SUPERSTITIONS AND BELIEFS IN ARCHITECTURE: 
AN EXAMINATION OF THEIR IMPACT ON 
LAYOUTS AND SITE UTILISATION 
e©CDB»©ca 
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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 
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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