
motion is call “Putbhedchakra yantra”. SV7.17, Ref.3, page 133.

29. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 28

ककम रां िष्षन्िना दनधां चूणणमतां सुजलेन च ।
िेचधतां नततऊना च ग्राह्यां वप्िां सुसूक्ष्मकां ॥
साधे त्त्रपादां द्विगुणां क्रकांजल्कशसकताांवितां ।
करालां िाथ मुनिी िा तेन मानेन योजयेद्॥
व्यासाधमधमत्त्रभागैनतीव्राम्येपरे परे ।
पुिभेदेन चिेण मदमयेज्जलाशमचश्रकां ॥ भृगुसांहिता अ.५
SV7.17 – Lime mortar
d- Lime plaster- Ancient Indian text Bhrugusamhita contains a detailed
description of preparation of lime plaster material (Sunla). The steps
involved in the preparation are as below;
1. Wash and dry fine sand
2. Sieve slaked lime to separate coarser materials.
3. Cut cotton fibers into very fine pieces.
4. Cook three food grains (Trijava) – Rice, Wheat and Barley (equal parts).
5. Cook powdered banana.
Mix all the above ingredients in the proportion given below;
Fine sand -1 part; Slaked lime – 1 part; cooked grains – half part; Cooked
Banana powder – Half par; Cotton fibers – half part.
A decoction of Trifala (Amla, Hirda and Behada) and white Kathha (White
Catechu) is sometimes added to the plaster material prepared (as mentioned
above). While plastering a solution of jiggery is applied to the finished
surface. The surface becomes hard and smooth after few days. SV7.18
Ref.3,page
सांग्रह्य िकमरासुक्ष्मा तस्या: प्रक्षालनांकु� ।
नतलदकसमांवपांडां सुक्ष्मचूणंनतथैच्।
कापामसतांतुिश्चवप मृदांकृत्सिासुपेषयेत्।
त्त्रयांबकल्कशभनांच कदलीशभस्तदधमित ।
निननतशमिायानत याित्तिस्सुपषेयेत्॥ भृगुसांहिता अ.४८
SV7.18 – Lime plaster

30. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 29

e- Building stones (Shail): Stones from unsuitable sites, such as
graveyards, land full of ant hills or snake or polluted land.The stones should
be tested before selection and use.SV7.19,Ref.3,page 136.

चांडालपुल्कसव्याधपुशलांदा्यैविांदूवषता:
िष्षल्मकाहि स्मिानाढ्या ननांद्या बूवपम तष्षच्छला ॥
भूपररग्रिणे पूिं ननांहदता याश्च भूमय: ।
तव्दताश्च शिला: सम्यनिजमनीया गुणैबुधै: ॥ भृगुसांहिता
अ.६
SV7.19- Selection of stones for building
f- Timber for construction
Cutting of a tree for timber: The axe should be sharpened by use of milk,
oil etc. The first cut should be about 15-20 cm above ground to assess the
age of a tree. Oozing of water indicates the tree is under grown. Oozing of
juice indicates the tree is fit to cut.SV7.20, Ref.3,page 144.

दुनधतैलघृतै: सम्यक् सांतेज्य परिोमुमखां ।
मुले िस्तां व्यपोह्द्यो्िे त्त्रष्षश्छिा तत्र लक्षयेद्
॥
िररस्त्रािो वििृ्दयथम: क्षीरां पुत्रवििधमनां ।
पातयेदुत्तराग्रां ि पूिामग्रां िा िनस्पनतां ॥
भृगुसांहिता
SV7.20 - Cutting of a tree for timber
g- Collection of tree logs: Before cutting the whole tree, branches have to
be cut. Adequate space should be available around the tree to be cut. The
tree log to be used for main column should be covered with white cloth and
transported using a vehicle. SV7.21, Ref.3,page 145.

