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.s36.10

v2.c14.s36.10

The second part of the chapter deals with the royal coronation (*abhisheka*). In the coronation ceremonies of the *chakravartin* and other kings, four stages are prescribed, which are called *prathama* (here called *prāpta*), *maṅgala*, *vīra*, and *vijaya*. In this matter, too, the architects take a leading part. The *sthapati*, the *sthāpaka*, and the Brahmin priest perform the *aṅkurārpaṇa* and all other ceremonies ending with the *adhivāsana*. Afterwards the king is anointed with various auspicious substances. This is the *abhisheka* proper. The king is then adorned with the royal robes, the sacred thread, and various ornaments, and led to the coronation hall (*abhisheka-mandapa*) which is furnished with the *madhya raṅga*, the royal thrones, the wish-yielding-tree (*kalpavṛiksha*), the ornamental arch (*toraṇa*), and other emblems of empire.¹ The king and the queen take their places side by side on their thrones, the queen being on the left side of the king. The crown is held by the leading priests (*purohita-purogāḥ*); but it is actually placed on the king's head by the *sthapati* and the two *sthāpakas* at an auspicious moment during the pronouncement of *svasti* and other auspicious sounds. After this the king is garlanded, anointed, and besprinkled with various substances of good augury. Then the king mounts an elephant and circumambulates the city amidst acclamations of felicity. On the occasion of the entry into the palace a curious ceremony takes place in order to determine the success awaiting the new king, as well as the future prosperity of the kingdom. Various auspicious and inauspicious things are arranged in a hall in the palace. The king is led there blind-folded and has to pick up anything he chooses. The thing thus picked up by the blind-folded king points to the prosperity of the people and victory of the king, or the opposite.