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.c30.s4: Chapter XXIX: The Eleven-Storeyed Buildings

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) v4.c30.s4

Language: English

Chapter XXIX: The Eleven-Storeyed Buildings

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1. The setting up and the general features of the eleven-storeyed buildings will be described now.

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2-3. *Śambhu*-(*kānta*), *Īśa-kānta*, *Chakra-kānta*, *Yama-kānta*, *Vajra-kānta*, and *Arka-kānta* : these are in order the names of the edifices.

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4-8. The width of the eleventh-storey of the edifice being divided into nineteen parts, the pinnacles (*kūṭa*) should be built of two parts each, and the great hall (*mahāśālā*) of nine parts; the ante-chambers (*anu-śālā*) should be four parts each, and the chains (*hārā*) two parts each; the portico-hall (*bhadra-śālā*) in the centre of the great hall (*mahāśālā*) should be five parts; and it should be decorated with all kinds of ornaments: this is called the *śambhu-kānta*.

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9-10. The same should be furnished with the portico made of two parts in the middle of the vestibule: thus is described the *Īśa-kānta*; this is called the first of the smallest type of (eleven-storeyed) edifices.

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11-15. Of the intermediate type of eleven-storeyed buildings the width being divided into thirty parts, the great hall (*mahāśālā*) should be ten parts, and the central portico (*madhya-bhadra*) five parts; at its sides should be the pinnacles together with the chain (*hārā*) and windows (*pañjara*) made of one part each; of the same parts (of the width), the portico-hall (*bhadra-śālā*) in the centre should be four parts; and the rest should be built as before: this is known as the *Chakra-kānta*.

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16–18. The same (with this difference) that the pinnacle (*kūṭa*) should be one part, and the antechamber (*anuśālā*) five parts; that a three pillared portico should be made of one-third of that; and it should be decorated with all ornaments: this is called the *Yama-kānta*.

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19–23. The width of the largest of the (eleven-storeyed) edifices being divided into twenty-one parts, the pinnacles (*kūṭa*) should be made of two parts each, and the chains (*hārā*) also of two parts each; between the two chains (*hārā*) the ante-chamber (*anuśālā*) should be five parts; in the centre of that the experienced (architect) should make the portico (*bhadra*) of one-third of that; the great hall (*mahāśālā*) should be made of nine parts, and the portico (*bhadra*) in the centre of five parts; in the centre of that the portico hall (*bhadra-śālā*) should be made of four parts: this should be the *Vajra-kānta*.

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23–34. The *Arka-kānta* is described here: the same (as the former with this difference that) at the end and the side of the hall (*śālā*) should be one part for beauty; in the interspace of those the two small chains (*kshudra-hārā*) should be equal to that; the width of the pinnacle (*kūṭa*) should be as before, and the remainder should be for the chain together with the window (*pañjara*); in the middle of that the width of the small hall (*kshudra-śālā*) should be one-third of that; at its sides the chains (*hārā*) should be made of three parts each together with the portico (*bhadraka*) inside; the central portico (*madhya-bhadra*) should be made of one-third of the small hall; the small chains (*kshudra-hārā*) of all (the types) should be furnished with the vestibules (*nāsikā*) and the windows (*pañjara*); the great vestibules (*mahā-nāsī*) should be in the middle (of all types) and the frontal hall (*netraśālā*) at the two sides; they should be decorated with all ornaments: these are known as the six kinds.

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35. The remaining members of all (the types) should be fittingly made in their proper places.

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36. These are (the members of) the relative measurement of the breadth, those of the height are described here.

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37. From the plinth to the dome is known to the assemblage of the aforesaid members.

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38-41. The height above the tenth storey should be divided into eleven parts; out of these, the height of the plinth (*masūraka*) is desired to be four parts and a half; the height of the pillar should be seven parts, and the height of the entablature (roof) half of that; the rest should be as said before; this is the comparative measurement (of the members) in the height of the eleven-storeyed buildings.

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42. All the upper storeys should be furnished with the side towers (*karṇa-harmya*), etc.

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43. The surrounding balcony is desired to be of one or two parts.

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44-45. They should be furnished with various bases, decorated with various pillars, and ornamented, as said before, with halls (*śālā*), pinnacles (*kūṭa*) and chains (*hārā*).

