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.s7.37

v6.c40.s7.37

The *āsandī* and *paryaṅka* 'originated with the ruling nobility, though in their ritualized and modified form (reed-covered and clay-daubed) these must have been subsequently used' in the ordinary priests' dwelling-houses. In the *Vājasaneyī Saṃhitā* of the *Yajur-veda* (XIX, 86; XX, 1) *āsandī* is regarded as the 'mother or womb of *Rājanyas*' (kings). In the same sense of a high seat it is referred to in the *Śatapatha Brāhmaṇa* also (V, 4, 4, 1). The *Aitareya Brāh-maṇa* refers (VIII, 5, 6) to its use at consecration and other ceremonies where it is 'mounted with the right knee first, then the left, approach-ing from behind and taking hold of it by both hands.' This king's *āsandī* was generally carried by two persons, while a god's *āsandī* called the 'throne of justice' was carried by four persons. While the height of the former reached the knee, that of the latter came up to the navel. Both were of great width and depth. The imperial *āsandī* for *samrāj* was shoulder-high, while the sacrificial one was a span-high, a cubit in width and depth. All were made of strong wood (*khadira* or *udumbara*), perforated (*vitriṇṇā*) and joined with straps, pleasant and soft seated, and covered with a tiger's or antelope's skin. 'The Brāhman's far-shining *āsandī* in an extensive hall of an invincible abode in a city was furnished with two fore-feet, two length-wise and two cross-pieces' (*Kaush. Upan.* I, 5; *Śāṅkh. Āraṇ.* III; *Jaim. Brā.*, II, 24).