सालाश्मजमकणीनाां उ्िामच्च पतनां िुभां ॥
ननगममाष्षस्थनतमद् भुत्सिा िृक्षाांतरननपातने।
अन्योन्यां पतनां ने्िां छे ्यां चोमयत: समां ॥
चतुरत्रां ऋजुां कृत्सिा मुिूतमस्तांभसांग्रिे ।

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शसतपट्िेन सांछद्य स्यांदने न्यस्य िेियेद्॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ.
११
SV7.21- Collection of tree logs
h- Preservation of timber: The wood deteriorates due to loss of oily
substance. Hence the wood should be painted to avoid the losses. An oil coat
should be applied, every year after rainy season. After the wood is well dried
it may stored for preservation.
कमममांडपके न्यस्य िालुकोपरर िाययेद्॥
प्रागग्रां चोत्तराग्रां िातयािु्कां रक्षयेत्सपुन:।
परािृत्तां न कतमव्यां आषण्मासां द्रुमाहदकां ॥
भ्रुगुसांहिता
SV7.22 - Preservation of timber

i - Seasoning of timber: The tree logs should be placed on sand, with top
of the tree facing east or north for six months without moving, till drying is
complete.SV7.23, Ref.3, page 145.
द्रव्यनािस्तु कालेन स्नेिनािात्सप्रजायते
तस्मात्तैलां सदालेतयां िेमांते शिशिरेऽयिा
कमममांडपेचैि का्ठां स्याद्राक्तरष्षजतां
क्रकिाष्षननदनधतत्सकुदंगारा िृतिेतुना भ्रुगुसांहिता
SV7.23-Seasoning of timber
j- Testing tree prior to cutting: A hole should be drilled with a sharp tool
and the hollowness should be tested by striking with a hammer. SV7.24,
Ref.3, page 145.
तीक्ष्ण्सूच्य्िलीभ्याां च िोधयेत्सप्रथमां द्रुमां ।
गु�ित्रेण मिता यसहिलेन प्रिारयेत्॥
भ्रुगुसांहिता
SV7.24 -Testing tree prior to cutting
k- Tree classification: The table 3.6 below describes the four fold
classification system.SV7.25, Ref.3, page 147

Table 7.1-Four fold classification system of Trees
Core of the wood Class Example

32. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 31

Nihsaar-Hard core
missing
Brahmin- First class Banyan or Holy fig tree
etc.#
Antasaar- Hard core
inner side
Kshyatriya -Second
class
Jack fruit, Mango etc.
Bahihsaar- Hard core
outer side-
Vaishya-Third class Coconut, Bamboo etc
Sarvasaar- Hard core
throughout-
Shudra –Forth class Babool, Tamarind etc
# Such trees are immortal and therefore worshiped

अांत:सारश्च िृक्षा: पनसत�मुखा: सिमसाराश्च चचांचा- ।
िाकाद्या नाररकेरिमुकयिफलास्ते बहि:सारिृक्षा: ॥
नन:सारा शिग्रुसततच्छदिुकतरि:क्रकांिुकाद्याश्च सिे।
ते्िाधौ क्षत्रिुद्रौ भि ... िैश्य-विप्रास्त्तोऽन्ये ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता

SV7.25- Tree classification
l- Suitable tree: The trees, to be used for construction, should be strong,
straight and which withstood heat, wind and rain for years. The trees with no
hard core should not be used. Ebony tree (Shishampa) is good for all
purposes.SV7.26,Ref.3, page 149.
ऋजि: सारिांतश्च दृढाश्च चचरजीविन: ।
ििामिातातपसिा जलस्थलभिाश्च ये ॥
तत्तेददेिेिोभ्दिा: िस्ता ग्राह्या: स्यु: शिल्पकममसु ।
असारिाणखन: सिामन् िजमयेद्गृिकमामणण ॥
प्रायि: क्षीरतरिो न मानुषग़्रुिचचता: ।
देिधामसु ते योनया: सिेषाां शिांिुपा: िुभा: ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता
SV7.26 - Suitable tree
m- Gender of Tree: A tree with many branches, straight and round trunk
from bottom to top is considered as ‘male’. A tree with broad trunk at
bottom and narrow at top is considered as ’female’. A tree with broad trunk
at top and narrow at bottom is considered as ‘neutral’. Male and female
trees are used for column and beam respectively. SV7.27, Ref.3, page 150.

