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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.s17: Chapter LII: The Phallus (Liṅga-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.s17

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English

Chapter LII: The Phallus (Liṅga-vidhāna)

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³ The phallus worship is very popular in India: this is unmistakably proved by the fact that the number of *liṅgas* or phalli in India is estimated at thirty millions, of which the best known are Viśveśvara at Benares, Somanātha in Gujarāt, Mahākāla at Ujjayinī, etc.

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Various classifications of phalli are given. They are classified first into six heads—*śaiva*, *pāśupata*, *kāla-mukha*, *mahāvrata*, *vāma*, and *bhairava*; secondly, into four—*samakarṇa*, *vardhamāna*, *śivāṅka*, and *svastika*, fit to be worshipped by Brahmans, Kshatriyas, Vaiśyas, and Śūdras respectively; thirdly, into four, with regard to height—*jāti*, *chhanda*, *vikalpa*, and *ābhāsa*; fourthly, into three, with regard to width—*nāgara*, *drāviḍa*, and *vesara*; fifthly, into four—*daivika*, *mānusha*, *gāṇava*, and *ārsha*, the four together being called *svayambhū*¹ or *udbhuta*; sixthly, into two—*ātmārtha* (for one's own worship), and *parārtha*, (*lit.* for others, for public worship); again into two—*ekaliṅga* (single), and *bahu-liṅga* (phalli in a group); or into many—*vajra*, *suvarṇa*, etc., with regard to the material; and lastly into the *kshaṇika* (for temporary worship) class as constrasted with the permanent ones. All these kinds of phalli are described at great length. Various alternative measurements are prescribed for each of them. In some cases as many as thirty-six alternative heights are suggested. But in most cases their number is nine. The nine alternative heights of the phallus are determined in some cases by a comparison with different parts of the body of the worshipper (*yajamāna*). The height of the phallus may reach the worshipper's sex organ, navel, heart, breast, arm-joint (*bāhu-sīmānta*), chin, nose, eye, or be equal to his full length. Another comparative measurement is given with regard to the *garbha-griha* (the cella of the temple in which the phallus is enshrined). Various absolute measurements also are given in some cases. These measurements vary according to the four classes, *jāti*, *chhanda*, *vikalpa*, and *ābhāsa*, mentioned above. In the *jāti* class the height may vary from 1 to 9 cubits (*hasta*), the increment being 1 *hasta*. The *chhanda* class admits of nine varieties, namely, from ¾ to 6¾ cubits, the increment in this case being ¾ *hasta*. In the third class (*vikalpa*) the hight varies from 1 to 4½ *hastas* with increments of ½ *hasta*, and in the fourth class (*ābhāsa*) from ¼ to 2¼ *hastas* with increments of ¼ *hasta*. Thus each of the four said classes admits of nine varieties of height. The breadth of the phallus is in like manner discussed at great length. The utility of so many alternative measurements is discussed in connexion with the application of the rules of *āyādi-shaḍvarga* described in detail at the end of the chapter.

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¹ The term *svayambhū* (self-existent, self-created) indicates natural objects of worship. Such *svayambhū-liṅgas* are even to this day worshipped at several *tīrthas* of Kāshmīr. Cf. Kalhaṇa's *Rājataraṅgiṇī*, a chronicle of the kings of Kāśmīr translated by M. A. Stein, Vol. I, p. 22 (note 1, 113).

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The second part deals with the *pīṭha*, which is the stand upon which the phallus proper is placed. The *praṇāla* (*lit.* canal, drain) or *yonidvāra*, and all other parts of the *pīṭha* are described in detail, together with their measurements. The same subject is discussed in greater detail in the next chapter. The general appearance of a phallus is well known; the *Mānasāra* does not deviate much from it. The *mūla* or the lower part, technically called *Brahma-bhāga* is square (*chatur-asra*, *lit.* four-cornered), whereas the middle part, called *Vishṇubhāga*, is octagonal (*ashṭāgrābha*), and the upper part, called *Śiva-bhāga*, is round. But these shapes of the three parts may be interchanged in some cases. The top is sometimes shaped like a bud (*kuḍmala*) or a leaf (*pattra*).¹

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¹ A variant reading gives *chhattra* (an umbrella).

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The phallus proper and the *pīṭha* are generally made of the same material. But when they are made of very precious substances, such as jewels, gold, etc., the material of the two may differ. The *pīṭha* is mostly made of marbles of various colours such as white, red, yellow, black, etc. Precious stones are inserted in the different parts of the phallus.

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The chapter closes with an account of the various fruits to be derived from phallus worship, and of the formulas of the *āyādi-shaḍvarga*.

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