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.s4.40

v1.c6.s4.40

Six kinds of measurement are prescribed for an image: *māna* (full height of the image), *pramāṇa* (breadth), *parimāṇa* (width or circumference), *lambamāna* (length by the plumb-lines), *unmāna* (thickness) and *upamāna* (measurement of the interspace, e.g. between the two feet) (M. lv. 3-9, see under *māna*). Of these, *māna* or height is stated to be compared with nine objects such as the adytum, door, basement, and the height of the worshipper etc. (ibid. 11-14, see under *māna*). In each case, the height of the idol admits of nine kinds as it is made equal to nine successive parts of the object (ibid. 15-33). When compared with the worshipper, it is equal to his full height, reaches his hair-limit (on the forehead), nose-tip, chin, arm-limit (to the shoulder), breast, heart, navel and sex-organ :