िृत्ताकारश्च मुलाग्राद् बिुिाखो दृढाांवित: ॥

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पुांिृक्ष: स्याद् तरो: स्त्रीत्सिां मूलस्थुलकृिाग्रता ।
मुलाग्रयो: कृिाल्पत्सिां म्ये स्थौल्यां च षांढता ॥
मुिुतमगभमस्तांभादीन पुांिृक्षणैि कारयेद्।
िेषकममसु सिेषु स्त्रीिृक्षश्चैि िस्यते॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता
SV7.27- Gender of Tree
7.10 Good neighborhood: Physique, hearts and minds of neighbors should
be similar, in short their culture should be similar then only the
neighborhood becomes comfortable. SV7.28. Ref. 2, page 156.
समाननि: िरीराणण समानन ऋदयननि:।
समानस्तुिोमना यथान: सुसिासनत ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ.?
SV7.28-Good neighborhood
7.11 Roofing of houses: Roofs of mud house can be of grass. But brick
houses can be provided with a roof of metal sheets and decorated with
precious stones. SV7.29. Ref. 2, page 158.
तृणैस्तु मृण्मयां छाद्यां इ्िकाशभरमृण्मयां।
धातुशभधामतुयुक्तांच शिखरैरमरत्सन मांहदतां ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ.
?
SV7.29- Roofing of houses
7.12 Open spaces- A house having width of 24 ‘hasta’ (12 m) should have
a open space of width of 14 ‘hasta’ ( 7 m.)
स्यादूभूशमरेका िसुिस्त गेिे दिाशम िृ्दयाच तत: परांभिेत्॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ ?
SV7.30- description of open spaces
7.13-Payment to workers: After the completion of construction work, the
workers have to be suitably paid.
 Chief architect or engineer -50%
 Second officers- 12.5%
 Third officers -12.5 %
 Forth officer -25%. SV7.31, Ref.3. Page 47.

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सिेषामचधमनो मुख्यास्तदधेनापरे तथा ।
तृतीविनस्तृ तीयोश्श्चतुथोिश्च पाहदन: भृगुसांहिता अ .३
SV7.31- Payment to workers

***.***

35. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 34

Chapter 9 Nagar rachana -Town Planning

9.1Definition of Drawing: Bhrugu Samhita defines a drawing as, one
which displays the anything or material present in water, air or on earth.
Ref. SV 9.01.
जांगमा: स्थािरा िावप ये सांनत भुिनत्रये ।
तत्तत्सस्िभािततेषाां करणां चचत्रमुच्चते ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ. २५
SV9.01- Definition of Drawing
9.2 Shops in Bazaar: The shops should be allotted as mentioned below,
North side-Oil merchants, South east or North east- Carpenters, West side-
Washer men. SV 9.02. Ref. 2, page 197.
तैलविक्रिनयणाां सौम्ये तक्ष्णा चातय ननलेऽनले ।
िायव्ये का�कादीनाां रजकानाांच पष्षश्चमे॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ ?
SV 9.02-Shops in Bazaar
9.3 Pollution prevention: Crematoriums, graveyards and houses of
scavengers etc should be far away from water bodies. SV9.03. Ref. 2, page
208.
चाांडालचममकारस्म्िानां तोयाियापयानस्याद्।
एतेषामवपतत्तद्दूरेदेिे स्मिानांस्याद्॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ ?
SV 9.03-Pollution prevention
10 Yantra Shastra- Machines and Mechanics
9.4 Chandarshee (A composer of book) - In ancient times, the
experience of learned men was called ‘Bramh’. A person, who, after
acquiring vast experience, narrates this knowledge in a poetic form, was
called ‘Chandarshee”. All the composers of Shilpa -Samhita also can be
called ‘Chandarshee”. SV 9.04, Ref.2 page 216.
पुराकृतांतु यत्तज्िैस्तद्येनत प्रचक्षते ।
ननष्षश्चत्सय मनसा बम्ितपोशभबमिुशभ: स्ियां ॥
छांदाांशस ितमयन्येते छांदऋषी त्सिेन कीनतमता: । भ्रुगुसांहिता अ ?
SV9.04- Chandarshee (A composer of book)
Necessity of temples: Temples are necessary for daily worship of deities.

