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.s38.4

v2.c14.s38.4

*Ābhāsa* is subdivided into three kinds, called *chitra*, *ardha-chitra*, and *ābhāsa* proper. If it is perfectly transparent (*sarvāṅga-dṛiśyamāna*, *lit*, which can be completely seen through) it is called *chitra*: if only half transparent, it is known as *ardha-chitra*; and in case it is partially (*lit.* one fourth) transparent, it is called *ābhāsa* proper. This description, however, does not help us to identify *ābhāsa* with any certainty. It may have some affinity to crystal, but the latter has been referred to elsewhere by its own common name, *sphaṭika*. The ordinary meaning of the word *ābhāsa* is splendour, light, transparency. It implies undoubtedly a transparent substance. I am inclined to think that it may refer to some particular and more or less transparent variety of marble (alabaster?), of which various other kinds, such as white, black, red, yellow, etc., are described in the next chapter in connection with the materials of which the *pīṭha* or *yoni* part of the phallus (*liṅga*) of Śiva is made.