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46. The tower-hall (*kūṭa-śālā*) should be built between the chains (*hārā*), and the images of gods should be made, as said before, at the region of the neck (*grīva*).

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47. The images of the presiding deities of the eight quarters together with their vehicles should be depicted in the antechamber (*anu-śālā*).

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48-49. The images of Yakshas, Vidyādharas, and others, of the Garuḍa, etc., and also of Gaṇeśa and the Gaṇas should be carved in all edifices.

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Thus, in the *Mānasāra*, the science of architecture, the twenty-ninth chapter, entitled:

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The description of the eleven-storeyed buildings.

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THE TWELVE-STOREYED BUILDINGS

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1\. The setting up and the general features of the twelve (lit. other)-storeyed buildings will be described now.

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2\. The width and the height should be as prescribed in (the chapter in) regard to the dimensions of storeys.

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3\. Of the smallest of the small, the intermediate, and the largest types, whichever is considered beautiful should be selected.

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4\. In the setting up of the edifice the assemblage of divisions (for the members, should be as stated before.

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5-6. *The Pāñchāla, Drāviḍa, Madhya-kānta, Kāliṅga, Virāṭa Kerala, Vaṁśaka, Māgadha, Janaka, and Gurjaka*: these are known as the ten *kānta* (i.e., classes of twelve-storeyed buildings).

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7-10. The width of the twelfth storey should be divided into twenty-eight parts; (of these) the great hall (*mahā-śālā*) should be ten parts, and the rest should be made as before: the *Pāñchāla* and the *Drāviḍa*, (thus described), are the smallest types in the twelve-storeyed buildings.

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11-14. The width of the intermediate type being divided into thirty-three parts, the width of the pinnacle (*kūṭa*) should be three parts.

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and the central portico (*madhya-bhadra*) one part; the great hall (*mahā-śālā*) should be nine parts, and the rest should be made as before: the *Madhya-kānta* is thus described.

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14-16. (The same with this difference that) its pinnacle (*kūṭa*) should be made of two parts; the antechamber (*anu-śālā*) should be six parts, and its (remaining) members should be as before; (and) it should be decorated with various ornaments: this is the *Kālinga-kānta*.

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17-27. The width of the edifice being divided into thirty-four parts, the great hall (*mahā-śālā*) should be eight parts, and the halls (*śālā*) at its sides one part each; the minor window-hall (*anupañjara-śālā*) should be two parts, and half of that the corridor (*antarālaka*), the antechamber (*anu-śālā*) should be three parts, and the corridor (*antarālaka*) (thereof) one part; the window hall (*pañjara-śālā*) should be two parts, and the chain (*hārā*) at the side one part; the pinnacles (*kūṭa*) should be two parts each, and all of them should be tastefully furnished with the portico (*bhadraka*); the central portico (*madhya-bhadra*) should be made one fourth part of the great hall (*mahā-śālā*); in all the storeys of the edifice there should be sixteen hall-windows (*śālā-pañjara*); in the interior of it there should be eight small halls (*kshudra-śālā*) each furnished with two chains (*hārā*); in each storey there should be a great hall (*mahā-śālā*) and four pinnacles (*kūṭa*) at the four sides (of each storey); and the remaining members should be as before: this is the *Virāṭa-kānta*.

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28-30. The same (with this difference) that the width of the small hall (*kshudra-śālā*) should be five parts; that the chain (*hārā*) should be made of one-third of that and be tastefully decorated; and the rest should be made as before: this is the *Kerala-kāntaka*.

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31-32. The same (with this difference) that inside the chain (*hāra*) one part should be left for beauty; the rest should be made as before: this is called the *Vaṁśaka-kānta*.

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33-34. The same (with this difference) that the portico-hall (*bhadra-śālā*) in the middle of the antechamber (*anuśālā*) should be made of one part; and its side-pinnacle (*karṇa-kūṭa*) should be furnished with the portico: this is the *Māgadha-kānta* 35-36. The same (with this difference) that the central portico (*madhya-bhadra*) should be made of two parts of the great hall: this is said to be the *Jana-kānta*, in the largest type of twelve-storeyed buildings'.

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37-41. The height above the eleventh storey should be divided into thirteen parts increased by one; of these parts, the height of the base (*kuṭṭima*) is said to be four parts; the height of the pillar should be eight parts, and half of that the height of the entablature; the finial (*śikhā*) should be half a part, and the remainder of the height should be distributed as before: this is the twelfth storey, its height should be discreetly distributed (to different members),

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42. The balcony (*alinda*) should be made around one part, and that should be in all the upper storeys.