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ननत्सयाचमनाहदविधये प्रनतमा प्रनत्ठा। भृगुसांहिता
SV9.05-Necessity of temples
Construction of temples as per Bhrugu: The table below shows the
various directions along which specific temples are to be
constructed.Ref.5,page 124.
1-Twin Deities:
South-east- Saavitra and Savitaa
Center of town- Bramha and Agni
South-west- Indra and Indrajaya
North-west- Rudra and Rudrajaya
North- east- Aap and Aapvatsa
सावित्र: सविता िुतािनहदशि ब्रम्िाष्षननम्येधमगौ ।
इांद्रश्चेंद्रजयश्च राक्षसहदशि ख्यातौ पदाथंष्षस्थतौ ॥
�द्रो �द्रजयश्च िायुहदशि च ख्यातौ तथेिाधमगौ ।
आपश्चवप तथापित्सस इनत च द्िांद्िष्षस्थता देिता: ॥१॥
SV9.06-Twin Deities
2-Single Deity:
East- Surya
South- Aaryamaa
West- Mitra
North - Maheedhar
Center or all corners- Bramha

पूिामहदहदक्षु िमि: ष्षस्थता: स्यु:।
तथायमकश्चावप पुनाविमिस्िान्॥
शमत्रश्च पश्चाच्च मिीधराख्यो ।
ब्रम्िा तु म्यस्थचतु्पदस्थ: ॥२॥

SV9.07-Single Deity
3-Minor Deity:
East- Sharv
South- Aaryama
West- Jambhak
North- Pilipinjak

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हदक्षु कोणेषु बाह्यस्था: पदबाह्ये पुन: िमाद् ।
सिम: स्कां दायममव्िौ च जांभक: वपशलवपांजक: ॥३॥
SV9.08-Minor Deity

4-Cruel Deity
South-east- Charaki
South-west-Vidari
North-west-Putana
North- east-Paparakshyasi

चरकी च विदारी च पूतना पापराक्षसी ।
एिां मडूकपदगा: कीनतमता देिता: िमाद्॥४॥
SV9.09-Cruel Deity

***.***

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Chapter 10-Appendix

Weights and Measures

10.0 The chapter describes ancient units of measurement as per Bhrug
Samhita.Kashyapa Samhita and Maya Samhita have their own system of
measurement.
10.1 Counting of numbers: The counting of numbers (1 to 10) is done
using three digits of four fingers of a hand (excluding thumb). The counting
starts clockwise from lowest digit of index finger till the bottom digit of
middle finger. (Note middle digits of middle and ring fingers are excluded)
SV 10.01. Ref.2 page 48.
प्रारांभ्यानाशमका मूलां कननष्ष्ठक्याहदषुिमाद्।
म्यमामूलपयंतां गणयेद्या पिमसु ॥ भ्रुगुसांहिता अ. ?
SV 10.01 –Counting of numbers
10.2 - Length measurement - (AayagaNanaa): The smallest unit of
measurement of length (width/ height etc) is ‘Shaalee’ and biggest unit is
‘Yojan’. ‘Shaalee is an intact grain of rice(with husk).Next unit is ‘Angul’
which is equivalent to 3,3.5 or 4 grains. SV10.02, Ref.3,Page 80.

