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) v5.c35.552.2

v5.c35.552.2

Siddalinga Swamy" is at the bottom right/left! Wait, if you rotate 180 degrees: Then the horizontal bar with lotus petals/frieze is at the TOP, like an entablature/beam! AND the chains hang DOWN from it? Wait! Look at the chains if rotated 180 degrees: In the current image: At the bottom: a scalloped cushion with a finial pointing UP. Wait, look at that finial in the middle: it's pointing up like a lamp or a vase/finial! Wait, look at the top of the current image: A rectangular box with an inverted finial pointing DOWN? Or is it an umbrella/canopy? A canopy (chatra / dola top) has hanging fringe or a pendant finial! Wait, what if the top is actually the seat of the swing?! Look at a swing (dola): A swing has a seat (plank/platform) suspended by four chains from a ceiling beam! Look at the "horizontal bar with frieze" in the current image (at the bottom): that's a BEAM or ceiling! Wait, look at the pillars: The pillars: look at the capitals and bases! In classical Indian / Vijayanagara / Mysore architecture: Look at the "cushion" shape: wait, is that a cushion or two brackets/makara torana? No, look at the rectangle currently near the top: It is a rectangular flat board, with four corner suspension points where four chains are attached! A swing board has four chains attached to its four corners! Wait! The four chains are attached to the rectangular board! And in the current orientation, the chains are hanging DOWN from the rectangular board to... a cushion?