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43-44. The lower storeys including the ground-floor (lit. one and many storeys) should be made symmetrical to the upper storeys; having but one part (between two storeys for roofing) the storeys should be constructed one above the other.

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45. The projection of the central hall (*madhya-śālā*) should be one, two, or preferably three rods (*daṇḍa*).

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46. The projection of the small hall (*kshudra-śālā*), etc., should be a half, one, or two rods (*daṇḍa*).

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47. The projection of all the porticos (*bhadra*) should be one part, or one and one-half rods (*daṇḍa*).

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48-49. Every one of the storeys should be furnished with several pillars, towers, balconies, all the component members, side-towers, etc., corridors and entablatures.

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50-53. If the great hall (*mahāśālā*) be without any portico (*bhadra*), it should be furnished with an (extra) hall (i.e., antechamber); if the top hall be furnished with one portico it should also have a middle compartment; if the great hall have two porticos, at its top should be built (another) hall; the great hall with portico should be furnished with the portico-hall (also).

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The description of the tenth type *Gurjaka*, is missing, see note under the Sanskrit text.

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54. The top hall (*ūrdhva-śālā*) should be furnished with the portico (*bhadra*), and be ornamented with the entablature.

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55. The great hall (*mahā-śālā*) should have a projection as its member (lit. limb), and the small hall (*kshudra-śālā*) should be furnished with its (own) entrance (*veśana*).

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56 The great hall (*mahā-śālā*) should be built in the centre of all those edifices.

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57. The small hall (*kshudra-śālā*) should be constructed inside the chains (*hārā*) of the edifices.

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58. The corner pinnacle (*karṇa-kūṭa*) should be constructed in the intermediate quarters of the edifice.

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59. The chain (*hārā*) and the entrance (*veśana*) of the small hall (*kshudra-śālā*) should be made suitably.

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60-61. All the edifices should, as said before, be ornamented with the vestibule-windows, arches, windows, and chains, etc.

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62-65. The projection of the edifice should be one, two, three, or preferably two parts (of it); or in cubit measurement it (the projection) should be increased from one to many (i.e. three): the projections should discreetly be increased in order by the architects to eleven cubits in storeys from two to twelve.

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66-67. The members not mentioned here, should be constructed for all (kinds of) buildings in the same manner as prescribed for one of them.

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68-75. They should be furnished with various bases, and be ornamented with various pillars; with various windows, halls, and arches; ornamented with various vestibules, towers, and chains (*nāsika*, *kūṭa*, and *hārā*); furnished with various entablatures, and decorated with various necks; and various platforms (*vedikā*) should be constructed and decorated with various ornaments; furnished with various bridge-ornaments (*pālikā*), domes (*stūpikā*), and lotuses of various shapes; and constructed with various bridge-ornaments: (thus) all the buildings should be fully decorated by the architects.

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76-77. The (images of) particular gods should be made as said before, in their own temples in the main and intermediate quarters of the compartment in each storey of the edifice.

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78-83. The images of Yakshas, Vidyādharas, and others, of Gaṇas Bhūtas, Rākshas, and others, of Kārtikeya, who had from his birth seven mothers consisting of Rohiṇī and other ladies, and of the goddesses of Viśvakarmā and others, of Agastya and others, and of Nārada and others who were the chanters of the Vedas, and of the Salokya and other (classes of) devotees with their characteristic features stated before, of the innumerable gods represented by thirty-three beginning with those of Brahmā and all others should be made in all the regions, (namely), the base of the edifice, its (different) storeys and at the top, all over.

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84. All those members, the measurement of which is not particularly mentioned, should be discreetly constructed.

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85-86. The particulars of the staircases for ascending and descending in all kinds of edifices of gods (i.e. temples) and of human beings (i e. dwellings) (will now be described).

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87-89. The best architect should construct (staircases) for all kinds of buildings, (namely), the edifices, the pavilions (*maṇḍapa*) enclosures (*prākāra*), gateways (*gopura*), and similarly for hills, tanks, wells, lakes, towns, and villages.

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90. The staircases are said to be of two kinds, stationary and movable.

