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.s25.132

v6.c41.s25.132

Even assuming the existence of altars in Persia, they could never look like the Indian altars, out of which the Hindu temple seems to have developed. The *Sūlva-sūtras*, which are but the supplementary portions of the *Kalpa-sūtras*, furnish us, as stated above, with interesting structural details of the large altars built of bricks, which, for ready reference may be reiterated here. These altars were constructed in different shapes, first enumerated in the *Taittirīya-saṁhitā* (V. 4, 11). Following this enumeration, *Baudhāyana* and *Āpastamba* furnish us with full particulars. These altars, as stated above, were divided into ten classes according to their shape and other details : (1) *Chaturasra-śyenachit*, so called because it resembles the form of a falcon and the bricks out of which it is composed are all square-shaped ; (2) *Kaṅkachit*, in the form of a heron, is the same as the preceding one except the two additional feet ; (3) *Alajachit*, is the same except the additional wings ; (4) *Praugachit*, is an equilateral triangle ; (5) *Ubhayataḥ-Praugachit*, is made up of two such triangles joined at their bases ; (6) *Ratha-chakrachit*, is in the form of a massive wheel without spokes, as well as with sixteen spokes ; (7) *Droṇachit*, is like a vessel or tube, square or circular ; (8) *Parichayyachit*, has a circular outline and is equal to the *Ratha-chakrachit*, differing in the arrangement of bricks, which are to be placed in six concentric circles ; (9) *Samuhyachit*, is circular in shape, and made of loose earth and bricks ; and (10) *Kūrmachit* resembles a tortoise and is of a triangular or circular shape.