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.s25.224

v6.c41.s25.224

Thus Spooner seems to have hit upon a further discovery between the supernatural origin of Asokan buildings hinted by Fa-hien, and the equally mythological description, in the *Mahābhārata*, of the hall stated to have been built by Maya-Asura, of which, however, no architectural details are available for a comparison, either with the throne-room of Darius Hystaspes at Persepolis or with the foot-marks of the supposed Asokan hall at Kumrahar.² What Maya-Asura claims to have built for the Dānavas (genii) may be given in Spooner's own translation: 'the palaces, pavilions full of pleasures and abounding in delights a thousandfold, delightful gardens, too, and ponds of various kinds, and wondrous vestments, chariots that moved at will, and cities far extended, with high rampart walls, also thousands of wondrous vehicles most excellent, and pleasing caves to every comfort joined.'³