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.s17.3

v6.c40.s17.3

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.