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) v2.c14.s26: Chapter XXXVIII: The Location of Doors (Dvāra-sthāna)
Mānasāra Series (I. A Dictionary of Hindu Architecture; II. Indian Architecture according to Mānasāra-Śilpaśāstra; III. Mānasāra on Architecture and Sculpture: Sanskrit Text; IV. Architecture of Mānasāra: Translation; V. Architecture of Mānasāra: Illustrations; VI. Hindu Architecture in India and Abroad; VII. An Encyclopaedia of Hindu Architecture) v2.c14.s26
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Chapter XXXVIII: The Location of Doors (Dvāra-sthāna)
v2.c14.s26.2
Doors and gates have already been described on various occasions. Two separate chapters are now devoted to the arrangement, location, measurement and ornamentation of doors to be used in all kinds of buildings. Such a special description
v2.c14.s26.3
हे लक्ष्मोः गृहकर्तारं पुत्रपौत्रधनादिभिः ।
संपूर्णं कुरु चायुष्यं प्रार्थयामि नमस्तुते ॥
v2.c14.s26.4
of windows has already been noted at the end of the 33rd chapter on gate-houses (*gopura*).
v2.c14.s26.5
It is stated in this chapter that four main doors are constructed on the four sides of all kinds of buildings of gods and men. In most cases four smaller doors are also made at the four corners. Many other smaller doors are prescribed in the intervening spaces. Drains (*jala-dvāra*) are made underneath the house.
v2.c14.s26.6
The main doors are always furnished with a flight of steps. In many buildings, the entrance-door is made, not at the middle of the frontage, but on either side of it. But in some houses they may be made in the middle of the front wall. In the case of kitchens, in particular, the main doors must be at the middle of the wall.
v2.c14.s26.7
It is also stated expressly that where it is inconvenient to make so many smaller doors, as prescribed here, they should be replaced by windows.
v2.c14.s26.8
The materials with which doors are constructed are mainly timber: but stone is used in some exceptional cases.