The Talamana System in sculpting idols of Hindu gods and goddesses is a methodical approach that emphasizes precision and proportionality in the creation of these sacred images. At the core of this system lies the concept of pratima-mana-lakshana, which refers to the special characteristics and relative measurements of an image, also known as iconometry.
One fundamental principle of this system is the notion of
"tala," which establishes a proportional relationship between
different parts of the human body. According to this principle, the length of a
person's face, from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin, is
approximately equal to the length of their palm, from the top of the middle
finger to the base of the palm above the wrist. This length is divided into
twelve equal parts called "angula," serving as the basic unit of
measurement in the Talamana System.
All aspects of the sculpture are expressed in terms of these
talas and angulas, giving rise to the name "Talamana System." Various
technical terms such as pramana (breadth), parimana (circumference), lambamana
(plumbline measurement), unmana (thickness or diameter), and upamana
(interspaces) are employed when describing the dimensions of the image, as
outlined in works like the Manasara.
The Brihat Samhita further elaborates on the classification
of human beings into five types based on their heights. Among these, the
"hamsa" and "malavya" types are deemed significant. The
height of a "hamsa" individual is described as 96 angulas (or
ashtatala), while that of a "malavya" individual is 108 angulas (or
navatala).
Additionally, the Talamana System prescribes sixteen
varieties of talas tailored to different types of beings, including animals,
goblins, and demons. This meticulous approach ensures that the proportions of
the sculptures accurately reflect the divine or mythical beings they represent,
imbuing them with spiritual significance and aesthetic appeal.