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.s31: Chapter XLIV: Couches (Śayana-vidhāna)
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.s31
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Chapter XLIV: Couches (Śayana-vidhāna)
v2.c14.s31.2
Couches are meant for the use of deities, the twice-born and members of other castes. They are said to be of two kinds, the small (*bāla-paryanka*) and the large (*paryanka*), the one being distinguished from the other by its size alone.
v2.c14.s31.3
The measurement and various parts of the two kinds of couches are described separately. The width of the *bāla-paryanka* may vary from 11 to 25 *aṅgulas*, the increment being by 2 *aṅgulas*. This makes eight varieties. The *paryaṅka* proper admits of nine varieties, as they may be from 21 to 37 *aṅgulas* in width with increments of 2 *aṅgulas*.
v2.c14.s31.4
It may be pointed out that they are generally furnished with four legs, and castors are attached to the legs so that they may easily be moved from one place to another. The legs of royal couches should be decorated with lions. The proportion of breadth to length shows that couches are generally rectangular in shape.
v2.c14.s31.5
Special mention is made of swings suspended from four chains, which are said to be used by the gods, the Brāhmaṇas, the Kshatriyas, etc.
v2.c14.s31.6
The material of which couches and seats (*āsana*) are constructed is the wood of certain trees. For the legs special kinds of timber are recommended.