िाल्यायतौष्षस्त्रशभस्त्रैश्च साधैस्तैिेद्सांशमतै: ॥ भृगु सांहिता अ. 3
SV11.02-Length measurement
Following units were used;
 Yava( length of seed of barley)= 1.5 mm
 Angul (middle digit of middle finger) = 6 to 8 Yava=19 mm
 Mushtee(closed feast)=3 Angul= 6.25 cm.
 Vihast (Stretched one hand) = 4 Mushtee=25 cm. SV 10.3 Ref.2 page
48.
वितष्षस्तनाच यानादीन् क्षुद्राणामांगुलेमतु ।
यिेनाल्पीयसाां मानां एिांमानिमां विदु: ॥
भ्रुगुसांहिता

39. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 38

SV 10.03-Units of length
10.3- Measure of Time: The required to pronounce on vowel is termed as
‘Maatra’. This is the smallest unit of time, proposed by Bhrugu. Other units
are shown in a table below. Ref.3,Page 78
Table 10.1 Units of measurement of time
2 Maatra=1 Akshar 2 Akshar=1 Lav
2 Lav=1 KshuaN 30 KshuaN=1 Vipal
30 Vipa=1 Pal 30Pal=1 Ghatika
30 Ghatika=1 Ahoraatra 30 Ahoraatra=1 Maas
2 Maas=1 Abda 5 Abda=1 Yuga

10.4 Table of other units: The other units are given in a table below.
Ref.3,Page 80.

Table 10.2- Different units of length
4 Anguls = 1 Grah 2 Graha =1 Mushtee
12 Anguls = 1 Vitati 2 Vitati= 1 Hasta
4 Hasta= 1 Danda 20 Hasta=1 Rajju (small)
30 Hasta=1 Rajju (big) 2000 Danda= 1 Krosh
4 Krosh= 1 Yojan* * one Yojan is equal to 4 km

10.5 Appropriate units: Measurements of weapons should be expressed in
‘Angula’ and those of small objects should be expressed in terms of
Barly(Yav),sesame seeds.SV10.04, Ref.3,Page 81.

अांगुलां िस्त्रचापादौ िैपुल्याहदकमापने ।
यिैल्पीयसाां मानां एिां मानकां त्बांदु: ॥भृगुसांहिता अ. 3
SV10.04-Appropriate units
10.6 Calculation of perimeter and area
a. Perimeter of circle: The ratio of perimeter and diameter of a circle is
fixed.SV10.05 and Table 11.3.Ref.3 page 82.

िृत्तव्यासे द्यते नागिेदििन्ह्यष्षव्धखेदुशभ:।
नतत्सज्यष्षश्िविदुधैभमक्त: सुसूक्ष्म: पररचधभमिद् ॥ भृगुसांहिता अ. १
SV 10.05-Perimeter of circle

40. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 39


Table 10.3 – Perimeter to diameter ratio
Diameter Perimeter Diameter Perimeter
7 22 1250 3927
33215 107348 62832 200000

b. Area of circular segment: The base of the segment is called ‘Jya’
(sayJ) and a perpendicular through the center of base is called
‘Shar(say S). The area of the segment is nine tenth of the product of
these lengths. Ref.3, page 83. The diameter of the circle is given as
J*J/4*S+S. SV10.06, Ref.3, page 84.

जीिाष्षव्दिगे िरभक्तयुक्ते । व्यास प्रमाणां प्रिदांनत बृत्ते ॥ भृगुसांहिता अ.३
SV 10.06-Diameter of circular segment
.c. Volume of solids: Volume of a prism is product of base area and
height. SV10.07, ref.3 page 87.

सदृित्रयसांिगम: घन: ।
सिेषु क्षेत्रेषु क्षेत्रफलां स्िोच्चमानेन
ननननां चचतौ खाते िा घनफलां स्याद् ॥
भृगुसांहिता अ. ३
SV 10.07 –Volume of solids

d. Weight of solids: The smallest unit of weight was ‘Gunj (app.150
mg).Table 11.4 below gives the other weights. Ref. 3, page 88.
Table 11.4 -Weights
MasH=5 Gunj
KarsH=16 MasH
Pal=4 KarsH
Tula=100 Pal
Bhar=20 Tula
Achit=10 Bhar

41. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 40


***.**

Tools of engineer
a. Telescope or level: Drashtee is a telescope (is used to see things which
are far away. SV10.08 , Ref.3. page 63.
सुक्ष्मप्रेक्षणां द्रष्ष्िसूत्रां । भृगुसांहिता अ .२
SV10.08- Telescope or level
b. Meter rod: ‘Nruhasta’ is a wooden or metal rod, of 50 cm length, with 24
marks at one angula (19 mm) each . SV10.09. Ref.3. page 63.
चतुविमिनतरांगुलो िस्त: ननग्रंचथ: सुष्षश्ल्िो मधुकखहदर
चांदनाहदसारदा�णाां िांिधात्सिोिाम। भृगुसांहिता अ .२

SV10.09- Meter rod
c. Grass Rope: ‘Mounj Rajju’ is a rope of grass (Mounj) of length 20 Hasta
(10 m) is used for length measurements. SV1 0.10. Ref.3. page 64.
विांिनतिस्ता मौंजरज्जु: । भृगुसांहिता अ .२
SV10.10- Grass Rope
d. Cotton thread: ‘Karpasak’ is a thread of cotton(without any knot) is
check the linearity of things. SV10.11. Ref.3. page 65.
ग्रांथ्यामुक्तां युक्त्सया युक्तां कापामससूत्र । भृगुसांहिता अ
.२
SV10.11-Level thread
e. Plumb bob: ‘Awalamb or Sadhanee’ is a tool to check level of a surface.
Construction of Awalamb: The construction process is as below;
 Use three wooden strips 2cm x1cm and 50 cm long and join them to
form a tri-angle.
 Place the tool such that the both legs just touch the water surface.
 Suspend a weight attached to a string, from the top.
 Mark the position of the string on the middle strip. SV10.12, Ref. 3,
page 66.
अथ कुयामदलांब पट्हिका शभष्षस्त्रशभ: पुन: ।

42. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 41

साांगुलीकरमानाशभष्षस्त्रशभस्त्रचत्रां दृडां भिेद् ॥
िापीां कृत्सिाां जलै: पूणां तस्याां िांकुव्दयां न्यसेद्।
तोयो्ितमल्योस्त्रतयोस्तयोमूमधन््यो:पदद्व्यां॥
विधाय त्र्यस्त्रकरयैतदू्िामस्त्रां ब्दलांबकां ।
यत्राध: पट्हिकायाां तत्सस्पृित्सयांकमथाशलखेद्॥
तत्र सूक्ष्मां भिेष्षच्चन्िां तेन ननम्नाहद नीयताां ।
अांकाल्लांबगनतयमत्र तष्षन्नम्नां चान्यदुन्नतां ॥
अांकस्य लांबसूत्रस्य सांयोगे समभूतलां ।
भृगु सांहिता अ. २

SV10.12- Plumb bob

f. Setsquares: ’Kashthakone’ is set of two triangles (one 45 & 45 deg. and
other with 30 and 60 deg.). SV10.13, Ref.3. page 67.

दो: कोिीत्र्यष्षब्धमननश्रिशसकु�िरेका्ठकोणांजह्पाव्दा । भृगु सांहिता अ. २


SV10.13- Setsquares

g. Tool for drawing ellipse: Srushta sootra is a tool used for drawing
ellipse (Lamb vartul) of different sizes. It consists of a wooden strip (of

43. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 42

length more than 20 cm.). It has number of holes drilled equidistance from
central hole. A thread is tied to two nails fixed in the two holes equidistance
from central hole.A curve is drawn with a pencil/pen such that sum of
distances from ends is constant. SV10.14, Ref.3. page 68.

सृ्ि-भ्रमविरचचतिृवत्तस्तुल्यलाग्रभागो
ष्षव्दरददिनजन्मा सारदा�भ्दिो िा
समरऋजुरिलांबादव्रण: पद्कििृत्त:
समतल इि प्रोक्त: िांकुरकागुलाहद ॥१॥
िांको: पृचाग्रयोमम्ये यिस्थूलायते समे
लोिजे घियेत्ससच्यौ िृत्तलेखांकममणण ॥२॥
भ्रमेण पररत: सूच्या एकया ितुमलां शलखेद्
सूच्योदृमढीकृतां सूत्रां मालाां शलखनत सुिृताां ॥
भृगु सांहिता अ. २

SV10.14- Tool for drawing ellipse
Ellipse: It is a locus of points such that sum of distances (a+b) from two
fixed points (F1 and F2) is same. The fixed points are called focal points. If
these two points merge into one, then the locus becomes a circle. SV10.15,
Ref.3. page 68.