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91. The movable staircases are recommended to be made of stone, brick, or wood.

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92. The stationary staircases comprising small steps are said to be made of all (such materials).

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93-94. All kinds of front porticos (*mukha-bhadra*) should be furnished with staircases at their sides; otherwise, the front staircases may be made at the two sides or at the region of the (front) door.

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95-96. For ascending the grand staircase should be made in all edifices at the door-portico on the south (or) at its side towards the east direction.

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97. But the staircases should be constructed at the left side of the secret door.

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98-102. It is not undesirable to show the great god of adoration (in a temple to its front door); the staircases should, therefore, be constructed at (either of) the sides of the front portico : at the two sides, at the back part (of the temple), and at the sides of the (two) wings in front of it (the temple) : wherever the staircases are built there would be no defect ; (only) the best architect should not construct the front staircases straight in front of the building.

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103-104. It is auspicious to construct staircases in front of the door at the other two sides if the door happens not to have three porches (*bhadra*).

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105-106. The architect conversant with the science (of architecture) should make the staircases at the two sides and the front of the shedyard (*prapāṅga*), the front pavilion (*pramukha*), and the porch (*bhadra*) : this has been directed by the ancients.

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107. The staircases (in temples) of gods are thus described ; they should be constructed as directed (above).

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108. The particulars of the staircases in all kinds of human dwellings, I shall describe (below).

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109-110. They (staircases) should be attached to the buildings of the ascetics and others, of the twice-born, especially of other castes, as stated for the temples of gods.

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111-114. In the buildings of the twice-born and all classes of kings (Kshatriya ) the staircases should be constructed beside the porch (*bhadra*), at its sides, or at the front ; (but) the steps should be attached to the left side of the door if it is furnished with the balcony, but if the door has no balcony the steps should be constructed in the front part.

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115-116. The staircase (in the buildings) of the Vaisyas and the Sūdras will now be described : the staircases should be attached fittingly to the porches (*bhadra*), and the door, etc., as the case may be.

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117. The gate-houses (*gopura*) should have characteristic staircases at their sides.

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118. For easy ascending they (the staircases) should be constructed at any convenient part of the mountain (or hill).

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119-123. The tank, well; and lake should be furnished with (surrounding) staircases on all sides ; or, as an alternative (they may be constructed) at the four quarters, four corners, or at the interspaces; otherwise, the staircases at some such convenient places should be made (only) for the front (or porch); in the very same places, at the most convenient part, the main (*kula*) door should be constructed, and in front of it and on the two sides, the staircases should be constructed as directed before.

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124\. The stationary staircases are thus described; the moving staircases should be placed at any place as one likes.

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125-128. The width (of the step) should be of nine kinds beginning from twelve *aṅgulas* (of three-fourths inch each) and ending at one cubit and a half, the increment being three *aṅgulas*; the length of one step should begin from two and a half cubits and end at four and a half cubits, the increment being by six *aṅgulas*.

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129-133. The width of the stationary staircase should begin from one cubit and end at three cubits, the increment being by six *aṅgulas*; and the length of the stationary staircases should be of nine kinds beginning from two cubits and ending at four cubits, (and again), from three cubits to five cubits, the increment being by six *aṅgulas*.

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134-135. The staircases should be constructed along the height from the plinth to the dome (of a building); the measurement of the slope (i.e., width, *lupā*) should be made as said above, and the extent of the steps will be as required.

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136-137. In the case of the staircases for hills, the measure of length may conveniently be as much as one desires, (and) the width (of the step) should be made as prescribed before in the case of the stationary steps.

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138-139. The width of the surrounding staircases for a lake, etc., (in fact) of all the surrounding steps, should be made as stated above.

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140-141. The number of steps (*paṭṭikā*) in the temples is said to begin from three and end at one hundred and twenty-three, the increment being by two.

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142. The steps (*paṭṭa*) leading to the road from the hills should be made winding upwards and upwards with the aforesaid measures.

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143. The staircases in the human dwellings should be made of steps (*paṭṭa*) in pairs.

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144-146. The thickness (lit. foot) of the step of the moveable staircase should be three, four, five or six *aṅgulas*, and its width should be equal to its thickness or greater by one-fourth, one-half, or three-fourths, or twice it.

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147. The steps (*paṭṭikā*) should be supported by two posts or banisters (*daṇḍa*) and furnished with holes (paintings.)

