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) v4.c29.s5.20

v4.c29.s5.20

The compound of a big house, temple, or palace, is divided into five courts (Chapter XXXI). The fourth court, after which the chapter is named *Prākāra*, is divided into *jāti*, *chhanda*, *vikalpa*, *ābhāsa* and *kāmya* classes, as also into *śuddha* (of one material), *miśra* (of two materials), and *saṅkīrṇa* (of mixed materials) classes. At the outset a reference is made to five kinds of *prākāra* buildings in connexion with *bali* (offerings), *parivāra* (attendant deities), *sobhā* (beauty), and *rakshaṇa* (defence). The shrines of the attendant deities in connexion with a big temple, and the gate-houses both for temples and palaces are very briefly described in conclusion, the next two chapters being entirely devoted to a special treatment of these two subjects.