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.s33: Chapter XLVI: Arches (Toraṇa-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.s33
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Chapter XLVI: Arches (Toraṇa-vidhāna)
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The *toraṇa* or arch is stated to be an ornament for the thrones (*āsana*) of gods and kings. It is supported on dwarf pillars (*aṅghri*) which rest on the pedestal (*pīṭha*) of the image. The arch admits of various shapes. It may be circular triangular, crescent-shaped, bow-shaped or of any other suitable form. Directions for making these arches, as well as the measurements of their constituent parts are given in detail. With regard to their ornamentations, arches are divided into four kinds, technically called *patra-toraṇa* (foliated arch), *pushpa-toraṇa* (floral arch), *ratna-toraṇa* (jewelled arch), and *chitra-toraṇa* (ornamental arch).
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The various ornaments of arches are then described in detail. The top of the *toraṇa* should be decorated with figures of the heavenly musicians, Tumburu and Nārada, while *makaras* (crocodiles) are placed at the sides. The arch is supported by leogryphs (*vyāli*) which are placed on both sides of the pillars. For the rest the *patra-toraṇa*, as the name indicates, is mainly adorned with foliated ornament the *pushpa-toraṇa* with flowers, and the *ratna toraṇa* with jewels. Among the other decorative devices mentioned we find the effigies of different classes of semi-divine beings, such as *yakshas*, *vidyādharas*, *kinnaras* and *kinnarīs*. At the end of the chapter it is said that arches may also be made without any ornamentation (*chitra-hīna*).