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148-150. The thickness of the steps (*paṭṭikā*) may otherwise be one, two, or three *aṅgulas*, and the breadth of the step (*paṭṭikā*) two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten *aṅgulas*.

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151. This is for the moving staircases, and that for the stationary staircases will now be described.

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152-154. The height and depth of the steps (*paṭṭikā*) should begin from five and six *aṅgulas* respectively, and end at twelve and thirteen, the increment being by two in each case; the depth may be one *aṅgula* more and the height one *aṅgula* less.

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155-157. The sides of the staircases should be decorated with the trunk of the elephant; the width at the root of the trunk should be measured in the aforesaid *aṅgulas*; the trunk should taper upwards, the top being one-third of the base.

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158-159. It should be shaped like the elephant's trunk, and be beautifully furnished with openings (*dvāra*), and should be furnished at the bottom with three, four, or five lion faces.

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160. The cross bars (*lit.* supporting slabs) should be attached from top to bottom, the slabs being measured as aforesaid.

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161. The top support should have the shape of the bridge (*pālikā*) and the slabs (*paṭṭikā*) should have the shape of the platform (*vedikā*).

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162. The staircases with characteristic features should be furnished with all ornaments.

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163. By the sides of the staircases for hills there should not be made any side-baluster.

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164-167. It would be certainly inauspicious for the master and the builders to make (the staircases) too high (*unmāna*) and ornamented at the wider side of many buildings just as at the entrance, but it would bring prosperity if the measurement be made as aforesaid.

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ĀYA AND OTHER FORMULAS OF THE JĀTI BUILDING

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168. I shall describe in order the particulars of the *Āya* and other formulas with reference to the *Jāti* class of buildings.

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169-171. With reference to breadth, etc., of the aforesaid buildings should be considered the formulas of *Āya* (increase), *Vyaya* (decrease), *Yoni* (source), *Nakshatra* (planet), *Vāra* (day), and *Aṁśa* (part) or *Tithi*; these are known as the set of the six formulas by those conversant with the *Āya* and other formulas.

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172-173. The (set of the) six beginning from *Āya* and ending at *Aṁśa* are considered in case of the buildings of the *Śaṁchita* and *Asaṁchita* classes; and the (set of the) six beginning from the *Āya* and ending at *Tithi* (instead of *Aṁśa* are considered in case of the buildings of the *Apasaṁchita* class.

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174-175. The *Jāti*, *Chhanda*, *Vikalpa*, and *Ābhāsa*: these four classes should be measured in proportion of one, three-fourths, one-half, and one-fourth cubit respectively.

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176. The measurement of buildings should be carried out by considering all these peculiarities.

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177-178. The length should be multiplied by six in the *Saṁchita* class of buildings, by seven in the *Asṁchita* class of buildings, and by eight in the *Apasaṁchita* class of buildings, and the products (in all cases) should be divided by twelve; the remainders are said to be the *Āya*.

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179. (The breadth) being multiplied by seven, eight, or nine, the product should be divided by ten; the remainder would be the *Vyaya*.¹ 180. (The breadth) being multiplied by one, two, or three, the product should be divided by eight; the remainder would be the *Yoni*.

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¹ These formulas have been once more referred to in connection with the measurement of villages (Chap. IX—63—93, pages 65—67) See also the writer's *Dictionary*, pages 600—610.

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181-182. (The length) being multiplied by six, seven, or eight, the product should be divided by twenty-seven; the remainder would be the *Nakshatra*, which are counted as Aśvinī, (Bharaṇī) and so on.

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183-184. (The circumference or height) being multiplied by six, eight, or nine, the product should be divided by seven; the remainder would be the *Vāra*, which consists of (seven) days starting with Sunday.

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185 (The circumference) being multiplied by three or four, the product should be divided by nine; the remainder would be the *Aṁśa*, which are nine in number.

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186. (The circumference) being multiplied by nine, the product should be divided by thirty; the remainder would be the *Tithi*.

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187-189. The *Āya* consists of a group of twelve, namely, the *Siddhi* (success) etc.; the *Vyaya* consists of a group of ten, namely, the *Śikhara*, etc.; the *Yoni* consists of a group of eight, namely, the *Dhvaja* etc., the *Aṁśaka* consists of a group of nine, namely, the *Taskara* etc.; and the *Tithi* consists of a group of fifteen, namely. the *Prathamā*, etc.; the wise architect should count these in the manner mentioned above.

