Manasara Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Manasara-Shilpashastra; III. Manasara on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Manasara: Translation; V. Architecture of Manasara: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v1.c6.s29.192

v1.c6.s29.192

VIMĀNA—Etymologically implies an object measured (from root mā) or prepared or made in various ways, a conveyance, a baloon, a heavenly car, a temple, buildings in general, the palace of an emperor, a tower surmounting the sanctuary (garbha-gṛiha) which is made in the centre of the temple. “A car or chariot (of the gods) sometimes serving as seat or throne, sometimes self-moving and carrying its occupants through the skies; other descriptions make the Vimāna more like a house or palace and one kind is said to be seven stories high; that of Rāvaṇa was called Pushpaka-(vimāna); any car or vehicle; a horse; a palace, the palace of an emperor or supreme monarch.” Cf. Rajato-vimānaṁ sapta-chakraṁ rathaṁ | (Pet. dict.).
(1) Mānasāra (chap. XVIII., named Vimāna, 1-422) : Vimānas are buildings of one to twelve storeys and are used as residences of gods and men, i.e., the term implies both temples and residential buildings : Taitilānāṁ dvi-jātīnāṁ varṇānāṁ vāsa-yogyakam | Eka-bhūmi-vimānādi ravi-bhūmy-avasānakam |