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.s23.8

v6.c41.s23.8

The Temple of Heaven, or the Great Dragon, a most magnificent temple built about the year A.D. 1420, is situated close to the southern wall of the capital city of Pekin, in a square enclosure measuring about a mile each way. From the outer gate a raised causeway leads to the temple, on either side of which, for the accommodation of the priests, are numerous buildings approached by frequent flights of steps leading down to a park beautifully planted. In the centre part of the enclosure are two altars, distinguished as the north and south. The south altar consists of a circular platform of three concentric terraces, the upper one 90 feet in diameter, the middle terrace 150 feet, and the lower one 210 feet, all enclosed with balustrades and raised about 6 feet, one above the other. These terraces are ascended by four flights of steps on the north, east, south, and west sides respectively. In the centre of the platform are the five sacred vessels found in all Buddhist temples, over which a canopy is erected on the occasion of a celebration. There are eight flights of steps to the north altar, three of which are placed side by side on the north end, the central portion of the middle flight forming a gradual slope and covered with dragons and clouds in relief. In the centre of the upper terrace is the circular structure known as the Heaven’s Palace. It has the appearance of a three-storeyed structure, but in reality consists of a central hall 90 feet in height with double aisles round. The roof, with its widely projecting eaves, and the drum below, are carried by four immense columns, 4 feet in diameter; the second roof and drum are carried by twelve columns, as also the lower storey. The construction is of a very extraordinary kind. At the level of the upper part of the second roof, carved beams are tenoned into the four columns, over which, between each, are provided two other columns, forming a sort of attic storey, to support the roof and the internal dome.¹