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190. Prosperity would take leave of a building if its measurements be not verified by the whole set of six formulas, namely, the *Āya*, etc.

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191-194. Of the set of the seix, namely, the *Āya*, etc.; it is auspicious to make the *Āya* greater and the *Vyaya* less in the temples of the gods, in the palaces of the kings, in the ordinary residential buildings (of the masters), and also in the construction of the village, etc.; the wise (architect) should, therefore, consider this all auspicious (i.e., important) point.

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Thus in the *Mānāsāra*, the science of architecture the thirtieth chapter, entitled:

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The description of the twelve-storeyed buildings.

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THE COURTS

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1–2. The five courts (*prākāra*)¹ of the edifices which are made to make room for offerings, for accommodation of the family members, for beauty, and for defence (lit. safety) will be described now in order.

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¹ There are actually seven court referred to in chap. XL (Royal palace). The sixth and seventh court are mentioned in this chapter also (see lines 83, 88.) The fourth court is technically called *Prākāra* in line 13, etc, but it is indiscriminately used here and elsewhere.

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3. They (i.e. the courts) of the *Jāti* and other classes, (namely, the *Chhanda*, *Vikalpa* and *Ābhāsa*), of edifices should be arranged in conformity with the measurement of the latter.

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4. All the *Jāti* and other types of courts should be (specifically) measured in cubit (also).

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5. All the (enclosure) walls (of the courts) beginning with the *Jāti* type should be measured from the (outer) part of the (main) edifice.

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6–9. The (perpendicular) length (i.e. the height) of the *Jāti* class of edifices being marked (lit. divided) up to the top, namely, the platform (*vedi*) and the other members, (such as), the neck (*grīvā*), the head (*mūrdhan*), ending at the apex (*śikhānta*), the five walls (of the five courts), namely, the *Jāti*, etc., should be extended (in height) in a line with the neck (*kandhara*, of the main edifice); and the five walls beginning with the *Chhanda* type should be measured (extending the height) to (those) members (lit. parts) of the *Chhanda* and other classes (of edifices).

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10-14. Along the breadth of the *Jāti* class of edifices the *Sakala* plan (of one plot)¹ should be marked; therefrom should be made the first court (which is) called the *Antar-maṇḍala* (innermost enclosure); the second (court is called) the *Anta-hārā*, the third court is called the *Madhyahārā*; that fourth (court) is called the *Prākāra* by me for the first time (lit. in addition); thereafter (should be) the fifth court (which is) called the *Mahā-maryādā* (the extreme boundary).

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¹ See Chapter VII 2, 51-56, pages 33, 35.

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15. The five courts are thus described by the ancients learned in the science (of architecture).

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16-21. Along the width of the first court, the *Pīṭha* plan (of nine plots) may (otherwise) be marked; the *Sthaṇḍila* plan (of forty-nine plots) should be likewise marked for the second court; in the same manner the *Ubhaya-chaṇḍita* plan (of one hundred and sixty-nine plots) should be marked for the third court; the *Susaṁhita* plan (of four hundred and forty-one plots) should be marked along the width of the boundary (wall of the fourth court;) and along the breadth of the extreme boundary (wall) should be marked the plan of *Īśvarakāntaka* (of nine hundred and sixty-one plots)². The wise (architect) should, thus, make in conformity with the main edifice the *Jāti* type of courts.

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² See Chapter VII 4, 8, 15-16, 28-29, 45-46, pages 33, 34, 35.

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22-26. In the *Chhanda* and other types the *Pechaka* plan (of four plots) are recommended for the main edifice, the *Mahāpīṭha* plan (of sixteen plots) should be (made) for the first (court), the *Chaṇḍita* plan (of sixty-four plots) for the second, the *Bhadra* plan (of one hundred and ninety-six plots) for the third; thereafter beyond this court should be the *Supratikānta* plan (of four hundred and sixty-four plots) for the fourth (court), and the *Chandra-kānta* plan (of one thousand and twenty-four plots) for the fifth: thus should be made the *Chhanda* class (of edifices)¹; those of the *Vikalpa* class is described here.

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¹ See Chapter VII.3, 5, 9, 17,18, 30—31, 48—50, pages 33, 34, 35.

