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.s23.10

v6.c41.s23.10

Although all temples in China, whether Confucian, Taoist, or Buddhist, are based on the same Ting type, ‘generally speaking, the temple of a Buddhist monastery is enclosed by a wall, with a monumental gateway at the entrance and a series of three detached buildings beyond, placed one behind the other, on a central axis, with courts between, and communicating one with the other by means of covered corridors. The first building is the ex-voto hall, with statues; the second is the principal temple in which are the three images of the Buddhist triad, and the altar with the sacred vessels in front. The building in the rear contains sometimes a miniature *dagoba* in marble, in which are enclosed supposed relics of Buddha. To the right and left of the enclosure, and placed symmetrically, are other isolated structures, such as the bell-tower, the library, the pagoda, and the monks’ dwellings.’²