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.c40.s12.t9: Chapter XIX: The One-Storeyed Buildings (Ekhabhūmi-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) v6.c40.s12.t9

Language: English

Chapter XIX: The One-Storeyed Buildings (Ekhabhūmi-vidhāna)

v6.c40.s12.t9.2

³ Cf. *ibid*, pp. 49–53, Plate XXI.

v6.c40.s12.t9.3

The chapter opens with various classifications of buildings. They are first divided into four classes called *jāti*, *chhanda*, *vikalpa*, and *ābhāsa*. Here they are considered with regard to their measurement.

v6.c40.s12.t9.4

The *jāti* class is said to be measured in the *pūrva-hasta*, the first kind of cubit, i.e. the cubit of 24 *aṅgulas*. The *chhanda* is apparently measured in the cubit of 25 *aṅgulas*, the *vikalpa* in the cubit of 26 *aṅgulas* and the *ābhāsa* in the cubit of 27 *aṅgulas* (?).

v6.c40.s12.t9.5

A further classification is into *sthānaka*, *āsana* and *śayana*, which are also called, respectively, *saṁchita*, *asaṁchita*, and *apasaṁchita*. This classification also refers to measurement. In the *sthānaka* class the measurement of the height is considered, in the *āsana* the breadth is taken into consideration, and in the *śayana* the width is measured. It should be noted that these three classes, namely, *sthānaka*, *āsana*, and *śayana*, have a further signification with regard to the object of worship. In the *sthānaka* buildings the idol is in an erect posture, in the *āsana* buildings in a sitting posture, and in the *śayana* buildings in a recumbent posture.

v6.c40.s12.t9.6

A third classification refers to the shape. Buildings are classed as masculine (*purusha*) when they are equiangular or circular, and as feminine when they are rectangular. Male deities are installed in masculine temples, and female deities in feminine temples. It is added, however, that the images of the latter may be placed in masculine temples too.

v6.c40.s12.t9.7

After this introduction comes the description of one-storeyed buildings. The absolute measurement is referred to in the chapter called *Bhūmi-lamba* (dimensions of storeys). The comparative measurement and plan are described here at great length. The whole height of the building is divided into a certain number of equal parts which are distributed in a happy proportion amongst the different members, namely, the base, the pillar, the entablature, the neck, the dome, and the pinnacle. Similarly, the length of the entire temple is divided into a certain number of equal parts which are also distributed amongst various rooms and halls, namely, the *garbha-griha* or shrine, the *antarāla* or anteroom, and the *maṇḍapa* or pavilion. These component parts of the building are described in detail in subsequent chapters, as also the gate-houses (*gopura*), courts (*prākāra*) and such other architectural members as doors, windows, arches, and so forth. In the present chapter a detailed account is given of the water-channel (*nāla*), which is meant to be an outlet for the water.