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27-29. The width of the (five) courts in the *Chhanda* class (of edifices) should be increased from one and a-half cubits by one cubit up to five and a-half cubits: these should be the measures (of the courts) from the first to the fifth in the *Ābhāsa* class; thus are described the (measures of the) five courts (of this class).

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30-32. The width (from five and a-half cubits) of those five courts should be (respectively) increased by six *aṅgulas* (i.e., a quarter cubit) up to seven cubits less one quarter: these should be the measures (of the courts) from the first to the fifth; thus should be made the (measurement of the five courts of the), *Ābhāsa* class; it (the measurement) should be taken (lit. increased) from the foot of the edifice.

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33-35. According to some, the measure of the *Chhanda* courts, from the first to the fifth, should be increased from three cubits by three cubits to fifteen cubits; this measurement of the *Chhanda* courts (*śālā*) refers to the smallest type of the *Chhanda* edifice (*vimāna*).

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36-39. The *Jāti* courts (*prākāra*) should also be measured in cubit independently; (the width of) the first court (*śālā*) should be three cubits, and each of the five courts should be greater (than the preceding one) by two cubits, and there should be five series of measures for (each of) the smallest, the intermediate, and the largest types: thus should be made the *Jāti* courts.

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40-41. The five kinds of courts, from the first to the last, in the largest, the intermediate, and the smallest types, should be in measure, as before, half the width of the main building (*prāsāda*).

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42-43. From beyond the foot of the main building the court (*śālā*) should extend to the compound wall; it may extend up to the inner end, outer end, or the middle of the wall.

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44. The extension (lit. projection), (of the court) from the foot of the main building may proceed from the pedestal or the small pillar.

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45. That wall of the above mentioned measurement may, otherwise, extend to the platform (*vedikā*) of the wall.

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46–47. The extent of the court should be equal to one-half the circumference (lit. surrounding measure) of the main building; and it being divided into four parts the face (i.e. front) portion should be (gradually) increased by one of these parts.

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48. The length should be five times the breadth; and there should be five series of dimensions (for the five courts) up to the last.

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49–50. Then, each of the five courts should be given five series of measure for its face (i.e., the front) portion; again each one of the five courts should be given twenty kinds of width for the front (face) portion¹.

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¹ The application of so many varieties is not elucidated and is rather unusual.

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51–53. The width of the walls (*kuḍya*) of the court (*śālā*), from the first to the fifth, should be of five kinds each, beginning from six *aṅgulas*, increasing by six *aṅgulas*, and ending at six cubits.²

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² In this way there would be ordinarily twenty-four kinds, not twenty-five.

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54–55. The width and height should be equal, or (the latter) should be greater by one-fourth; the height of the walls (*kuḍya*) in each of the five courts (*śālā*) should be of five kinds.

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56–59. As an alternative, in comparison with the base, the height of the wall (*kuḍya*) is considered here: the twenty-five kinds of height should begin from the height of the base (*kuṭṭima*) and be from the innermost court (*antarmaṇḍala*) to the fifth court (*mahā-maryādā*); and each of the five walls (*kuḍya*) should be given five kinds of height.

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60. That height (of the wall) should be measured from the plinth to the end of the crowning fillet (*uttara*) or the entablature (*prastara*).

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61. In the region at the end of the wall (*kuḍya*) should be symmetrically made a surrounding pavilion (*mālikā*).³ 62. It (the pavilion) should be furnished with the platfrom (*vedikā*), the pedestal, the pillar, and the entablature.

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³ For full account of *mālikā*, see the writer’s *Dictionary*, pp. 504—506.

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63–64. At the end of the wall should be the porch (*bhadra*) furnished with steps of desirable measure and of odd or even number for the (use of) the family members.

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65–66. A parapet (*vapra*) should be raised over the garland-like pavilions (*mālikā*), and its height should be equal to the (height of the) base, or the height may be twice or thrice as much, or it may be of some other desirable proportion.

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67. The forepart of the parapet (*vapra*) should have the shape of the club or the umbrella.

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68–69. It should be furnished with the three members, the crowning fillet (*uttara*), the fillet (*vājana*), and the entablature (*mushṭi-bandha*); t should be enriched with the assemblage of members beginning with the base, or with a straight wall (*rajju-bhiti*).

