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.c41.s14.27

v6.c41.s14.27

The Ānanda is the most remarkable of some 800 to 1,000 temples of Pagān ruins which ‘extend about 8 miles in length along the river, with an average breadth of about 2 miles.’ It is stated to have been built by Kyantsitthā (1057-1085). ‘It is a square of nearly 200 feet on each side, with projecting porticos on each face, so that it measures 280 feet across each way. It is several storeys in height, the two lower ones are square with square turrets at each end, the three above have seated lions at each angle. The plan of these storeys, as also the base of the *śikhara*, follows that of the latter, being set back at the angles. The *śikhara* is crowned with the conical finial and Hti. The setting back of each storey, one behind the other, gives the whole a pyramidal form, which in this case rises to the height of 183 feet.’