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) v6.c39.37

v6.c39.37

They have curiously divided the phrase thus : *Taṇḍula-bali-vikāra* and *Kusuma-vikāra*, and explain the former as referring to offerings to deities and the latter to making garlands also for worship. The context makes such interpretation untenable. These are essentially artistic matters and have nothing to do even with the worship of the god of love, as the commentator of the *Kāma-sūtra* thinks, as an alternative. Besides, worship of a deity is nowhere mentioned directly or indirectly in the list. The avowedly religious learnings are confined to the *Vedas*, *Upanishads*, *Dharma Sāstras*, etc., which are separately taught, as stated in the mythological group. Moreover, the foregoing and the following topics make such an interpretation quite unconnected. It is easily understandable that an accomplished young lady must cultivate these arts as arts and not as religion.