त्बांदुव्दयसमपररशमता माला ।
रेषाितुमलम्यिनतमनी एषा विविधा ॥ भृगु सांहिता अ. २

SV10.15- Ellipse

Six Commandments

44. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 43

Ancient texts Bhrugu Samhita and Shilpa Deepak mention six
commandments or guide lines for designer or supervisor of a structure.
These are;
1. The quality or comfort depends upon the cost one can afford.
2. The designer should take into account the relevance of time and life of
the work.
3. The material has to be used as it is available in nature.
4. Learn from failures.
5. Alterations should not spoil the original athletics.
6. The rules and procedures are not rigid, according to situation some
changes have to be made. Nothing is perfect. SV 10.16. Ref.3. page
52-62.
१- भोगो यिानुसारी स्याद् ।
२- कालस्य कुहिला गनत: ।
जन्माद्यिसानाांतां मनसा ननष्षश्चत्सय कारयेत् शिल्पां ॥ भृगु
३-धाता यथा पूिममकल्पयेत्।
४-िुभािुभ पररग्रि।
५-सांिधमनांच िास्तुनाां तथा सांिरणननच मानहिनां च
कतमव्यां मानिधमनां॥ शिल्पदीपक अ .६
६-अल्पदोषां बिुगुणां कायं कमं प्रयत्सनत: ।
SV10.16 - Six Commandments
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45. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 44

Bibliography
A-Marathi Books by Vaze:
1. Vaze, K.V. (1924), “Importance of Indian engineering education”, Pub.
Shri Samarthprasad printing press, Nasik.
2. Vaze, K.V. (1924 &1994),” Essence of ancient Indian engineering”,
Pub. Varada Prakashan, Pune 16.
3. Vaze, K.V. (1928),” Ancient Indian engineering -Part 1”, Pub.
Lohabhandaram, Raviwar Peth, Pune.
B-Marathi Article by Vaze:
4. Vaze, K.V. (1925),”Gopalan or Animal Care”, Monthly Journal,
‘Krushival’, Jan.1925 issue, Pune.
***.***

46. Bhrugu Shilpa Samhita- Dr. A.S.Nene Page 45

About the Editor of this book
Professor A.S. Nene, did B.E. (Nagpur), M.E and Ph.D.
(Roorkee) and served Visvesvaraya National Institute of
Technology, Nagpur during 1972-2002.
He has supervised around 150 Consultancy projects, in
the states of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa,
involving Soil Investigations, Quality Control Works, and
Setting up Laboratories etc.
He has more than 50 publications at National and International levels. For
his paper published in Journal of ASCE 1985, he received “Khosla
Memorial Award” (1987) by Roorkee University, for best Technical Paper.
He has supervised research work of three Doctoral and two Post Graduate
Candidates.
Indian Geotechnical Society New Delhi nominated Dr. Nene to a technical
committee of International Society of Soil Mech anics & Foundation
Engineering (ISSMFE TC-19 - "Preservation of Historical Sites")
Dr. Nene has developed five interactive computer aided learning
packages on Geotechnical engineering and distributed to many
institutions in India and abroad.
In November 2000 he obtained an Indian patent (No.197879,) on “Use of
Geo-foam geo-synthetics for foundations in expansive soils.”
He co-authored a book "Pride of India, Published by Sanskrit Bharati,
New Delhi (2006).He has also edited a Marathi book "Hindi Shilpa
Shastra", Published by Nachiket Prakashan, Nagpur (2010) and
“Geotechnical engineering in ancient India” published by Pune Vidyarthi
Gruha Pune (2011).
In addition he has uploaded nine E Books on web on a topic “Science and
Technology in Ancient India – Shilpa shastra”.
For print book contact -E mail - [email protected]

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