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.s23.12

v6.c41.s23.12

The Buddhist temple of Honan is ‘a parallelogram enclosed by a high wall, measuring 306 feet by 174 feet. In the shorter front, facing the river, is a gateway. This leads to a series of halls opening into each other, and occupying the whole of the longer axis of the internal court. The first and second of these are porches or ante-chapels. The central one is the largest, and practically the choir of the building. It contains the altar, adorned by gilt images of the three precious Buddhas, with stalls for the monks and all arrangements necessary for the daily service. Behind this, in the next compartment, is a *dagoba*, and in its rear another apartment devoted to the goddess Kuan-Yin, principally worshipped by women, in fact, the Lady Chapel of the church. Around the court are arranged the cells of the monks, their kitchen, refectory, and all the necessary offices of the monastery. These are generally placed against the outer wall, and open into the court. At Pekin there are several lamasaries or Buddhist monasteries of much more monumental character than that of Honan.’