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70. It should be decorated with the corner tower (*karṇa-harmya*), etc., on the part above the entablature.

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71. It should be constructed with stone, brick, or wood.

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72. In conformity with beauty and strength it should be constructed with either one (*śuddha*), two (*miśra*), or three (*saṁkīrṇa*) materials.

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73. Its roof (*prachchhādana*, lit. covering) should be fittingly constructed with (a mortar composed of) slaked lime (*sudhā*), brick, molasses (*gula*), and water.

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74–75. The measurement of the temples therein (i.e. within the courts) of the attendant deities will now be described. They should be equal to the main building, or three-fourths, or a-half of it.

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76. They may be one or two storey high, or have the shape of the main edifice.

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77\. They may be equal to, larger or smaller (in height) than the main temple.

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78\. Four doors should be opened at their four sides, and the smaller doors at the interspace.

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79\. The (entrance) door should be constructed in the middle (of the length and breadth) in case of the temples and the palaces (of the universal monarchs).

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80\. Thus is described the large doors; the smaller doors should be opened as stated before.

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81-82. In the buildings of the Brahmans and other men the main door should not be opened at the middle; the main (lit. great) door (in such buildings) should be constructed at the left of the middle line.

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83\. Beyond that (i.e. the large gate of the fifth court) on the surrounding space should be constructed the sixth, and the seventh courts (*śālā*).

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84\. There should be (ordinarily) two courts (*prākāra*), and surrounding roads for the dwelling houses of men.

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85-88. Their (i.e. of the courts) breadth etc., should be measured in rod (*daṇḍa*, of four cubits) from the innermost court to the end of the extreme limit (court), they should begin from three or four rods (*daṇḍa*), and end at nine or ten rods (*daṇḍa*), the increment being by two rods (*daṇḍa*); each of these (measures) should be of three kinds (the smallest, the intermediate, and the largest); the seven courts (*prākāra*) are thus described.

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89\. The rest should be constructed as said before (by the ancient architects), and they should be decorated with all ornaments.

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90\. The length of the large gateway (*mahā-gopura*) should be furnished with four doors.

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91-92. The courts (*prākāra*) of divine and human buildings are stated (now): one, two, three, four, and five courts (*śālā*) together with (enclosure) walls should be constructed.

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93. If there be a number of courts (*śālā*) partition walls should be constructed in between (to separate one court from the other).

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94. The measurement of these (partition) walls (*śālā*) should not be made less or greater (than what it should be).

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95-96. (The width of) all the respective passages for water should begin from two *aṅgulas* and end at six *aṅgulas*, the increment being by one *aṅgula*.

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97-98. According to some, they (these measures) should begin from one *aṅgula* and end at five *aṅgulas*, the increment being by one *aṅgula* in the case of the water passage in the gate-house (*gopura*).

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99-100. From the main building to the other end of the court (*śālā*) there should be ways for the downward passage of water; this water-door should be made at the bottom of the wall (extending) towards any convenient direction.

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101. The measurement (thickness) of the wall (*śālā*) beyond and around the main building of the *Jāti* class should be two cubits.

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102-104. Within those (walls) the measure of width of the first (court) should begin from four cubits and be increased by one cubit to forty cubits in the largest type; the five series of dimensions for (each of) the five (courts) ending at the extreme boundary wall are stated by the learned (architects) to be considered in the smallest, (intermediate, and largest) sizes in order.

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Thus in the *Mānasāra*, the science of architecture, the thirty-first chapter, entitled:

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The description of the courts.

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THE TEMPLES OF ATTENDANT DEITIES

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1-2. The details of the (temples of the) attendant deities of all the gods round the entrance at the end of the courts (*prākāra*) will be described now.

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3-4. For the purpose of making offerings to the elements (lit demons, *Bhūta*), the small altars (*pīṭha*, lit. seat, pedestal, temples) should be constructed around the innermost side of the circular walls, towards the eight quarters, namely, the east, etc., of the innermost court.

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5-7. A group of eight (temples of) attendant deities should be constructed in those (quarters) of the innermost (first) court ; groups of the sixteen should be constructed in each of the second and the third courts, but in the third court, there may be made a group of (temples for) thirty-two attendant deities.

Linked texts (4)

Kāmikāgama — Sanskrit
Mānasāra — Sanskrit
Veda — Sanskrit
Jaina