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.s45: Chapter LVIII: Images of Yakshas, Vidyādharas, Etc. (Yaksha-vidyādhara-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.s45
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Chapter LVIII: Images of Yakshas, Vidyādharas, Etc. (Yaksha-vidyādhara-vidhāna)
v2.c14.s45.2
The present chapter deals briefly with four classes of semi-divine beings, namely, Yakshas, Vidyādharas, Gandharvas, and Kinnaras. They are said to have two arms and two eyes, in other words, they assume a purely human appearance. They are adorned with the crown known by the name of *karaṇḍa*. The colour of the Yakshas is stated to be dark blue (*śyāma*) and yellow (*pīta*), that of the Vidyādharas dark red, *śyāma-rakta*) and yellow. The images both of the Yakshas and the Vidyādharas are measured according to the *nava-tāla* system. The Yakshas are distinguished from the Rākshasas, the latter being evil spirits, while the former are regarded as supernatural beings of a benevolent and inoffensive disposition. The Yakshas act as attendants (*anuchara*) and chowry-bearers of the gods. The Vidyādharas are a kind of fairies possessed of magical power. Here apparently they are described as Atlantes. The Gandharvas are celestial choirs, and celebrated as musicians.
v2.c14.s45.3
The description of the Kinnaras is contained in a Mālini stanza at the end of the chapter. “The legs are like those of an animal, the upper part of the body is like that of a man, the face is like that of Garuḍa (the bird of Vishṇu) and the arms are provided with wings. He is adorned with a diadem and a red lotus, has the beautiful hue of a flower, and holds a lute (*vīṇā*). These are the characteristic features of the Kinnara.”[’^1]